“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Dedication
This biography is first and foremost dedicated to the two greatest sources of strength in my life—my parents, my father and my beloved mother.
To my father, your unwavering belief in the power of education shaped my very foundation. Your guidance and encouragement, even in my moments of doubt, instilled in me a resolve to achieve excellence and serve humanity with compassion.
To my mother, a radiologist whose quiet strength, wisdom, and care have been my guiding light, you taught me the importance of empathy and precision in every aspect of my life, both personally and professionally. Without you, I would not have understood the true meaning of selfless dedication and love. You have both given me everything—a love for learning, a heart full of kindness, and the courage to pursue dreams that seemed unreachable.
To my daughter, Saawariya Chandni, the joy of my life—your laughter, your wisdom, and your love continue to inspire me every day. Watching you grow, learn, and dream has reminded me that the future is in the hands of the next generation. You are my pride and my heart’s deepest joy. May you always know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and may you carry the torch of compassion, strength, and independence in everything you do.
To my husband, whose presence in my life has been a blessing, thank you for being my partner, my support, and my strength. Through the highs and the lows, your unwavering belief in me and your love has made all things possible. Together, we have weathered every storm, and together, we will continue to dream.
To Vimala Maam, my biology teacher in school, who first sparked my fascination in my school days—your guidance planted the early seeds of medical aspirations in me.
To Dr. Lakshman Kumar, my medicine professor, and Dr. Lulu, my pediatric professor—your guidance, encouragement, and wealth of knowledge deeply influenced the physician I have become today.
To my best friend Bindu, who came into my life unexpectedly and has been my motivator and supporter ever since—thank you for being a constant source of strength, encouragement, and joy. Your presence in my journey has made even the hardest days easier and the brightest days even more meaningful.
A special gratitude to Dr. V.P. Mohammed Ali, the esteemed Chairman of Jeddah National Hospital. Your vision, trust, and unwavering support have allowed me to serve with purpose and pride for the past 21 years. It has been an honour to work in an institution that values excellence, compassion, and innovation.
Finally, this biography is dedicated to all those who believe that dreams are not bound by age, gender, or circumstances. To every woman who has ever been told that she cannot—this story is for you. May you rise and chase your dreams relentlessly, just as I have.
– Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran
Phase 1: Roots of a Dream born in Trivandrum
“Love is when you meet someone who tells you something new about yourself.”-Andre Breton
Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran was born on March 19, 1971, in Trivandrum city, which stands as a cultural treasure within Kerala state. Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran developed as the biological first child of her parents, respected Dr. T. Chandrasekaran Nair, who is a cancer specialist, and her mother, who is a well-renowned radiologist.
Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran experienced a harmonious youth as tradition seamlessly mixed with earnest love in her life. She spent her time living in a joint family household till class 2nd, which brought continual merriment and communal family celebrations to every corridor. Her sense of security from all the caring family members who surrounded her became a permanent basis for her self-confidence, which would support her through all of life.
During her early years, Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran was influenced most powerfully among many significant figures by her paternal grandfather, who lived in Singapore. The wealthy benefactor, with deep affection towards her, constantly sent her presents, which brought precious joy to her life through these thoughtful gifts.
Through her early education period, Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran displayed intellectual excellence. The child demonstrated more than ordinary academic success since she carried many different talents. She succeeded immensely in painting, along with drama, storytelling, and dance. The school acknowledged her talents as they established the foundation for future achievements in her life.
Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran exceeded academic and artistic accomplishments through various domains of achievement. Leadership coursed through her veins even as a teenager.
She attended high school in Alleppey when she enrolled at St. Joseph’s School. At this institution, she transformed her vivacious personality into a presence that consumed a bigger platform. Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran secured the school minister role by contesting the elections and winning it successfully. Her dedication, coupled with her magnetic personality, enabled her to win the trust of everyone, so she achieved this victory. All who heard the moving words of the victory speech delivered by Indu were deeply impacted by the profound and well-organized speech created by her maternal grandmother. At that time, in front of cheering spectators, she received one of the first indications that she would become a leader someday.
During her school years, Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran received an unexpected movie offer that presented life with another potential opportunity. The director noticed her excellent communication skills together with her charismatic personality, thus expressing interest in her playing a part in an upcoming film project. Her parents chose to reject the offer because they placed education and traditional culture above all else. Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran respectfully accepted her parents’ refusal of the film opportunity. This experience taught Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran a valuable lesson about putting long-term priorities before short-term rewards, which she would benefit from in her upcoming years.
The strict parental guidance Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran received included a great deal of love and sustainable thinking about her future. They instilled within her a comprehensive understanding of the worth of money together with the role of hard work and staying humble even after achieving success. Her father, the cancer specialist, despite his busy schedule, took out time to care for her tenderly by feeding her personally because he viewed her as both his treasured daughter and special possession.
