Yesterday, as the entire nation was immersed in the celebration of our Independence Day—marking completion of 77 years of freedom and the 78th Independence Day—an unforeseen sorrow cast a shadow over the day.
In the early afternoon, social media and WhatsApp brought the sombre news that Dr. K. S. Srinivasan, a towering figure in the world of homeopathy, had passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Dr. K. S. Srinivasan lived an extraordinary life, spanning 94 years. His journey through life was marked by an unwavering dedication to the field of homeopathy, a discipline he not only practiced but lived and breathed for over seven decades. His contributions to homeopathy are immeasurable, and his passing marks the end of an era.
Dr. Anil Khurana, Chairman of the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) in India, aptly captured the collective grief of the homeopathic community in his heartfelt tribute: “A great loss to Homoeopathy. We lost a legend who lived homoeopathy for more than 60 years and inspired many with his clinical successes till his last breath. May the noble soul rest in eternal peace. 🙏🙏🙏”
My own association with Dr. Srinivasan began during my post-graduation in homeopathy from 2002 to 2003. During that period, he was translating international homeopathic journals published in various languages into English, a monumental task that granted him access to a vast repository of homeopathic knowledge from around the world. His generosity in sharing this wealth of information was unparalleled. He sent me journals and photocopies of rare works, particularly those related to Dr. C. M. Boger, which proved instrumental in the completion of my research thesis.
In the acknowledgments section of my thesis in 2003, I expressed my deep gratitude for his invaluable contributions: “My thanks are due to Dr. K. S. Srinivasan, Chennai, who assisted me in this study with his knowledge of great homoeopathic literature published worldwide in many languages. I really appreciate his help in getting me some articles on Boger’s works.“
Our paths crossed again in 2011 when I travelled to Jabalpur for a workshop on Repertory. During a visit to Dr. Solaiyappan, who possesses a vast and rare collection of homeopathic literature, Dr. Srinivasan’s name naturally came up in conversation. Without hesitation, Dr. Solaiyappan called Dr. Srinivasan, and I had the pleasure of reconnecting with him after several years. This unexpected reunion was a moment of joy and reflection on the enduring bond we shared.
In September of last year, I reached out to Dr. Srinivasan once more, though our conversation was brief. I was eager to send him a copy of my book, Boger’s Legacy. In that book, published in 2023, I felt it was only right to acknowledge Dr. Srinivasan’s contributions again, 20 years after his initial assistance. I wrote:
“I am deeply grateful for the support and assistance I received from Dr. K. S. Srinivasan of Chennai. His extensive knowledge of homeopathic literature published in various languages from around the world has been a significant asset to my work on Dr. C. M. Boger’s contributions to the field.
Dr. Srinivasan generously shared his expertise and resources, going above and beyond to provide me with key articles on Boger’s works. His dedication to ensuring that I had access to the most relevant and informative literature was instrumental in enhancing the depth and breadth of my study. I am truly appreciative of the time and effort Dr. Srinivasan devoted to supporting my research journey.“
Regrettably, after that brief conversation, I was unable to connect with him again. A subsequent discussion with Dr. Solaiyappan revealed more unsettling news about Dr. Srinivasan’s declining health. It pained me deeply to learn that he might no longer recognize my voice if I were to reach out to him directly. This realization added a sense of urgency to my work, which I expressed in an article I later published titled, Racing Against the Clock: The Emotional Pulse of “Boger’s Legacy” (https://cmboger.com/behind-the-pages/racing-against-the-clock-the-emotional-pulse-of-bogers-legacy/).
Yesterday, we lost this gentle giant of homeopathy. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void not only in his family but also in the entire homeopathic community. We pray that God grants peace to his noble soul and strength to his family to endure this profound loss. The homeopathic fraternity has indeed suffered a great loss, but Dr. K. S. Srinivasan’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us for years to come.