Responding to rumours of getting a key position in the government, Dr Shashikala said she is not interested in any post.
In a poignant farewell, emotions soared high as students and faculty bid a warm adieu to Dr. Shashikala Reddy, the esteemed principal of Osmania Medical College (OMC), who gracefully embraced voluntary retirement from service.
Dr Shashikala Reddy, the principal of Osmania Medical College (OMC), took voluntary retirement from service on Monday, 22 January.
The students and staff of the college accorded her a grand farewell, taking her in a chariot decorated with flowers and drums. The atmosphere reverberated with choruses of “Thank You, Ma’am,” and “Love You Ma’am”, as the chariot took her around the campus.
The grand farewell was the attestation of her remarkable integrity, acknowledging her as a principled leader who went above and beyond for the development of the college, even dipping into her pockets.
Dr Reddy’s voluntary retirement came amidst rumours of her getting a plum position in the government. She, however, denied any such move.
“There are incomplete works and I have tried my best to perform my duties. I have decided that this is the end. I would like to relax, and be involved in charity work,” she told South First.
“My family runs the Cure Foundation, which supports poor children affected by cancer. It was started in 2013 and I would like to continue the work. More specifically, my husband Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, the director of Apollo Cancer Hospital, is a member of the anti-tobacco drive, so I wish to become one of the members of the central anti-tobacco board and will conduct awareness programmes and events,” she added.
Recalling her work at OMC, Dr Reddy said the institution underwent major changes ever since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
“After taking charge in 2018, I approached all the chief secretaries for the development works. On the list of incomplete works is the painting of a building and the renovation of the college but nobody came forward with financial assistance. I brought unused furniture left in a new academic block which was built for 250 UG seats to the Osmania Medical College as we needed it,” she said.
She said roads were laid on the campus, concreted floors, expanded greenery, established volleyball, and basketball courts, and also installed sculptures on the campus during her term.
Students and faculty members praised her five-and-a-half-year tenure. They said she contributed to developing the college’s infrastructure, even utilizing her resources to build roads, a gym, a canteen, and other facilities.
One student, Harichandana, exclaimed: “Ma’am, as you are leaving the stage today, I feel a little part of this college, and a little part of our hearts, too, are leaving.”
Sai Dinesh Reddy of the 2018 batch commended Dr Reddy, stating that she had penned a chapter of excellence in the history of Osmania. Dr Murali Krishna of the 2017 batch poetically described her contribution, saying, “Just as a rock can be shaped into God by a sculptor, Ma’am, you have shaped us into worthy doctors.”
Highlighting Dr Reddy’s contributions during the pandemic, her husband Dr Vijay Anand Reddy underscored her resilience in navigating bureaucratic challenges. Osmania Medical College, their alma mater, stands as a testament to Dr Reddy’s enduring impact, echoing sentiments of gratitude and respect from the entire college community.
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