Centenary celebrations of Dr K.V. Thiruvengadam launch with emphasis on bedside care

The year‑long centenary celebrations for the late Prof. K.V. Thiruvengadam begin on Sunday, Oct 11 2026, marking 100 years since his birth. Organisers say the programme will stress listening to patients, bedside examination, thoughtful test ordering and the question of what makes a good doctor amid high‑tech medicine. K.V. Thiruvengadam, known as KVT, was born in 1926 and graduated from Government Stanley Medical College in 1950. He taught for 31 years at his alma mater and Madras Medical College before moving to private institutions, specializing in chest medicine, allergies and infectious diseases. Trained in the U.K. under the Colombo Plan, he authored nearly 100 papers on topics such as chikungunya fever, post‑influenza neurological complications, amoebiasis and the use of traditional medicines for allergic lung and skin conditions. His service in the government health system spanned decades, focusing on the poorest and viewing medicine as a social duty. Awards include the Padma Shri in 1981 and the Dr B.C. Roy Award for Eminent Medical Teacher. The flagship event on Oct 31 will feature the third Prof. K.V. Thiruvengadam Memorial Oration at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, delivered by S.R. Chandra under the title “The Patient Speaks, the Doctor Thinks and the Research Begins”, alongside a national conference on movement disorders. Queries can be directed to Dr Ramachandran (9443238315) or Dr Basheer (9840217486).

Context

The centenary aims to translate KVT’s belief that human clinical reasoning must guide technology, reinforcing bedside skills for future doctors.