Dr Kamlakar Purshottam Deodhar (19 February 1937–1 May 2025)

Professor Kamlakar Purshottam Deodhar, KPD Sir, as he was fondly called by his students, leaves behind enduring memories in the academic pathology landscape of India.

Hailing from the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Dr Deodhar joined the Seth GS Medical College and King Edward Memorial (KEM) hospital in 1955 for his MBBS and completed his MD in Pathology from the same institute, following which he worked there as lecturer and associate professor, and published several autopsy-related papers. His love for autopsies and fondness for KEM, where he was first introduced to them, persisted even after leaving that institution. From 1973–1974, he was a Commonwealth fellow at the Royal Free Hospital, London, under the renowned Dr Peter Scheur, with whom he published the original work on orcein staining of hepatitis B antigen in liver biopsies. The article was published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology in 1975. Coincidentally, 2025, the year of his passing, marks the 50th anniversary of this publication.

Dr Deodhar joined Lokmanya Tilak Medical College (LTMC) as Professor of Pathology in 1975, from where he retired as head of department in 1995. He mentored numerous students, was known for his teaching skills, and gained a reputation for his sharp clinico-pathologic acumen. He nurtured a lively academic atmosphere in the department. He encouraged his faculty to develop various pathology sub-specialties—a very forward concept for that era. He himself was a highly respected figure in hepatopathology. He firmly believed in the teaching powers of the autopsy room, and the daily noon autopsy meetings were sacrosanct. Neither the trainees nor the faculty were permitted to miss these meetings. Not only was he a wonderful postgraduate teacher, but his teaching sessions for the undergraduate students were equally engaging, and what he taught remained with you. He remained at heart a teacher, and perhaps that is how he would wish to be remembered. His contemporaries describe him as sensitive, kind, and soft-hearted, and as an academician, he had a curious mind. He was an MD examiner not only in Maharashtra, but also at AIIMS, New Delhi, and PGI, Chandigarh. He was regularly present at conferences. He organized the Indian Association of Pathologists and Microbiologists (IAPM) conference at Mumbai in 1989 and was President of IAPM in 1995. After retirement from LTMC, he worked for a few years at KJ Somaiya Medical College.

Beyond pathology, Dr Deodhar was an avid trekker, a keen bridge player, and had interests in literature, music, and astrology. He and his wife, the late Mrs Shanta Deodhar, were an endearing couple who often graciously hosted departmental get-togethers at their home during the mango season. In addition to his colleagues and students, Dr Deodhar was held in high esteem by the rest of the staff as well. Many of them, with tearful eyes, shared memories of his empathetic and humane approach during their difficult phases. As his MD student, I experienced his perceptive nature, his ability to instill confidence, and his words of appreciation were very precious.

Dr KP Deodhar is survived by his sons, Dr Kedar Deodhar, who is a surgical pathologist and Dr Avinash Deodhar, who is a plastic surgeon.

Dr Deodhar touched the lives of many. Whenever I enter the pathology department at LTMC, my memory invariably drifts back over the years, and I can vividly picture Dr Deodhar walking down the corridor with his brisk stride, humming a tune under his breath, and his cheerful smile of acknowledgement. His memory will always be cherished, and he has secured his place in the thoughts and hearts of those who were privileged to have known him.