Roy Abraham Kallivayalil
Mens Sana Monogr. 2014 Jan-Dec; 12(1): 4–7. doi: 10.4103/0973-1229.130281
PMCID:PMC4037901
We are aggrieved by the sad and untimely demise of Prof. J. K. Trivedi (March 15, 1952-Sept 16, 2013). He was an internationally renowned researcher in Psychiatry, a professor, scientist and editor. He has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of people who have worked with him.
He was Professor of Psychiatry at CSM Medical University, Lucknow, India, President of Indian Psychiatric Society (2004-05), Editor of Indian Journal of Psychiatry (1997-2003) and WPA Zonal Representative for Zone 16- Southern Asia (2005-08). He was appointed Hon Member of the WPA in 2008.
At the time of his demise, he was President-Elect of Indian Association for Social Psychiatry, member of EC of Preventive Psychiatry Section of WPA and Chairman, Preventive Psychiatry Section of World Association of Social Psychiatry. He was also a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK, and Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He was also the Vice- President of the National Alliance for Mental Health, India.
He was one of the foremost researchers in Psychiatry from India with more than 300 publications in national and international Journals.
A Fine Human Being
I had the rare opportunity to work closely with him for nearly three decades. We had worked hand in hand when he was the Editor, then Vice-President and later President of Indian Psychiatric Society [in 2002-06], when I was the General Secretary.
If one sent him an email, he would reply the same day. We used to share the same room in most international conferences. While we were visiting the pyramids in Cairo during the World Congress in 2005, I lost my way and he had searched for me frantically. When we were re-united after some time, he hugged me and cried. Such was the nobility of his heart!
He was extremely courteous in his behaviour. He would wait for you at his breakfast table, till you joined him!
To the residents who worked with him at King George’s, he was a mentor. His colleagues loved him, and for many, he was a friend, philosopher and guide. To me, he was my dearest friend.
The SAARC Psychiatric Association was formed mainly due to his initiative. When we met at Lahore on Sept 19, 2004, his name was proposed for the Presidentship of the new organization. He declined and proposed my name for the post of Secretary General. Rarely have I seen such selfless acts anywhere.
Condolences from All Over the World
We have received hundreds of messages, only few of which could be included below due to paucity of space:
Juan Mezzich (Past President, WPA): “I am deeply saddened by the passing of our admired friend Professor Jitendra Trivedi. His youthful spirit, full of wisdom, kindness and an uncanny sense of dignity, shall continue to stimulate and guide us forever.”
Norman Sartorius (Geneva): “It is with much sadness that I read your letter. Professor Trivedi had done so much for psychiatry in India and elsewhere and his potential to continue doing so was enormous.”
Dinesh Bhugra (President-Elect, WPA): “I am sincerely sorry and shocked to hear about Dr Trivedi’s death. I came to know him personally during his tenure as editor of IJP and always found him to be extremely helpful and supportive.”
George Christodoulou (President, World Federation for Mental Health): “Jitendra Trivedi was a cardinal figure in Indian and World Psychiatry, a decent person endowed with passion for what he did, balanced judgment, high intelligence, belief in ethical values like personal honesty and prudence, loyalty to his family and friends and great contribution to Indian and international mental health.”
Eliot Sorel (Washington DC-Past WASP President): “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely death of our brilliant colleague and cherished friend, Professor J. K. Trivedi”.
Dilip Jeste (Past APA President) “J. K. Trivedi was incredibly generous and generative – a role model for what a leader should be. He raised the profile of Indian psychiatry internationally. I will miss him not only for his brilliance but also for his kind spirit.”
Shekhar Saxena (Director, Mental Health, WHO) “I have lost a friend and colleague.”
Rudra Prakash (Past President IAPA) “He was a teachers’ teacher, and a role model for his mentees and peers.”
TSS Rao (Editor, IJP) “IJP will always be grateful to J. K. Trivedi as its Past Editor and guiding me all through.”
Finally
Undoubtedly, the sudden and untimely demise of J. K. Trivedi is a big loss not only to the fraternity of psychiatrists in India, but also to the world community of mental health professionals.
He is survived by his wife Dr Upma Trivedi and two sons Dr Mohit Trivedi and Shobhit Trivedi.
We deeply mourn his sad demise and convey our heartfelt condolences to them.
Acknowledgements
To all colleagues from whose emails I have quoted.
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Declaration
This is my original unpublished writing, not submitted for publication elsewhere.
CITATION: Kallivayalil RA. Late J. K. Trivedi: A Noble Soul and a Great Human Being. Mens Sana Monogr 2014;12:4-7.