Obituary: Dr M S Valiathan and Dr Ashok B Vaidya
We pay obeisance to two of our guiding lights whom we lost this year, Dr MS Valiathan and Dr Ashok B Vaidya. Their guidance, support and wisdom will always stay with us
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.
Rethinking Periods: When Did Rest Become Restriction ?
Jan 8, 2026
Menstruation is one of the most natural processes of the female human body, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. Across cultures-especially in India-it has been surrounded by silence, shame, and countless restrictions.
Read more
When a Baby Cries, the Body Speaks – Learning to Understand Your Child’s Silent Language
Jan 8, 2026
Children are often called a gift from God. When a baby is born, it feels like receiving a blessing
Read more
Plant Imperialists : The destructive case of Lantana camara
Jan 8, 2026
British gardening enthusiasts brought Lantana camara, a shrubby plant with spectacular inflorescence, to Kolkata around the 1800s. Surely, they enjoyed having colourful flowers around them and hoped to feel less homesick while they mass-occupied Indian land
Read more
Are Mock Meats Just a Modern Fad ?
Jan 8, 2026
“Mock meats” or meat analogues are often dismissed as a bizarre trend by many and countless memes have spawned from the internet’s apparent disdain for mock meats and their consumers.
Read more
Every packet has a story – the label tells the truth
Jan 8, 2026
When you go shopping for snacks, juices, noodles, or chocolates, the first thing that usually catches your eye is the colorful packet, the bold brand name, or maybe a tempting picture of the food. But behind all that marketing lies the real truth – and that truth is written in the food label
Read more
Meat in Ayurveda
Jan 7, 2026
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, gives importance to āhāra (food), vihāra (lifestyle), and vicāra (mental state) to maintain health. Among these, Ahara includes a wide range of foods, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Ayurveda is often glorified as ‘Satvik’ emphasizing vegetarianism. Meat-eating has been a part of Indian culture since time immemorial, and Ayurveda is no exception. Addressing the concept of meat eating in Ayurveda ensures that we give due regard to authentic texts and not view it with a lens of prejudice
Read more
