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Walk With The Weary
Padma Shri awardee Dr M. R. Rajagopal has spent a lifetime caring for patients in pain. One of the first medical professionals in the country to study and practise palliative care in a significant way, he is the founder of Pallium India, a palliative care NGO. In Walk with the Life-changing Lessons in Healthcare, Dr Rajagopal knits his own experiences as a doctor with stories of the unique lives of his many patients, asserting that medicine can bring comfort and security to those at their most vulnerable and provide them the opportunity to not only live healthy lives but to die with dignity. Divided into seven sections, the book begins with a young Rajagopal's first encounters with death and pain and his entry into the field of medicine before taking us through his journey into palliative care. The reader is invited to follow along as he learns, by listening to his patients' stories, how to treat the patient and not just the disease. A masterclass in how to care for others deeply and compassionately no matter who they are, Walk with the Weary is simultaneously the story of Dr Rajagopal's life and his calling and the world of Indian palliative care.
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2022
About the author
M.R. Rajagopal
1 book6 followersM R Rajagopal grew up in Muttacaud, a village on the outskirts of Trivandrum, Kerala. He studied medicine at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram and received his MD from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
An anesthesiologist-turned-palliative care doctor, he is the founder of Pallium India - an organization that works towards a pain-free India.
Rajagopal lives in Thiruvananthapuram with his wife, Dr Chandrika. He has two sons - Abhilash and Anuroop, and is a doting grandfather to three grandchildren.
He loves to walk and revisit PG Wodehouse novels.
“Walk with the Weary' (Lessons in humanity in health care) tells the story of his life and his calling through a series of encounters with those he cared for and worked alongside.
An anesthesiologist-turned-palliative care doctor, he is the founder of Pallium India - an organization that works towards a pain-free India.
Rajagopal lives in Thiruvananthapuram with his wife, Dr Chandrika. He has two sons - Abhilash and Anuroop, and is a doting grandfather to three grandchildren.
He loves to walk and revisit PG Wodehouse novels.
“Walk with the Weary' (Lessons in humanity in health care) tells the story of his life and his calling through a series of encounters with those he cared for and worked alongside.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 6, 2022
This book is not just for givers or receivers of care or only those with firsthand experience of illness and suffering. It is a book for every human being, because it reminds us what it is to be humane.
I have followed Dr.MR's work from afar for many years and picked up this book because I was curious about his journey to palliative care. In this short, profound memoir, he shares his story through many dozen stories of the people and experiences that transformed his life.
Living and dying with dignity is one of Pallium India's key goals. This book has that tone of dignity, even grace and humour, when dealing with such tough subjects as pain and suffering. It makes the book very, very readable without taking away the core of its message.
A beautiful memoir and highly recommended. May Dr.MR's tribe increase and all his visions come true!
I have followed Dr.MR's work from afar for many years and picked up this book because I was curious about his journey to palliative care. In this short, profound memoir, he shares his story through many dozen stories of the people and experiences that transformed his life.
Living and dying with dignity is one of Pallium India's key goals. This book has that tone of dignity, even grace and humour, when dealing with such tough subjects as pain and suffering. It makes the book very, very readable without taking away the core of its message.
A beautiful memoir and highly recommended. May Dr.MR's tribe increase and all his visions come true!
April 30, 2025
One of my first non-fiction books that I have enjoyed! It has made me grateful our healthcare in the UK, even if it is falling to pieces!
I do wish this book has provided more in depth anecdotes/discussions on religion and politics involved with healthcare - the ones on religion were very insightful. I found some of the anecdotes too short.
Thank you to Ryan from Munnar for providing me this book. I am going to send this to Luigi Mangione to give him some hope for our future.
I do wish this book has provided more in depth anecdotes/discussions on religion and politics involved with healthcare - the ones on religion were very insightful. I found some of the anecdotes too short.
Thank you to Ryan from Munnar for providing me this book. I am going to send this to Luigi Mangione to give him some hope for our future.
June 2, 2024
An excellent book about managing end of life care in a truly resource limited setting. It's something I think about everyday at work when I see the ones I cannot help and hope that some day I could also make a difference.
March 19, 2022
I can’t review this book without acknowledging my bias. During my senior year in undergrad (after already being admitted to medical school) I spent 3 weeks in southern India over winter break with Dr. Rajagopal’s team at Pallium India. To say it was transformational is an understatement, as a decade later, I’m a practicing palliative care physician.
In Walk with the Weary, Dr. Rajagopal narrates his path from childhood in Kerala to academic anesthesiologist to becoming a leader/“Godfather” of the palliative care movement in India. He does so with his charismatic humility and charm, sharing the story of patient after patient that he learns from and loves. He questions modern medicine and pushes all in the medical field to reconsider what we mean as health.
