Year - 1917 Place - Thatta (Sindh Province)
The journey of this legendry stalwart began in this small Sindh village, of present Pakistan then pre- independent India. Born into a very poor family with limited resources but an iron will to study and educate him self and be a success in all he ventured into. Yes, We are talking about
Dr. Lakhumal Hiranand Hiranandani.

He came to Mumbai way back in 1937, to pursue his study in medicine. The quality of his work was recognized and appreciated by his teachers, who helped him financially, so he could go abroad and do his F.R.C.S. He then joined Topiwala National Medical College, B. Y.L. Nair Hospital Mumbai, as Honorary Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, from where he retired at the age of 58.

A lot of his academic works were published in various Indian and Foreign Journals. Several of his operating techniques are accepted as "Dr Hiranandanis Operations, " throughout the world. He has published a book on Ear Pathology, which is the only book of its kind. He is the first Indian appointed as member by the American Society of Head and Neck Surgery.

Besides he was responsible for setting up many specialised ENT Dept. these were first of their kind in India at Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai

He has created 15 Research Endowments of Rs. 1 lac each in Universities throughout India, along with 20 orations and a number of Awards and Prizes in the field of Ear, Nose,. and Throat. He has been an Adviser to the Union Public Service Commission(U.P.S.C.) and Maharashtra Public Service Commission ( M.P.S.C).

In recognition of the valuable service rendered by him, the President of India conferred the prestigious honour of PADMABHUSHAN TO HIM IN 1972. He was the lst person in India to be honoured with the Golden Award by the Board of International Federation of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Societies. He received the Dhanvantari Award in 1988, thus becoming the first person in the field of E.N.T. to receive it.

He has always felt, that since the literacy rate is so poor in India, it is more important to promote primary and secondary education, rather than University Education. He was appointed a member of the Advisory Committee by the Government of India, for opening of Private Medical Colleges in Maharashtra. Through his efforts, 14 Private Medical Colleges were created. He got the retirement age of Teachers upgraded from the age of 58to65.

The Governor of Maharashtra had nominated him in 1991, as the Executive Member of the University of Mumbai. He is the Chairman of the Hiranandani Foundation, which has made two I.C.S.E. Schools in Hiranandani Gardens Powai in 1990, by the name of Hiranandani Foundation School and also one in their Thane C9mplex started in 1999. He has given away all his savings of last 45 years amounting to Rs.2.S crores to this foundation.

During the drought in 1972, he left his private practice for 8 months, and was appointed as the Honorary Medical Director to handle the entire medical aid for the drought effected people of Maharashtra. 3 million people were immunized during that period. He organized medical treatment for the flood affected people of Bihar and Orissa, in the year 1973. After retiring as Professor Emeritus and advisor from the Topiwala National Medical College, at the age of 83, he is presently working in
1. Bombay Hospital 2. Breach Candy Hospital 3. Jaslok hospital

Whatever money he earns from Jaslok and Breach Candy Hospital is donated back to the Hospital by him for the benefit of the poor patients. He has had a very keen interest in the Kashmir issue.

Dr L.H. Hiranandani is known among his friends as the eyes and ears of the city. He is an active surgeon, who maintains excellent health and works the whole day. He is blessed with three illustrious sons Naveen, Niranjan, and Surendra who are in the Construction Business, who have made the word "Hiranandani" as a strong Brand Name today in the Country known for its quality. They are building a multi-specialty hospital in his name at Hiranandani Gardens Powai, which is expected to commission in December 2003. Dr L.H. Hiranandani, the 84 year young surgeon at heart, wishes to perform the first surgery with his own hands at the Dr L. H. Hiranandani Hospital.

We salute him for his contributions in the field of medicine, social work, and for being a source of inspiration for the present generation , or generations to come. We wish him all the best for a healthy, peaceful and successful life ahead.

"PLANET POWAI" asked Him a few questions:

Q1.Way back in pre-Independent India, what motivated you to come to Mumbai (Bombay) from Pakistan ?
Ans. The desire to become a Doctor has ingrained in my mind from young days. I lost my father at very young age and was brought up with meager resources by my mother, Who sold her gold ornaments so that I could do my Inter-Science, and live upto my ambitions. I knew could realise my dreams in Bombay, I arrived in Bombay with just 100 rupees in 1937. I would like to narrate about one of my senior doctor's generosity in KEM college who gifted me Rs. 2000 so that I could go to London for CS exam. Earning a FRCS was the turning point in my career.

Q2. How does it feel to receive the praise and adulation of millions of Indians?
Ans. It feels great and I make sure to keep my task of treating people going on at all times.

Q3. What message would you give to the young generation of India ?
Ans. Work hard, have ambition in mind. Have devotion, you will succeed. God comes to your help. I am a living example.

Q4. How do you envisage Powai's future as Mumbai's Suburb ?
Ans. Undoubtedly exceptional When my younger son Surendr came and told me, Papa we have purchased land in Powai. I came and literally got a heart attack when I saw the area. It was just rocks, mango trees and hills. But after 5 years when I see it is amazing. Both my sons Niranjan and Surendra did magic to build this beautiful township. Thereafter every year when I visit I see it growing like anything. Once when dining with Colgate-Palmolive US CEO he remarked "even the US Corporate headquarter is not that magnificent as our India Corporate office in Powai. "