Dr. G. G. Lakshman Prabhu’s enduring legacy in Mangalore is marked by his exceptional, all-encompassing personality.
Originating from Gurpur, a small village twelve kilometres on the eastern route to Karkala, Kudremukh, and Sringeri, his great-great-grandfather, an early migrant, recognized opportunities in the burgeoning port town of Mangalore.
G. Vasudeva Prabhu, a person of simplicity, developed a knowledge of Sanskrit and engaged in a small-scale business centered around wholesaling cattle food and related items.
G. Mohandas Prabhu, the dynamic elder brother of Dr. G.G. Lakshman Prabhu, significantly contributed to the personality development of Mangalore’s youth through active participation in the JC movement.
In the field of urology, Dr. G. G. Lakshman Prabhu not only pioneered unique observation methods and swift diagnosis but also exhibited a compassionate focus on patients, alleviating their tensions with just a glance. Beyond his medical proficiency, he possessed a profound understanding of the human body, emphasizing the importance of doctors connecting with the broader spectrum of humanity.
Numerous acquaintances, including patients and their relatives, shared narratives of Dr. G. G. Lakshman Prabhu’s transformative impact, recounting instances of individuals being cured and restored to complete personalities, human beings again.
I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Lakshman when he became the President of the Rotary Club, and he invited me to address a weekly meeting. Dr. Lakshman called me on the phone and requested that I discuss a topic of my choice. He received me with his office bearers, and as Rotary is a perfectly organized event, I spoke about inflation. After that, we had a few brief actions.
A profound insight into Dr. Lakshman’s persona unfolded during a town hall meeting, a citizens’ program thoughtfully organized by Col. Bakshi, who expounded about India from a perspective of a few thousand years and what it is today and what it could be. As the orchestrator, Dr. Lakshman ensured unwavering audience engagement, revealing his extensive knowledge and deep affection for the nation, city, humanity, and citizenship.
Reflecting on his ability to inspire beyond conventional roles, Dr. Lakshman’s impact on everyone he encountered was profound and meaningful.
Survived by his wife, son, and daughter, his charming presence, witnessed daily by his family, will be a lasting memory.
To the citizens of Mangalore, whether familiar or not with Dr. Lakshman, he would be remembered as a good citizen, transcending emulation and adoration.
The noble profession of a doctor, sacrificing for the health of a nation, resonates with the teachings in “Unto This Last,” the noble treatise by John Ruskin, the philosopher and economist mentioned – the role of a teacher, the role of a doctor, the role of a trader, the role of a pastor – all have a uniqueness. After 150 to 200 years of this kind of evolution, we have learned from our ancient scriptures, which we still do today.
Dr. G. G. Lakshman Prabhu’s legacy will endure, living in our hearts. We would say shock and grief, and then we would overcome it, and we would say we would remember. But Bhagwan Krishna’s wisdom in the Gita reminds us that the soul is immortal.
In his memory, let us strive to uphold his standards, acknowledging that, while perfection is divine, inherent goodness is a precious gift. My heartfelt prayers extend to his family and the community, urging strength to bear the loss.
Remembering Dr. G. G. Lakshman Prabhu goes beyond nostalgia; it is a call to carry forth his ideals and principles. His life, an inspiration to all generations, prompts us to lead normal, better, and truly human lives as responsible citizens.