Just as he walks on the shoulders of giants like Dame Cicely Saunders and Robert Twycross, Dr. Rajagopal continues their path forward in advocating for compassionate, humanistic care for all health-related suffering.
In Walk with the Weary, Dr. Rajagopal narrates his path from childhood in Kerala to academic anesthesiologist to becoming a leader/“Godfather” of the palliative care movement in India. He does so with his charismatic humility and charm, sharing the story of patient after patient that he learns from and loves. He questions modern medicine and pushes all in the medical field to reconsider what we mean as health.
Just as he walks on the shoulders of giants like Dame Cicely Saunders and Robert Twycross, Dr. Rajagopal continues their path forward in advocating for compassionate, humanistic care for all health-related suffering.
March 9, 2022
Perhaps the most humane book I've ever read. Stories that are written with simplicity, touch you deeply and leave you with hope. Needs to be read widely and shared.
September 28, 2024
Empathy towards patients is paramount.
I loved this book. Dr Rajagopal, a pioneer in palliative care, adds a touch of immediacy to his writing. One sees oneself in the situations he describes. He also underscores the fact that if you are committed to doing good, you can, and will - whatever the odds. This book is an absolute must in every medical college curriculum.
One thing though. Pain needs as much attention as the disease condition causing it. No question about it. But pain relief should be tempered with the addictive possibilities of many pharmaceutical products. Oxycontin was touted in the USA as the ultimate pain killer - it never was. All it did was allow a huge tragedy to unfold. People paid with their lives, and the perpetrators got away. Pain relief therefore, is extremely important - to be carried out only under careful, and conscientious supervision.
I loved this book. Dr Rajagopal, a pioneer in palliative care, adds a touch of immediacy to his writing. One sees oneself in the situations he describes. He also underscores the fact that if you are committed to doing good, you can, and will - whatever the odds. This book is an absolute must in every medical college curriculum.
One thing though. Pain needs as much attention as the disease condition causing it. No question about it. But pain relief should be tempered with the addictive possibilities of many pharmaceutical products. Oxycontin was touted in the USA as the ultimate pain killer - it never was. All it did was allow a huge tragedy to unfold. People paid with their lives, and the perpetrators got away. Pain relief therefore, is extremely important - to be carried out only under careful, and conscientious supervision.
March 16, 2023
I just finished reading this book and was moved by the stories of unrelenting [and often unnecessary] pain. The author is an anesthesiologist who transformed into a palliative care doctor, and has benefited so many people at the end of their lives. He founded ‘Pallium India’, an organization that works to rid people of pain especially when they have terminal illnesses.
The book is engaging and thought-provoking – but its strength lies in the story-telling style adopted by the author. He shares equally the successes and failures that he and his team have encountered over the years as they work to mitigate pain. Compelling read.
The book is engaging and thought-provoking – but its strength lies in the story-telling style adopted by the author. He shares equally the successes and failures that he and his team have encountered over the years as they work to mitigate pain. Compelling read.
May 24, 2024
This book was amazing I learned so much about how the health care system in India integrated pain management and palliative care. As a student in medical school who is fascinated by being able to treat people as a whole and not just their conditions I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone pursuing a career as a patient facing physician!
September 5, 2025
This is the best book on healthcare that I have read so far. Beautifully written, fluid writing style and the words capture human emotions so well.
I would recommend every human being to read this amazing book. Humans standing up and caring for fellow humans is what makes this world a better place everyday!
I would recommend every human being to read this amazing book. Humans standing up and caring for fellow humans is what makes this world a better place everyday!
July 23, 2022
A wonderful book full of stories and wisdom. If we followed Raj's advice we would have an enormously more humane health systems.
My blog on the book: https://richardswsmith.wordpress.com/...
My blog on the book: https://richardswsmith.wordpress.com/...
February 27, 2023
This 2022 book by the noted palliative care physician from Kerala in India was highly praised by my Goodreads friend Richard Smith. I concur with his view.
More at: https://sjhoward.co.uk/ive-been-readi...
More at: https://sjhoward.co.uk/ive-been-readi...
December 3, 2024
A wonderful memoir plus call to action from the pioneer of palliative care in India; Dr. Rajagopalan; to human society to "walk run with the weary". Deeply personal in nature with an easy to read prose style, yet with nuggets of medical information where needed.
December 24, 2025
Everyone should read this fairly early in life. How to have compassion and empathy for everyone around us. And to be comfortable to talk about dying.
