Bengaluru: His Eminence Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan, eminent scientist, global humanitarian and Chairman & Chief Chancellor of the United Nations University for Global Peace, USA, graced the 80th Independence Day celebration at Manipal Hospital as the Chief Guest, adding international significance to the prestigious occasion.
Prof. Dr. Krishan hoisted the Indian National Flag along with Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman of Manipal Hospitals, in the presence of Guests of Honour Dr. Sunil G. Kini, Dr. Manish Rai, Dr. Anand R. Shenoy and Dr. Pankaj Singhai, along with senior doctors, healthcare professionals and members of the hospital management.
A Personal Journey of Gratitude
For Prof. Dr. Krishan, the occasion held a deeply personal significance. In October 2015, he underwent a full liver transplant at Manipal Hospital and credits the hospital’s transplant team with giving him what he describes as a “second life.”
He expressed special gratitude to Dr. Olith Selvan, Dr. Ravi Sidhachary and their entire liver transplant team, recalling the dedication and expertise that helped him overcome a critical phase of his life. He also recalled that he had earlier honoured Dr. Ravi Sidhachary at an international programme in recognition of his contribution.
Dr. Krishan also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the wider Manipal Hospital team whose efforts contributed to his care and recovery. He acknowledged Mr. Debojit Suklabaidya, Mr. Aditya, the Nursing Team led by Mrs. D. L. Vidhy, the team of Mrs. Reshma Shetty, Ms. Jisna Emmanuel, Mrs. Usha Samuel, Sister Subhalakshmi, and the Food and Nutrition Department headed by R. D. Rajashekhar, along with the entire team of Manipal Hospital.
“Freedom with Responsibility”
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Krishan spoke passionately about the importance of “Freedom with Responsibility”, urging India’s youth to take an active leadership role in building a peaceful, progressive, sustainable and strong nation.
Speaking from his own family history, he recalled that his grandfather was a freedom fighter who was arrested by the British and imprisoned in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands.
Prof. Dr. Krishan emphasised that freedom brings with it a responsibility towards peace, love, harmony and humanity. He called upon the younger generation to contribute towards making India a Vishwa Guru and a stronger force in the global community.
He paid tribute to the countless unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle and acknowledged India’s leadership journey from the time of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to the present government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
Manipal Hospital and Dr. Anand R. Shenoy Honoured
During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan honoured the Manipal Hospital management with the Best Nation Builder Leader Award 2026 – Health Sector of Holistic Wellness. The award was received by Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal.
Dr. Anand R. Shenoy, Senior Cardiologist, was honoured with the prestigious Human Excellence Golden Award 2026 from the United Nations University for Global Peace, USA.
Prof. Dr. Krishan said that his visit from the United States to India to honour Manipal Hospital and Dr. Anand R. Shenoy on the occasion of Independence Day was particularly meaningful to him. He described the hospital and its medical professionals as role models whose contribution to healthcare and humanity strengthens the nation.
Honouring the Legacy of Manipal
Prof. Dr. Krishan paid tribute to the vision of Dr. T. M. A. Pai, founder of the Manipal Group, whose pioneering work in medical education and healthcare laid the foundation for an institution that has grown into a globally recognised healthcare network.
Manipal’s medical legacy began with the establishment of Kasturba Medical College in 1953, while the flagship Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru was launched on Old Airport Road in 1991. The healthcare group has continued to expand under succeeding generations of the Pai family, with Dr. Ranjan Pai playing a prominent role in its growth.
A Scientist and Humanitarian with Global Recognition
Prof. Dr. Krishan also spoke about his recent participation in programmes marking the 250th anniversary of American Independence, including events connected with the United Nations and the New York State Assembly in Albany, as well as programmes in other parts of New York.
He recalled honouring several American public representatives and civic leaders during these events and receiving citations and recognition for his humanitarian and peace initiatives.
He also recalled being honoured with the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the period surrounding his treatment at Manipal, in recognition of his humanitarian work, peace education initiatives and efforts towards building what he describes as a “Peace Loving – Peace Living – Peace Practicing” civilisation.
A Guard of Honour and Cultural Tribute
Prof. Dr. Krishan was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the male and female security personnel of Manipal Hospital.
The nursing team presented a beautiful Indian classical dance followed by a one-act play conveying the message of Freedom with Responsibility.
The programme also featured the release of several high-tech ambulances, which were flagged off by Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan and Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal.
The Manipal Hospital management also honoured several of its employees with Surveer Awards in recognition of their dedication and service.
Prof. Dr. Krishan’s wife, Mrs. P. M. Krishan, and daughter, Ms. Angel Payal Krishan, also graced the occasion.
The celebration brought together patriotism, healthcare excellence and humanitarian values, but for Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan, the event carried an especially profound meaning: he returned to the hospital that had once given him a second life, this time as its Chief Guest, to celebrate India’s freedom and honour those who dedicate their lives to serving humanity.
His Eminence Prof. Dr. Madhu Krishan Graces 80th Independence Day Celebration At Manipal Hospital