Dr. B. M. Hegde: A Healing Voice in a Moneyminded Medical World

                                      (Photo by courtesy of: Dr B M HEGDE Fans Club, Facebook)

*🩺 Dr. B. M. Hegde: A Healing Voice in a Moneyminded Medical World*

“A good doctor treats the disease. A great doctor treats the patient.”

— Dr. B. M. Hegde

In today’s world, where medicine is often governed by technology, speed, and profit, Dr. Belle Monappa Hegde (B. M. Hegde) remains a steadfast beacon of compassion and wisdom. A globally respected cardiologist, teacher, author, and thinker, he has shown the world that science and humanity can—and must—go hand in hand.

Dr. Hegde is more than a physician. He is a visionary healer, one who listens not only to the heartbeat but also to the human being behind it.

🎓 A Brilliant Career Rooted in Service

Born on 18 August 1938 in the quiet village of Pangala near Udupi, Karnataka, Dr. Hegde’s early life was shaped by simplicity and sincerity—values that remained with him through his remarkable journey.

MBBS (Gold Medalist) from Stanley Medical College, Madras

MD from King George Medical College, Lucknow

Fellow of Royal Colleges of Physicians (London, Edinburgh, Glasgow)

Former Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the Science of Healing Outcomes — a pioneering effort to bridge modern science with holistic healing

“Learning is a lifelong process. The best doctors remain humble students forever.”

In recognition of his lifelong contributions, he was awarded:

The Padma Bhushan in 2010

The Padma Vibhushan in 2021 — India’s second-highest civilian award

🧠 His Philosophy: Healing Beyond Pills

Dr. Hegde does not oppose allopathy—he is a proud allopathic doctor himself. What he questions is its reductionist approach: treating human beings as if they are mechanical systems, focusing only on parts instead of the whole.

“The human body is a non-linear, self-healing system. To treat it with linear, one-size-fits-all approaches is like trying to fix a symphony with a screwdriver.”

He believes that true healing arises from the synergy of the mind, body, environment, and emotions—not just from medication. While modern medicine plays a vital role, it must be guided by empathy, context, and patient awareness.

“Healing begins when the patient feels heard, not when the prescription is written.”

🌿 Holistic Wisdom Rooted in Ancient Insights

For Dr. Hegde, health is harmony. He often speaks of the need to integrate the wisdom of Ayurveda, yoga, pranayama (breath control), nutritious food, restful sleep, and a peaceful mind.

“Food, thought, and breathing — these are the original medicines. Everything else is supportive.”

He advocates minimal medication, choosing instead to listen deeply, respect the body’s own intelligence, and empower patients to take charge of their lifestyle.

“A good breath is better than a bad pill.”

✍️ His Writings: A Legacy of Thoughtful Medicine

Dr. Hegde is also a prolific writer, speaker, and educator. His books and articles—over 35 books and more than 3,000 articles—have educated countless people on both the science and the art of staying healthy.

His most popular works include:

What Doctors Don’t Get to Study in Medical School

You Can Be Healthy

Wisdom of the Human Body

Holistic Living

These works blend medical insight with moral courage, and they challenge the reader to see health as a way of life, not just an emergency service.

🏅 A Doctor Honoured by the Nation and the World

Apart from the Padma awards, Dr. Hegde has received:

The Dr. B.C. Roy Award (India’s highest honour in medicine)

Karnataka Rajyotsava Award

J.C. Bose Award for Life Sciences

The Pride of India Award in the United States

His contributions have earned him respect not only in India but across global academic and medical communities.

💬 A Few More Gems from His Talks

❤️ “Love, not technology, is the greatest healing force.”

📖 “Health is not in textbooks. It’s in how you live, think, eat, sleep, and love.”

🌱 “There is no greater temple than the human body. Respect it. Listen to it. Heal it with love.”

🧘‍♂️ “Treating a disease is easy. Healing a person is an art.”

🕊️ “The mind has more to do with healing than the medicine cabinet.”

🙏 Final Reflections

Dr. B. M. Hegde is a rare blend of scientist and sage, doctor and philosopher, teacher and reformer. His lifelong dedication reminds us that healing is not just about curing, but about caring, listening, and guiding.

In honoring him, we are reminded of what medicine was always meant to be: a noble calling rooted in compassion, humility, and truth.

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Grateful thanks to ChatGPT for its splendid role in creating this blogpost and Dr B M Hegde Fans Club, Facebook for the photograph of Dr Hegde