Belle Monappa Hegde, Cardiologist
Cardiologist

Belle Monappa Hegde

Born 18 August 1938 · Karnataka

Serving as vice chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education from 1999 to 2003.

Belle Monappa Hegde is an Indian cardiologist, professor of medicine, and author. He was the vice chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education from 1999 to 2003. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2010 and Padma Vibhushan in 2021. He has supported homeopathy a pseudoscientific system of alternative medicine and quantum healing.

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A detail that
surprised us

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B. M. Hegde was the first Indian to be invited to examine the Royal College of Physicians' final exams in the UK and Ireland starting in 1988.

The Story

1
🌟 Born in 1938 in the small village of Pangala near Udupi, Karnataka, B. M. Hegde’s journey began far from the bustling metros, yet he would eventually challenge medical norms worldwide.
2
At just 22, in 1960, Hegde graduated from Stanley Medical College, Chennai, a stepping stone that propelled him into a lifelong quest across continents, from Lucknow’s King George Medical College to advanced cardiology training at Harvard and London’s Middlesex Hospital.
3🎓 By 1982, he was breaking barriers as a visiting professor of cardiology at the Middlesex Hospital Medical School, University of London, a rare honor for an Indian at that time, marking his global academic footprint.
4From 1999 to 2003, Hegde steered the Manipal Academy of Higher Education as vice chancellor, overseeing a critical phase of growth and innovation in Indian medical education.

🏅 Awards & Honours

2010
Padma Bhushan
2021
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In 1982, Hegde became a visiting professor of cardiology at Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London, a position rarely held by Indian doctors at the time, highlighting his international recognition.

🖼️

Through the Years

2 photographs from the archives
Prof. Belle Monappa Hegde receiving the Padma Bhushan Award from President Pratibha Patil in New Delhi (2010).
Prof. Belle Monappa Hegde receiving the Padma Bhushan Award from President Pratibha Patil in New Delhi (2010).
2010
Belle Monappa Hegde receiving an honorary doctorate from Andhra Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy (2011).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Pangala, Karnataka
Belle Monappa Hegde was born in the village of Pangala near Udupi, laying the roots for a future medical luminary.
1938
📚
Education
Graduated MBBS from Stanley Medical College
Completed medical degree in Chennai, a foundation for his cardiology career.
1960
📚
Education
MD from King George Medical College
Earned his postgraduate degree in medicine from Lucknow, advancing his clinical expertise.
1964
⚡
Career
Visiting Professor at Middlesex Hospital, London
Became a visiting cardiology professor, marking international recognition of his expertise.
1982
⚡
Career
Appointed Vice Chancellor of Manipal University
Led one of India’s premier medical universities during a period of expansion and reform.
1999
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received one of India’s highest civilian honors for his contributions to medicine.
2010
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Vibhushan
Honored with India’s second highest civilian award, marking a distinguished career.
2021
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
⚡CONTROVERSY

Hegde’s TEDx talk titled 'Change is life' was flagged by TED for containing medical fallacies, reflecting the controversy his views on alternative medicine have sparked even in scientific forums.

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He speaks about seven languages, enabling him to connect deeply with diverse patient populations in India, enhancing his reputation as the 'people’s doctor'.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Hegde started teaching at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, in 1962 and spent over four decades there, eventually becoming principal and dean before leading Manipal University.

No quote recorded for Belle Monappa Hegde yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Ayurveda Over Western Medicines | Dr. B.M HEGDE | TEDxMITE
More from this archive
Ayurveda Over Western Medicines | Dr. B.M HEGDE | TEDxMITE
01
Ayurveda Over Western Medicines | Dr. B.M HEGDE | TEDxMITE
VEGAN MAN Turns NON-VEGETARIAN After Heart Transplant😳😳 - Dr. B M Hegde
02
VEGAN MAN Turns NON-VEGETARIAN After Heart Transplant😳😳 - Dr. B M Hegde
Dr BM Hegde (हिंदी में) Diabetes and Wheat Rice Millet Best Diet Ideal Sugar Level (Hindi Dub)
03
Dr BM Hegde (हिंदी में) Diabetes and Wheat Rice Millet Best Diet Ideal Sugar Level (Hindi Dub)
Work is your health - #Karmayogi - Dr. B. M. Hegde
04
Work is your health - #Karmayogi - Dr. B. M. Hegde
Diet plan for BP and Diabetes - Dr. B M Hegde #bmhegde #bp #sugar #drbmhegde #doctor
05
Diet plan for BP and Diabetes - Dr. B M Hegde #bmhegde #bp #sugar #drbmhegde #doctor
மனிதனுக்கு இதயம் எவ்வளவு முக்கியமோ இதுவும் அப்படித்தான் | Dr BM Hegde
06
மனிதனுக்கு இதயம் எவ்வளவு முக்கியமோ இதுவும் அப்படித்தான் | Dr BM Hegde
Music RAGA can heal Your BP - Dr. B M Hegde
07
Music RAGA can heal Your BP - Dr. B M Hegde
What's wrong with the current system of Medicine or Medical Education - Dr. B. M. Hegde
08
What's wrong with the current system of Medicine or Medical Education - Dr. B. M. Hegde

🌱 What changed because of them

B. M. Hegde reshaped Indian medical education through his leadership at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, influencing generations of doctors. His advocacy for integrating alternative medicine sparked national debates on medical pluralism, challenging rigid scientific orthodoxies and inspiring a broader discourse on holistic health in India.

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