Blogs
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Bangalore – A City That Captures Your Heart: My Love Story with Namma Bengaluru
When I first landed in Bangalore for my fellowship, little did I know that this city would become such a special chapter in my life. Three years later, I left with more than just professional experiences—I left with lifelong memories, a newfound love for Karnataka’s culture, and a deep connection with a city that is as dynamic as it is soulful.
If you’re wondering what makes Bangalore (or Bengaluru, as the locals lovingly call it) such a fantastic city to live in, let me take you through the magic that makes this city a true gem.
1- The Weather – A Perpetual Springtime
- Let’s start with the most obvious charm—Bangalore’s weather is simply unbeatable. Unlike the harsh summers of North India or the sultry humidity of coastal cities, Bangalore boasts a mild, breezy, and pleasant climate throughout the year. Even at the peak of summer, there’s a coolness in the air that makes an evening stroll feel like therapy. Monsoons are refreshing, and winters are just the right amount of chilly. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with the city’s weather before you even notice it.
2- A Food Lover’s Paradise
- Bangalore’s food scene is nothing short of a culinary carnival. From humble darshinis serving crispy dosas and strong filter coffee to vibrant cafes and global fine dining experiences, the city spoils you with choices. I still remember the joy of biting into a steaming hot ‘Thatte Idli’ early in the morning, or late-night food hunts at VV Puram Food Street. Whether it’s authentic Karnataka cuisine like Bisi Bele Bath and Ragi Mudde or quirky international fare in Indiranagar’s lively cafes, Bangalore makes sure every foodie is well-fed and happy.
3- Vibrant Nightlife – The City That Knows How to Unwind
- Bangalore knows how to balance work and play. While the city is India’s Silicon Valley by day, it transforms into a hub of live music, cozy pubs, and energetic lounges by night. Places like MG Road, Brigade Road, Indiranagar, and Koramangala are alive with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. The city has a unique vibe—laid-back yet buzzing. Whether you’re into quiet microbreweries or dancing the night away, Bangalore’s nightlife scene has a little something for everyone.
4- Healthcare at Your Doorstep
- As a doctor, I can vouch for the fact that Bangalore’s healthcare infrastructure is among the best in the country. With top-notch hospitals, multi-specialty clinics, and a thriving community of skilled medical professionals, healthcare is both accessible and advanced. Whether it’s routine check-ups or specialized care, the city offers world-class medical facilities that are reliable and patient-centric.
5- People with Hearts of Gold
- One of the most heartwarming aspects of my time in Bangalore was the people. The locals are soft-spoken, respectful, and welcoming, always ready to help you navigate through their beloved city. I was touched by the warmth of strangers who became friends, the way auto drivers shared stories in broken Hindi-English, and how my colleagues introduced me to the nuances of Kannada culture. Bangalore teaches you that kindness transcends language barriers.
6- Culture of Karnataka – A Heritage to Cherish
- Living in Bangalore gave me an intimate experience of Karnataka’s rich culture and traditions. From the festive grandeur of Dasara in Mysore to the classical music concerts and art exhibitions that frequently grace the city, Bangalore is deeply rooted in its heritage while embracing modernity. The city’s cultural tapestry is beautifully woven with age-old traditions and a progressive outlook, making it a melting pot of diversity and inclusivity.
In Conclusion
Bangalore isn’t just a city—it’s a feeling. It’s that warm cup of filter coffee on a drizzly morning, the energy of start-ups and tech parks, the aroma of freshly made dosas, and the melody of street musicians on Church Street. It’s the city that teaches you to pause, breathe, and fall in love with life all over again.
I spent three of the best years of my life in Bangalore. And a part of me still resides there, among its gardens, its streets, and its ever-smiling people. Namma Bengaluru, you have my heart.
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Overcoming the Right-Handed World of Eye Surgery — A Lefty’s Guide to Success
When I first decided to pursue ophthalmology, I didn’t know that my left-handedness would become such a defining aspect of my surgical journey. The operating microscope doesn’t care whether you are left or right-handed. The phacoemulsification machine won’t give you an extra button for being a lefty. Yet, as a left-handed surgeon, I found myself navigating an environment designed almost entirely for right-handed individuals.
