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| OBITUARY |
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| Year : 2023 | Volume
: 4
| Issue : 1 | Page : 97-98 |
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Obituary of Dr. Tehemton E. Udwadia
Parveen Bhatia
Institute of Minimal Access, Metabolic, Bariatric and Robotic Surgery, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital; Bhatia Global Hospital and Endosurgery Institute, New Delhi, India
| Date of Submission | 22-Feb-2023 |
| Date of Decision | 22-Feb-2023 |
| Date of Acceptance | 25-Feb-2023 |
| Date of Web Publication | 26-Apr-2023 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Parveen Bhatia
Bhatia Global Hospital and Endosurgery Institute 307-308, Ambica Vihar, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi - 110 087
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/JME.JME_27_23
How to cite this article:
Bhatia P. Obituary of Dr. Tehemton E. Udwadia. J Med Evid 2023;4:97-8 |
It is with a heavy heart that I write this obituary for the great Dr. Tehemton Udwadia, who passed away on 7th January 2023. Dr. Udwadia was not only a renowned surgeon but also a dear friend and mentor to many. His impact on the field of laparoscopy in India and around the world cannot be overstated, but it was his kindness, compassion and unwavering support that made him truly unforgettable.
I first met Dr. Udwadia in 1990 at the CICD conference in Taj Palace, New Delhi. As he presented the first 56 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, I was struck not only by his brilliance but also by his warmth and humility. Little did I know that this chance encounter would change my life forever.
Over the years, Dr. Udwadia became more than just a mentor to me he became a father figure, a confidante and a friend. He was always there to lend a listening ear or offer sage advice, and he never once wavered in his support for me. Even when I was unsure of myself, he saw the best in me and encouraged me to keep going.
Dr. Udwadia's impact on the Indian Journal of Surgery was palpable. He gave the journal the necessary guidance and made the right steps towards making it a truly global publication. His clear instructions with no sugar coating in the editorial process made the Indian Journal of Surgery a widely accepted academic publication. His tenure also saw a maximum inflow of letters to the editor in the journal. He was always remembered for the comment 'I have for years advocated that for pragmatic progress in surgery in the developing world, one must adhere to the concept of the 5 A's - Available, Affordable, Accessible, Acceptable and Appropriate'.
Dr. Udwadia founded the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (IAGES) in 1993 to showcase the excellent work done by the surgeons in developing countries.
As Founder Editor in chief, Journal of Minimal Access Surgery, March 2005, we, on the editorial board, could see his passion for the quality of both national and international publications. He always insisted that we are second to none and we should have zero tolerance policy.
It was a feeling of profound happiness when we could see an excellent Indian Surgeon at the helm of affairs as President of International Federation of Societies of Endoscopic Surgeons. With his blessings, I was the Secretary of IAGES (2006–2008) at that time.
Awarded the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan and the Order of British Empire Dr. Tehemton Erach Udwadia was the well-decorated rare surgeon.
Dr. Udwadia was always supportive of my work and encouraged me to write and send out a 'global newsletter' every month. He was so invested in my success that he would even call me if the delivery was late by just one day. His unwavering support and love for me were something I will never forget.
However, it was Dr. Udwadia's love and support that touched me the most deeply. He was always there to offer a kind word or a warm embrace, and he never hesitated to show his affection. I remember the time when my close friend Gynaecologist Dr. Rakesh Sinha passed away, and Dr. Udwadia came to the crematorium in Mumbai to support me. He hugged me so tightly that I felt a divine power in him. His love and support helped me get through that difficult time, and I will never forget it.
More recently, on 26th August 2022, I was invited to be a faculty member for bariatric surgery at the Institute of Medical and Minimal Access Surgery Training, Mumbai.
Dr. Udwadia made a special trip to the institute to bless me and show his support. When I asked him about his health, he told me that he still played golf at the age of 88 years and was on the verge of finishing another biography. His energy and zest for life were truly inspiring.
The world has lost a great surgeon, but more than that, it has lost a kind, compassionate and loving soul. Dr. Udwadia's life has touched so many, and his legacy will live on forever. Although he has passed away, I know that he will continue to inspire and make a difference in the lives of many. His life deserves to be celebrated, and I am grateful for the time that I had with him. Rest in peace, Dr. Udwadia. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
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