The above image is from the entrance of AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad the only hospital I have seen that explicitly pays homage to Lord Dhanvantari, and the sages Charaka and Sushruta.
This blog post is an expression of my deep gratitude to Dr. D. Nageswara Reddy, lovingly known as Nagi a friend for over three decades and the founder of AIG.
1.NAGI
I began my professional journey in 1987 as a chartered accountant and tax advisor in Hyderabad. Among my very first clients were Dr. Bhasker Reddy and his son, Dr. Nageswara Reddy. Back then, Nagi was just beginning his medical career at NIMS. From those early consultations to watching him evolve into a global medical pioneer, I’ve had the rare privilege of witnessing his journey from close quarters.
After NIMS, Nagi moved to Medinova, and later went on to establish what would become a landmark institution in Indian and global healthcare—Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG Hospitals). My firm had the honour of helping him set up the institution and advising him on various corporate and tax matters. Our professional association continued until 1996, when I transitioned from consulting into entrepreneurship.
2.NOBLE
These are four noble qualities I have observed in him over the years:
- Higher Order Alignment of Svabhāva and Swadharma
Nagi is an example of svabhāva (innate nature) and swadharma (true calling) being perfectly aligned. Medicine isn’t just a profession for him—it is an expression of who he is.
To me, it appears that Bhagwan Dhanvantari deputed him to be not just a doctor, but specifically a gastroenterologist. In that sense, I believe his chosen path is not just purposeful for him, but noble and divinely ordained.
- He is Satyanishta: Alignment of Thought, Word, and Deed
Few people live their lives in alignment across thought, speech, and action. Most of us think one thing, say another, and end up doing something else entirely. From what I’ve observed of Nagi, he is naturally and consistently an integral being. What he thinks, he says. What he says, he does. This kind of inner and outer consistency is rare and noble. - He Works for Loka Saṅgraha
Nagi’s work is a form of seva—a sacred duty. He has never pursued his profession for personal gain. The long hours he has put in—often treating patients well past midnight—reflect a singular focus: to relieve suffering and to heal. All his life, he has lived the Gītā’s teaching of acting for Loka Saṅgraha—the well-being of the world. - He is a Jnana sodhaka – Advancing Scientific Knowledge
One of the most remarkable aspects of Nagi’s life is his sustained commitment to research. With over 670 publications, multiple textbooks, and countless presentations, he has consistently contributed to the advancement of knowledge in his field. His legacy lies not only in the lives he has saved, but also in the transformations he has brought to the field of gastroenterology—a noble contribution to the world of medicine and science.
3. NOBEL
Nagi has already been honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and most recently, the Padma Vibhushan. Internationally, he has received the highest recognition in gastrointestinal endoscopy and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a rare distinction for any doctor from India.
Though the Nobel Prize in Medicine has traditionally been awarded for basic science, there have been important exceptions pioneers behind MRI, IVF, and mRNA vaccine platforms have all been recognised.
Like them, Nagi too has redefined his field through clinical innovation. I am not a technical person and will not expand on the specifics here, but I do believe his contributions make him eligible for recognition by the Nobel Committee.
4. COLLECTIVE SANKALPA
And so, as a friend and as an Indian, I offer this sankalpa—that Dr. D. Nageswara Reddy be someday honoured with the Nobel Prize.
I invite all those who have been touched by him whether as patients, colleagues, or students—to join me in this collective prayer. Let us send out this shared intention with gratitude, into the universal consciousness.
I am confident a cosmic response is inevitable.
After all, he carries the blessings of Bhagwan Dhanvantari, Sages Charaka, and Sushruta.
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