RILLIANT SCIENTIST, INCREDIBLE HUMANITARIAN
Moshmi Bhattacharya
I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Varma in 1995 when I first came to Montreal. I came to know about his laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology, McGill University having attended a course taught by his wife, Dr. Shree Mulay.
I expressed my interest in starting graduate training, and he took me under his wing and became one of my co-supervisors and helped me develop my research project that progressed into my PhD thesis. Dr. Varma’s quiet, gentle and encouraging nature and incredible insights and direction enabled me to flourish academically. Most importantly, he believed in my work and trained me to become an independent scientist, and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him. I left Montreal in 1999, but Dr. Varma remained an important part of my life.
My husband and I started our research laboratories a few years later, and Dr. Varma continued to mentor and guide both of us. When we were not discussing science we talked endlessly about our beloved dogs (Mischief and Sonny, both yellow Labradors). Shortly after leaving Montreal, Dr. Varma visited our home in London, Ontario and over those few brief days we, including Sonny, had a chance to get to know him better. We are so thankful for that wonderful opportunity.
Although it seems strange to call him anything but ‘Dr. Varma’, this brilliant scientist, incredible humanitarian, exceedingly kind and wonderful man has impacted my life in countless ways and was a father figure to me. Dr. Varma, I and countless others miss you very much but your presence will always be felt through the tremendous love and kindness you left behind.
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