MUMBAI: Renowned paediatric surgeon, former dean of Lokmanya Tilak Hospital in Sion and former Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University Dr. Snehlata Deshmukh passed away after a prolonged illness at the age of 85. Her last rites were performed at 2 pm at the Vile Parle crematorium.

Her five-year tenure as Vice Chancellor of Mumbai University is known for several bold and historic decisions that she took including among many things to include a student’s mother’s name on his/her mark-sheet and degree certificate which reflected her commitment to societal progress and gender equality and founding the distance learning centre and the Ratnagiri campus. Dr. Deshmukh also played a very proactive and important role in establishing separate departments for computer science and biotechnology at the Mumbai University during her tenure.

Born in 1938 in Ahmednagar, Dr. Deshmukh's legacy transcends her administrative positions. She served as a co-opted member of the governing council at Tata Memorial Centre, a prominent institution under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. Additionally, she played a crucial role in founding the neonatal department at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, significantly advancing pediatric healthcare in India.

A sincere champion for prenatal education and nutrition for newborns and mothers, Dr. Deshmukh's impact went beyond administrative reforms. She authored several books to share her expertise and received numerous accolades, including the Dr. B.C. Roy Award and the Dhanvantari Award, for her significant contributions to social work and healthcare.