Renowned neurosurgeon Varma dies

Dr R Marthanda Varma, Founder Director of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, died here today due to age-related ailments.

Varma (93) passed away at M S Ramaiah Memorial Hospital owing to age-related ailments, Gokula Education Foundation (Medical), founders of M S Ramaiah Educational Institutions, said in a statement.

A renowned neurosurgeon, he is survived by wife Dr Malathi Varma and sons Dr Ravi Gopal Varma and Shashi Gopal Varma.

Varma, a member of Mavelikkara royal family in Kerala, had also served as Director General of Health Services.

In recognition of his services, he was honoured with "Padmashri" in 1970.