But here’s the truth — being a left-handed eye surgeon isn’t a handicap. It’s a journey that, if embraced, will push you to develop skills and ambidexterity most surgeons never acquire.
The Initial Struggles of a Left-Handed Surgeon
- When you enter the operating theatre as a left-hander, you quickly realize: the foot pedals are positioned for right-handed workflows.
- Instruments are designed ergonomically for right-hand dominant grips.
- Mentors, guides, and teaching videos rarely address “how a lefty should do it.”
- Simple things, like dialing the nucleus in a phacoemulsification surgery or handling micro-instruments in squint surgeries, require a lot of mental rewiring. I had to constantly adapt, re-learn, and often unlearn techniques that were demonstrated from a right-handed perspective.
Adapting and Learning: The Power of the Right Hand
- One of the most crucial decisions I made early in my career was to learn how to operate with my right hand.
- At first, it felt counterintuitive — why force my non-dominant hand into precision tasks? But soon, I realized:
- By operating phacoemulsification “right-handed,” I could use my dominant left hand as the dialer. This gave me superior control over nucleus manipulation, especially during delicate steps like cracking and chopping.
- My left hand’s fine motor skills were naturally better — bringing an edge in tasks like dialing, stabilizing instruments, or handling IOL injectors.
- Over time, my right hand caught up, and I found myself becoming ambidextrous in the operating theatre.
Becoming Ambidextrous: A Hidden Superpower
- Mastering surgery with both hands is not just a workaround; it’s a massive advantage.
- You can adapt to any surgical setup, assistant positions, and operating room ergonomics.
- In complicated cases, your hand independence reduces surgeon fatigue and enhances precision.
- It forces your brain to develop bilateral coordination, spatial awareness, and versatility that sharpens your overall surgical skills.
- Today, I can confidently perform phacoemulsification, squint surgeries, oculoplasty, and anterior segment procedures using either hand as per the need of the surgery. This flexibility has enhanced my efficiency and control significantly.
The Emotional Struggle: Feeling “Out of Place”
- For young left-handed surgeons, the emotional challenge is often bigger than the technical one. Watching peers effortlessly replicate right-handed techniques while you struggle to mirror them can be disheartening.
- But remember this: every extra hour you spend adapting is an investment in becoming a more versatile and dynamic surgeon than you ever imagined.
Practical Tips for Left-Handed Eye Surgeons
- 1. Start Learning Right-Handed Phaco Early: Use your dominant left hand as the dialer; you’ll feel an immediate improvement in control.
- 2. Practice Wet Lab Tasks Ambidextrously: Simple maneuvers like capsulorhexis, suturing, and IOL insertion should be practiced with both hands.
- 3. Customize Your Instrument Tray: Arrange instruments ergonomically suited to your workflow, even if it’s different from standard practice.
- 4. Adapt Foot Pedal Positions: Learn to use your foot pedal efficiently, regardless of placement — flexibility here is key.
- 5. Learn from Fellow Lefties: Seek out left-handed surgeons, online forums, or surgical videos that cater to left-hand adaptations.
Turning a Challenge into a Unique Strength
- In retrospect, being a left-handed surgeon has made me a better, more mindful, and dexterous ophthalmologist. The journey wasn’t easy, but it forced me to develop a high level of hand-eye coordination and adaptability.
- To every young left-handed surgeon who feels frustrated watching their right-handed colleagues glide through procedures — embrace the grind. Your left hand is not a barrier; it’s your untapped surgical superpower.
- In time, you won’t just be a surgeon who operates despite being left-handed — you’ll be one who thrives because of it.
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Scalpel in One Hand, Serenity in the Other: Work-Life Balance & Meditation for Surgeons
In the fast-paced world of surgery, where precision, focus, and endurance are non-negotiable, it’s easy to lose oneself in the demands of the profession. Long hours in the operating theatre, patient consultations, administrative tasks, and the constant need to stay updated with the latest advancements — all these can take a toll on a surgeon’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
As an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon, I’ve lived through this grind. The journey is rewarding, no doubt. But it’s equally essential to recognize that a surgeon’s efficiency in the operating room is deeply connected to their inner well-being outside of it. This is where the concept of Work-Life Balance and the practice of Meditation come into play.
