'Doctor Swami' of Sabarimala Sannidhanam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Doctor Swami is a popular name in Sabarimala Sannidhanam. The Principal of Alappuzha Medical College has been on duty in the holy abode during every season for the last 24 years.

Dr B. Padmakumar, Principal of Alappuzha Medical College, will be on duty at Sannidhanam from January 10 to 17.

Initially, Padmakumar served at Pamba, Sannidhanam and Appachimedu as part of his duty. Due to his ardent devotion to Lord Ayyappa, Padmakumar requested duty at the holy abode itself. A handbook detailing the health problems that may arise while climbing mountains and the precautions to be taken will be distributed free of charge at major stations during the entire Mandala season in Sabarimala.

A book titled 'Sharanavazhiyille Samboorna Arogyam’ (complete health guide for climbing Sabari hills) was published detailing matters such as food preparation during the Mandalakalam, the need to give up intoxicants, and the relevance of hymns. Even while fulfilling the big responsibility of the principal, Padmakumar finds time for spiritual discourse and bhajans. Padmakumar embodies the message of 'Health through spirituality'.

After duty, Padmakumar can be spotted practising music, and he often writes while staying at his home in Alappuzha. Padmakumar has published 20 books on health. He was the general editor of 'Sarvaroga Vigyan Kosham', prepared by 100 doctors.

Dr Padmakumar

Education:

B.Sc. from Kerala University in 1983 with first rank. MBBS from Alappuzha Medical College with sixth rank. MD. from Aurangabad Government Medical College with first rank. Padmakumar later became a faculty in Alappuzha Medical College. He was first appointed as Principal at Parippally Medical College.

Padmakumar has won many prizes in classical music and mridangam in college festivals. He practised mridangam under the tutelage of the late Kaithavana Madhavadas and classical music under Cherthala Suresh Pai.

The first confirmed COVID patient recovered under Padmakumar's care.

Padmakumar's wife, Meera, is a doctor at Peroorkada ESI Hospital. His son Karthik is a history research student.