Manipal: Professor Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valiathan, well known cardiac surgeon and first Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), passed away in Manipal on Wednesday.
He was 90 years. 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.
Prof Valiathan served as the first Vice-Chancellor of 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 transformed MAHE into a world-class university, attracting students and faculty from around the globe and securing its place among top educational institutions worldwide.
Prof Valiathan received numerous accolades including Padma Vibhushan (2005), Padma Shri (2002), Dr B C Roy National Award, Hunterian Professorship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Chevalier of the Order of Palmes Académiques from French Government, Dr Samuel P Asper Award for International Medical Education from Johns Hopkins Universit, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Medical Association.
MAHE mourned the loss of Prof Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valiathan, who was both a distinguished cardiac surgeon and esteemed academic.