Professor Dr Navalpakkam Varadarajan, 97, passed away on July 15 at his residence at 22/42, Archbishop Mathias Avenue, R A Puram.
Born on November 14, 1927 in Vellore, Dr. Varadarajan was the son of the eminent agricultural scientist Dr. N. Parthasarathy and Mangammal. His father, a plant geneticist, was a recipient of the Padma Shri in 1958. He had also received a gold medal from the Rural Development Agency of South Korea. These achievements instilled in young Varadarajan a deep respect for science, discipline, and service, his family said.
Dr. Varadarajan received his early education in Coimbatore and Palghat, completing his B.Sc. before entering Government Stanley Medical College to pursue MBBS. It was at Stanley that his lifelong bond with surgery was forged. He continued there for his master’s degree in surgery and eventually joined the institution’s faculty as assistant professor. His commitment to teaching and patient care saw him rise to the rank of honorary professor of surgery.
A visionary in the field, Dr. Varadarajan was among the first in South India to recognise the importance of vascular surgery as a distinct discipline. He established the vascular surgery unit at Stanley Medical College Hospital, laying the groundwork for what would become a vital service for countless patients suffering from peripheral vascular diseases, diabetic complications, and arterial disorders.
Through his tireless efforts, he trained and mentored generations of surgeons in both general and vascular surgery, many of whom went on to lead departments across the country.
Respected for his fairness, humility, and gentle demeanour, Dr. Varadarajan embodied the ideals of public service. He believed medicine was not merely a profession but a calling. Even after his formal retirement, he continued to consult and care for patients, driven by an unwavering commitment to healing and service.
He was an accomplished swimmer, a lover of music, and an artist who found joy in creativity. A familiar figure walking briskly along the Marina Beach in the early mornings, that seafront was his sanctuary for reflection and rejuvenation, his family said.
He lived in CIT Colony and later, on Dr. Radhakrishnan Road before settling down in R. A. Puram..
Dr. Varadarajan’s personal life was marked by quiet resilience. After the early loss of his wife Sudha, he carried the dual responsibilities of caregiver and professional with grace and strength.
He is survived by his daughter Preetha and son-in-law Kannan, his son Raghu and daughter-in-law Vanita, and his grandson Sarath..
Professor Dr. Varadarajan’s family can be contacted at +60 11 23705490 / +91-9840415690.
It is with deep respect and heartfelt admiration that I pay tribute to the late *Professor Dr. Navalpakkam Varadarajan*, an iconic figure in the field of vascular surgery and a distinguished teacher, mentor, and healer.
Professor Dr. Varadarajan was a pioneering force in Indian surgery, one of the earliest to establish vascular surgery as a dedicated specialty in South India. His vision and leadership led to the creation of the vascular surgery unit at Stanley Medical College Hospital—an institution that continues to benefit from his foresight and commitment to clinical excellence. He trained and mentored generations of surgeons, many of whom now lead surgical departments across India, carrying forward the legacy he so humbly built.
Beyond his surgical brilliance, he was known for his quiet dignity, humility, and unwavering dedication to patient care. Even after retirement, his commitment to medicine never wavered. For him, medicine was not merely a profession, but a sacred duty.
On a personal note, I feel privileged to have had a working relationship with his son, *Assoc. Professor Dr. Raghu Varadarajan*, during his time in Malaysia. Assoc. Professor Dr. Raghu, much like his father, exemplified integrity, diligence, and an unassuming brilliance that left a lasting impression on all who worked with him. It is evident that the values Professor Varadarajan lived by were deeply instilled in his family.
Professor Varadarajan lived a long, purposeful life—marked not only by professional accomplishments but also by his love for the arts, his early morning walks on Marina Beach, and the quiet strength with which he navigated personal loss. His presence enriched every space he was part of, and his passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply by the medical community and beyond.
May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations of clinicians and educators.
Professor Dato’ Seri Dr K Sree Raman
Senior Consultant Physician, CMH Specialist Hospital Seremban, Malaysia
Professor in Internal Medicine, IMU Clinical Campus Seremban, Malaysia