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Est. 1951 · Mayyanad, Kerala
Prof. Dr. Shaji
Prabhakaran
M.B.B.S, M.D, D.M (Neuro), Ph.D, FRCP (London)
Neurologist · Academician · Author · Philanthropist
“Karmanye Vadhikarasthe, Ma Phaleshu Kadachana”
Do thy duty, without an eye on the fruits thereof.
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● Currently Practising
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Aaraamam, Pongumoodu, TVPM
42+
Awards Received
28+
Trustee / Patron Of
30+
Years in Medical Education
20+
MD Theses Guided
15
Books Authored
15¢
Land Donated for Anganwadi & Old-age Homes
The Man
A son of Mayyanad, a healer of minds and body
From the legendary village of Mayyanad in Kollam — birthplace of journalists, reformers and educators — emerged a doctor whose life has been an unbroken thread of medicine, literature and quiet philanthropy.
Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran was born in Veliyil Kizhakkathil, a well-educated traditional Ezhava family of Mayyanad — a village just 10 km from Kollam that has, for centuries, told a legendary story in the cultural, educational, social and political life of Kerala.
Mayyanad is the motherland of world-famous journalists like C.V. Kunjuraman, K. Balakrishnan and K. Sukumaran. Dr. Shaji is, undoubtedly, an asset to that legacy — born into an extended family of scholars, physicians and public-minded administrators (see notable relatives, alongside).
With self-consciousness and self-confidence he has built today's stature — a well-known neurologist, a generous teacher, a prolific author and an ardent believer in Sree Narayana Guru's teachings, adopting the Geetha ideology in his practical life.
For three decades he served the Government Medical Colleges at Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Kottayam as Lecturer, Professor and Principal — retiring as Principal of Alappuzha Medical College.
At a glance
- Born9th June 1951, Mayyanad, Kerala, India
- Lives inThiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- SpouseDr. R. Salma, M.S., DO, DNB (Ophthal)
- SonDr. Nakul. S. — Ph.D Nano Electronics, Wisconsin University, USA
Notable relatives
- ❧ Sri. A. Sekharan, B.A.
- ❧ Sri. A. Ramachandran, B.A.
- ❧ Major General S.N. Rajan
- ❧ Dr. S. Balaji, IPS (M.A. Eng, Ph.D., LL.M)
- ❧ Sri. Madhu, IAS
- ❧ Er. K. Suresh Raj, B.Tech, M.A. (Eng), M.I.E (India)
- ❧ Justice S. Sirijagan, LL.M
- ❧ Fr. Dr. Ferdinant Kayavil, Ph.D. (Theology)
- ❧ Prof. P.K.G. Purushothaman
- ❧ Prof. Dr. N. Manilal Kothari (M.Sc., Ph.D.)
- ❧ Sri. M. Prabhakaran Thampi
- ❧ Dr. R. Gopimani — M.Sc. (Agri), Ph.D. (Agri)
Journey
Five decades of learning and service
From a Botany degree in 1970 to FRCP London in 2011 — a continuous arc of education, teaching and bedside neurology.
Education
Academic milestones
- 1970DegreeB.Sc. BotanyUniversity of Kerala
- 1975DegreeM.B.B.SUniversity of Kerala
- 1980DegreeD.P.M. (Diploma in Psychological Medicine)University of Bombay
- 1987DegreeM.D. (General Medicine)University of Kerala
- 1989DegreeD.M. (Neurology)University of Kerala
- 2006DegreePh.D. (Neurology)University of Rochester, USA
- 2011DegreeFRCPRoyal College of Physicians, London
Career
Three decades of service
- 1977 – 1979ICMR Research FellowIndian Council of Medical Research
- 1989 – 2010sLecturer, Professor & PrincipalGovt. Medical Colleges — Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha & Kottayam
- Retired asPrincipalGovernment Medical College, Alappuzha
- PresentHon. Sr. Consultant NeurologistCosmopolitan Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., Trivandrum
- Since 1996Research GuideUniversity of Kerala — guided 20+ MD theses & PhD scholars
Today
Hon. Sr. Consultant Neurologist — Cosmopolitan Hospitals Pvt. Ltd., Trivandrum
Bibliography
Fifteen books across two languages
Columns in Mathrubhumi, Kerala Kaumudi, Deepika and The Hindu — and fifteen original volumes spanning neurology, philosophy and literature.
