Jammu: Eminent Kashmiri physician, acclaimed writer and social activist Dr K L Chowdhury passed away after a prolonged illness on Sunday.
Presently he was in the United States of America (USA). “Dr K L Chowdhury had been indisposed for the last two-three years. He had been with his daughter in the USA,” informed All State Kashmiri Pandit Ekta Manch chairman Chand Ji Khair.
He said, “Dr Chowdhury breathed his last at 12 noon there (USA).”
Dr Chowdhury, who had carved a special niche in the medical fraternity of Kashmir, served in the Government Medical College and Hospital, Srinagar. He earned name and fame as a prominent neurologist, physician, social activist and writer.
BJP general secretary (organisation) Ashok Koul expressed shock over the demise of Dr Chowdhury and recalled his service to the migrant KP community.
Koul said, “It is very painful to know about the demise of a person who worked for the community. He gave direction to the migrant community and his contribution in literature is incomparable.”
“The loss of such a personality is a big loss for the society, community and J&K as a whole,” he said. He prayed for peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family.
Koul said that he wrote poetry and short stories about migration of Kashmiri Pandits. “Dr Chowdhury was the son of a famous lawyer who lived near SP College in Srinagar. After completing his medical studies, he worked in Srinagar GMC besides continuing his higher studies,” he said.
He further said that he was a great doctor who was always available for public service.
Apni Party general secretary Vijaya Bakaya, while expressing grief over the sad demise of Dr Chowdhury, recalled him as a renowned medical practitioner, who was also a poet, writer and social activist as well.
Dr Chowdhury was a familiar voice on Radio Sharda talking of common diseases and their cure.
“During Covid19 also, he was actively engaged in educating the masses about the protocols to be followed and precautions to be taken,” said Bakaya. He said, “He was an articulate thinker and a brilliant conversationalist.”
At the time of migration of the KP community, he envisioned a dream of return to lighten up the darkness and bring hope, Bakaya recalled.
“His demise will leave a big void. May his soul rest in peace,” he said, expressing grief.
Commissioner Relief (Migrants) Jammu Ashok Kumar Pandita described the death of the noted physician as “a big loss for the Kashmiri Pandit community.”
“He was unwell yet he used to attend his patients,” he said while recalling the dedication of Dr KL Chowdhury towards his work and the people.
Pandita said, “He had written several bestselling books. He also found “stress-diabetics” among the Kashmiri Pandit migrants after they migrated to Jammu from Kashmir Valley. His demise is very unfortunate and it’s a big loss.”