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"T.J. Cherian was symbol of hope for thousands of patients"

Special Correspondent

Students, colleagues and family members recall their association with him Students, colleagues and family members recall their association with him

— Photo : M. Vedhan

MUSICAL TRIBUTE: Rev. A.M. Chinnappa, Archbishop, Madras Mylapore, participates in a tribute to late T.J. Cherian in Chennai on Tuesday organised by the Ecumenical Fellowship in Madras.

CHENNAI: In the days following his death, cardiologist T.J. Cherian (TJC) has been spoken about so much that the public is privy to the life and times of a man known hitherto only to his family, friends and patients.

On Tuesday evening, at a memorial meeting organised by the Ecumenical Fellowship in Madras, his students, colleagues and family members spent time talking about their association with the man cardiac surgeon V.V. Bashi called `a gentle giant.'

Archbishop of Madras Mylapore, Rev. A.M. Chinnappa said TJC was a symbol of hope for thousands of patients, a man who helped many live longer. He was also a symbol of hope for society and humanity, Rev. Chinnappa said. Many in the audience nodded in agreement.

As the speakers, came on to the podium, one by one, to unveil their interaction with the pioneering cardiologist, it seemed like the large pieces of a complex jigsaw puzzle were falling into place. N. Gopinath remembered him as a humanitarian doctor, who treated his patients as family members, sincere and humorous.

Three qualities

TJC's student and former director of Christian Medical College, Vellore, V.I. Mathan, paid tributes to his teacher on behalf of the institute. TJC was the embodiment of three essential qualities of a physician: he treated patients as human beings, had a thirst for professional excellence and was a mentor to all his students.

Joe Mannath, former head of the department of Christian Studies, Madras University, and patient, said TJC was known among his own professional group as a "complete healer," who understood the whole person.

Raj Swamy, whose tribute was read out, said the departed doctor's motto was to get the patient well. Even if it meant paying for his tests, performing them himself and sitting by the bedside.

K.C. Reddy of Devaki Hospitals said that for his patients, TJC was akin to God, because of his complete dedication to the art of healing.

Dr. Sulochana recalled her experiences with TJC at the Railway Hospital in Perambur.

Col. K.C. John, a friend, K. V. Mathew of the Ecumenical Fellowship, Dr. Issac Newton Raj Kumar, a colleague, and Anna Eapen, a family member, also paid glowing tributes to TJC.

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