#01Kazhchappadukal
Malayalam
#02Neuro Samvadham
Malayalam
#03Thunadathil Kizhakkathil
Malayalam
#04
Panikkassery
Malayalam
Panikkassery
Malayalam
#05Life in the Department of Neurology
English · with Prof. Dr. K. Rajasekharan Nair
#06Chinthakal
Malayalam
#07Vivaksha
Malayalam
#08Vivaksha (2)
Malayalam
#09Vivaksha (3)
Malayalam
#10
Kavitha Slokanjali
Sanskrit / Malayalam
Kavitha Slokanjali
Sanskrit / Malayalam
#11Asthikatha
Malayalam
#12Apramatham
Malayalam
#13
Daivadasakam Englishil
English
Daivadasakam Englishil
English
#14Daivadasakam Thribhasha
Malayalam · English · Hindi
#15Hindu Budhamatham
Malayalam
Recognition
Forty-two awards — and counting
Honoured for contributions to rural health, medical education, literature and philanthropy. Best Tax Payer of Thiruvananthapuram (1999) by the Income Tax Department.
Abdulkalam Memorial Charitable Society Award
Sukumar Azhikode Award
Dr. Palpu Memorial Award
Guru Nithya Chaithanya Award
World Teachers Day Award
Gandhi Bhavan Institute Award
Anti Narcotic Action Centre of India Award
Viswavedi Sahithya Puraskar Award
Pradama Poojanilayam Award
Doctor's Day Award
Varkala Radhakrishnan Foundation Award
Janakeeya Dr. Puraskaram
Human Rights Activities Excellency Award
Best Tax Payer — Income Tax Dept., Thiruvananthapuram (1999)
Abdulkalam Memorial Charitable Society Award
Sukumar Azhikode Award
Dr. Palpu Memorial Award
Guru Nithya Chaithanya Award
World Teachers Day Award
Gandhi Bhavan Institute Award
Anti Narcotic Action Centre of India Award
Viswavedi Sahithya Puraskar Award
Pradama Poojanilayam Award
Doctor's Day Award
Varkala Radhakrishnan Foundation Award
Janakeeya Dr. Puraskaram
Human Rights Activities Excellency Award
Best Tax Payer — Income Tax Dept., Thiruvananthapuram (1999)
42+
Awards Received
Across rural health, medical education, charity and literature.
1999
Best Tax Payer
Recognised by Income Tax Department, Thiruvananthapuram.
15
Books Authored
In English, Malayalam and Sanskrit — from Neuro Samvadham to Daivadasakam.
Honors & Public Life
A life lived in service of others
Glimpses from a public life — felicitations, awards, and audiences with luminaries of Kerala. These archival photographs have been digitally restored to honour the moments they captured.
