‘Hyd’s former intimacy has faded’

In a world where medicine, sports and environmental advocacy rarely intersect, Prof. Major Dr. S. Bakhtiar Choudary (Retd.) stands as a remarkable exception. A visionary with over four decades of unparalleled contributions, Dr. Choudary is a man of many hats—a trailblazing sports medicine doctor, a dedicated environmentalist and a passionate educator. His journey, rooted in a proud military lineage, has taken him from the front lines of the Indian Army to the forefront of medical innovation. From saving thousands from invasive surgeries with groundbreaking research to pioneering eco-restoration methods, Dr. Choudary’s multifaceted expertise has touched countless lives, including world-class athletes and everyday citizens.
    When Major Dr. S. Bakhtiar Choudhury, reflects on his long-standing relationship with Hyderabad, his voice resonates with both nostalgia and pride. “I arrived in Hyderabad in 1976, when my father was posted here. I was just starting my first year of intermediate studies. Although our military family had moved frequently, this city marked a significant chapter in my life,” he recalls.
      His early days in Hyderabad are etched in his memory with vivid clarity. “We had been living in a village before this, so Hyderabad was a revelation. I joined New Science College in Ameerpet, which had one of the few Telugu-medium sections at that time. Later, I secured a spot at Gandhi Medical College, achieving one of the top 10 ranks despite my Telugu-medium education—a moment of immense pride. My father retired here and we settled in the Defence Colony. It’s been over 45 years since,” he says, reflecting on his deep connection to the city.
           The transformation of Hyderabad over the decades is something he has witnessed firsthand. He reminisces, “In the late ‘70s, we lived in Ammuguda and the winters were so distinct, with fog so thick you’d need woolen caps, gloves and layers of clothing. It felt almost like living in Switzerland! Sainikpuri was serene, with its expansive green lawns and minimal housing, predominantly occupied by retired military officers. People would visit to admire its cleanliness and tranquility.”
        However, time has brought significant changes. Today, he says, Hyderabad is bustling with vehicles, immigrants and rising pollution. “Despite this, it remains distinctive. Compared to other cities, Hyderabad has relatively low crime rates and is among the more affordable and safe cities to live in. The ease with which people communicate across languages adds to the city’s welcoming nature.”
    The cultural essence of Hyderabad, according to him, seems to have been overshadowed by pollution. “Once, mutual respect and harmony between communities were the norms, with festivals of both Hindu and Muslim traditions celebrated with equal fervour. But now, these communal bonds have been politicised and the city’s former intimacy has faded,” he laments. The city’s growth is commendable, with new buildings, IT companies and job opportunities, yet the softness and greenery of old Hyderabad have diminished. Sainikpuri, once lush with its own microclimate and abundant greenery, is now overshadowed by concrete and urban sprawl.”
          Coming from a rural background, Hyderabad was an eye-opener for him. The clean, green and calm environment of the Army area was captivating. “My family and I decided to make it our home. I immersed myself in diverse activities—karate, kung fu, music and painting. I was never a bookworm; I balanced my studies with these passions,” he shares.
       Over time, his talents flourished as he became an accomplished painter, participated in numerous exhibitions and even won awards in wildlife photography. His enthusiasm for martial arts led him to achieve black belts in karate and kung fu. “I also explored dance, mastering various styles, some of which were quite obscure,” he says with pride.
In 1985, Dr. Choudhury held his first painting exhibition in Sainikpuri. To support himself financially, he sketched portraits at Secunderabad station, earning modest sums. He also taught painting to local children and army families. “My mother gifted me a Bullet motorcycle and I needed to fund its petrol, so sketching became a way to earn,” he laughs.
His early writings for the Indian Express and Deccan Chronicle showcased his environmental awareness. “I wrote about local bird species and their habitats. The response was encouraging. Unfortunately, many of those lakes have since diminished, though the government is making efforts to address environmental concerns,” he explains. His commitment to wildlife conservation led him to found the Friends of Snakes Society with his son, a skilled snake rescuer.
       His home garden, recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records, is an evidence to his enduring passion for nature. “In just 125 square yards, I have over a thousand plants, including more than a hundred bonsai trees. His career in sports medicine has been marked by significant achievements. He was among the first in India to specialise in this field, contributing groundbreaking research and treating numerous notable personalities, including actors Balakrishna, Venkatesh and Anil Kapoor. “My work in sports medicine and environmental health has been fulfilling. I’ve developed innovative treatments for back and neck pain and authored a book on vitamin D,” he shares.
          Reflecting on Hyderabad, he sees it as a city of freedom and opportunity. “Hyderabad stands out with its unique character. My journey, from securing a medical seat to hosting a painting exhibition and joining the army, has been shaped by this city. I hope that as Hyderabad continues to grow, its distinctive culture is preserved.”
        His observations on Hyderabad’s healthcare infrastructure highlight the disparities in access and quality between public and private sectors. “While Hyderabad’s corporate healthcare sector has set high standards, public hospitals like Gandhi and Osmania need upgrades and better service quality. Implementing modest consultation fees and involving volunteers could improve public health services.”
        Now, you focus on helping people avoid hospitalisation altogether. According to him, “The more medical development progresses, the less hospitals should be needed. It means people should become healthier.” He highlights the issue with the influx of unverified information through WhatsApp: “None of your WhatsApp messages include the originator, their qualifications, their email, or their address. How can you rely on such inputs for your life? You shouldn’t.”
        He continues, “Everyone talks about nutrition without understanding the calories of each item. Even doctors often lack proper knowledge about nutrition, as it’s not a core subject in medical school. People mistakenly view yoga merely as an exercise program, forgetting its philosophical roots. In Hyderabad, it seems like everyone considers themselves an expert. As he puts it, ‘Everybody can be a Turum Khan here. You can advise anything without needing a degree.’ This misinformation particularly impacts rural areas, where people are inundated with confusing advice.”
       In conclusion, he says, “We still face a lot of hit -and-run, we really need heavy fines to keep the city fine.”