Prof. Dr. Latha Anandkrishna: a beacon of inspiration gone too soon

Latha Devi Ananda Krishna

As her name suggests, Dr. Latha was like a beautiful creeper who held onto your heart and never let go. At the same time, she could be quite the Devi in the pursuit of all that she was passionate about. One can count many things that Latha was passionate about. Her role as a pediatric dentist, professor, and HoD for many years, Dean of academics of Ramaiah University, her pet topic of cariology, the responsibilities she took on in various professional bodies, her enduring thirst for knowledge, fascination with technology, dental health professions' education, devoted wife and very involved mother, a loving daughter to her family and in-laws, a friend incomparable.

Latha was one of the brightest people I knew and also one of the most generous, with her resources, thoughts, ideas, time, and energy. To her students, she was the center of the universe and to those who relied on her, dependable support always. She left an indelible impact on those she met, even incidentally.  Fiercely independent and yet a true ardhangini to Anand, indulgent and yet firm with her daughter, Akhila, accommodating and a fun friend who never shied away from a debate.

Highly qualified, after her master's in pedodontics, she completed a master's in medical law and ethics, a Ph.D. from Nitte University, and a Faimer fellowship from Philadelphia.

There were many things that Latha redefined. Although she was a beacon of inspiration all along, she was the epitome of courage in the way she handled her diagnosis and treatment. Although there was considerable pain, she redefined her commitment to her work. Although she had one of the sharpest scientific instincts, she redefined acceptance of all that came her way.

It is said, that the light that shines the brightest, burns quickest. Latha Devi was a lovely, bright generous light that has gone out too soon. In our hearts and mind forever, she'll always be missed.

Dr. Latha Anandakrishna:

MDS (Pedo), PGDMLE, Ph.D., Faimer Fellow (Philadelphia), Associate Dean (PG) Professor in the Department of Pedodontics. Dean (Academics), Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences

Dr. Lata Ananda Krishna graduated from Government Dental College Bangalore and completed her MDS in Pediatric Dentistry at AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangaluru. She went on to complete her Ph.D. from Nitte University, Mangaluru with her research on problematic eating behavior and its relationship to dental caries in children. She pursued her fellowship in Medical Education from FAIMER Institute, Philadelphia.

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