FOUNDER OF LYSANDER HOSPITAL

Dr. Herbert Lysander is the founder of the Lysander Hospital, Virudhunagar. He was born on February 28^th, 1926 to Mr. Samuel Lysander and Mrs. Swarnabai Lysander, in Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. His father, Mr. Samuel Lysander was a first class Magistrate of the then Travencore District. Dr. H. Lysander had two elder brothers and two younger sisters. He was affectionately known as Bobby to his family.

Motivated by his keen interest in the field of medicine, he went to Nagpur, where he completed his medical studies and acquired his L.M.P. degree. At that time, he had the good fortune of meeting Dr. Yoder, an American missionary, who had come to their college to give a guest lecture. On his advice, he decided to work and do service before he settled down to private medical practice. He went to Damtiri in North India where he worked for three years under the guidance of Dr. Yoder. It was through him that Dr. Lysander mastered his surgical skills and also learnt the importance of treating patients with kindness and a smile. That made him the man we know him to be.

In 1953, he came to Virudhunagar to set up his medical practice with nothing more than a few surgical instruments given to him by his mentor, Dr. Yoder, a second hand bicycle and Rs.110 in his pocket. He was a total stranger and a newcomer to the close knit community in Virudhunagar. It is with this meager and humble beginning that he not only established a thriving practice and a name for himself but also earned the love and esteem of so many people in and around Virudhunagar.

The first three years were the most difficult ones he had to face. He had to work very, very hard. His total dedication to his work, his sincerity and his tireless service to humanity soon began to bear fruit. His popularity began to spread far and near. He was philanthropic by nature and was always available for anyone in need at any time of day or night. He had a cheerful smile and a word of encouragement for everyone he met each day. There was not a single family in the then small population of Virudhunagar, which was not touched by his kindness and generosity. He also served as the Family Doctor for most of the local families.

Despite his long hours at the hospital, he also found time for church activities, club and social activities, counseling and always extending a helping hand to those in need. He was the President of the Y.M.C.A., President of the I.M.A., the Y’s Men’s Club and also of the Lions Club. As if this were not enough, Dr. Lysander showed keen enthusiasm in Sports. He was a good athlete, taking part in several events and even winning some prizes. His favorite game was football.

During his period as a Board Member of the Christian Mission Hospital in Madurai, he helped organize an exhibition to raise funds to build a new church. He exhibited 750 specimens of his own surgical work and won the ‘Best Stall’ Award. The project succeeded in raising a lot of funds for the diocese.

There is a lighter side to Dr. Lysander as well. He was always full of jokes and light hearted banter. He always maintained a positive outlook in life. He was a man of varied interests. One of his many hobbies was to perform tricks and magic which was a favorite with the children. One of his famous tricks was to ride a motorbike, blindfolded, through the busy main road of Virudhunagar. Many still recall this feat with amazement. Martial Arts were another favorite hobby. He studied karate at the Budokai Do Training School, Sivakasi. On January 28^th, 1979, he passed the test and acquired the Haichi kyu (Yellow Belt.)

He was married to Mrs. Glory Lysander and was blessed with three sons and two daughters. He was a loving and caring father.

Mrs. Glory Lysander and Dr. Herbert Lysander were a God fearing and a truly blessed couple. All through their lives, they strove to better the lives of the people around them. They were able to reach out to many oppressed and downtrodden people of the society. They will live forever in the hearts of those whose lives they have touched.