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November 18, 2000

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The Rediff Interview/Dr B Ramanna Rao

'Rajakumar's positive outlook
helped him'

On Saturday, Dr Rajakumar is to undergo various medical tests at the Mallya Hospital in Bangalore. His family and friends find him rather weak and a little disoriented after spending 108 days in the forest in the custody of sandalwood smuggler Veerappan, but otherwise in much better physical condition than they expected.

His physician Dr B Ramanna Rao has been checking on him every 2-3 hours and had accompanied Rajakumar, whom Veerappan released on Wednesday, to the hospital. M D Riti spoke to Dr Rao about Rajakumar's physical condition.

How do you find Dr Rajakumar's health to be?

He is far better than we expected. I have done a complete medical examination. He is in very good shape. He has no serious medical problems.

When did you do the first round of medical checks?

As soon as he returned, in his house.

He looks tanned.

His skin is sun burnt after being subjected to extremities of temperature and severe sun burn. The present layer will peel off after some days followed by the appearance of fresh skin. The darkened skin is not a cause for concern, but sometimes it becomes dry and itchy.

He has lost about 4.5 kgs.

He has insect bites all over his body, except his face because he used to cover it with a towel. He has tiny spots all over his body that are irritable. I have recommended medication. The problem should be solved in a week.

What about his state of mind?

The first day, he was a bit disoriented and dazed. However, he has maintained his sense of humour. He met many people after his return and to each he had something to say.

When I met him and touched his feet, he said, "Doctor, your place is not at my feet, it is here," and pointed to his heart.

He told me that he used to remember me every day and so he never fell sick. That really made my day. He used to exercise regularly for two hours a day. His captors shifted camp 80 times in 110 days. However, it doesn't seem to have had an adverse affect on Rajakumar's health.

His mental strength is responsible for his good health, not the forest environment or unpolluted surroundings. Walking has also helped him keep fit.

Has he been taking the medicines you recommended?

Yes.

What tests is he undergoing right now?

An ultrasound, an echo cardiogram, maybe a scan, some special investigations to rule out rare infections

You said he was susceptible to respiratory ailments. Did he not suffer from any of these, being exposed to rains and the elements?

Only during his first few days in the forest.

Can you shed any light on Dr Bhanu?

I don't know anything about her. But it was very nice of her to venture into the forest and help Dr Rajakumar.

Did you discuss Rajakumar's health with Dr Bhanu?

No.

Were any other doctors checking Rajakumar during his forest sojourn?

No. But Veerappan had been telling Dr Rajakumar that he could get him a doctor if he wanted one. Dr Rajakumar did not ask for one.

When Govindaraj was ill, why was no doctor called?

Veerappan did offer to get a doctor in the jungle. Later, he changed his mind and released Govindaraj.

How was Dr Rajakumar's first night at home? Govindaraj had difficulty adjusting to the changed circumstances after being released.

Dr Rajakumar could not sleep on his first night back at home as crackers were being burst all around his house till 0200 hours. There was a steady stream of visitors and he spoke to everyone because he wanted to. He slept for just 2-3 hours, but slept well. He felt very much at home in his own room.

Have you been spending a lot of time with him since he returned?

Yes. I did all the tests and convinced myself that he is fine. I have been checking on him every couple of hours. This will go on for some more time.

Why did he not go in for a check up immediately on coming to Bangalore?

Spending time with his family is much better therapy than hospitalisation.

Can he resume a normal life right away?

It may take him six to 10 weeks to get back to his peak fitness. He is very weak, physically and mentally. He is drained and very stressed out emotionally.

He still looks dazed, being back in civilisation with so many people around him.

Did he expect his release?

No. He thought it might take a little longer.

Why have Rajakumar and Govindaraj reacted differently after being released. Govindaraj came back with high blood pressure and claustrophobia while Rajakumar's minor hypertension disappeared as did his tendency to get respiratory ailments. Despite being older, he seems to have come out in better physical shape.

This is due to his mental make-up. He has a positive outlook.

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