P. V. Cherian

Palathinkal Varkey Cherian (or Cheriyan) (9 July 1893 – 9 November 1969) was a physician, surgeon and politician from India. He was the Governor of Maharashtra from 14 November 1964 to 8 November 1969.

Early life and medical career Cherian was born in Alleppey, Travancore, as the son of Achamma and Magistrate P. M. Varkey and to the Anglican Syrian Christian Palathinkal family.

In 1925, Cherian went to the United Kingdom to specialise in ear, nose and throat diseases and, in 1926, passed the FRCS examination from Edinburgh. R. N. Arogyasamy Mudaliar, the Minister for Medical Administration (1926–28), he was keen to "indianise" medical services. So he appointed Cherian the first Indian Superintendent of Madras Medical College. Later, Cherian became Principal of the college and was appointed the first Indian Surgeon General of Madras Presidency.

Political career After his retirement from the government medical service in 1948, Cherian became increasingly active in politics. Tara Cherian was also awarded Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour in India, for her social work. Governor Cherian died in office, on 9 November 1969, at the age of 76.