“Learn to be calm, learn to be positive …!” – Dr. Chockalingam

Q: What is the root cause for heart ailments? Can it be prevented?

A: It has been accepted world-wide that mental condition is the basic cause for heart attack. If a man is able to remain contented and happy, his heart will remain healthy even for hundred years! I, along with my daughter Priya have written a book on heart, ‘Idhayam kaakka’, explaining the ways to preserve and protect the health of the heart. It is selling like hot cake which goes to prove the fact that people are really concerned over the health condition of their heart. The book was adjudged as the best by the Tamil Nadu Government and was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 25,000. I donated the amount for the education of the poor. I wrote the English version also titling it ‘Mind your heart’. Elsevier, an American publishing company has published the book. There’s tremendous response. This is the first time that an American publishing company is publishing a book written by an Asian writer. The book has come in the form of CD also. ‘Teach what you learn’ is my policy. Many of my students are occupying very high positions in different countries, I am really proud of them. Our forefathers are our guides. Likewise, we should guide our next generation. I want to tell one thing to all – do not develop either inferiority or superiority complex. Everyone should strive to perform his duty to the best of his ability. I treat all people transcending the barrier of religion as Mr. Mohan is doing service to people of all religions.

Q: In today’s highly competitive world, the students have the added handicap of facing competition apart from the burden of studying. What is your advice to them?

A: I keep talking about how to prevent heart problems. At the doctors’ conference in China and South Africa and at public functions, I asked those present which blood group they preferred. Invariably, all preferred ‘O’ group. This group will suit everyone and the preference is an indication that all want to donate their blood. I told them that they should first aim at B Positive, that is ‘Be positive’! Recently, in my interaction with IIT students, I asked them which degree they preferred. A girl student said that if she completed the course she was doing, she could earn in lakhs. I told them whichever degree they preferred, no matter, they could aim at it. But, they should first get the degree B. Com. (‘Be calm’)! I interact with the public in person as well as through television. I am keener on taking my message to the student population.