The Work-Life Balance Struggle in Surgery
- For many surgeons, work-life balance feels like a myth. The profession demands perfection. Every decision, every incision, every patient outcome weighs heavily on us. But in striving for excellence, it’s easy to sideline personal life, hobbies, family, and even basic self-care.
- Symptoms of Poor Work-Life Balance in Surgeons:
- Mental fatigue and burnout
- Irritability and emotional exhaustion
- Sleep disturbances
- Detachment from family and friends
- Losing passion for the profession itself
- But here’s the truth: An exhausted surgeon cannot deliver their best in surgery.
Why Work-Life Balance is Non-Negotiable
- Better Decision Making: A rested mind makes sharper clinical judgments.
- Surgical Precision Improves: Physical and mental fatigue can impair hand-eye coordination.
- Personal Happiness Reflects in Professional Life: A content and balanced life outside the hospital enhances empathy and patient care.
- Prevents Burnout & Career Longevity: Sustaining a long and fulfilling career in surgery demands regular rejuvenation.
My Turning Point: Discovering Meditation
During my initial years, I too was engulfed in the never-ending loop of work. It reached a point where despite professional success, I felt mentally drained. That’s when I was introduced to meditation — not as a spiritual exercise, but as a practical tool to declutter the mind and center oneself.
How Meditation Transformed My Life as a Surgeon
- 1. Calmness Before Surgery: 10 minutes of mindful breathing before entering the OT helps me stabilize my focus and nerves.
- 2. Detachment from Work Stress: Post-operative thoughts and anxieties don’t linger as much; meditation trains the mind to “switch off.”
- 3. Enhanced Emotional Resilience: I handle surgical complications or patient anxieties with a calmer approach.
- 4. Improved Sleep Patterns: Night-time meditation sessions significantly improved my quality of sleep, essential for surgical precision.
- 5. Deeper Self-Awareness: I became more attuned to my emotions, stress triggers, and learned to manage them proactively.
Simple Meditation Practices for Surgeons
- 1. 5-Minute Breathing Breaks:
- Close your eyes.
- Inhale deeply for 4 seconds.
- Hold for 4 seconds.
- Exhale slowly for 6 seconds.
- Repeat for 5 minutes between cases or before patient consultations.
- 2. Mindful Walking: While walking to the OPD or the cafeteria, focus on the sensation of your footsteps and breathing. This grounds you in the present moment.
- 3. Guided Meditation Apps: Apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer offer surgeon-friendly, short meditations to unwind after a hectic day.
- 4. Gratitude Reflection: Every night, reflect on 3 things you’re grateful for—could be a successful surgery, a patient’s smile, or a small win in life.
Small Changes, Big Impact: Tips for Work-Life Balance
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to non-essential tasks that drain you.
- Prioritize Self-Care Appointments: Schedule workouts, family dinners, or hobby time like you’d schedule a surgery.
- Digital Detox: Allocate tech-free hours post-work to reconnect with yourself and loved ones.
- Take Short Breaks: Even 5-minute breaks between consultations can recharge your focus.
- Delegate & Build a Team: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Trust your team.
The Surgeon’s Life: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
We surgeons are trained to endure, to push limits, and to be perfectionists. But in this relentless pursuit, don’t forget that your well-being is your sharpest surgical tool. A balanced life, enriched with mindfulness and meditation, not only enhances your professional acumen but also revives the human within the white coat.
To every young surgeon reading this — make your well-being a priority. You owe it to your patients, your family, and most importantly, yourself.
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Scuba Diving: A Surgeon’s Guide to Finding Depth — In Water and Life
As an eye surgeon, life often revolves around precision, focus, and responsibility. Every surgery, every patient, demands the best version of you. But have you ever thought about what it takes to keep that best version thriving? For me, the answer came underwater. Scuba diving, once just a hobby, has become an integral part of how I recharge, refocus, and even evolve professionally.
