Ramdas

One important sad incident I forgot to write in Kamakshichechi's write up, as pointed out to me by Rema and also by Suma, is about the tragedy of (her eldest son) Ramdas' death. He was the pet of everyone in the family. I touched upon his childhood in my earlier write up. He was in SSLC when his father died and was in our house in Thrissur in Padmachechi's care along with Jayan and Mohan. Amma was with me at Badagara. When Chechi went to Madras with Kuttykrishnachettan, Ramesh was left with me and Amma in Calicut. After KChettan's death, Chechi got a job in his department, i.e. Meteorological office. Then she took Shailaja with her. And that was when we were at Kannur.

Ramdas joined medical college and was a brilliant student. After MBBS, he directly joined for MD General Medicine (after a short stint of posting in Mundrothuruth). MD also was a joke for him, and after that, he went ahead for DM Nephrology at Chandigarh - where he really shone like a star. The teachers there were all praise for him and he came out with flying colours. With DM in his pocket, he really started his success story in Nephrology. Promotions came to him uninvited. He was regarded the best nephrologist in Kerala while working at Calicut. He, along with Dr Roy Chally started Kidney transplantation in Calicut Medical College. He also went abroad to Canada for conferences, paper presentations and scholarship. His wife Dr Jayasree also joined him in Canada for her Pathology scholarship and studies. Then they returned and worked in Trivandrum Medical College. 

He became Head of the Nephrology department. Ramdas made it a world-class department and students were queuing up for joining DM there. By this time, he became famous all over India. He was intelligent and dynamic in whatever he attempted. The Government made him Principal of the College - a post coveted by many. He shone there also. He was very helpful to all who asked for his help. Then after the wedding of both his daughters, he was about to have some restful and comfortable life. Dr Jayasree became head of the Cancer Institute. 

Ramu developed mild diabetes, which was under control. He developed a perianal abscess for which a surgery was fixed. When the ambulance came home, while he came downstairs with the help of Jayasree, he collapsed on to Jayasree and died. It was a colossal shock for all of us. Chechi was in Thrissur at that time and no one dared to break the news to her. But Chechi got the hint when she was suddenly taken to Trivandrum by plane. By the time she reached Trivandrum, she was in shock - became emotionless as her mind was numb. The entire Trivandrum was immersed in sorrow and queued up to his residence. As his bereaved uncle, I too went there the next day from Calicut. So ends the tragedy of Chechi and her beloved Ramdas. She - and all others - go on talking about him lovingly and with gratitude. Can't find another person like him in this world.

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