C. Kumarbabu was more than a psychiatrist: he was a philosopher in practice, a teacher by instinct, and a seeker at heart. His career, which spanned decades, was defined by his pioneering work in integrating scientific meditation with psychiatric treatment. A bridge between science and spirituality, Dr. Kumarbabu connected the intellectual rigor of the West with the wisdom of the East, creating a harmonious blend of intellect and intuition.

Affiliated with the Institute of Mental Health in Kilpauk, Chennai, Dr. Kumarbabu reshaped the landscape of mental healthcare. His impact continues to be felt in the over 25,000 individuals he personally trained in meditation for emotional well-being and stress management, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time.

What truly set him apart was his empowering approach to counseling. As he often said, “Transformation arises not from advice, but from insight.” Dr. Kumarbabu didn’t impose changes; instead, he held up a mirror, guiding his students to discover their own paths to transformation.

‘Always a teacher’

Bhagyalakshmi, a meditation student since 1996, recalls, “He was always a teacher, finding something to teach in every moment. Even in casual conversations, he could discuss anything—from classical philosophy to quantum physics—with ease. His intelligence and humor kept every room alive with laughter and learning.”

Dr. Kumarbabu’s spiritual teachings were both profound and practical, making abstract concepts accessible. Haridas Menon, a retired metallurgist, shares, “I’ve been a fan of his spiritual lectures for 35 years. He blended science, spirituality, religion, and mental health effortlessly. His punctuality was legendary, and his brilliance was as much in his conduct as in his content.”

Dr. Kumarbabu’s meditation sessions were about exploration, not control. “He never policed our thoughts,” says Vijayalakshmi, another long-time student. “He encouraged us to observe them without attachment. His guidance inspired a deep transformation in me—what words rarely can. I went from being angry to calm and aware. Even my daughter found clarity after just three sessions.”

A legendary memory

Dr. Kumarbabu’s memory was legendary—not for mere recall, but for its ability to connect the past with the present. “He could recite long film monologues and immediately link them to our lives,” says Ms. Vijayalakshmi. “His memory bridged knowledge to the moment, making his teachings come alive.”

For Senthil Kumar, an IT professional from Chennai, a chance visit to a meditation class led to a life-changing experience. “I came out of curiosity, but stayed because everything was so practical and relatab-le. No mysticism, just real talk. He made meditation accessible and linked great masters and scriptures to everyday struggles.”

Dr. Kumarbabu’s ability to balance reverence with relevance was a hallmark of his approach. Rooted in Eastern wisdom yet respecting the scientific rigor of the West, he integrated both to offer a holistic, sustainable vision of wellness.

Training in psychology

Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Kumarbabu was a gifted mentor and educator. He trained countless social workers, police officers, and other stakeholders in child and adolescent psychology, equipping them to work meaningfully with children in distress. His approach was always rooted in empathy and insight, placing the child at the center of care and protection.

Dr. Kumarbabu was also a cherished faculty member of the Centre for Social Initiative and Management (CSIM) since its inception. His counseling sessions were more than classes; they were heartfelt conversations that opened minds and hearts. Generations of CSIM students benefited from his gentle guidance, deep understanding of human emotions, and unwavering belief in the power of listening and healing.

A significant part of Dr. Kumarbabu’s journey was the unwavering support and shared commitment to social causes by his beloved wife, Girija Kumarbabu, herself a committed social worker involved in a number of outreach initiatives. Together, they inspired countless individuals in their community, demonstrating a shared dedication to improving the lives of others. Mrs. Kumarbabu’s compassion and dedication to social work have been as integral to their mission as Dr. Kumarbabu’s own contributions. The couple’s collective work continues to be a source of inspiration, reminding us all of the profound impact of service and care in shaping a compassionate society.

Dr. Kumarbabu’s legacy endures, not just in the minds he helped heal, but in the hearts he awakened. Through his teachings, he showed us that peace begins within—and that in stillness, we often find our greatest strength.

(Shanmuga Priya is a freelance writer and has been associated with CSIM’s publication Conversations Today since 2013. shathi2118@gmail.com)

Image used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: Getty Images

A team of researchers has developed a biosensor platform to screen pregnant women for eclampsia, a serious complication marked by the onset of seizures.