As a PADI certified diver, I can say this — scuba diving is not just an adventure sport; it’s a transformative experience, especially for professionals like surgeons. Here’s how diving into the blue can give you new perspectives both in and out of the operating room.
Why Surgeons Should Dive into Scuba Diving
- Mental Rejuvenation: Silence That Heals — Underwater, the world slows down. There’s no buzzing phone, no operation theatre lights — just the calm hum of your breath. For a surgeon whose mind is constantly juggling precision and decision-making, scuba diving is meditation in motion. It teaches you to be present, reducing burnout and mental fatigue.
- Improved Focus & Situational Awareness — Scuba diving demands acute awareness of your surroundings, your body, and your breathing — skills that mirror those required in surgery. Regular diving fine-tunes your concentration, enhancing your ability to stay calm and focused even in high-stress OT scenarios.
- Stress Management & Emotional Control — Every diver learns that panic is your worst enemy underwater. Managing stress, making calm decisions under pressure — these are diving essentials that translate perfectly into the operating room. Over time, diving sharpens your emotional resilience, a vital trait for any surgeon.
- Expanding Perspective — Life Beyond the OT — Exploring the underwater world reminds you how vast and beautiful life is outside the confines of a hospital. It fosters humility, patience, and a broader appreciation for life — qualities that subtly influence your interactions with patients and peers.
Beginner’s Guide to Scuba Diving for Busy Surgeons
If you’ve never dived before, starting might seem intimidating. But the process is structured, safe, and incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to get started:
- Step 1: Enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver Course
- Look for a certified PADI dive center near you.
- The course includes theoretical learning (can be done online), confined water dives (swimming pool training), and open water dives (sea dives up to 18 meters).
- Duration: Around 4-5 days (can be spread over weekends).
- Step 2: Get Comfortable in Water
- Ensure you’re confident in basic swimming.
- Practice breath control and floating — these help immensely in diving.
- Step 3: Invest in Good Equipment (Optional for Beginners)
- Initially, the dive school provides gear.
- As you progress, consider buying a good mask, fins, snorkel, and dive computer for better comfort and safety.
- Step 4: Build Experience with Fun Dives
- Post-certification, explore different dive sites.
- India has fantastic beginner-friendly dive locations: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Goa, and Netrani Island (Karnataka).
- Step 5: Advance Your Skills
- Once confident, pursue the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
- Specialties like Underwater Navigation, Peak Performance Buoyancy, and Rescue Diver training can sharpen your skills — both for diving and life.
Pro-Tips for Surgeons Planning Their Dive Journey
- Plan Dive Vacations: Sync them with your professional calendar for bi-annual refreshers.
- Leverage Diving as a Team-Building Activity: Organize dive trips with fellow surgeons or hospital teams.
- Stay Physically Fit: A good fitness routine makes you a better diver and a sharper surgeon.
- Incorporate Breathwork & Mindfulness: Techniques from diving can become daily stress-relief rituals even when you’re not underwater.
Final Thought: Depth Gives Perspective
Scuba diving has taught me that there’s a world beyond the narrow field of vision of a surgical microscope. That every breath counts — above water and below. For surgeons like us, taking the time to dive isn’t a luxury; it’s a way to connect back to ourselves, rejuvenate, and bring a deeper sense of calm, focus, and balance to our professional lives.
So, the next time you feel like life’s getting too “surface level”, maybe it’s time to go dive a little deeper — literally.
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Through the Eyes of an Eye Surgeon: My Journey Beyond the Operating Room
When people hear the word “eye surgeon”, they often picture a person in scrubs, focused under a surgical microscope, restoring clarity to blurred vision. While that’s certainly a big part of what I do, the life of an eye surgeon is a much deeper journey — one filled with stories of precision, compassion, personal passions, and an ever-evolving perspective on life itself.
Let me take you through what it truly means to be an ophthalmologist, how this profession shapes you, and why, despite the challenges, it’s the most fulfilling path I could have chosen.
