THE HARDER YOU WORK, LUCKIER YOU GET!

“There are no secrets to success. Success is perseverance, hard work, sacrifice and most of all, loving what you do. A person who hasn’t failed, hasn’t learnt. Dream Big, and chase it until you have caught it.”

On the 6th of February 2018, the students of Mushtifund Aryaan Higher Secondary School were fortunate enough to meet the highly reputed Dr. Ponraj Sundaram, an esteemed neurosurgeon with over 40 years of experience, of which 25 years he has been the Head of Department of Goa Medical College, the dream college of most Goan medical aspirants! Dr. Ponraj was warmly welcomed by the Director of the Institute, Mr. Vyankatesh Prabhudesai and was formally introduced by the Administrative Officer, Mr. M.B.S. Kakodkar.

Dr.Ponraj kick started the session by giving us a brief background of his specialisation –Neurosurgery. The intrigued students listened in rapt attention as he explained the various cases and situations linked to the brain and the spinal cord stating facts from his hands on experiences. They say that a doctor’s coat comes with a lot of responsibilities and this is just one way of putting, Dr. Ponraj highlighted the fact that being a Doctor means dealing with life and death and along with regular skill updation, one has to work on the approach to the patient as well… Compassion, love, care and mental motivation act as a catalyst in the process of healing…

Through his personal experience and clinical expertise, he gave the enraptured students a brief idea of the identification, diagnosis and localisation of a condition when presented with a medical patient’s case. Dr. Ponraj enlightened the young minds about symptomatic and asymptomatic tumours which give rise to headaches, convulsions(seizures), nausea, loss in cognitive ability and loss of concentration etc. He also spoke about the REM sleep and non REM sleep and how a person is considered to be paralysed during sleep which is caused due to GABA.

“Hard work puts you where good luck can find you” is what Dr. Ponraj strongly believes, and his successful career is deeply rooted with sheer hard work and his unwavering dedication…Fondly speaking about his MBBS life at JIPMER (one of the leading medical Institutes in the country), Dr.Ponraj, highlighted on the fact that one must not forget to put in constant efforts in their studies no matter which field they choose.

The interaction came to an end with the question and answers session. The entire question and answer session was coordinated by the Director, Mr.Vyankatesh Prabhudesai. The eager students had many questions and Dr.Ponraj answered their queries with ease and enthusiasm…And the noble doc concluded by saying a few impactful words which stayed with the young minds as food for thought: “Nothing gives a doctor more satisfaction than his patient leaving healthy and happy!”.Dr.Ponraj was bid adieu with a thunderous applause as he left the students, touched and inspired!

Prepared By Avantika Jain ,Student of STD XI