On World Drummers’ Day, celebrated annually to honour percussionists across the globe, the journey of Dr Seetharaman Iyer stands as a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and unwavering passion. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition, he lost his vision at the age of 25. What could have ended aspirations, strengthened his resolve to continue his medical career and his love for music.
Dr Seetharaman Iyer during a mridangam performance
“I chose perseverance. My parents always encouraged me to pursue a career where I could serve people. They supported my decision to become a doctor while helping me continue playing my instrument,” said Dr Iyer.
Dr Iyer with Deepa Pillai and her brother during a counselling session. Pic/Ritika Gondhalekar
Alongside his demanding profession, he has remained committed to the mridangam, refusing to let his disability define his limits. Today, Dr Iyer treats patients at Sion Hospital and runs a clinic in Ghatkopar with his wife, Dr Sanjana Iyer. Navigating the field of mental healthcare without vision, he relies on heightened sensory awareness, structured systems, and strong support from peers. “There is a concept in medical science, neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to reorganise itself through learning and experience. Fortunately, I benefited from it and was able to study effectively,” he said.
Sudhir Kumar Singh
April 4
World Drummers’ Day
Difficult task, strong ambition
Dr Seetharaman performs with wife his Dr Sanjana Iyer
Dr Iyer began losing his vision shortly after completing his MBBS in 2016. He took a two-year break following his diagnosis. In 2018, he chose to pursue psychiatry, not because of his condition, but because of his natural listening ability and communication skills. “When you treat a mentally ill person, you help the entire family. What better way to serve people?” he said. His journey was far from easy.
Learning to listen
Adapting his study method was one of his biggest challenges. Having relied on reading throughout his education, he now had to depend entirely on listening.
“Initially, I was unsure if I could. But after completing the entire syllabus through audio lectures, I became confident,” he said.
Doctor who is also a musician
Beyond medicine, the mridangam remains central to his identity. “For many artists, including me, the inspiration is Padma Vibhushan Umayalpuram K Sivaraman. I have been his disciple for over a decade,” he said. He added that his guru encouraged him to excel in both music and medicine.
