Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 17: Veteran physician from Manipal, immediate-past president of Academy of General Education, Dr Kocchikar Mohandas Pai (89), left for heavenly abode on Monday November 16 morning. He is survived by wife, Leela M Pai, and three daughters.

Dr Pai, who took birth in the famous Kochchikar family in the year 1920, completed his early education in Udupi and Mangalore, before securing his degree in science from Madras University with second rank. He began his service along with Dr T M A Pai, who is known as the creator of Modern Manipal, after completing his medical education, in 1947. As Dr T M A Pai got fully engaged in banking activity, Dr Pai started his private practice in Udupi, by opening a clinic.  He had worked as a professor in the department of anatomy in KMC  Manipal in the first three years, and then as a trustee of KMC for several years. Till two years ago, he continued to provide his services to the people.

He was the founder secretary of Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) local branch, and got appreciation for his services as the state president of IMA in the year 1977. He also worked as the president of Udupi-Manipal Rotary Club, Red Cross Society and of the Board of Trustees of MGM College, besides holding the posts of various other entities for different periods.  Till bank nationalization, he functioned as a director of Syndicate Bank. He was felicitated by various organizations and institutions, in recognition of his valuable contributions.

MLA, K Raghupati Bhat, former MP, Manorama Madhwaraj, entrepreneur Pramod Madhwaraj, T Ashok Pai Manipal, Manipal pro-chancellor,  Dr H S Ballal, Manipal Academy administrative officer, Dr H Shantaram, veteran journalist, Dr M V Kamat and scores of other dignitaries and people from all walks of life were present at the funeral of the late Pai, conducted at Beedinagudde here on Monday.

Home minister, Dr V S Acharya, MP D V Sadanand Gowda, Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes, former MP Vinay Kumar Sorake and many others have condoled the death of Dr Kochchikar Mohandas Pai, who saw Udupi growing from being a village to a city, and had been instrumental in its development, in his own way.