I came to see a great neurosurgeon and to witness the unparalleled contribution he has made to neurosurgical care in Nepal and the World. It took me just a day or two to realize, however, that this fellowship would easily exceed the high expectations I had set. It was truly a privilege to be mentored by Dr. Cherian face to face and one to one on a daily basis, an opportunity I had hardly ever had before. Cadaveric skull base dissections, microanastomosis training and anatomy lectures were key to surgical skill building. What made it a unique and an Only-in-Nepal experience though, was how Dr. Cherian would attach at least equal importance to teaching about how mind and body integrate and about the mindset a neurosurgeon should adopt. These were lessons that I felt I had neglected in the past and that were yet so central to the work we do. It is well-known that Dr. Cherian is an educator, an innovator, a leader in our field but you will only be able to fully appreciate why this is when you go and spend time with him. Perhaps I will also be around during that time again.

They say that a mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. And that the great teacher inspires … What about the teacher that inspires dozens, hundreds of people? What about the one who shares his knowledge with all of us, chasing a sense of community, rather than personal glory and wealth?

I never liked adjectives to describe someone. But I can describe you in a different way.

To me, you are a guide, a landmark just like the ones we seek everyday in our surgical practice. And even if I deeply respect you and admire you, I am always comfortable treating you as a friend. I was welcome in your country and your house, with your beautiful family and… it felt like home.

Thank you sensei, teacher, friend. I hope to make you proud of me.

Il tuo unile me orgoglioso allievo

Biratnagar, 13. 12. 2019