Marthanda Varma Sankaran Valiathan, more commonly known as M. S. Valiathan(Malayalam

Malayalam language

Malayalam , is one of the four major Dravidian languages of southern India. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India with official language status in the state of Kerala and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry. It is spoken by 35.9 million people...

: എം.എസ്. വല്യത്താന്‍), is an Indian

Demographics of India

The demographics of India are inclusive of the second most populous country in the world, with over 1.21 billion people , more than a sixth of the world's population. Already containing 17.5% of the world's population, India is projected to be the world's most populous country by 2025, surpassing...

 cardiac surgeon

Cardiac surgeon

A cardiac surgeon is a surgeon who performs cardiac surgery—operative procedures on the heart and great vessels.-Training:A cardiac surgery residency typically comprises anywhere from six to nine years of training to become a fully qualified surgeon...

 and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons

Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons

Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons is a professional qualification to practise as a surgeon in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland...

. Valiathan received his initial medical education in India, and specialized training in cardiac surgery in UK and US. His medical interests have spanned the fields of pediatric cardiac surgery, tropical heart muscle disease and development of cardiovascular devices. He is former Director of the Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram , formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland...

 and former Vice Chancellor of Manipal University, Karnataka

Karnataka

Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...

. He was invited to deliver the Hunterian Lecture at the Royal College of Surgeons of England

Royal College of Surgeons of England

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is an independent professional body and registered charity committed to promoting and advancing the highest standards of surgical care for patients, regulating surgery, including dentistry, in England and Wales...

 in London.

Valiathan has authored a book, Legacy of Charaka, which is a retelling of the samhita composed by Charaka

Charaka

Charaka, sometimes spelled Caraka, born c. 300 BC was one of the principal contributors to the ancient art and science of Ayurveda, a system of medicine and lifestyle developed in Ancient India...

, the founder of Ayurveda

Ayurveda

Ayurveda or ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. In Sanskrit, words , meaning "longevity", and , meaning "knowledge" or "science". The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India,...

.

Valiathan is a Fellow

Fellow

A fellow in the broadest sense is someone who is an equal or a comrade. The term fellow is also used to describe a person, particularly by those in the upper social classes. It is most often used in an academic context: a fellow is often part of an elite group of learned people who are awarded...

 of Indian National Academy of Engineering

Indian National Academy of Engineering

The Indian National Academy of Engineering was founded in 1987 with the aim of promoting and advancing the practice of engineering and technology in the country....

 and a recipient of Indian National Science Academy

Indian National Science Academy

The Indian National Science Academy , New Delhi is the apex body of Indian scientists representing all branches of science & technology.-History:...

's Shree Dhanwantari Prize in 1991. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan

Padma Vibhushan

The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian award in the Republic of India. It consists of a medal and a citation and is awarded by the President of India. It was established on 2 January 1954. It ranks behind the Bharat Ratna and comes before the Padma Bhushan...

, India's second highest civilian honour, in 2005.