Portraitc. 2005
A Younger Dr. Shaji
Portrait amidst memorabilia of public life
HonorsReg. T. 3894
Mayyanad Sangamam
Felicitating Justice S. Sirijagan, Kerala High Court
HonorsAward
C. Kesavan Award
Receiving the C. Kesavan Award from Mr. K. E. Mamen
RoyalRoyal Reception
An Audience with Royalty
Presenting the author's copy of "Vivaksha" to Princess Gowri Lekshmibhai
Public LifeState Meet
Gurudharma Pracharana Sevak
State meet inauguration with Hon. Minister Sri. Babu Divakaran
HonorsCharitable
Social & Charitable Award
Citizen Forum, Pathanapuram — presented by Hon. Minister Sri. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan
Honors2002
Jeevan Raksha Award
Presented by Hon. Minister Sri. Kadavoor Sivadasan
Public Life2015
Anti-Narcotic Day Award
Receiving recognition from Hon. Minister Sri. Ramesh Chennithala
Honors2015
Rashtra Seva Award
National Service Award conferred for sustained civic contribution
Public Life2003
International Day Against Drug Abuse
Presiding at VJT Hall, Trivandrum — Hon. Minister Sri. Kadavoor Sivadas distributes the award to Magician Master Bhagyanath
Public Life2013
Observance — World Drug Abuse Day
Presiding at VJT Hall, Trivandrum — function inaugurated by Hon. Minister Sri. K. P. Mohanan, with Most Rev. Dr. Susa Pakiam (Metropolitan Arch Bishop) & Adv. K. Chandrika (Mayor of Trivandrum)
ServiceCharity
Bed-Sheets for the Poor
Donating bed-sheets to patients of Ward 9, General Hospital, Trivandrum
HonorsFelicitation
Ponnada from Sri. Oommen Chandy
Receiving the Ponnada from Sri. Oommen Chandy (Leader of the Opposition) at the C. Kesavan Smaraka Award distribution
ServiceAwareness
World Epilepsy Day Walk
Public awareness march led by Neuro Samvadam — bringing brain health to the streets
HonorsAward
Karma Sreshta Award
Receiving the Karma Sreshta Award from Hon. Minister Sri. Kadavoor Sivadasan
AuthorBook Release
Book Release — "Kazhchappadukal"
Releasing his book Kazhchappadukal with Hon. Minister Sri. G. Sudhakaran
ServiceOnam
Onam Gifts to the Poor
Presenting Onam gifts to underprivileged families — a yearly tradition
Public LifeMemorial
K. Sukumaran Memorial
Placing a wreath at the death anniversary of Kerala Kaumudi Pathradhipar Sri. K. Sukumaran
ServiceSymposium
Neuro Samvadam — III
Stroke awareness symposium inaugurated by Hon. Speaker Sri. Therambil Ramakrishnan
Public LifeTribute
Wreath Ceremony — Sri. K. Sukumaran
Floral tribute at the Kerala Kaumudi editor's death anniversary observance
Sports30 March 2002
State Kalaripayattu Festival
Chairing the State Kalaripayattu Festival at Jimmy George Indoor Stadium
Public LifeNew Delhi
ANACI Chairman — Taking Over
Taking-over function as Chairman of the Anti-Narcotic Action Centre of India, New Delhi
ServiceSolidarity
Solidarity with C. K. Janu
Standing with tribal leader C. K. Janu during the Nilppu Sathyagraham
Public LifeState Committee
K. Balakrishnan Samskarika Pathrapravarthaka Samithi
With the State Committee at the M. N. V. G. Adiyodi Memorial Hall
HonorsMemorandum
Audience with the Governor
Submitting a memorandum to His Excellency the Governor of Kerala, Justice Sri. P. Sadasivam
FamilyChildhood
With My Guru & Mentor
A young Shaji with his grandmother Smt. I. Gourikutty, retired Headmistress — his lifelong guru and mentor
Public LifeInauguration
Kerala Leaders Meet
Inaugurating the All-India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations — Kerala Leaders Meet
Honors2005
Ponnada from the Speaker
Receiving the Ponnada from Kerala Legislative Assembly Speaker Sri. Therambil Ramakrishnan
Public LifePublic Event
On the Felicitation Stage
On stage with dignitaries during a state-level recognition function
Public Life2007
Drug Abuse Observance — Kanakakunnu Palace
Presiding over the International Day Against Drug Abuse function at Kanakakunnu Palace, Trivandrum
Service2007
Nutritional Week — 2007
At the inaugural function of "Nutritional Week 2007" — lighting the ceremonial lamp
