Dr ML Sharma, one of the greatest teachers at MGIMS, passed away today morning. He died at his home after a prolonged illness. He was 85.
Dr ML Sharma had taught Pharmacology to a generation of medical students and the batches from 1969 through 2000 can never forget the passion with which he taught his subject. No one could match his unique style, his theatrical mannerisms, his wit and humour, his deliberate silences in the class and the jokes he used to inject into what many considered a dull and drab subject. He demystified drugs, simplified the complex classifications and taught tips and tricks that would greatly help students remember what the drugs do, how they act and how they adversely impact the human body. Even after he had formally retired, he continued to walk to his class from his home and would enthuse, entertain, and educate medical students, reminding them that there is more in his subject than meets the human eye. During their silver jubilee reunion, the alumni would make it a point to ask Dr Sharma to take their classes, which he did for several years.
Dr Sharma also served as a principal of the Institute. He knew perfectly well how to discipline the vagabonds, how to balance discipline with freedom and how to overlook mischiefs that according to him, “boys at this age are bound to perform.” He handled the faculty and paramedics with superb aplomb and mixed well with orderlies, drivers and lab technicians. His office was open to everyone who wanted to see him and he had a unique knack of satisfying everyone who needed his advice or help.
The medical students from the 70s and 80s shall also remember Dr ML Sharma for his Holi jokes and the way he mixed with students to celebrate the festival of colours. A close confidante of Badi Behenji, he never used his proximity with her for personal gains and also acted according to the rules.
Dr ML Sharma had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery at Hyderabad a couple of years ago. Over the last few months, he was ailing and preferred to stay at home than getting admitted to the hospital. He is survived by Dr Satish Sharma (son, Professor of Pathology at MGIMS) and Dr Pavan Sharma (MD, Community Medicine 1996 batch) Dr Vijay Sharma ( Assistant Professor, Anaesthesiology, 1998 batch).
Dr ML Sharma was a superb human being, and a remarkable teacher. Deeply religious, his devotion to his family had to be seen to be believed.
