Obituary: Prof. Kamlakar Purushottam Deodhar

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Dr. Kamlakar Purushottam Deodhar, fondly known as “KPD,” on May 01, 2025, at his residence in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Born on February 19, 1937, Dr. Deodhar’s life was one of remarkable dedication, compassion, and intellectual brilliance. His passing is deeply mourned across Maharashtra and the nation, marking the end of an era in Indian pathology. Dr. Deodhar was a pioneer in hepatic pathology and served as the President of the Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists (IAPM) and a Founder Fellow of the Indian College of Pathologists (ICP). Dr. Deodhar served as an editor for two significant publications in the pathology: The Text Book of Pathology, by the IAPM, and the Recent Advances in Pathology (Volumes 1 and 2, 2002) by the Indian College of Pathologists. With over 110 scientific publications and decades of service to medical education and research, he left an indelible mark on the landscape of academic pathology in India. A proud alumnus of Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, he began his career and developed a lifelong interest in liver and gastrointestinal pathology. In 1972, he was promoted as Professor and transferred to Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (LTMMC) Sion, Mumbai, where he continued his distinguished work. His groundbreaking research on orcein staining for hepatitis B virus earned international recognition, particularly through his collaboration with Dr. Peter J. Scheuer and Dr. Sheila Sherlock at the Royal Free Hospital, London, during his Commonwealth Medical Fellowship in 1973-74. Upon his return from London, he collaborated closely with clinicians, fostering a spirit of shared learning and collaborative problem-solving. His pioneering research on orcein staining for detecting hepatitis B antigens in liver biopsy samples notably advanced patient care and inspired a wave of young pathologists across India to pursue similar research initiatives in various regions. As Head of the Pathology Department at LTMMC from 1977, Dr. Deodhar revolutionized medical education. He introduced subspecialties within pathology and championed clinic-pathological correlations through autopsy-based learning, emphasizing the sacred role of the autopsy room in understanding disease. His devotion to teaching and mentorship made him beloved by students and faculty alike. Beyond academics, Dr. Deodhar was a skilled administrator and deeply humane leader. He maintained a unique blend of accessibility, discipline, and kindness, winning the affection and admiration of colleagues, students, and staff. He was loved for his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his field. His interests were as diverse as his talents - an avid trekker, Marathi theatre actor in his youth, music enthusiast. He authored two Marathi books, “Velamb” and “Changla Maran.” He also enjoyed playing bridge and was an engaging conversationalist, especially when discussing poetry and literature. Despite his towering professional stature, Dr. Deodhar was a devoted family man. Along with his beloved wife, the late Mrs. Shanta Deodhar, he instilled strong values in their sons-Dr. Kedar Deodhar, a consultant pathologist at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and Dr. Avinash Deodhar, a plastic surgeon in the UK. Dr. Deodhar lived a fulfilled, dignified life, leaving this world with the same grace and composure that defined his every action. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the medical community, but his legacy lives on in his family, his students and the countless lives he touched. May his soul attain Sadgati. We dedicate few lines in the honour of our beloved Deodhar Sir. Through halls of wisdom, bright he strode, A healer’s touch, a teacher’s guide. With patient hands and steadfast mind, He shaped the path with love and pride. Though time has bid his soul to rest, His light still shines in hearts he graced. In books, in minds, in lives he’s blessed, His legacy shall not be erased.