Dr Manu Liladhar Kothari (1935-2014)

One of the pioneers of the propagation of the fundamental truths in medicine, and cancer treatment in particular, a prolific writer, eloquent orator, a teacher of teachers and a medical-philosopher colossus, has passed away at his residence in Mumbai at a “viable, die-able age”, in peace.

The inevitable has happened, but all who came across this gentle colossus as students, as colleagues, as patients or even as simple acquaintances are destined to cherish his memory, his evergreen smile and sharp wit. His profound knowledge and yet, his simplicity, his uncanny interest in exploring an uncharted sea, his humour, his enviable grasp of the philosophy of medical science would certainly enthuse his students for decades to come. Unconventional as he was in thinking, after having qualified as a surgeon with flying colours, he opted for a post of a teacher in anatomy in his Alma Mater, for anatomy was for him, akin to the science of Atma (An-atmi).