HonorsInauguration
Medical Mission Hospital — Inauguration
Hon. Minister Sri. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan felicitating Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran
ServiceCharity
A Motorcycle for the Differently-Abled
Distributing a free motorcycle to a physically-challenged person — DDRC initiative
Public LifeDec 30 – Jan 1, 2004
71st Sivagiri Theerthadana Mahamaham
Speaking at the 71st Sivagiri Theerthadana Mahamaham — Sree Narayana Guru's annual pilgrimage assembly
Press29 June 2006
Mangalam — "Charithramezhuthi Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran Viramikkunnu"
Mangalam newspaper feature on Dr. Shaji's retirement after 28 years of distinguished medical service
Family1975
My First Consultation Fee — Rs. 10
Achach's sister and her husband Adv. C. Narayanan — she handed me my very first consulting fee of Rs. 10 in 1975
FamilyPortrait
Kunju Pillai Sir
A portrait of Kunju Pillai Sir — a guiding figure of unwavering principle
FamilyMemory
Family & Colleagues Gathering
A family and close-circle gathering — a quiet record of the people who walked alongside through the years
HonorsAward
Sukumar Azhikode Memorial Award
Receiving the Sukumar Azhikode Memorial Award at the Trust's annual ceremony — the inscribed plaque carries the Doctor's own portrait
FamilyChristmas
With Rhea Nakul
A Christmas moment with granddaughter Rhea Nakul — three generations carrying forward the same quiet joy
Service16 June 1974
16·06·74 — The First Day
"The day I started my journey with my patients" — a framed memento marking 16 June 1974, the very first day of a lifelong vocation
FamilyFamily
Ancestral Portrait
A treasured framed portrait of the elder generation — the quiet foundation from which a long life of service was built
PressKerala Kaumudi 113th Anniversary
Kerala Kaumudi "Legacy Makers" Award
Receiving the Kerala Kaumudi Legacy Makers Award from His Excellency the Governor of Kerala, Sri. Arif Mohammed Khan — at the 113th Anniversary celebrations, Hotel Apollo Dimora, Trivandrum
Honors2025
Dr. Sukumar Azhikode Memorial National Award
Conferred by the Dr. Sukumar Azhikode Smaraka Desheeya Trust — President: Sasthamthala Sahadevan · General Secretary: Panavila Rajasekharan
HonorsAmerican Journey
Sree Narayana Samskarika Samithi — Send-off
Felicitation plaque from the Sree Narayana Samskarika Samithi on the occasion of his journey to America, in service of the Samithi's international outreach
FamilyFamily
Family Portrait
A treasured family portrait — the three at the heart of everything
Memories of '69-'70No one has been identified yet.
Education1969-70
Sree Narayana College, Quilon — B.Sc. Botany, 1969-70
The outgoing B.Sc. (Botany Main) class of 1969-70 at Sree Narayana College, Quilon. The young P. Shaji stands among classmates whose names live on in the inscription below — the season just before medicine called him onward.
Memories of '66No one has been identified yet.
Educationc. 1966
10th Standard — English Medium High School, Mayyanad
Class photograph from his 10th standard year at English Medium High School, Mayyanad — the very first chapter of a long life in learning
42+
Awards Received
Across rural health, education, charity, and literature.
28+
Honorary Roles
Trustee, Patron and Chairman positions across Kerala.
30+
Years of Service
Three decades teaching and treating in Kerala's medical colleges.
Body & Spirit
An athlete, a martial artist — a complete man
Beyond the operating room and the writing desk, Dr. Shaji has lived a vigorously physical life — from state-level football to leading the Kerala Kalaripayattu Association.
State-level Footballer
Represented at school level — Kerala State competitions.
Badminton — MCH Team
Active player during Medical College years.
Kalaripayattu Practitioner
Trained at MCH; lifelong student of Kerala's traditional martial art.
