Dr Devi Shetty can be called the face of the healthcare sector in Karnataka. The chairman of Narayana Health, he runs one of the leading hospital chains in India with 7,000 beds across 27 hospitals. Dr Shetty is often credited for bringing a business model in affordable healthcare. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, third highest civilian award in India for his contribution in 2012. Graduating from Kasturba Medical College (1979), Mangalore, he candidly admits that it was only during his postgraduation days that he became focused on academics.
What did college teach you?
The biggest thing I learnt was how to enjoy life! The time I spent in college was a very healthy mixture of studies and fun. Another thing I learnt was leadership and how to get along with people and once I entered college, I realised that we were not kids any more. Learning medicine was just a part of it. At the end of the day, you also learnt how to deal with people from various countries.
What was your proudest moment in college?
The day I got my degree! I had become a doctor and got the initials ‘Dr’ in front of my name and achieved it without failing in any subject at any point. That was my proudest moment.
Any embarrassing moments you have had in college?
During my first year, I was Secretary of the Student Union, and wanted to go on strike. But in fact, there was no need for a strike because the college was taking care of all needs! We held a strike for the sake of interns who were not getting enough stipend and they were grumbling about it. So, I initiated it although it had nothing to do with me. Whatever I am today is because of that college. The strike was just to prove a point.
How did you score points with the opposite gender?
I never considered myself in that league. Body-building was a great passion at that time for me and most of the time I was focusing on that. I also loved martial arts and had little time left to interact with girls. Besides, girls in medical colleges are very serious and it was the same case here too.
Was bunking a part of your college routine?
Of course! I bunked regularly and was embarrassed after getting inside the class once in a while. Once, I wanted to bunk and I jumped out of the window and a professor from the neighbouring class caught me and it was very embarrassing. I would bunk and spend time in the cafeteria, movie theatres, or just go home and sleep.
Did you have any rifts with your professors? Why?
Oh, I never had any tiffs because all my professors had given up on me. They all believed that I would never become anyone worthwhile.
Where did you hang out in college with friends?
Our favourite destination was Moti Mahal in Mangalore which is still very famous. There was an open air restaurant right behind it and we would go there in the evening for tea and masala dosa. During the night, I would read at the library where gates would be open till 1 am. We would often go and have chaat, tea and coffee and go for movies too.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
Body building! I used to look like a boxer. Karate competitions were a must for me and I was a senior brown belt in Budokan karate. I practised it for over nine years. There was a college gym where I would go every day. I never smoked and drank at any point.
— sharadha.k@newindian express.com