Had Dad not passed this month fifteen years ago, we would be celebrating his birthday today. He was born–and died–in October.
This was the time when India was still a British colony. Vaccinations, antibiotics and potable water were not yet available, and infant mortality from infectious disease was high. When dad was two years old, his mother noticed that her active baby went from running to limping, and his left leg looked strange. Terrified, she took him to a country doctor who diagnosed paralytic polio and stated that his leg would be paralyzed forever.
My grandfather was determined to beat the odds. Rushing his toddler to Madras, which had a state-of-the-art hospital in Southern India, Dad was put through nine surgeries on his left leg by the time he was nine years old. Premature limb lengthening surgeries were the norm. He was left with a permanently shortened, atrophied leg that he dragged around for the remainder of his sixty-seven years.
It wasn’t an easy childhood. He was bullied by school mates, and some of his teachers called him “the lame boy.”
Rather than being drowned by the negativity, he used it as motivation to show this world he was more than just a paralyzed leg. Through sheer determination, he became a champion table tennis player and captain of his varsity cricket team!
He wanted to be a pilot but was disqualified due to disability. His parents hoped he’d become a sedentary bank officer, sitting at a desk.
He did the unexpected in his career choice. He asked himself what would be the most physically demanding, mentally challenging job in his times. He chose to become a surgeon.
As a surgeon, my father had to stand on one leg for hours on end at the operating table, working on everything from brain bleeds to burns. Everything from limb amputations to tumor removals.
He also chose a career in academic medicine. He wanted to teach the next generation everything he’d learned along the way. Surgery techniques, yes. But, also, life lessons.
Instead of feeling sorry for himself, Dad was determined to overcome every obstacle thrown his way. He did not choose the easy path, but rather the one that gave him a fulfilling life.
“It’s not what life gives you that defines you as a person, it’s what you make of it.” That was his lifelong motto.
Neeta Nayak
Richardson, Texas
36 thoughts on “The Lame Surgeon”
Dear Neeta,
A wonderful tribute to a father by a doting daughter. Dr. Nayak was a great human being besides being a great teacher. Had a great sense of humour too. Can never forget the time spent with him !
Dear Neeta,
A wonderful tribute to a father by a doting daughter. Dr. Nayak was a great human being besides being a great teacher. Had a great sense of humour too. Can never forget the time spent with him !
Shobha Chidananda
Dear Neeta,
You are blessed to be your Dad’s daughter What an inspiration your Dad is ! I cannot even fathom what he must’ve been subject to as a young child but admire his determination to become such a famous Surgeon and inspire so many . You are just like him …..touching so many peoples lives in whatever you do . Stay blessed always
A great teacher lends a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart. Your impact on my life is something I carry with me every day.You are my favourite undergraduate and post graduate teacher.
Very touching and inspirational, Dr. Nayak! What a wonderful tribute to your father! Thank you for sharing!
It’s not the cards we’re dealt but how we play them that determines so much in this life. There are some incredibly strong people that are dealt the absolute worst hands and still win! Your father is one of those people!
Thanks again for sharing!
Lucky to have great teacher Dr KG Nayak and Dr Sheela G Nayak! Later in their careers I joined the same institute as their colleagues. We have stayed in the same apartment for couple of years. They are truly inspirational!
Such a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing his inspiring life story. He was an outstanding teacher, an gifted surgeon and an incredible human being.
However severe is the vomiting there is only one “T” in it. This was Dr KGNayak’s saying… A great teacher
One of the best tributes a daughter can offer to her dad! God bless you.
Wish the article was more lengthier . His knowledge , His vocabulary, His ringing voice, His sharp mind never allowed anyone to look at him physically but only intellectually . Everyone felt blessed to be in his presence . Students became unaware of their surroundings when he started talking . Magnetic personality . True Doyen . I count myself lucky that I am student of both Dr K G Nayak and Dr Sheela G Nayak .
Neeta,
Your write up on your Dad’s life is excellent. It’s a moving story & highly inspirational too! There is no limit to what a determined human being can achieve with sheer will power
Great teacher
Nayak sir
Great teacher
Neeta, this is a beautiful tribute to a great man. His story is very inspiring; he overcame all the obstacles to achieve what he wanted. You’re fortunate to be his daughter, and I’m sure that as he looks down from heaven, he is very proud of you. You’re continuing his legacy! I’m sure he has touched and inspired many lives.
Sir is an immortal teacher destined for eternity. Om Sri Gurubhyo Namah . Thank you Neeta for such an inspiring article which brought back the nostalgic memories of the classes in the stone building. Pls write more about your parents who were exemplary mentors.
I am really lucky to be his student and he had a great surgical hand. His classes still echoing in my ears . God bless you and regards to Sheela mam
Dr. Nayak,
So inspiring, what a great man! Timely and needed. Thank you,
Charlie
What a great Man. So happy to have been taught by him.
Very well written Neeta… beautiful Ode !
Neeta
Your Dad KG nayak is so famous surgeon and wonderful teacher, lucky to have in our time ❤️, we luv him, we never felt lame, God has taken care of him, still remembered, how to diagnose ulcers, swelling, without investigation, just by history taking, and good clinical examination, nowadays lacking in younger doctors, they diagnose fast with investigation, basic foundation of history taking, never forgotten from your dad teaching, especially negative history is outstanding god already blessed him in some other form in this fascinating world
Neeta, Very inspiring! Felt like I wanted to read more Thank you for sharing your Dad’s story, a way to immortalize him
Dear Neeta
I had known and admired your dad over past several decades.You have so beautifully brought out his childhood and his determination. I can only remember Shakespeare’s quote
His life was gentle; and the elements
So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, THIS WAS A MAN!
I am one of those fortunate students of MBBS at KMC Hubli, who were trained by him.I still remember those numerous jokes he cracked during long hours of sugery. Learnt not only surgery but numerous life’s lessons from him.Pranaams to the great teacher.
Neeta
Just great
As his undergrad students we never realised his disability because his teaching would keep us spellbound and there was no scope for any other thought.
That was the strength
Neeta,
Thank you for sharing this truly inspiring story about your Dad with us. Your Dad was an exemplary human being that set standards for other human beings!
I’m so humbled that he and I happen to share the same birthday, October 12th ♥️
Love and hugs to you ~ Shashi
Thank you for this inspirational story Neeta! Human spirit is amazing! As Viktor Frankl said, we have a choice about how we respond to life’s obstacles and disappointments. Some like your father approach that with indomitable spirit that is a light to others.
What an amazing person! Loved reading about this inspiring hero that he really is Neeta! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Neeta your dad’s story is inspirational. I see his determination, grit and commitment in everything you do. He lives thru you.
I am in awe of everyone who overcomes their adversity and make it stepping stone to better themselves, give more and stay commited to the betterment of communities and serve the himanity.
Your dad was an epitome of that and so are you. Thanks for sharing.