President — Kerala State Kalaripayattu Association
Held the State Presidency in the year 2000.
Weightlifter
Competed in weightlifting at university tournaments.
Degree-Fling (Discus) Player
Athletics — discus throw athlete during academic years.
Maramadi (Bullock-Cart Racing)
Participant in Kerala's traditional rural sport of Maramadi.
“A healthy body is the chamber of a healthy mind. Medicine without movement is incomplete.”
Service
Twenty-eight organizations. One mission.
Patron, Trustee or Chairman of 28+ charitable bodies — from Red Cross India to ANACI to the Sree Narayana Trust.
Land Donation
Donated 15 cents of land for two Anganwadis and two Old-age Homes.
Free Monthly Camps
Conducts free community treatment camps every month for underserved patients.
Public Health Education
Organizes regular study classes on public health & preventive medicine.
Trustee · Patron · Chairman
❧Red Cross Society of India
❧Cancer Remedy Assistance Bureau (CRAB)
❧Sree Narayana Samskarik Samithi
❧Y's Men International — Honour Roll
❧Media Check
❧Anti Narcotic Action Centre of India (ANACI) — Chairman
❧Sree Narayana Spiritual Centre — Trustee
❧Siddha Marma Practitioner's — Chief Patron
❧Sahithya Panchanan Sankrithi Vedi — Patron
❧SNDP Kollam — Medical Expert
❧Sree Narayana Trust, Kollam — Permanent Director Board Member
❧SSS International — Chairman
❧Neuro Samvadam Thiruvananthapuram — Chief Organizer
❧Reader's Club / Pothujana Arogya Vidyabhyasa — Chief Organizer
Press · Television · Editorial
A familiar voice on Kerala's media landscape
Columnist, commentator and editor across decades — making complex medicine accessible to ordinary readers.
Newspapers
Columnist
- Mathrubhumi
- Kerala Kaumudi
- Deepika
- The Hindu
Television
Medical Talks
- Doordarshan
- Asianet
- Surya TV
- Amrita TV
- Kairali Channel
- People Channel
- Jaihind TV
Editorial Roles
Currently
- Hon. EditorKadumbajyothi (Malayalam Monthly)
- Hon. EditorMalayala Desam (Malayalam Monthly)
- Chief EditorArthek (Malayalam Fortnightly)
- Hon. EditorViswavedi
- Hon. EditorOlymba Lifecare Foundation
- Editor in ChiefBowdha Publications, Thiruvananthapuram
- PatronAyushpandanam (3-monthly journal)
Photo Gallery
A life, in pictures
From the consulting room to traditional Kerala mundu — quiet glimpses into a public life.
More photographs added regularly. Upload via the admin panel.
Writing
From the desk
Reflections on neurology, philosophy, and the practice of medicine in Kerala.
4 April 2025 Philosophy
Sree Narayana Guru and the Modern Physician
"One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man." How the Guru's universalism still shapes the ethics of medical practice in Kerala.
21 February 2025 Community
Why I Still Run Free Camps After Retirement
Retirement from the medical college never meant retirement from medicine. A reflection on monthly community treatment camps.
Calendar
Events & community camps
Upcoming public lectures, free health camps and book releases — plus a record of recent events.
Upcoming
Free Community Health Camp
10 August 2025 Mayyanad, Kollam
Monthly free consultation camp — neurology screening, BP & diabetes check-up, free medicines for the elderly.
Upcoming
Neuro Samvadham — Public Lecture
2 September 2025 Thiruvananthapuram
Public lecture series on stroke prevention and brain health — open to all.
Reach Out
Get in touch
For consultations, lectures, book releases, or charitable engagements — a message will reach Dr. Shaji's office.
Official
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Aaraamam, Pongumoodu, TVPM
Residence
Aaraamam, Bapuji Nagar, Pongummoodu, Medical College P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695011, Kerala, India