Senior Physician, BET President Dr. Suresh V. Nayak passes away at 84

Bhatkal: Senior physician, educationist and President of the Bhatkal Education Trust (BET), Dr. Suresh V. Nayak, passed away at a private hospital in Mangaluru on Sunday morning. He was 84.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a large number of relatives.

Dr. Nayak devoted nearly 55 years of his life to the growth of the Bhatkal Education Trust. Widely regarded for his visionary leadership, selfless service and unwavering commitment to education, he played a pivotal role in transforming the trust from a single educational institution into a network of seven institutions that today provide quality education to more than 3,500 students.

Alongside his contributions to education, Dr. Nayak served the community as a medical practitioner for nearly five decades. Known for his simplicity, integrity and compassion, he earned the respect and affection of people across communities and was widely regarded as one of Bhatkal's most beloved doctors.

Hundreds of people, including members of the public, leaders of religious and social organisations, representatives of educational institutions and other dignitaries, paid their last respects to Dr. Nayak. Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya, office-bearers of the Bhatkal Education Trust, and members of its teaching and non-teaching staff also condoled his demise.

Condolences poured in from leaders across religious, social and educational spheres.

Maulana Khwaja Muinuddin Akrami Madani Nadvi, Khatib and Imam of Markazi Khalifa Jamia Masjid, described Dr. Nayak as a rare personality who dedicated nearly five decades to serving society through medicine. He said Dr. Nayak maintained warm relations with people of all faiths and stood as a symbol of religious harmony and communal amity. His passing, he said, was an irreparable loss to society.

In a joint condolence message, Inayatullah Shabandri, President of Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, and General Secretary Azizur Rahman Ruknuddin said Dr. Nayak had made significant contributions not only to education but also to promoting social and communal harmony. They said his ability to treat people from every community with equal respect would remain an inspiration.

Satish Kumar Nayak, President of the Nagarika Hita Rakshana Vedike, said Dr. Nayak's demise had created a void in the education sector that would be difficult to fill. He noted that Dr. Nayak had always envisioned making quality education available from kindergarten to postgraduate level and said his contributions would be remembered for generations.

M.R. Manvi, Secretary of Sadbhavana Manch, described Dr. Nayak as a man known for his goodness, humility and spirit of service. He prayed that God accept Dr. Nayak's noble deeds and grant strength to his family to bear the loss.

Several educationists, students, representatives of organisations and members of the public also expressed grief over his passing, recalling his lasting contributions to Bhatkal's educational, social and healthcare sectors.