To Live in the Hearts of People who Love You, is Never to Die

Prof Arvind Jayaswal (02.06.1950 – 24.06.2024) 24th June 2024 saw the passing away of one of the pioneering giants of spine surgery in India, Prof Arvind Jayaswal. Arvind, as he was fondly called by everyone, was a loved colleague, a great mentor and a loving friend to everyone irrespective of their age or hierarchy. It would be difficult to replace his genuine love and affectionate concern to all of us in the ASSI. The decades of 1970 to 2000 was the time that spine surgery was emerging as a separate specialty and Prof Jayaswal was one of the pillars who steered the progress. Being in AIIMS, the premier institute of the country, his unit attracted the most challenging and complex cases from wide and far and it was his great clinical acumen and surgical skills that benefited thousands of patients. He was a great mentor and teacher and was never hesitant to share his knowledge and techniques. His skills in anterior approach and osteotomies for correction of severe deformities not only gave him fame and name but also elevated the prestige of Indian Spine surgery in the international arena. He was also a pioneer to introduce minimally invasive spine surgery and newer techniques like the growth rod and VEPTR. His commitment to the profession, love for research and academics, ability to mentor and guide from the junior most to senior spine surgeons and rigid love for medical ethics made him stand apart as a singular leader of the profession. There was always a practical wisdom surrounding him and you could confidently depend for sagely advice. Dr Jayaswal also played a leadership role in the field of spine surgery. He played a crucial role in the Association of Spine Surgeons of India and was the President from 2018 -2020. He was so well respected in the matters of the association, that there was scarcely any discordance whenever he advised on any controversial matter. On the international scene, he played a transformational role in the formation of the Asia Pacific Spine Society and was the first President from India. His other important leadership roles were being the President, World Society for Endoscopic, Navigated, & Minimally Invasive Surgery of Spine (WENMISS), Founder President, of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons of India (MISSI) and Delhi Spine Society. His academic and professional achievements are impressive, but however pale in front of his genuine and towering personality. I have always been impressed with his genuineness, keenness for common good and lack of self-interest or agenda in his actions. His genuine love backed with his warm smile made him endearing to one and all. Perhaps the strength of his character was most evident that even after the diagnosis of an incurable malignancy, he had the will to accept the disease, strength to decide on palliation and to face life with a smile, with gratefulness for the good things so far and with no remorse for what fate had bestowed. Even a few months earlier in ASSICON 2024, he had only lots of smiles, hugs and friendly chats and advices to everyone. When we had a quiet moment, he said, 'It has to happen sometime. I am thankful for the good innings that I have had. I have nothing to complain". That he had a smile when he said this, shows a strength of character that can hardly be emulated. Our thoughts and prayers are to his wonderful family. His lovely wife Deviani who matched him measure for measure in love and affection to all and who provided the strength and support through his journey. Our prayers for his daughter Praapti and son Daksh. The blessings that Arvind had in great measure from so many of his patients and the wishes from everyone would surely bless them with all good things in life in abundance. Arvind as a person is perhaps no more, but his surgical skills will continue to live in the hands of his trainees to benefit many patients. His ethics will guide a generation of spine surgeons and make them to hold steadfast their patient's interest as the only interest. His love and affection will live warmly in the hearts of everyone who were blessed to be associated with him. He will surely be forever with us, as 'to live in the hearts of the people who love you, is Never to Die'. Prof. S. Rajasekaran Past President, ASSI Editor-in-chief, Indian Spine Journal