The Journey: From Aspiration to the Operation Theatre
Becoming an eye surgeon is not an overnight accomplishment. It’s a journey that begins with years of rigorous education — MBBS, followed by an MS in Ophthalmology. But beyond the textbooks and degrees, it’s the countless hours of observing, assisting, and finally performing intricate surgeries that mold you.
For me, the sub-specialty of Cataract and Refractive Surgery became my calling. The sheer precision of working on something as delicate as the human eye — where a micron can make a difference — is humbling. The learning never stops. With rapid advances like Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS), SMILE procedures, and advanced IOL technologies, staying updated is not optional; it’s essential.
But beneath the surgical techniques lies the heart of the profession — empathy. Every patient carries a story, a fear, a hope. And being able to reassure them, guide them, and eventually hand them the gift of clear vision is an emotion that words often fall short of describing.
A Day in My Life as an Eye Surgeon
- Morning OPDs: Diagnosing everything from simple refractive errors to complex corneal disorders.
- Surgical Hours: Performing delicate procedures where focus and calmness are paramount.
- Post-op Reviews & Counselling: Ensuring patients are on the path to recovery, easing anxieties, and celebrating small victories with them.
- Continuous Learning: Reading journals, attending webinars, and training on new devices keep me on my toes.
The Unmatched Satisfaction of Delivering Vision
Ask any ophthalmologist — the moment when a patient opens their eyes post-surgery and looks around in wonder is magical. Whether it’s an elderly patient seeing their grandchild’s face clearly for the first time in years or a young adult getting rid of glasses after LASIK, the joy is contagious.
Unlike many other medical specialties, ophthalmology offers the chance to deliver immediate, tangible results. Vision is how we connect to the world, and to be able to enhance that is an honor I deeply cherish.
Life Beyond the Clinic: Passions that Keep Me Grounded
- Travelling — Exploring new places refreshes my mind and widens my perspective. From serene mountains to bustling urban landscapes, each journey adds a new chapter to my personal story.
- Diving into the Depths — Scuba diving is an experience that resonates with my surgical mind — calm, focused, and surrounded by intricate beauty. The underwater world is like the human eye — vast, mysterious, and mesmerizingly detailed.
- Music Festivals & Live Concerts — Music is therapy. Attending live music festivals allows me to let loose, feel the pulse of the crowd, and embrace the moment. It’s a stark contrast to the silence of an OT, yet both experiences are deeply immersive.
- Experiencing Cultures & Life — I believe life is best lived through experiences — whether it’s trying out a new cuisine, indulging in adventure sports, or simply having conversations with locals. These moments keep me connected to the essence of living, reminding me of the human side of medicine.
Balancing the Scalpel & the Soul
Being an eye surgeon is demanding. The responsibility is immense, and precision is non-negotiable. But it’s essential to balance this with personal rejuvenation. My hobbies are not just pastimes; they’re my anchors, ensuring I return to my patients with a fresh, positive energy.
In the end, whether I’m donning surgical gloves or a diving suit, whether I’m holding a phaco probe or a camera, I am — at my core — an explorer. Exploring vision, exploring life.
Final Thoughts
The life of an eye surgeon is a beautiful blend of science, art, and soul. It’s a profession that demands constant learning, patience, and meticulous skill. But the reward? It’s priceless. Helping someone see the world with clarity is a satisfaction that words cannot encapsulate.
At the same time, nurturing my passions beyond medicine ensures I stay human, stay curious, and stay grateful.
Every day, I remind myself — Vision is not just about seeing clearly. It’s about seeing fully — both within and beyond.
FAQs
- Q: Is being an eye surgeon stressful? A: Like any surgical specialty, it demands precision and patience. However, the gratification of successful surgeries and happy patients makes it deeply rewarding.
- Q: How do you manage time for your hobbies? A: It’s all about balance and prioritizing personal well-being. Short breaks, planned vacations, and even small daily rituals help maintain that balance.
- Q: What advice would you give to aspiring ophthalmologists? A: Fall in love with the details. Ophthalmology is a field where microns matter. Also, nurture empathy — it’s as crucial as clinical skill.