Our Founder
Dr. K Bhujang Shetty
Founding Chairman, Narayana Nethralaya
“Masters may look like ordinary men from outside, but they are giants within.”
Dr. Katkeri Bhujang Shetty was born in 1953 in the serene village of Shankara Narayana, in Kundapura Taluk of Karnataka. In his earlier years, he was nurtured by the wisdom of his mother and inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of his uncle Mr. Charamakki Narayana Shetty. The turning point of his life was a simple summer trip in 1963, which became a life-altering moment when his uncle recognized his potential and enrolled him in Baldwin Boys School, a gateway to a world beyond his village’s borders.
This transition to a school of international standards was a profound cultural and academic leap, for a young rural boy with big dreams. Yet, with resilience and determination, he conquered the challenges, excelling in both academics and sports. His remarkable achievement of winning seven out of eight awards in his 10th-grade class in 1970 was not just a testament to his intellect but also a reflection of the character forged through overcoming adversity.
After completing his schooling, he completed his pre-university studies at St. Joseph’s College and earned an MBBS seat at the prestigious Bangalore Medical College through his will and sheer hard work. Ophthalmology, in his own words, was another “happy accident,” a path he stumbled upon during his residency at Manipal Hospital. The subject ignited a passion within him, leading him to pursue a Master’s Degree at Minto Hospital, culminating with his post-graduation in 1982.
Build a dream and that dream will build you.
Dr. Shetty's Narayana Nethralaya: From a Small Clinic to A Leading Institute
In 1982, Dr. Shetty set up Narayana Nethralaya Clinic in Devaiah Park, the name honouring his uncle. Over the next decade, his practice expanded greatly, inspiring him to think big and beyond his modest clinic. In 1993, he established a state-of-the-art institute in Rajajinagar, prioritizing team-building. His patient-centric approach attracted top professionals to work with him, making Narayana Nethralaya Karnataka’s leading eye hospital and a premier quaternary care centre. Under his able leadership, it became known for advanced technology, skilled surgeons, and commitment to serving the community. It further blossomed into an NABH-accredited centre also known for providing comprehensive ophthalmology training for postgraduates and fellows nationwide, disseminating medical knowledge.
Motive is everything, for our objectives determine our outcomes.
Eye Donation Advocacy and Philanthropy
Witnessing eye procurement from Sri Lanka during his graduation, Dr. Shetty addressed India’s donor shortage by convincing the celebrated star, Dr. Rajkumar to promote eye donation. This led to the establishment of the Dr. Rajkumar Eye Bank (1994) and the Shankar Anand Singh Eye Bank (2008), both with international-standard tissue banking, significantly reducing the load of corneal blindness in Karnataka. He further demonstrated his humanitarian commitment by founding the Narayana Nethralaya Foundation (2005) and Narayana Nethralaya Eye Foundation (2018), for providing health care to the underprivileged.
Today’s thoughts are seeds of tomorrow’s outcomes.
Innovations and Social Service
KIDROP
Dr. Shetty was the driving force behind India’s first and world’s largest telemedicine program, which has prevented blindness in thousands of premature infants.
Narayana Devalaya
Motivated to give back to the society which had given him fame and fortune, Dr. Shetty established a 5-storey one-of-its-kind eye care hospital in Tumkur, which provides free-of-cost surgeries to the elderly cataract patients and children, to eradicate preventable blindness in the disadvantaged sections of the society.
Whenever there is a problem, there is not only something to do, but also to know and learn, for there is a hidden opportunity in each crisis.
Diabetes Reversal Clinic
Dr. Shetty was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 40. But he was able to successfully reverse diabetes through diet and based on his personal insights, backed by meticulous research, he established “Reversing Diabetes Clinic” (RDC) which has guided thousands of individuals towards better health.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Shetty has received numerous accolades for his varied contributions. Notably, he was awarded the Kannada Rajyotsava Award (2010) and the Kempegowda Prashasti for his service to Karnataka. He was honored with the Legend in Ophthalmology award (2018), alongside Narayana Nethralaya’s recognition as Best Ophthalmology Hospital. Further accolades include the Innovator Award for Health Care and the Distinguished National Board of Education Teacher Award, acknowledging his expertise and educational impact. He has also received prestigious oration awards such as the Dr. A.K. Grover and Dr. K. Subramanian Oration Awards, reflecting his scholarly contributions to ophthalmology.
A Legacy of Words and Vision
Our beloved visionary, left behind a lot more than a world-class eye hospital. He gifted us his words. His first book “The Power of Love” simplifies life’s deepest truths, urging us towards positivity. His second book “Diabetes No More” is based on his scientific knowledge and personal wisdom is a comprehensive health guide for diabetic people.
Our main purpose on this Earth is to remember who we really are and later help others to remember the same.
From a village boy with big dreams to a surgeon shaping lives, Dr. Shetty’s journey was extraordinary. “A positive mindset,” he’d say, was the secret. He lived by it, his passion for healing intertwined with a deep humanity. Dr. Shetty’s story is one of serendipitous turns and unwavering dedication, a testament to the power of chance encounters and the strength and resilience of human spirit. His legacy, etched in his work and his words, will forever inspire. We remember him, the man, the legend, the visionary.