Phase 2: Dreams that Never Destroyed
“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal . Not to people or things.” –Albert Einstein
As Indu Chandrasekaran moved beyond the carefree days of her childhood, the real world, with all its expectations and pressures, began to shape her journey. After excelling in her school education, she pursued her pre-degree at Calicut University, setting her sights firmly on the world of medicine. Admission to the prestigious Trichur Medical College to pursue her MBBS was a proud moment—not just for Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran, but for her entire family. Their dream of seeing their eldest daughter step into the noble medical profession was becoming reality.
Medical college was a world of endless learning and sleepless nights. But Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran thrived, driven by an inner passion. She was never one to shy away from challenges. Whether it was ward rounds, complex case discussions, or assisting in surgeries, she dove into every opportunity. Her professors and peers admired her blend of sharp intellect, empathy, and steady hands.
Yet, even as her academic life soared, life had other plans. Marriage came into the picture much earlier than she or her parents had envisioned. Her parents, who had always dreamt that she would complete her MBBS and then attempt the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS) examination, were initially hesitant. They wanted their daughter to conquer heights in the academic and administrative worlds before stepping into personal commitments. However, life often dances to its own unpredictable tunes, and then Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran got married.
Married life brought its own challenges and responsibilities. She gave birth to a beautiful son, a new chapter that brought immense joy but also paused her educational aspirations.
It was a difficult adjustment. On one hand, she cherished her new role as a mother; on the other, a part of her longed to continue her academic journey, to fulfill the dreams she had nurtured since childhood. Balancing familial expectations and personal ambition is never easy, and for Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran, the struggle was a big, big win.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran never gave up on her dreams. When the opportunity arose to work abroad, she grabbed it. She moved to the Maldives and began working as a Casualty Medical Officer at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The experience was enriching in every sense. Here, Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran encountered a different healthcare system, a variety of patients, and a professional environment that recognized her talents without prejudice.
She yearned to specialize further, to elevate her skills and knowledge to international standards. Europe called to her heart, promising avenues of higher education and professional growth. Ultimately, she chose to pursue her Doctor of Medicine degree in Russia, at the renowned Ryazan State I.P. Pavlov Medical University. It was a bold decision—leaving behind the familiar, stepping into a new world filled with language barriers, harsh winters, and intense academic pressure.
But even as she pursued her dreams in Russia, storm clouds gathered in her personal life. Her marriage, already strained by distance and misunderstandings, began to unravel. Differences deepened, and emotional distance grew. Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran faced the kind of personal turmoil that could easily have broken a weaker spirit. She poured her pain into her studies, determined to emerge stronger.
Phase 3: Building a Legacy Beyond Borders
To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”-Oscar Wilde
When Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran arrived in Saudi Arabia, she was stepping into a new country with new rules, new challenges, and limitless possibilities. She had already faced heartbreak, separation, and devastating loss. Yet she carried within her a spirit so determined that even life’s toughest storms could not extinguish her light. In Jeddah, she was about to not just rebuild her life, but redefine it.
The offer she had accepted was prestigious—an opportunity to work at a newly founded hospital where she would become the very first physician in the internal medicine department. With little existing structure, no established system, and the heavy responsibility of shaping the department from the ground up, the task was monumental. But for Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran, this was not a burden; it was a calling. She rolled up her sleeves and set to work, treating her duties not as a job, but as a mission.
Her days were long, often stretching into sleepless nights. She admitted and treated thousands of patients, many of them critical, many desperate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her dedication shone brighter than ever. She treated over 5,000 COVID patients, often putting herself at personal risk. Awards and recognitions followed—Covid Warrior Awards, appreciation from government bodies, and heartfelt gratitude from patients and their families.
Beyond patient care, Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran became a crucial figure in shaping hospital policies and quality standards. She engaged actively in ISO certification efforts, JCI accreditation work, and CBAHI accreditation. Her name became synonymous with trust, expertise, and excellence in the hospital. Her reputation spread across the medical community of Jeddah, and patients often requested her specifically by name.
Parallel to her professional achievements, Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran continued investing in her education. She completed a Professional Diploma in Healthcare Administration from the prestigious King’s College, London. She added a Diploma in Diabetology from Singhania University and a PG Diploma in Endocrinology from the University of South Wales. Each qualification was not just a certificate but a testimony to her belief that learning must never stop, regardless of age or circumstances.
Meanwhile, her personal life found a beautiful new rhythm. Her second marriage brought her the companionship she had always yearned for—a partner who supported her dreams, celebrated her victories, and stood by her during challenges. Together they built a home filled with laughter, trust, and shared aspirations. Their daughter, a precious gift from life, became a symbol of hope, resilience, and the joy that follows even the darkest storms. Indu and her daughter shared a bond that went beyond the ordinary, a deep friendship rooted in love, admiration, and mutual respect.
Of course, life was not without challenges. Once, her husband became entangled in a fraudulent case that tested their strength. A deceitful business partner tried to destroy his reputation and finances. It was a terrifying time, where uncertainty loomed large and many so-called friends disappeared. But the truth prevailed. Her husband was found innocent, and justice was served.
Through this incident, Dr. Indu Chandrasekaran learned a powerful lesson—that true friends are those who stay when everyone else walks away. Difficult times, she realized, are not just battles but also revelations.