Tribute to Dr. C.V.Krishnaswami

In the passing away of Dr.C.V.Krishnaswami on the night of 21^st May,2021, the country has lost a highly respected  diabetologist, a great physician and a wonderful human being. His legion of grateful patients, colleagues and friends who loved him for his warmth and genial approach are going to miss him.

I first came to know Dr C V K, when I joined Rotary Club of Madras South in 1977, where he was an active member with a 100% attendance record. Like many other members of my club I also became his patient consulting him for my  health related issues. He belonged to the old world of doctors who believed in a thorough physical check up of his patients before he diagnosed the problem and wrote his prescriptions. While he was  checking you on the table, he would engage in small conversations to help reduce your anxiety. As you left his clinic you already felt better because of his reassuring words. But the problem was that he would not accept any fees from his Rotary friends. I solved the problem by donating to a charitable cause he was closely associated with every year, which he did not mind accepting.

Unlike many Diabetologists he did not believe in starting his patients on medicines from the word go. Depending on the condition of the patient he would first try to treat the patients with strict diets. I remember, when my father was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 65, he prescribed a special  diet which helped my father control his blood sugar without any medication. My father never took any medicines for blood sugar until he died at the age of 79.

He and his wife Dr.Prema, herself a renowned Gynaecologist, were a popular couple in the Rotary world. A charming duo, they hosted several family fellowships over the years at their well-appointed bungalow in Neelankarai. I remember an incident at one of those spirited, fancy dress party. While the party was going on someone mentioned that a police officer was entering the house. Since there was strict prohibition in force those days, there was panic at the party. Bottles of liquor and the spirited glasses started disappearing. As soon as the police officer entered the house and removed his hat revealing his bald head, everyone realized that it was a member who had come dressed as police inspector for the fancy dress party. Everyone had a  hearty laugh and heaved a sigh of relief.

Though Dr.CVK was a very serious doctor, he was fun talking to  after his duty hours. He was also known for his hearty laughter which was infectious. He was an active member of Rotary Club of Madras South for 25 years.

At one stage when he started cutting down on his consultation at the clinic to devote more time to several pioneering projects in diabetic research he was involved in, I lost touch with him. On his recommendation I started going to his protégé Dr Srivatsa, who is my family doctor for the last 25 years.

 Dr. Krishnaswami was associated with the Voluntary Health Services (VHS) Hospital for more than 50 years. He was instrumental in opening India’s first juvenile diabetes registry. Supported by his good friend Rtn R.T Chari, a philanthropist par excellence, Dr C V K saw his dream project `Ramabhadran Juvenile Diabetes Research Centre` become a reality at VHS hospital. Chari also helped  him establish the `TAG-VHS Diabetic Research Centre` at the hospital. He also served as the director of Prema’s Medical and Diabetes Research Centre (PMDRC).

 In his long career Dr. CVK was associated with several professional bodies, presented many path breaking papers at both national and international seminars, won several accolades besides publishing books in both English and Tamil . More than all his achievements Dr. CVK will always be remembered for his affable nature and genuine affection for people.

 I can never forget him asking me `Enna Rajan, Eppidi yirukkey?` whenever I met him at social events over the years. There was genuine warmth in those words.

 He is survived by two daughters and their families. My heartfelt condolences to the family. May his soul Rest In Peace.