iMahal Interview Series:
G. Venkataswamy
June 17, 2001
iMahal:
Much of your extended family is involved with your hospitals. Rumor has it that an
interest in ophthalmology is a requirement in the process of finding suitable mates for
family members. What would you say to a young relative who seemed more interested in
art than in medicine?
Venkataswamy:
Not all the family members working at Aravind are doctors. My brother, a civil engineer,
has assisted Aravind by his untiring efforts supervising land acquisition, planning, and
construction of all Aravind facilities. My nephew is an MBA who was in charge of the
administration of Aravind Eye hospitals for the last twenty years and is now the executive
director of LAICO. Aurolab is run by engineers in the family: a neice's husband, a
nephew, and a cousin. Four of my nieces volunteer at Aravind eye hospitals under
various capacities such as in charge of catering the staff and patients, publications, and
administration. When one of my grand nieces spoke to me about taking up literature in
college, I said, "Yes, go ahead, we need to a lot of writers here." Then I gave her copies
of literature on various eye care institutions around the world. At Aravind, more than the
qualification, it is the sense of commitment that is directly
proportional to the individual's contribution.
iMahal:
Has Aravind become what you envisioned more than twenty years ago?
Venkataswamy:
You set goals, of course, and there is perhaps a vague idea of how the future appears. But
if work is approached from a spiritual perspective then it becomes divine work. If in your
actions you allow the divine force to flow through you, you will accomplish things far
greater than you might have imagined. Intelligence and capability are not enough. There
must also be the joy of doing something beautiful. Being of service to God and humanity
means going well beyond the sophistication of the best technology, to the humble
demonstration of courtesy and compassion to each patient. The need for our services is
greater than ever. Much has been done, but much remains to be done. I am happy to see
that Aravind continues to grow and to join hands with other like-minded organizations
and individuals in this global war against needless blindness.
Note: If you want to learn more about Dr. Venkataswamy and the Aravind Eye Hospitals, click on the following links:
The Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India: In Service for Sight
A case study at the
Harvard Business School by professor
V. Kasturi Rangan.
