Modi @ Reliance hospital opening: ‘Plastic surgeon may have fixed elephant’s head on Ganesha’

In ancient times, the Prime Minister said, India had marked new frontiers in the field of science.

“Mahabharata says Karna was not born out of his mother’s womb. This means people then were aware of genetic science. There must have been a plastic surgeon who fixed an elephant’s head on Ganesha,” he said, adding what mathematician Aryabhata said centuries ago, world has accepted now.

Modi said like the “kayakalp” (renewal) of the 98-year-old hospital by the Reliance Foundation, it was possible to “renew and transform” the nation.

Sir Harkissondas Narottamdas hospital was founded in 1925 as Mumbai’s first general hospital. The hospital celebrated its silver jubilee with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as its chief guest and the Golden Jubilee celebrations were graced by Jayaprakash Narayan.

During pre-independence period, it treated many freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1997, the Reliance Foundation joined hands with the hospital, which has since undergone major renovation and expansion to become one of the most modern hospitals in South Mumbai.