SDM Medical College, SDM University celebrated the historical 1000th episode of SDM Doctor Arogya Samvada on 17th and 18th June 2025.
This landmark program has been airing every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM for the last 20 years on Akashvani Dharwad as a live phone-in program.
SDM Arogya Samvada was started on 4th April 2006 by Poojya Shri D. Veerendra Heggade in collaboration with media giant Akashvani Dharwad. Remarkably, the program has never missed a single Tuesday, not even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Each week, doctors from various specialties participate to offer expert medical advice and address public health queries, earning widespread appreciation across the community. SDM Arogya Samvada is the first of its kind in the history of All India Radio (Akashvani) to reach 1000 continuous weekly episodes.
Special Program on 17th June 2025
To commemorate the 1000th episode, Akashvani Dharwad hosted a special phone-in program on 17th June 2025 from 12:05 PM to 1:10 PM. On this occasion, the message and blessings of Poojya Shri Veerendra Heggade were aired.
Prominent participants included:
- Dr. Niranjan Kumar – Vice Chancellor
- Dr. Vijay Kulkarni – Principal, SDM Medical College
- Dr. Kiran Hegde – Medical Superintendent
- Dr. Pavan C.G. – Head of Surgical Oncology
In the evening episode, Dr. Shankargouda Patil, Professor of Ophthalmology, delivered a special talk on advanced ophthalmic services.
Celebration on 18th June 2025
SDM University held a special event on 18th June 2025 to mark this historic milestone.
Chief Guests:
- Dr. Niranjan Kumar – Vice Chancellor
- Shri Sharanabasava Cholin – Head of Programs
During the inauguration, the Vice Chancellor stated:
- SDM Arogya Samvada’s success lies in its social usefulness.
- Every initiative by Poojya Shri Veerendra Heggade has proven successful in society.
- Villagers benefit greatly by consulting doctors over the phone.
- The public values the program highly, especially as health has become a major concern.
- Akashvani Dharwad has played a vital role in spreading the program across North Karnataka.
- The program has never missed a single episode, even during the COVID-19 period.
- SDM Hospital is committed to continuing the program toward its 1500th episode.
A documentary video on the journey to the 1000th episode was screened, and employees of All India Radio were felicitated by the Vice Chancellor.
Cultural Performances & Program Team
A brief cultural program was presented by artists from Akashvani Dharwad.
Notable attendees included:
- Smt. Padmalatha Niranjan
- Shri Saketh Shetty
- Shri Sharanabasava Cholin
- Shri Jeevandhar Kumar
- Akashvani staff and retired members
Program Roles:
- Mrs. Manjula Puranik – Anchored the live program
- Mrs. Maya Raman – Invoked the blessings
- Dr. Vijay Kulkarni – Welcomed the guests
- Dr. Anil R. – Compere (Professor of Plastic Surgery)
- Mr. Babanna Shettigar – Chief PRO, proposed the vote of thanks