Tehemton Erach Udwadia, Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologist

Tehemton Erach Udwadia

Born 16 November 1934 · Maharashtra — Died 7 January 2023

Pioneered laparoscopic surgery techniques in India and founded the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons.

Tehemton Erach Udwadia was an Indian surgeon and gastroenterologist, considered by many as the father of laparoscopic surgery in India. He was a general surgeon at two Mumbai hospitals, Breach Candy Hospital and Hinduja Hospital and was the founder president of the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons. The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honour of the Padma Shri, in 2006 and the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan in 2017 for his contributions to Indian medicine. He has shared his experience through his book- More than just surgery.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Udwadia captained both the cricket and athletics teams at Wilson College while excelling academically during his medical training in the 1950s.

The Story

1
In 1958, Tehemton Udwadia began his medical research fellowship at King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College in Mumbai, setting the stage for his pioneering surgical career.
2
🌟 By 1993, Udwadia founded and became the first president of the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons, promoting laparoscopic surgery across India until 1998.
3In 2000, he received the Dr. B. C. Roy Award, India's highest medical honor, recognizing his surgical innovations and academic contributions.
4🌍 Between 1984 and 1992, Udwadia was honored internationally as Hunterian Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and Sir James Ross Lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Shri

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Despite his surgical prowess, Udwadia described himself as an average medical student during his early years at Mumbai University, highlighting his growth beyond academics.

🖼️

Through the Years

2 photographs from the archives
The President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Shri to Prof. Tehemton Erach Udwadia at Rashtrapati Bhavan (2006).
The President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting Padma Shri to Prof. Tehemton Erach Udwadia at Rashtrapati Bhavan (2006).
2006
The President Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting Padma Bhushan to Dr. Tehemton Erach Udwadia at Rashtrapati Bhavan (2017).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tehemton Erach Udwadia was born into a Parsi family in Mumbai on July 15, 1934.
1934
⚡
Career
Begins fellowship at KEM Hospital
Udwadia started as a research fellow at King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College, marking his entry into surgical research.
1958
📚
Education
Earns MS postgraduate degree
He secured his Master of Surgery degree from Mumbai University while working at KEM Hospital.
1960
⚡
Career
Founds Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons
Udwadia became the founding president of the association, leading it for five years to promote laparoscopic techniques in India.
1993
🏅
Award
Receives Dr. B. C. Roy Award
Awarded by the Medical Council of India for his surgical innovations and medical contributions.
2000
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Shri
The Government of India honored Udwadia with the Padma Shri for his contributions to medicine.
2006
🏅
Award
Receives Padma Bhushan
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India, recognizing his impact on laparoscopic surgery.
2017
🕊️
Death
Death in Mumbai
Tehemton Udwadia passed away at age 88, concluding a six-decade surgical career.
2023
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Udwadia authored an unpublished book titled 'One Way to Live,' completed in the last eight months of his life, offering personal insights beyond his medical career.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Minimal Access Surgery from its inception in 2005 until 2017, then as Emeritus Editor until his death in 2023.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Udwadia was a Hunterian Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons of England during 1984–85, a prestigious international recognition rarely held by Indian surgeons at the time.

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"Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God’s Paradise."

— Tehemton Erach Udwadia

🌱 What changed because of them

Udwadia's establishment of the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo-Surgeons created a professional platform that standardized laparoscopic surgery training and practice in India. His leadership roles in both national and international surgical societies helped integrate Indian surgical innovations into global practices. The Journal of Minimal Access Surgery under his editorship became a primary medium for disseminating laparoscopic techniques in developing countries.

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