​​​​​Early years and education

 

Dad was born on 16 February 1937 in Sakthikulangara, Kollam, Kerala. He was the eldest son in a closeknit family and showed an early sense of discipline and curiosity that remained with him throughout his life. He was motivated to become a doctor to take care of his family. He studied medicine at Trivandrum Medical College, graduating with distinction. His commitment to learning and service stood out even then. Years later, his achievements were recognised when his name was added to a commemorative plaque at his alma mater, something he appreciated quietly, though he was never one for recognition.

 

Marriage and new beginnings

 

After qualifying as a doctor, Dad married Mercy, our mother. Together, they built a true partnership, supporting each other through every stage of their shared journey. In 1966, they made the bold decision to move to the United Kingdom, Dad was the first person at the time to make this brave and adventurous journey outside of his home town Kollam, Kerala. 

 

Their first years in the UK were based in Exeter, Glasgow and Leeds, before settling permanently in Hull. By then, George and Jofi had been born in India; Bindu and Nicky arrived later in Leeds and Hull respectively. Those early years were demanding, but Mum and Dad worked hard to build a home, a career, and a community around them.

 

Building a life in Hull

 

Our first home in Hull was on Grangeside Avenue, Cottingham, followed by Legarde Avenue in Anlaby, then later Kemp Road and Westella Road in Swanland, these became our family homes for more than three decades. Finally, they moved to Earley in Reading and have been here since 2022 to be closer to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

 

Each house reflected what mattered to them, hospitality, friendship, and togetherness. Theirs was an open home. Friends, colleagues, and fellow professionals from across the world were frequent visitors. There were countless dinners, community gatherings and impromptu parties. They enjoyed bringing people together, and in doing so, created a strong Malayali network long before such communities were common in the UK.

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A life in medicine

 

Dad’s professional life was spent almost entirely in the Hull and Humberside area. He worked primarily as a General Practitioner, becoming Senior Partner at Bransholme Medical Centre, then regarded as Europe’s largest primary care facility, personally serving over six thousand patients.

 

Alongside general practice, he developed specialisms in Geriatrics at Castle Hill Hospital and he went on to become a Consultant Dermatologist at Hull Royal Infirmary. He also provided medical care to inmates at Hull Prison for many years, reflecting his core belief in providing care to all. His patients and colleagues remember him for his calm, methodical approach and gentle manner. He was the kind of doctor people trusted because he listened first and spoke plainly.

 

Service and contribution

 

Beyond his daily practice, Dad took a wider interest in public service. He was an elected member of the NHS Humberside Advisory Committee, where he represented GPs and promoted better patient care and working conditions. He also had an entrepreneurial streak. Seeing the need for longterm care facilities, he established several nursing and residential homes in the region, well run places that provided dignity and comfort for older people in their later years. His work was recognised by his profession when he was awarded a Fellowship from the Royal College of General Practitioners.  

 

Connecting people and mentoring others

 

Dad believed strongly in education and mentorship. Through his links with Leeds Medical University, he supervised and supported numerous trainees, many of whom became close friends. Teaching for him was about example rather than lecture. He showed professionalism, patience, and care in every setting. He was also instrumental in founding the Malayali Medical Association (MMA) in the early 1980s and later the Trivandrum Medical Graduates Association UK. The first MMA event was held in Hull at Tranby Hall on Anlaby Road, and it set the tone for decades of fellowship among Indian doctors in the UK. Through these groups, he helped numerous newcomers from India to find a place within the NHS.

 

Staying connected to Kerala

 

Although he built his life in Britain, Dad never lost touch with his roots. One of his proudest undertakings was organising free cleft palate surgeries for children in Kollam, bringing NHS doctors to Kerala to perform life changing procedures. He managed every detail, arranging logistics, supporting his colleagues, and ensuring that each mission ran smoothly. He saw this kind of work as simply an extension of his professional duty. Service, in his view, didn’t end with retirement or borders.

 

Hobbies and interests

 

Outside of work, Dad had a wide range of interests. He was a keen badminton player, regularly taking part in club matches and weekend games with Mum and their close circle of friends. He enjoyed photography and was always up to date with technology - whether it was a video camera, VCR, or the latest sound system. The shelves at home still hold his meticulous photo albums spanning decades. Music was a constant presence in our home, his taste in music spanned from Yesudas to Tchaikovsky, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Bee Gees and Elton John. 

 

Family and values

 

For all his achievements, family remained his priority. He was a devoted husband to Mum. They raised us with simple but lasting principles, working hard and helping others. His faith quietly shaped everything he did, expressed not in words, but in his actions.

As a father he was encouraging, supportive and loving in everything we did. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren deeply and followed of everyone’s lives with a passion.

 

A lasting legacy

 

Dad’s life was defined by love for his family, profession and friends. He never forgot his humble beginnings in Sakthikulangara which held a very special place in his heart. His legacy lives on.

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With love and gratitude,

Mercy, George, Jofi, Bindu and Nicky