Remembering the Visionary on his birth anniversary
A decade and a half back having relocated to Chennai, as a fresh postdoctoral fellow, I found myself apprehensive about finding a job that would challenge me intellectually and offer a meaningful purpose. My search for organizations in Chennai that are deeply rooted in research led me to one name that immediately stood out—Dr. K.M. Cherian’s Research Centre.
Dr. K.M. Cherian is no stranger to anyone in India, and certainly not to someone raised in Chennai. The pioneer of India’s first bypass surgery, the first heart-lung transplant, and an innovator in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, Dr. Cherian was a household name — a hero to us children growing up in the city. I spent my formative years near the Railway Hospitals where he served and revolutionized cardiac surgery in the country and to us young children seeking inspiration, he was nothing short of a legend.
Having returned to Chennai after over a decade doing research at premier institutes, I was thrilled to find that my childhood hero was at the helm of an organization committed to research and innovation. Bursting with the enthusiasm of a newly minted researcher eager to contribute to society, I wasted no time and sent him an email expressing my desire to work under his guidance. Knowing the demands of a doctor’s rigorous work schedule, I didn’t expect a quick response and hence was pleasantly surprised to receive an email from him the very next day, inviting me to meet him.
As I stepped into Frontier Lifeline Hospital, I felt a surge of excitement – finally, I was about to meet my childhood idol in person. When I stood before Dr. Cherian, what struck me most were his eyes – twinkling with a rare blend of genuineness, vitality, and unyielding curiosity. His warmth and zest for life were utterly infectious, and in that moment, I knew I had found a vessel I would gladly sail in – a place where the captain’s boundless enthusiasm inspires everyone on board. We spoke in length about science, research, my professional background and my aspirations and at the end of the conversation, I could sense that he was ready to take me into his fold and give me an opportunity to blossom as a scientist.
Over the next two years I spent at Frontier Lifeline, I never once regretted my decision. Dr. Cherian’s energy and unwavering commitment to the betterment of society were the ‘lifeline’ of the organization. He would often breeze into the research lab, with enthusiasm, asking us what new and exciting developments were underway. He would listen intently to our updates, like a curious child absorbing the latest wonders of the world, and then, without fail, ask, “Can we do it too? How would this benefit patients? How can it serve society?” These questions grounded us, reminding us that research wasn’t just about publications or patents – it was about service. Service to humanity. And that was the essence of Dr. Cherian’s life.
His vision extended far beyond the confines of the hospital. At a village called Tada, where his dream project Frontier Mediville was taking shape, he transformed lives. Village girls from disadvantaged backgrounds were not only adopted into the fold but trained in technical and soft skills. These “TADA girls,” as they were fondly called, became adept laboratory assistants, speaking confidently about stem cells, cardiac valves, and xenografts. Their transformation was nothing short of miraculous for they found not just a career but a purpose, their loyalty unwavering to their “Chief,” Dr. KMC.
Dr. KMC championed women’s empowerment long before it became a buzzword. Quietly, and without fanfare, he fostered equal opportunities for women, and gave them a platform to blossom in his institution. Surgeons, administrators, scientists – no role was off-limits, and no gender bias held them back. Above all, every woman in his unit felt safe, respected, and valued, a proof to his unwavering commitment to equality and dignity for all. Is it just a mere coincidence that his birthday falls on Women’s Day?
Dr. Cherian’s humility was as remarkable as his achievements. Despite his status, he insisted I call him “Dr. KMC,” and not ‘Sir’ even joking that I could simply call him “Cherian” if I preferred to. His fearlessness in speaking his mind and his genuine, heartfelt conversations has left a deep impact on me. ‘No’ is a word he seldom used – If we approached him with an uncertain proposal, his response was always the same: “Go ahead, try it. How can I help?” With such encouragement, it was impossible not to dream big. Whether it was the initiating the establishment of a public stem cell bank or advancements in xenografts, his vision for serving humanity was the guiding force behind every initiative at Frontier Lifeline.
Frontier Mediville was perhaps the most vivid demonstration of his versatile genius. Dr. Cherian envisioned a space that brought together cutting-edge research facilities, state-of-the-art hospitals, and tranquil environments designed to rejuvenate the human spirit, under a single roof. From waterbodies to intricate murals, every detail was infused with his passion and purpose. His respect for nature was even more awe-inspiring. I still vividly remember him mentioning that when an employee steps out of his workspace, he should walk into an environment that soothes and recharges him before he dives back into work again.
With his ever-curious eyes, Dr. Cherian observed the world with a deep sense of wonder. Each journey brought him new inspirations, and he would return with stories of the places he had visited. One of his dreams was to create a recharging lounge for the employees at Mediville — a peaceful retreat where people could unwind. He envisioned low benches surrounded by lush greenery, the calming sounds of nature filling the air, and a serene pebble path meandering through zodiac-themed gardens. It was a space born from his desire to offer others the same sense of peace and renewal he found in himself during his travels.
He envisioned it not as “his” dream but as a collective mission, transferring that vision to all of us who worked with him. His multiple roles as a visionary, an architect, and a relentless innovator, came into light then. I used to look forward to our drives to Frontier Mediville with him, as he shared anecdotes, his visionary plans for the future, and endless inspiration along the way.
When the time came for me to leave Frontier Lifeline to pursue an academic career, it was not without a heavy heart. Yet, true to his nature, Dr. Cherian was understanding and supportive, imparting one final lesson: “Wherever you go, always keep societal benefit in mind.” Those words remain a cornerstone of my work today, guiding me as I contribute to technological innovations at Anna University, where biomedical devices are developed with the same spirit of service he embodied.
Dr. Cherian’s retirement from the physical being is a profound loss to all who knew him directly or even remotely. His New Year greetings were the last words I received from him – little did I know that in just 2 weeks after that message, the twinkling eyes and boundless enthusiasm that defined him would no longer be accessible in the physical realm to us. A vacuum is created with his loss, something that only his memories and aspirations can even remotely fill.
I will deeply miss our conversations, fondly recollecting these cherished memories of my time with him, and, above all, the twinkling eyes of the legendary Chief, Dr. KMC. He may no longer walk among us but a bit of his enthusiasm lives on in every life he touched, every life he saved and every dream he nurtured.
Salute to you Sir! Happy Birthday to you!
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