Dr.B.P. Rajan - A tribute
Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. William Shakespeare
The life of B.P.Rajan is a lesson in greatness and achievement. It is a lesson for every aspiring youth who thinks that achievement and recognition are beyond his/her scope. Dr.Rajan was born in a respectable family from a rural community in Tirunelveli district and later moved to Chennai. He came from a middleclass family, the son of Mr.V. Balaiah engaged in a modest business in Chennai. He worked hard to become a graduate and then joined the newly opened Dental course started in the Madras Medical College. He graduated with a BDS degree in 1957 and joined the Dental Department as a demonstrator in dentistry. At the first opportunity he joined for the MDS course in Conservative Dentistry (then called ODS) in Mumbai. He rejoined his alma mater as a young Assistant Professor and also started his own dental clinic.
By virtue of his sheer hard work Dr. Rajan excelled as both a teacher and a clinician. He quickly rose in the academic hierarchy to become a reader in 1963 and a professor in 1967 at the relatively young age of 37, making him the youngest professor in the medical college. In 1978 he became the head of the dental wing. Most people would have rested on their laurels. Dr. Rajan then did the impossible. He worked hard to get the Dental wing converted into an independent Dental College and became the first Principal of an autonomous Dental College in 1979. This act of his was a defining moment in dental education. Several institutions in other states followed suit. The new upgraded institution became one of the finest dental colleges in the country. His students, many of whom are themselves legends in their own right, will recall Dr. Rajan as being an astute statesman and respected teacher. During these years he came to occupy several prestigious posts in the Government, University and Statutory bodies. He became the chairman of the board of studies, senate member and syndicate member of the Madras University. He also served as a member of the board of studies of several other Universities like the University of Mysore, Kerala, Bangalore, Osmania, Pondicherry and Annamalai. Dr. Rajan was appointed by the Government as Officer in Charge of the newly conceived free tooth powder scheme and the Fluorosis project. During this period he served on several committees as an advisor, panelist or member. These include the Commission on Oral Health, ICMR, National Board of Examination, UGC Committees, UPSC and the International Dental Federation.
Dr. Rajan played a significant role in the recasting of the dental surgeon as a respected medical professional. As member and then the President of the Dental Council of India, he played an important role in the restructuring of the dental curriculum and revolutionizing its policies. In fact, Dr. Rajan was the first South Indian to become the President of the Dental Council of India, New Delhi. In addition, he also played an important role in the Indian Dental Association (IDA) eventually serving as its National President. He was also actively involved with the International College of Dentists and other dental organizations in various capacities.
During his academic career, Dr.B.P. Rajan had several publications and presentations in India and abroad to his credit. He also conducted numerous workshops, conferences and continuing education programmes to advance and disseminate knowledge amongst dentists.
Meanwhile the Rajan Dental Clinic became a multispeciality dental centre in Chennai setting benchmarks in good clinical practice. This was truly a great marriage between private clinical practice and academia. Dr.B.P. Rajan’s dream of creating an institution of excellence was realized, when he, along with his son Dr. Gunaseelan Rajan started the RAGAS Dental College. The college evolved into a premier institution imparting graduate and post graduate training. After his retirement from the University, Dr. Rajan became a Professor emeritus in Ragas Dental College.
The crowning glory of Dr.B.P. Rajan’s career was his assuming charge as the Vice Chancellor of the prestigious MGR Medical University in July 1992. This was a great and distinctive achievement for the whole profession. He became the first Dental Surgeon to become the Vice Chancellor of any University in the country. As the Vice Chancellor he made path breaking changes in the administration of Medical Education in the country. His term expired in 1995 and the Government extended it by another 6 months till January 1996. For his excellent career achievements the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons awarded him with a Honorary FDSRCPS (Glasgow) in 1995. The MGR Medical University also recognized him with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in 1998.
Dr.B.P. Rajan had by then passed on the responsibilities of his clinic to his equally illustrious son Dr. Gunaseelan Rajan who was both a Physician and Dentist specialized as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Dr. Rajan was chosen by the Government of Tamilnadu in 2001 as a special representative in the rank of a cabinet Minister in New Delhi. He held this prestigious post till 2003. After his retirement he kept in touch with the profession and continued visiting the now expanded Dental Clinic until his passing away on November 23rd 2011.
Dr.B.P. Rajan leaves behind his wife Mrs. Shantha Rajan, Dr. Gunaseelan Rajan and his wife Mrs. Sangeetha Gunaseelan and Dr. Archana Narayanaswamy. Dr. Gunaseelan Rajan continues the hoary tradition set by his father and is in his own field a well known Maxillofacial Surgeon and an innovative Implantologist.
Dr.B.P. Rajan has set exemplary standards as a fore runner in the field of dentistry having served as a clinician, academician, administrator and political representative. He will always remain an inspiration to generation of students who strive to achieve greatness.
- Dr. George Paul