March 1, 2026
An eye opener for anyone who is caring for a loved one.
January 18, 2024
Dr. Rajagopal is a trailblazer in Indian palliative medicine, dedicating his life in easing the suffering of terminally ill individuals. Strongly advocating for human rights, he champions the right to a dignified death. In his book "WALK WITH THE WEARY," he recounts his journey in palliative medicine and the establishment of Pallium India, one of the nation's earliest palliative care NGOs.
As a young boy, the author is deeply moved by the prolonged cries of a terminally ill patient, sparking a passion for a career in palliative medicine to alleviate chronic pain. Dr. Rajagopal intertwines personal experiences with narratives of diverse patients, making "Walk with the Weary" a dual narrative of his life and the introduction of palliative care in India.
The book unfolds in seven parts, tracing the author's journey comprehensively. Early chapters delve into Rajagopal's formative years, where his compassion for humanity blossomed, driven by the haunting cries of a dying relative that propelled him toward a medical career.
Entering the medical field, the author became disillusioned with the indifference towards pain and suffering. Motivated to address this, he embraced palliative care, immersing himself in learning from various sources, notably gaining insights from patients. A pivotal influence was British nurse Ms. Gilly, introducing Rajgopal to western palliative care, a cornerstone for his future NGO initiatives.
A dedicated chapter highlights the unique challenges faced by suffering children, showcasing their distinctive approach to death. Throughout the book, engaging tales of ordinary individuals in extraordinary pain captivate readers, revealing the profound impact of pain on human personalities.
The narrative unfolds the hurdles of establishing Pallium India, navigating bureaucratic obstacles, ultimately triumphing through community engagement and government support. Dr. Rajagopal's relentless efforts also contributed significantly to integrating palliative care into medical academic studies.
Beyond being a collection of compelling stories, the book serves as a poignant critique of modern healthcare, offering transformative insights. It weaves together the experiences of common people viewed through the lens of a physician, making it both a captivating read and a guide for reshaping healthcare practices.
It is said in the Indian context that God is one who has the ability to comfort those suffering from pain. Modernization has led the healthcare system astray from this belief. Dr. Rajagopal's enduring efforts over decades to revive this compassionate approach serve as an inspiration, encouraging individuals to reconnect with the essence of caring for fellow human beings in pain.
As a young boy, the author is deeply moved by the prolonged cries of a terminally ill patient, sparking a passion for a career in palliative medicine to alleviate chronic pain. Dr. Rajagopal intertwines personal experiences with narratives of diverse patients, making "Walk with the Weary" a dual narrative of his life and the introduction of palliative care in India.
The book unfolds in seven parts, tracing the author's journey comprehensively. Early chapters delve into Rajagopal's formative years, where his compassion for humanity blossomed, driven by the haunting cries of a dying relative that propelled him toward a medical career.
Entering the medical field, the author became disillusioned with the indifference towards pain and suffering. Motivated to address this, he embraced palliative care, immersing himself in learning from various sources, notably gaining insights from patients. A pivotal influence was British nurse Ms. Gilly, introducing Rajgopal to western palliative care, a cornerstone for his future NGO initiatives.
A dedicated chapter highlights the unique challenges faced by suffering children, showcasing their distinctive approach to death. Throughout the book, engaging tales of ordinary individuals in extraordinary pain captivate readers, revealing the profound impact of pain on human personalities.
The narrative unfolds the hurdles of establishing Pallium India, navigating bureaucratic obstacles, ultimately triumphing through community engagement and government support. Dr. Rajagopal's relentless efforts also contributed significantly to integrating palliative care into medical academic studies.
Beyond being a collection of compelling stories, the book serves as a poignant critique of modern healthcare, offering transformative insights. It weaves together the experiences of common people viewed through the lens of a physician, making it both a captivating read and a guide for reshaping healthcare practices.
It is said in the Indian context that God is one who has the ability to comfort those suffering from pain. Modernization has led the healthcare system astray from this belief. Dr. Rajagopal's enduring efforts over decades to revive this compassionate approach serve as an inspiration, encouraging individuals to reconnect with the essence of caring for fellow human beings in pain.
December 30, 2023
Dr. M.R. Rajagopal, an Indian physician and palliative care specialist, is the founder and chairman of the Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (TIPS) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He is a leading advocate for the rights of people with life-limiting illnesses and has received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri award. His book, 'Walk with the Weary,' is a compelling memoir about his experiences with patients suffering from life-limiting illnesses. The memoir features stories of love, faith, hope, and sadness, as well as insights into his own life. The book is entertaining and provides valuable insights into how individuals should operate for the well-being of others.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews