Sharad Pendsey left us today. In the depths of sorrow, we bid farewell to a remarkable soul. But even as we mourn his loss, we find solace in the memories he has left behind, memories that time will never erase.

Pendsey, two years my senior during my MD residency at GMC Nagpur, was always referred to by his last name, a tradition that underscored the respect and admiration we had for him.

He looked every inch like a Bollywood hero, with his fair complexion, captivating eyes that sparkled with a twinkle, and a mischievous smile that seemed straight out of a silver screen.

Today I vividly visualise Pendsey’s eyes. He possessed a remarkable ability to communicate with his eyes. He would use them to cleverly deliver puns, subtly admit a mistake, express deep empathy, or emphasize a point. His eyes were like windows to his soul, conveying a world of emotions and thoughts without uttering a single word. Whether it was a mischievous twinkle, a gentle gaze of understanding, or a piercing stare to make a point, his eyes held a language of their own.

Pendsey possessed an aura of grace and elegance that set him apart, exuding charm and charisma in every stride. His words flowed with effortless eloquence, making others instantly at ease in his presence. Whether conversing in Marathi or English, he possessed a rare talent for breaking the ice and forging connections.

Today, three vivid incidents resonate within me.

I hold dear three cherished cards, nestled close to my heart, each symbolizing a momentous occasion in my life: my wedding in 1984, my son’s wedding in 2011, and my daughter’s wedding in 2014. On each of these significant milestones, it was Pendsey who personally extended his heartfelt wishes and sent me these beautiful cards, a tangible testament to his thoughtfulness and presence in the moments that shaped my life’s journey.

Secondly, way back in 1980, when nobody considered diabetes as a viable career path, Pendsey defied convention and embarked on a less-travelled road. In 1980, he went to what was then known as Yugoslavia to specialize in diabetes management. At that time, there were only two oral sugar-lowering pills and two types of insulin available for treatment. Many of us laughed and ridiculed his choice to shape his career around diabetes.

We, foolishly blinded by our limited perspectives, once ridiculed him, casting doubt on his ventures where others hesitated to explore. Yet, with a mischievous laugh, Pendsey proved us all wrong. He swiftly gained recognition as the first dialectologist in central India, earning the respect of physicians and patients alike. His popularity soared. He authored books on diabetes and, as early as the mid-eighties, boldly predicted that India would emerge as the diabetic capital of the world—a prophecy that unfortunately turned out to be true.

Over time, Pendsey developed a profound understanding of the complications of diabetes. He came to realize that there was more to sugar than meets the eye. He recognized the devastating effects it had on the nerves and the merciless damage it caused to the kidneys. Above all, he empathized with the profound loss and anguish one feels when diabetes claims a limb.

Moved by the plight of people with diabetes who frequently faced the devastating consequence of foot amputations, Pendsey dedicated himself to addressing this issue. He became deeply involved in educating diabetics on how to care for this complication and trained physicians in the early detection, management, and prevention of diabetic foot. He also wrote a book solely dedicated to this topic.

Pendsey took the lead in launching the Step-by-Step project, which aimed to improve diabetes foot care in the developing world. This initiative gained popularity as it attracted participants from neighboring countries and Tanzania, making a notable impact in the field.

And then there was his Dream Trust. Pendsey refused to be confined within the four walls of his chamber and hospital, spreading his wings into the homes and neighbourhoods of his patients. Moved by the plight of young boys and girls with type 1 diabetes—a relentless disease that hits them mercilessly—he delved into their ambitions, challenges, difficulties, and aspirations. He helped them grow, assuring that he and his team would always be there for them, through thick and thin. With his efforts, he transformed their diabetic journey from a constant nightmare into a Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Pendsey’s commitment to these patients knew no bounds. He worked tirelessly to ensure they had access to insulin, providing it to them free of cost. He diligently monitored their glucose control, ensuring they achieved good glycaemic goals. He went above and beyond by gifting them bicycles, empowering them to move through life with greater independence.

But his support didn’t end there. Pendsey recognized the value of education and its role in shaping a brighter future. Thus, he offered funding to help these adolescents complete their education, removing the financial barriers that often hindered their progress. He nurtured their entrepreneurial spirit, assisting them in starting their own ventures. And he facilitated their weddings, helping them gain meaningful employment and means to earn a livelihood.

Pendsey’s Dream Trust became a beacon of hope and support for those battling type 1 diabetes. His impact extended far beyond medical practice, creating ripples of change in the lives of those he touched.

It was only a month ago that he wrote on my Facebook post, appreciating my stories of the unknown heroes from Sevagram. “I have taken a copy of your write-ups of your stories. I love reading them. Bye,” he wrote. Little did I know then that he was fighting a losing battle, and I was never to see him again.

Goodbye, Pendsey. I am confident that DREAM will create a haven within heaven itself. And knowing you as I do, I have no doubt that you will not rest in peace there. Instead, you will strive tirelessly to make heaven an even more beautiful and meaningful place to exist.

Pendsey had spent some time in Germany, and years later, after I had also learned the German language, our telephone conversations always began with a spirited “Guten Morgen” (Good morning) and concluded with a jovial “Auf Wiedersehen” (Goodbye). We would share hearty laughter as we exchanged these German greetings.

Auf Wiedersehen, Pendsey.