It is with deep shock that I got this news this morning. I was busy with the conduct of the JEE exam on sunday and could not access the e-mails till my return today morning. I actually owe it to K. S. Krishnan and Prof. P. K. Maitra of TIFR for having told me about Indian Institute of Science, Prof. P. Balaram and MBU. They motivated me to join him for my Ph.D. during my summer studentship as a VSRP in 1987 at TIFR, Mumbai. Later I have been meeting him on and off at least once every year. My last exchange of mails in April 2014. His work on separating drosophila mutants that were resistant to anaesthetics using a brilliant strategy employing novel column chromatography was a breakthrough that resulted in the identification of their neural receptors. Later he shifted to bird songs and marine research. His main mantra was to follow his passion always and not do things for awards, rewards or appreciation. I pray to god that his family and friends find peace in this hour of grief. I will miss his smile and friendly demeanour guru