Thayil John Cherian

Thayil John Cherian, popularly known as TJC, was a Malayali cardio-thoracic surgeon, from Kerala, India, known for his social commitment and compassionate approach. The government of India honoured him twice, first by awarding him the Padma Shri, in 1972 and, later in 1992, with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, for his services to the field of Medicine.

Life sketch

T. J. Cherian was born on 2 August 1920, in the Thayil family, an ancient family with roots all over the State, to John and Elizabeth, in the southern Kerala town of Kottarakkara, in India, as the eldest of the two sons and two daughters. He completed his schooling at the Madras Christian College School, Chennai and did his college studies at the Madras Christian College. Choosing medical career, he joined the Madras Medical College, in 1959, to secure his MBBS and specialised in cardio-vascular surgery in 1963 after which he went to New South wales, Australia to complete his residency where he registered as a medical practitioner. Chennai, only to move to the Devaki Hospital For a while, he was sidelined by health problems but was practicing at the Kalliappa Hospital at the time of his death.

Legacy It is reported that Cherian would refuse doctor's fees if he found that the patient came from a poor background. He is remembered by many as one of the old school medical doctors who always maintained a personal relationship with their patients. Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Other than the above honours, he was also given an emerald-studded ring by Sathya Sai Baba.