He lived and ordinary life. But his work and the institution he founded and nurtured tells the story of his accomplishments and unflinching commitment to public good. M C Subrahmanyam (12 December, 1912 - 2 May,1993) is a typical example of a true Gandhian who practiced self-denial, remained a bachelor all his life and spent his energies for social causes. He rubbed shoulders with the big names of his times like Rajaji, Kamaraj and R Venkataraman, but continued to be self-effacing. His positive attitude and contribution led to the blossoming of a big institution that has served the common man for well over half a century. His centenary celebrations begin on Monday and would be held for a year. ‘MC’ as he is affectionately called, Subrahmanyam founded the Public Health Centre on Lake View Road in West Mambalam, a non-profit organisation. The service that began in a thatched shed with a part-time doctor on September 20, 1953 is today a multi-specialty hospital with 80 doctors, including specialists, and over 200 employees, including paramedics. Little wonder, the institution is today a landmark and a household name in West Mambalam. When the first general election was held in 1952, MC was a resident of West Mambalam. At that point in time, the neighbourhood was just a village and lacked basic facilities. T T Krishnamachary contested the election as Congress candidate for the South Madras Lok Sabha constituency. MC campaigned for him and during the course of his interaction with the residents, saw a dire need for a health centre in Mambalam. “Without waiting for the initiative of the government, he established the hospital with the support of a dedicated band of nationalistic friends,” recalls C Gopalan, an associate of MC. “Though he led from the front, he always made sure that his name never figured anywhere. He stayed away from public glare all through the growth of the hospital.”“For decades, it was absolutely free. Then we charged as little as 50 paise and then a rupee to help continue the service. Today, you know what it costs to meet a consultant in any branch of medicine. We charge just Rs 40. The hospital is run through donations from philanthropists,” says T A Subramanian, honorary secretary of the PHC.After seeing the weaker sections struggling to get essential commodities at affordable prices in the neighbourhood, MC founded the Mambalam Co-operative Centre. “Much later, it was absorbed by the State govt and it serves people to this day,” recalls K Gopalakrishnan, a volunteer of PHC with a sense of satisfaction.
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