Obituary: Dr M S Valiathan and Dr Ashok B Vaidya

In the passing away of Dr. M.S. Valiathan, the celebrated professor, cardiologist and father of Ayurvedic biology and Dr Ashok B Vaidya, the exponent of reverse pharmacology, India has lost physical association with two stalwarts who contributed significantly to the world of futuristic biology. We will however continued to be inspired by them spiritually.

TDU felt honoured that both these doyens of health science accepted D. Litt degrees from TDU in 2021 (Dr Valiathan) and 2024 (Dr Vaidya) in recognition of their outstanding work in seeding the new cross-cultural, trans-disciplinary field of Ayurvedic Biology.  

The field of Ayurvedic Biology breaks cultural silos of knowledge and combines the systemic and molecular understanding of biological changes, embodied in Ayurveda and modern biology. Students of health sciences for generations to come will continue to be inspired by Dr. Valiathan’s decadal vision and Dr. Ashok Vaidya’s achievements on biological research in Ayurveda.

Dr Valiathan's seminal works includes establishment of Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), which is involved in development of cost effective health solutions like rheumatic valves and other medical devices in India. Dr. Ashok Vaidya's research work in the field of treatment of Parkinson's Disease including purification of the major drug, Levodopa, is highly commendable.

TDU has been blessed to receive guidance and unequivocal support from both Dr Valiathan and Dr Vaidya. Dr Valiathan was also a member of its Board of Governors for more than a decade. TDU has been fortunate to receive their support for our flagship M.Sc. program in Ayurveda-Biology which brings together students from fundamental biological sciences,  Ayurveda and modern medicine to learn biology theory, methods, processes and products from a trans-disciplinary perspective. TDU anticipates, as did our mentors Dr Valiathan and Dr Ashok Vaidya that this program will seed a new generation of young physicians, researchers and entrepreneurs who will translate their learning into generating new knowledge and original contributions to the world of health sciences.

TDU faculty, students and alumni, expect to carry Dr Valiathan’s and Dr Ashok Vaidya’s legacy forward.

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