Dr S Rajasekaran receives Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Vaidyak-Ratna Award

Eminent orthopaedic surgeon Dr S Rajasekaran, Chairman of the Orthopaedic Department at Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, has been honoured with the Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Vaidyak-Ratna Award, becoming the first recipient of this newly instituted medical category.

The award was presented at a grand ceremony held in Pune on February 6, marking the fourth death anniversary of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. Instituted by the Deenanath Mangeshkar Trust, the Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Awards have traditionally been conferred in the General and Music categories on personalities of exceptional eminence. Previous recipients include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Asha Bhosle, AR Rahman and Sonu Nigam.

For the first time, the Trust introduced a medical category titled the Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Vaidyak-Ratna Award, recognising outstanding contributions to the field of medicine. Dr S Rajasekaran was selected as the inaugural awardee for his significant impact on healthcare and patient-centric medical practice.

The award was presented by Hridaynath Mangeshkar, renowned Indian classical vocalist and composer, and brother of the late Lata Mangeshkar.

Accepting the honour, Dr S Rajasekaran delivered an address titled “Developing a World-Class Healthcare Model – The Ganga Story”, in which he stressed that patient interest must remain the sole priority of the medical profession. He also highlighted the Ganga Hospital philosophy of giving back to society and the importance of ethical, accessible and sustainable healthcare systems.

The recognition places Coimbatore’s medical fraternity on a national platform and marks a significant milestone for Dr S Rajasekaran’s contribution to Indian healthcare.