Obituary: Professor Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valiathan

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Manipal, 18 July 2024: The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) mourns the loss of Professor Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valiathan, a distinguished cardiac surgeon and esteemed academic, who passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 9:14 PM in Manipal at the age of 90.  Professor Valiathan's remarkable career included significant contributions to cardiac surgery and medical technology. He was a proud alumnus of the Medical College Trivandrum and held fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, England, and Canada.

He was instrumental in establishing the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute in Trivandrum and served as its Professor and Director of Cardiac Surgery for twenty years. His innovative work in developing medical devices such as the disposable blood bag and the tilting disc heart valve laid the foundation for India's medical devices industry. 

At Manipal Professor Valiathan served as the first Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) from 1993. His tenure at MAHE was marked by a commitment to academic excellence and innovation in research. Under his leadership, MAHE expanded its academic programs and significantly increased its research output, establishing itself as a leader in higher education. He was instrumental in fostering an environment that encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships, enhancing the global reputation of the institution. His vision and dedication were key in transforming MAHE into a world-class university, attracting students and faculty from around the globe and securing its place among the top educational institutions in India and worldwide. Professor Valiathan received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Padma Vibhushan (2005), the Padma Shri (2002), the

Dr. B. C. Roy National Award, the Hunterian Professorship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Chevalier of the Order of Palmes Académiques from the French Government, the Dr. Samuel P. Asper Award for International Medical Education from Johns Hopkins University, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Medical Association.  Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) extends our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy of excellence and dedication to medical science and education will continue to inspire us all.