Eye surgeon Dr. M C Modi

Dr. M C Modi

Inspired by a speech by Gandhiji, he launched a mission to eradicate blindness

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Dr. Modi is believed to have performed a record five-lakh surgeries

He travelled to remote villages and towns to hold camps

He was known for his dexterity as a surgeon and diagnostic acumen

Dr. Modi also served an MLC for a term in the 1990s 

Dr. Modi, who was being held up for long as an ideal doctor, was the recipient of several national and international awards capped by the Padma Bhushan. He is believed to have performed a record five-lakh eye surgeries.

Dr. Murigeppa Channaveerappa Modi, who hailed from Bijapur, launched a movement to correct eye problems and restore sight inspired by the speech of Mahatma Gandhi at the Gowadia Tank in Mumbai on August 9, 1942 when he gave the call to the British to "Quit India" and to the people of the country to "do or die".

Dr. Modi set out to hold eye camps in the then Bombay State, which included parts of Karnataka. He travelled to remote villages and towns to hold camps, often with very little financial or medical support. He mobilised support from local voluntary organisations and people. He also received assistance from India and abroad for his mission. Those operated upon were being given spectacles free of cost.

Dr. Modi was known for his dexterity as a surgeon and diagnostic acumen. He never publicised his qualifications which often led to uncharitable criticisms. In later years his eye camp model was adopted by government hospitals, which however could not match his efficiency.

However, in the past two decades, Dr. Modi had given up organising eye camps and had set up an eye hospital in Rajajinagar, Bangalore.

In recent years there was some criticism about the utilisation of the land allotted to him in some places.

Tenure as MLC

Dr. Modi was a nominated member of the Karnataka Legislative Council for a term in the 1990s. He was connected with various voluntary agencies. He was an eloquent speaker and adept at enthusing the people to take up voluntary work.

Governor T.N. Chaturvedi has said that Dr. Modi strove for the eradication of blindness with a missionary zeal.

M. Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee and Water Resources Minister, said Dr. Modi's eye camps were a revolutionary step in medical care.

Finance and Industries Minister P.G.R. Sindhia, Chairman of the Legislative Council V.R. Sudarshan, and Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajasekharan have paid tributes to Dr. Modi.