In loving memory of Prof. Dr. Saramma Mathew (01 April 1937–15 April 2025)

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Prof. Dr. Saramma Mathew on 15th April 2025. Born on 1st April 1937 in Thiruvananthapuram, to Mr. Mathew Varghese and Mrs. Mariamma, Dr. Saramma’s early life was rooted in academic excellence and values. She completed her schooling at Holy Angels Convent, followed by her pre-university education at Women’s College, Thiruvananthapuram. She pursued BDS at Government Dental College, Thiruvananthapuram, and earned her MDS in Oral Pathology from Nair Dental College, Mumbai. Her passion for Oral Pathology was unwavering and evident throughout her career. Following her post-graduation, Dr. Saramma served at Government Dental College, Salem, Tamil Nadu, eventually retiring as Professor and Head of Department. At a time when educational opportunities for women were limited, she broke barriers and became a trailblazer in her field. Her journey took a new direction when she joined Vinayaka Mission’s Sankarachariyar Dental College, Salem, where she served for two decades, leaving an indelible mark on both the institution and its students. Dr. Saramma was the beloved wife of Mr. V.T. Thomas and is predeceased by her daughter, Dr. Bindu Rachel, and son-in-law, Dr. Joy Kurian. Her grandchildren survive her, many of whom have followed in her footsteps as dentists and medical professionals. In her later years, she resided in Cochin with her family, where she lived peacefully until her final days. A true educator at heart, Dr. Saramma was deeply committed to the values of punctuality, discipline, integrity, and compassion. She treated her students as her own, nurturing them with humility and strength. Her legacy is not just one of academic brilliance, but of motherly warmth and mentorship. To countless students and colleagues, she was more than a teacher—she was a mother figure, mentor, and role model. Her deep love for Histology and Pathology shaped the foundation of her teaching. An ardent academician, she was meticulous, insightful, and passionate. Even before the advent of digital tools, she remained rooted in textbooks, particularly her ever-present Shafer’s Textbook of Oral Pathology. Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and she remained a lifelong learner until her last days. Dr. Saramma Mathew was a beacon of kindness, wisdom, and dignity. Her contributions to education and to the lives she touched will remain etched in our hearts forever. While her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit lives on—in the lives she shaped, the values she imparted, and the legacy she leaves behind. She will be remembered with love, gratitude, and the highest respect.