Dr Sudeep Kumar, a renowned professor of cardiology at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, left us in extreme grief and an abyss due to his untimely demise, cutting short a scintillating career and an eventful life. In addition to being a lifelong learner, compassionate caregiver, and an innovative researcher, he shall always be remembered as a beloved mentor for a multitude of his students whom he nurtured. He had seamlessly woven together his passions for cardiology, photography, music, and education, leaving an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege of knowing him.

Dr Sudeep Kumar was born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his primary education at Sardar Patel Smarak Vidyalaya, Lucknow, and then joined Jubilee Inter College, Lucknow, from which he passed his high school certificate and intermediate examinations in 1985 and 1987, respectively. Despite coming from a modest social background, he relentlessly persevered in pursuing his strong interest in life sciences by completing his graduation (MBBS) and postgraduate studies in internal medicine from King George’s Medical College in 1997. His formal association with SGPGIMS began after enrolling in the Doctor of Medicine (DM) cardiology programme as a senior resident. After completing his residency in 2001, he rejoined the department as a pool officer (senior research associate). His academic journey as a faculty member in his alma mater lasted for nearly 20 years (2004–2024).

Dr Kumar was a skilled interventionist, proficient in coronary as well as structural interventions. His areas of interest included cardiomyopathies, haemodynamics, peripheral interventions, coronary imaging and physiology, rheumatic heart disease, and aorto-arteritis. Dr Kumar had more than 225 research publications credited to his name. He has been a part of numerous multi-centre randomized controlled trials (RCT), registries, and other landmark studies as an investigator or a collaborator.

He believed in a facilitator-style of teaching, encouraging his students to actively interact, participate, and discuss, rather than relying on passive, didactic learning in the classroom. As an avid learner, he was always the first person to arrive in the classroom, epitomizing punctuality at its best. He also believed in hands-on teaching in the cardiac–catheterization laboratory, standing beside his students and guiding them through the procedures. He also regularly emphasized on continuous participation of nursing and technical staff in various training programmes and demonstration modules for sustained improvements in patient care and management. Being an ardent reader himself, he developed and maintained a well-updated departmental library. As the nodal officer for the departmental chapter of SGPGI alumni association, he was resolutely involved in the organization of the departmental alumni meet in 2023. Through his diligent social networking skills, he frequently interacted with old students, teachers, and colleagues, thereby encouraging them to foster collaborations and contribute towards the upliftment of the department and institute as well.

Dr Kumar was a person who donned many hats. He was a fitness enthusiast, an art connoisseur, and a philanthropist. Being an ardent cyclist, he, along with some other members of the cycling troupe ‘Pedalyatri’, conquered the treacherous Khardung La, the highest motorable mountain pass on the challenging Manali–Leh route, covering a distance of over 550 kilometres at an altitude of 17 500 feet in 2016. Being an enthusiastic admirer of Lucknawi culture, he learned the Urdu language and was infatuated with ‘kissagoi’ (the art of storytelling), ghazals, and poetry. He was also friends with great poets like Mr Munawwar Rana and Mr Himanshu Bajpai. As a skilled photographer, he has captured the beauty of the world around us, showcasing moments of joy, affection, and connection that remind us of the beauty that surrounds us.

Dr Kumar was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in 2023, having undergone surgery followed by multiple sessions of chemo-radiation. At the age of 52 years, he breathed his last at SGPGIMS, Lucknow, on September 26, 2024, and is survived by his wife, Mrs. Neema Pant, a senior nursing officer at SGPGIMS, Lucknow, and their 17-year-old daughter, Deveena, a class 10th student. His untimely demise has left a huge void in the lives of everyone who knew him. We will always remember his kindness, modesty, and generosity. We all will carry on the lessons he taught us about living a life of purpose, passion, and compassion. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever.