A Tribute to Dr S R Wadia
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 2001 Mar / Apr VOL III NO 2.
Dr Farida Talati

Dr Sarosh R Wadia, the Doyen of Homoeopathy passed away on 15th June 2001. He was 90. He has left behind a legacy. His life is a living example for others. Though physically frail, his zeal and zest for Homoeopathy was legendary. He always encouraged his students to study more, become better doctors and better human beings.

An Allopath originally, he passed his MBBS in 1940 from the Grant Medical College, Bombay. His work was hampered due to chronic Asthma. Eventually, he decided to try Homoeopathy from Dr Burjore Behram of Dadar. He gradually improved until he was completely cured of Asthma. This was the turning point in his life. He decided to pursue Homoeopathy. He had to study on his own, as Homoeopathy was not recognized by the State Government and hence there were no colleges.

He was so impressed by the science that in 1950 he saw to it that Homoeopathy was recognized in the State of Bombay (today's Maharashtra + Gujarat). Once recognition was granted, a college and teachers- qualified doctors would be required. This effort should start from himself. So in 1954 he went to London to study at the Royal London Homoeopathic college and Hospital. On returning, he started his Homoeopathic practice. It was a difficult time of struggle, but there was no looking back.

Convinced by results, he worked hard to start a college and in 1957 the Bombay Homoeopathic Medical college [BHMC] was started at the Sion Hospital and later shifted to Vile Parle in 1960. Here Homoeopathy was taught systematically along with other subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Medicine, Surgery etc. For practical training students went to Nanavati and Cooper Hospital. Initially it was a diploma course. Dr Wadia was not satisfied. He pressed upon the government to convert it into a Degree course. Along with the College, the Government Homoeopathic Hospital was also set up. Dr Wadia was Senior Hon. Physician to the Hospital and a Hon Lecturer at the BHMC. His effort and experience in starting the College and Hospital prompted his election as the President, Homoeopathic Board for Government of Bombay and Maharashtra.

His practice flourished; he was considered the senior most and best Homoeopath of India.

Other Achievements:

1. Founder member of the Indian Institute of Homoeopathic Physician and later elected President of the Institute.
2. National Vice-President for India, International Homoeopathic Medical League - head office at Switzerland, around 1975-76.
3. He was proposed as elect Vice-President of the league at international level, which he declined due to a heart attack at the time.
4. In 1983- Fellowship of the Faculty of Homoeopathy- London.
5. In 1978 Hon Doctorate in Homoeo-therapeutics, USA.
6. In 1979 Lectured at Millerville State College in Pennsylvania, USA Yet through all this fame, Dr Wadia remained humble, understanding and caring to his patients, especially the poor of any caste or creed. His love, compassion and dedication towards his patients was legendary.
7. Established many charitable dispensaries in different Parsee colonies like Cusrow Baugh, Navroz Baugh, Gamedia colony, Zoroastrian colony etc. and ensured that even non-Parsees also benefited.
8. Started an OPD for Homoeopathy in Masina Hospital and at Sion and Grant Road.
9. Published many booklets for the lay people to acquaint them with Homoeopathy and its role in difficult conditions.
10. He also found time for public service. As Municipal corporator, he used to go round his ward regularly and listen to the grievances of the public; he ensured that his ward was kept very clean.
11. He took great interest in the works by Dadabhai Navroji; even published a booklet on his life.
12. He was very much interested in the Shahnameh and even gave lectures on this topic.

I was very fortunate to work with him for 14 years at different dispensaries and have been inspired by him to do more for the poor and at the same time for Homoeopathy. I continued to be close to him, both mentally and physically, as I married in Colaba, and he could and did, call on me at any emergency.

He has been the 'vital force' for many Homeopaths and an everlasting inspiration to them for many more years to come. He has truly followed his great master Hahnemann in his life: "he has not live in vain"

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