Director of COSTFORD (Centre of Science and Technology for Rural Development) and social activist T.R. Chandradutt died at a private hospital in Kochi on Tuesday morning. He was 75.
A noted presence in the socio-cultural and political sectors, Mr. Chandradutt, fondly called Dutt Mash by his friends, disciples and colleagues, had been undergoing treatment there for the past few days.
The life of Mr. Chandradutt, who fought and conquered cancer 22 years ago, was an inspiration for many. In 1996, he was diagnosed with cancer on the tongue. Since then, he had been surviving on liquid food as his tongue and jaw bones were removed, changing his face beyond recognition.
But the illness or deformity did not affect his will power. People even called him the Stephen Hawking of Thalikulam (his native place). He returned to active life with added vigour and had a large network of friends.
He is survived by his wife and two sons Hiran Dutt and Niran Dutt.
