Milestones That Shaped the Journey
Every professional journey can be measured through awards, titles, publications, and positions held.
Yet some milestones matter not because of the recognition they bring, but because they reflect values, relationships, lessons, and experiences that shape a lifetime of work.
This page traces selected moments that have influenced Dr. Rakesh PS’s journey across public health, research, service, mentorship, and community engagement.
Foundations of Service
Rashtrapati Scout Award
One of the earliest formative influences in Dr. Rakesh’s life came through the Bharat Scouts and Guides movement.
The Rashtrapati Scout Award, conferred by the President of India, recognized years of service, leadership development, discipline, teamwork, and commitment to community welfare.
More importantly, scouting introduced values that would later remain central to his public health career: service before self, leadership through action, community participation, and responsibility towards society.
Among the memories associated with the award, one message has remained particularly enduring. The certificate, signed by the President of India on 29 November 1998, carried the words:
“Let your life be a joyous adventure in the service of others.”
Over the years, that simple sentence became more than a ceremonial message. It evolved into a guiding principle that would resonate through his work in public health, community service, research, mentorship, and health systems strengthening.
Looking back, many of the values that later shaped his professional journey were first learned in a scout uniform.
Early Public Health Service
He subsequently joined Christian Medical College, Vellore, for postgraduate training in Community Medicine, an experience he often describes as transformative in shaping both the epidemiologist and health systems thinker in him. Exposure to field epidemiology, community health realities, social determinants of disease, and evidence-based public health practice deepened his commitment to implementation-oriented public health work.
During his years in Vellore, Dr. Rakesh became known among many patients for a simple philosophy: “Healing with hands and a smile.” One of the patient relationships formed during that period continues to this day. Every year after Pongal, a former patient travels several miles to personally deliver a packet of traditional sweets prepared by his mother—a gesture that Dr. Rakesh considers among the most meaningful recognitions he has received.
He graduated as the Best Outgoing Postgraduate Student and received the Dr. Kesavalu Endowment Gold Medal from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University for securing first rank in Community Medicine. These recognitions reflected not only academic excellence, but also leadership, service, and a commitment to public health practice.
Academic Milestones
Winner – Scientific Presentation- 9th International Winter Symposium
During the 9th International Winter Symposium at Christian Medical College, Vellore, Dr. Rakesh received recognition for the best scientific presentation. The study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers regarding childhood diarrhoea management and highlighted the importance of health literacy and caregiver education. Looking back, the work reflected an early interest in understanding why knowledge does not always translate into action—a question that would later shape much of his research and public health practice.
Best Outgoing Postgraduate Student
At the completion of his postgraduate training in Community Medicine at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, Dr. Rakesh was awarded the Dr. Rangarajan Prize for the Best Outgoing Postgraduate Student during November 2012.
The recognition reflected academic excellence, professional commitment, leadership, and active engagement in public health practice during his years of training.
More importantly, the period at CMC helped shape many of the questions that would later define his professional journey—questions related to epidemiology, implementation science, health systems, equity, and community-centered public health action.
Dr. Kesavalu Endowment Gold Medal
Dr. Rakesh was awarded the Dr. Kesavalu Endowment Gold Medal for securing First Rank in Community Medicine at The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University. The recognition reflected academic excellence and a strong foundation in epidemiology, preventive medicine, and population health, reinforcing a lifelong commitment to translating scientific knowledge into better health outcomes for communities.
Best Medical Publication Award (2014–2015)
In 2014–2015, the Indian Medical Association recognized Dr. Rakesh with the Best Medical Publication Award for a study that identified declining immunization coverage and examined the factors contributing to the trend.
At a time when immunization programs were often evaluated primarily through coverage figures, the study explored the underlying operational, social, and systemic reasons influencing vaccine uptake and service utilization.
The findings highlighted important gaps affecting immunization delivery and drew attention to the need for stronger community engagement, improved health communication, and more responsive public health systems.
The study reinforced a principle that would continue to guide much of his later research and implementation work:
Understanding why systems fail is often the first step towards helping them improve.
Outstanding Young Doctor Award
On National Doctors’ Day, 1 July 2017, Dr. Rakesh received the Outstanding Young Doctor Award from the Indian Medical Association in recognition of his contributions to public health, community engagement, and health systems strengthening.
The award recognized initiatives aimed at addressing urban health challenges in and around Kochi, including TB-Free Kochi, which later contributed to the scale-up of Kerala’s TB Elimination Mission, and Unite for Healthy Ernakulam, a collaborative movement that brought together healthcare institutions, local governments, professional bodies, civil society organizations, and communities to promote disease prevention and healthier lifestyles.
For Dr. Rakesh, the award was meaningful because it affirmed a principle that continues to guide his work: sustainable public health change is achieved when communities become active partners in improving health and wellbeing
Bernard Lown Scholarship in Cardiovascular Health
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
A major turning point in Dr. Rakesh’s academic and professional journey came through the Bernard Lown Scholarship in Cardiovascular Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The scholarship was awarded to early- and mid-career researchers from developing countries whose work contributed to addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases through research, implementation, policy, and public health action.
