Dr. Ian Sundararaj, Department Of Anaesthesiology, passed away on 21st April 2023.  He was born on 18th March 1934.  Dr. ISR as he was known joined SN in 1983 as the Chief Anaesthetist until 1992.  He later became Advisor, Anaesthesiology in 1993 until his retirement on September 2017 after 33 years of glorious service.

A condolence meeting was held to remember Dr. ISR on April 24^th, 2023 at Sri V. D. Swami Auditorium, Sri T. S. Santhanam floor (7^th floor) at KN BIRVO Block.  It was attended by his

He was an iconic figure at Sankara Nethralaya for over three decades and was an inspiration for his patients and colleagues.  His colleagues remember him as a man who personified dedication, sincerity and humility.  They recalled fondly that if any difficult case turned up, it was always, “ISRa kooppidingae” (Call ISR).  He was the 7th oldest employee to retire after 33 years of glorious service.

Dr. Girish Shiva Rao, President, Dr. T. S. Surendran, Chairman, and many of Dr ISR’s colleagues from the Department of Anaesthesiology came on stages to share their tributes to the dear departed soul.

Dr. T. S. Surendran spoke of Dr. Ian Sundrarajan’s many innovations and took a trip down memory lane and shared many fond anecdotes of Dr. Ian Sundaraj.  He also announded that the Surgeon’s Changing Room will be named in memory of Dr. Ian Sundararaj.

Dr. Nirmala Subramaniam, Emeritus Professor, Department of Oculoplasty, shared her vivid memories of her times in the OT with Dr. ISR.  Dr. Jyotirmay Biswas, Director of Uvea Services, too said a few words too.

Dr. V. V. Jaichandran, Deputy Director of Anesthesiology, recalled that many of his innovations for ophthalmic anesthesiology were still being used. He said that Dr. ISR gave his colleagues the confidence to perform many high risk pediatric cases He presented a slide show of Dr. ISR’s innovations for the comfort and safety of the patients, his achievements.

Dr. Sujatha V, Anaesthetist, recalled that ISR Sir always gave confidence to his colleagues and said, “Everything will be alright” even for the most difficult cases.

The family members of Dr. Ian Sundararaj, Dr. Anita Chopra and Dr. Sunil Chopra – his daughter and son-in-law; Mr. Arjun Chopra – his grandson; Mr. Anand Charles and Mr. Arul Deepak – his sons also joined the SN family in paying homage to their father’s life.

The vote of thanks was given by Dr. Ronnie George, with a touching eulogy about his memories of Dr. ISR.