Medical Genius
He carried book with
him to Gondal, the esteem of his teacher. Prof. William Turner,
under whom he studied anatomy, commanded him for ‘His diligence
and patience and the quest, enthusiasm with which he pursued his
studies both in anatomy and in several other branches of medical
education.
His highness was
enthusiastically received upon landing in Bombay from the S. S.
Bakhara on August 13th 1887 by deputation send by the
state. On his journey to Gondal relatives and friends on railway
platform of Navasari, Surat, Nadiad, Ahmedabad, Vadhavan, Chuda,
Lathi and Jetpur welcomed him. Since Jetpur marked the terminus of
the railway at that time, The Thakore Saheb has to complete his
journey by carriage to Gondal.
A long and stately procession escorted ‘the
ideal of people’ through the illuminated streets and library,
where a congratulatory address was presented to him. In his reply he
said ‘I am obliged to you
for the enthusiastic reception you have given to me. I must fully
appreciate your congratulation. I have every reason to be satisfied
with my second visit to Europe specially, as I had an opportunity of
taking personal share in the Jubilee celebration in England. You
must have read accounts to the rejoicings and excitement of the
English people on that occasion. But it is very difficult to have a
correct idea of the spectacle without seeing it. You will be glade
to learn that her majesty the Queen Empress has shown me a very
kindness. In conclusion I thank you again for your good wishes’.
A few days later
Bhagvatsinhji celebrated his 23rd birthday and gladdened
the heart of his subjects by writing of all outstanding debit dues
to the state amounting to Rs. 56,000. Thakore Saheb’s third son
Ajitsinh was suddenly taken ill and was soon passed all medical
aids. On September 16th 1887 his second son Ranjitsinh
about two years of age passed away.
In 1890 to continue
interrupted medical studies, He rejoined the Edinburgh University
and worked at his books, lectures and in the clinic he worked until
he earned the right to append M.B.C.M. and M.R.C.P.E. to his name
the first time Raja had obtained such designation. A little later he
went to Oxford to receive the degree of doctor of civil laws from
the most ancient of British Universities.
His ambition was not
yet satisfied as opportunities permitted, he spent as much time as
he could spare from his administrative duties working at his thesis,
to submit to the University for his Doctorate in Medicine. The
faculty appreciated his diligent research and his scientific acumen
and best owed upon him in 1895, the degree of M.D. A few months
later he was admitted as a fellow of Royal College of Physician at
Edinburgh. He was now in the top of the Medical ladder. |
