Distinguished medical professional Dr. Sudharam Rai passes away at 80
Dr. Sudharam Rai, a distinguished medical professional and community leader, passed away. Born on August 19, 1943, into the renowned Bellipady family, Dr. Rai's life was marked by significant contributions to both healthcare and community service.
Dr. Rai received his early education in Puttur and pursued medical studies at Kasturba Medical College in Manipal/Mangalore. During his college years, he was an active student leader, heading the College Union and organizing activities such as marches related to the Pakistan and Chinese border issues and anti-Hindi agitation. He founded the All College Students Union, serving as its first president, a legacy that endures today. An all-rounder, he excelled in sports, becoming the Chess Champion and winning the Mr. KMC title in bodybuilding in 1965.
After qualifying as a doctor, Dr. Rai began his career as an Assistant Surgeon at Govt Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore, and as a part-time Tutor in Surgery at KMC Mangalore in May 1969. His dedication to rural healthcare led him to serve in Jayapura and Balehonnur in Chikmagalur District. During his tenure in Jayapura, he joined the Lions movement and became a Charter Member of the Lions Club of Koppa, which recently celebrated its Golden Jubilee.
In 1976, Dr. Rai pursued higher studies in the United Kingdom during the Emergency period imposed by Mrs. Gandhi. As a junior doctor, he produced a research paper accepted by the World Conference of Psychiatry in 1977, earning him an invitation to be a Co-Chairman. He served in various hospitals in the UK and became a Family Physician/General Practitioner in 1979. Elected Chairman of the British Medical Association, he led nearly 1,000 doctors at the district, regional, and national levels for over 12 years.
Dr. Rai established a pioneering medical complex in Nottinghamshire, including a doctor’s surgery, dental surgery, optician, pharmacy, and shopping centre under one roof, and served as a member of the Parish Council. He also ventured into private enterprise, starting a private school in Nottinghamshire for children aged 5 to 18, which continues to operate. In 1979, he opened his first nursing home, eventually building and operating 15 nursing and residential homes. In 1998, he founded a 34-bed mental hospital, the first of its kind in the UK by a private individual. Dr. Rai was involved in various NHS committees and started a free helpline to support stressed and depressed doctors, helping many of his colleagues.
Dr. Rai served as a part-time Police Surgeon and was part of the Lord Chancellor's Department, assessing compensation for war veterans and social security cases. He also served in the British Army as a Major, working in Hong Kong, Germany, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Kenya, and during the Iraq war, assisting patients with post-traumatic stress syndrome. He was honoured with an invitation from the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to her Jubilee Garden Party, along with his wife. He was an officer of the Magnus Lodge.
After retiring, Dr. Rai returned to Mangalore to serve his community, founding the Global Hospital in 2012. He was instrumental in establishing the Lions Mangalore Centennial Club and, with fellow Lions members, the Tapasya Foundation and Hospice in Mudipu near Mangalore to support terminally ill patients. He also acted in several Kannada and Tulu films, portraying the role of a doctor. He organized the first KMC alumni meeting outside India.
Dr. Rai is survived by his wife Manjula and children Nithin and Neema, who reside in London. The family is involved in various business activities in India and the UK. Dr. Rai's legacy of service, innovative thinking, leadership, and compassion will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