For Dr. Rakesh, the recognition extended beyond his ongoing implementation research on cardiovascular health. It also reflected a broader commitment to community engagement, health literacy, and translating scientific knowledge into practical action.
The Department of Global Health and Population at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recognized his Malayalam health education initiative, Arivu Arogyam Jeevitham, which sought to make complex medical concepts understandable and accessible to children, families, and communities. The recognition represented a convergence of two enduring interests in his work: scientific rigor and the democratization of health knowledge.
Encounters That Inspired a Different Way of Thinking
An Afternoon with Sir Bernard Lown
One of the most memorable experiences during his time at Harvard was a scheduled meeting with Dr. Bernard Lown at his home.
After reviewing the illustrations and educational concepts behind Arivu Arogyam Jeevitham, he had also gifted a signed copy of The Lost Art of Healing, inscribing it:
“To Rakesh, who has not lost the Art! with admiration.”
Originally planned as a brief thirty-minute interaction, the conversation continued for nearly two hours.
During the meeting, Dr. Lown spoke extensively about his life’s work, his patients and his role in the international movement that helped prevent nuclear war and ultimately led to the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.
The discussion moved far beyond medicine and public health. It touched on leadership, social responsibility, moral courage, and the role of physicians in addressing the broader challenges facing humanity.
Before the meeting concluded, Dr. Lown offered a piece of advice that Dr. Rakesh would remember long afterward:
“Think high. Do high”
As Dr. Rakesh prepared to leave, Dr. Lown presented him with a signed copy of another book –Prescriptions for Survival.
More importantly, they reinforced a lesson that continues to guide his work.
Public health is not only about preventing disease. It is about imagining and building a better future for communities, societies, and humanity itself.
Public Health Milestones
Strengthening Public Health Systems in Kollam
In 2013, the District Administration of Kollam recognized Dr. Rakesh for his contributions to disease control, public health surveillance, workforce development, and community health initiatives in the district.
As District Epidemiologist under the National Health Mission, he worked with government agencies, healthcare institutions, local governments, and community stakeholders to strengthen disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health preparedness. His work included improving disease reporting systems, supporting the containment of infectious disease outbreaks, building the capacity of frontline health workers, and promoting greater participation of the private healthcare sector in public health activities.
The recognition reflected a broader effort to strengthen public health systems through collaboration, preparedness, and community engagement. The experience reinforced a lesson that would continue to shape his career: sustainable public health progress depends not only on controlling diseases, but also on strengthening the systems, partnerships, and people responsible for preventing them.
Milestones in TB Elimination
Among the many initiatives associated with Dr. Rakesh’s work, the certification of Lakshadweep as India’s first TB-Free geography remains especially memorable.
The achievement reflected the collective efforts of healthcare workers, administrators, local governments, community leaders, civil society organizations, and island communities working towards a shared vision.
Achieving TB-Free status in a geographically dispersed island territory required close collaboration between health workers, administrators, community leaders, local governments, and civil society organizations. The experience demonstrated how sustained community engagement, accountability, and health system strengthening can translate ambitious public health goals into measurable outcomes.
Beyond tuberculosis elimination, it demonstrated how trust, participation, and community ownership can transform public health outcomes even in geographically isolated settings.
Working alongside government programs, healthcare institutions, local self-governments, professional associations, and community stakeholders, Dr. Rakesh contributed to efforts during a period when Kerala demonstrated a nearly 40% decline in tuberculosis incidence over five years.
The achievement reflected years of work involving surveillance strengthening, public-private partnerships, decentralized accountability, community engagement, and implementation innovation.
Together, these experiences demonstrated how community ownership, decentralized leadership, public-private partnerships, and implementation innovation can accelerate progress towards disease elimination.
India Innovation Summit: Pioneering Solutions to End TB
In March 2025, Dr. Rakesh played a key role in conceptualizing and co-orchestrating the India Innovation Summit: Pioneering Solutions to End TB, a landmark national event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, that brought together innovators, policymakers, researchers, programme leaders, industry partners, funders, and public health experts to accelerate India’s progress towards tuberculosis elimination.
Jointly organized by the Department of Health Research, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Central TB Division, The Union, and the Gates Foundation, the summit served as one of India’s largest platforms for translating innovation into action for TB elimination.
The summit attracted more than 1,400 delegates and showcased 238 innovations spanning diagnostics, artificial intelligence, digital health, screening technologies, logistics, and service delivery models. Through scientific sessions, innovation showcases, and stakeholder dialogues, the summit created opportunities for policymakers, researchers, programme leaders, regulators, and implementation partners to identify and scale solutions capable of strengthening India’s tuberculosis response.
Beyond showcasing innovations, the summit sought to bridge the gap between invention and implementation by accelerating the adoption of promising technologies and approaches within national health programmes.
Standing with Kerala During Times of Crisis
Public health leadership is often tested not during routine periods, but during moments of uncertainty, disruption, and crisis.
Across outbreaks, natural disasters, and public health emergencies, Dr. Rakesh has been privileged to work alongside healthcare workers, administrators, public health professionals, volunteers, and communities responding to some of Kerala’s most challenging situations.
Kerala Floods (2018)
The devastating floods that affected Kerala in 2018 created one of the largest humanitarian and public health emergencies in the state’s recent history.
Working alongside government agencies and public health teams, Dr. Rakesh contributed to flood relief and disaster response activities, supporting efforts aimed at protecting public health, preventing disease outbreaks, strengthening surveillance, and coordinating response mechanisms in affected areas.
In recognition of his outstanding dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts in delivering services to the state during the disaster response, the Government of Kerala issued a Certificate of Appreciation.
The experience reinforced the importance of preparedness, resilience, intersectoral coordination, and the critical role of public health systems during humanitarian emergencies.
Nipah Virus Outbreak (2019)
When Kerala faced the Nipah virus outbreak, rapid surveillance, contact tracing, risk assessment, and coordinated public health action became essential to containing transmission.
Dr. Rakesh supported the state’s response efforts through surveillance coordination and technical inputs that contributed to strengthening public health operations during the outbreak.
The Government of Kerala subsequently recognized his contribution through a Certificate of Appreciation.
The outbreak highlighted the importance of vigilance, scientific decision-making, and strong surveillance systems in responding to emerging infectious diseases.
COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge to health systems across the world.
The technical support included strengthening surveillance systems, preparing advisories and operational guidance during a period when evidence was rapidly evolving, supporting response planning, and contributing to efforts that helped Kerala maintain one of the lowest COVID-19 case fatality ratios in the country.
Working alongside numerous experts, administrators, clinicians, public health professionals, and frontline workers, he contributed to efforts that helped strengthen evidence-informed decision-making during a period of immense uncertainty.
In recognition of these contributions, the Government of Kerala issued a Certificate of Appreciation in 2021.
For Dr. Rakesh, the recognition represents not an individual achievement, but a reminder of the extraordinary dedication shown by healthcare workers, public health professionals, scientists, administrators, volunteers, and communities who came together during one of the most challenging periods in recent history.
Recognition through Values
Annual Values Award- The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union)
In November 2024, Dr. Rakesh received the Annual Values Award from The Union during its global gathering in Bali, Indonesia.
The award recognizes individuals who exemplify the organization’s core values of Accountability, Independence, Quality, Respect, and Transparency in their professional work and interactions.
For Dr. Rakesh, the recognition was particularly meaningful because it reflected principles that have guided his work across public health practice, research, implementation science, mentorship, and leadership. It served as a reminder that sustainable public health impact depends not only on technical excellence, but also on integrity, humility, respect for communities, and accountability to the people being served.
“Public health achievements may be measured through numbers, but trust is built through values.”
Recognition Through Communities
Doctor Grandpa
Not all recognition arrives in the form of awards.
During school visits associated with the Arivu Arogyam Jeevitham health literacy initiative, children would often welcome Dr. Rakesh with a familiar greeting:
“Doctor Grandpa! Doctor Grandpa!”
Schools organized skits, health clubs, storytelling sessions, competitions, and awareness activities inspired by the books and the character Vaidyarappooppan (Doctor Grandpa).
For a public health educator, few recognitions are more meaningful than seeing knowledge embraced by children and communities.
A Personal Milestone
A Wedding at an Old-Age Home
Not all meaningful milestones emerge from professional life. Some reflect personal choices and values that shape how one relates to others.
Among the personal milestones that reflect his values, one remains especially memorable.
Rather than a conventional celebration, Dr. Rakesh and his wife chose to conduct their wedding at an old-age home, sharing the occasion with elderly residents who might otherwise have spent the day alone.
The experience reflected a belief that important moments become more meaningful when shared with others.
Though unrelated to professional achievements, it remains an important reminder that service is ultimately rooted in empathy and human connection.
The Greatest Recognition
Over the years, awards, scholarships, medals, publications, professional positions, and public recognitions have marked important milestones along Dr. Rakesh’s journey.
Each carries memories of people, institutions, mentors, colleagues, and communities who helped shape that path. Yet, when viewed in retrospect, the most meaningful recognitions have often come in quieter forms.
- A handwritten note from a mentor.
- The trust of a patient.
- The confidence of a colleague.
- A student returning years later to share how a conversation influenced a career.
- A community embracing a public health initiative as its own.
- Children greeting him as "Doctor Grandpa" during school visits inspired by Arivu Arogyam Jeevitham.
The opportunity to work alongside dedicated healthcare workers, researchers, teachers, volunteers, and community leaders across diverse settings has been both a privilege and a source of continuing inspiration.
Public health is fundamentally a collective endeavor. No outbreak is controlled, no policy is implemented, no community initiative succeeds, and no health system is strengthened through the efforts of a single individual. No achievement described on this website belongs to one individual alone. Each reflects the efforts of teams, institutions, communities, mentors, collaborators, and countless individuals who shared a common purpose.
Looking back, the milestones that matter most are not those engraved on certificates or commemorated through awards. They are the relationships built, the lives touched, the lessons learned, and the opportunities to contribute to something larger than oneself.