Pre-eclampsia, which can lead to eclampsia if left untreated, is a life-threatening condition that occurs during pregnancy. Eclampsia poses significant risks to both pregnant women and newborns, making rapid, on-site, and affordable screening essential for timely diagnosis and early intervention.

The multi-institutional research, led by IIT Madras, has developed a point-of-care testing using fibre optics sensor technology as a possible alternative to existing technologies. The current methods to detect pre-eclampsia are time-consuming and require a lot of infrastructure and trained personnel, making them inaccessible in remote areas and resource-limited settings. A diagnostic test must be sensitive, specific, and quick. 

The research team, comprising V.V. Raghavendra Sai and Ratan Kumar Chaudhary from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering; Narayanan Madaboosi from the Department of Biotechnology; Jitendra Satija, Centre for Nanobiotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology; and Balaji Nandagopal and Ramprasad Srinivasan from Sri Sakthi Amma Institute of Biomedical Research, Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre, Vellore, developed the diagnostic test.

The findings of their research were published in the peer-reviewed journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 

Mr. Raghavendra Sai said, “Placental growth factor (PIGF) is an angiogenic blood biomarker used for pre-eclampsia diagnosis. We have established the plasmonic fibre optic absorbance biosensor (P-FAB) technology to detect PIGF at femtomolar level using polymethyl methacrylate-based u-bent polymeric optical fibre (POF) sensor probes.” 

The PIGF biomarker peaks at 28 to 32 weeks in normal pregnancy but in women with pre-eclampsia, it decreases two to three times after 28 weeks of pregnancy. The sensor probe developed by the researchers could measure PIGF within 30 minutes of using the P-FAB-based POF sensor platform. This, the researcher said, paved the way for cost-effective technology for PIGF detection and its potential for pre-eclampsia diagnosis.   

Mr. Madaboosi said the technology had systematically traversed the required validation stages, ranging from analytical through bioanalytical to clinical evaluation and advancing the associated technology readiness level. Large-scale patient sample analysis in clinical settings with the validated biosensor, along with robust prototyping, would smoothen the technology transfer and commercialisation in the near and mid-term future. 

Mr. Chaudhary said, the technology eliminated the use of harsh chemicals and uses recyclable POF. The dip-type technology requires a sample volume of 30 µL (a droplet) and is environmental and user-friendly. 

Detection of other diseases

Mr. Satija said the strategy can be used for on-site detection of other diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and Alzheimer’s. The technology provides results within 30 minutes with minimal use of reagents. Research had been conducted for over 15 years, he said, adding that though P-FAB technology is still emerging, it would be as beneficial as glucose sensors soon. 

Dr. Ramprasad said classifying the subjects as high-risk and low-risk would enable to determine the treatment. Low dose of aspirin, if given early to the high-risk women, could decrease the incidence of pre-eclampsia. The test also aids in the treatment and improves maternal and neonatal outcomes.  

A model hi-tech community toilet unit exclusively for women set up at Chatnalli village in Bidar taluk in Karnataka.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

To provide safe and hygienic sanitation access for those without individual household toilets in rural areas, the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL) is set to establish hi-tech community toilets exclusively for women in 60 villages across Bidar district. One such model hi-tech toilet has been built at Chatnalli village in Bidar taluk.

Each community toilet unit comprises 11 washrooms — 10 Indian-style and one Western-style toilets — the latter designated for individuals with disabilities. The government of Karnataka has allocated ₹25 lakh for constructing each hi-tech community toilet unit. 

The district has approved 60 such hi-tech women’s community toilets — 16 units in Bhalki taluk, 13 in Basavakalyan, 10 in Bidar taluk, 7 in Kamalanagar, 6 in Humnabad, 4 in Chitguppa, and 2 each at Aurad and Hulsur taluks, said Dr. Girish Badole, Chief Executive Officer of Bidar zilla panchayat .

This modern and scientifically designed women’s community toilet features a waste conversion system for fertiliser production. It is equipped with a water supply and electricity facility. An inverter system has been installed to ensure the safe and convenient use of toilets even at night.

The hi-tech toilet unit has got two wash basins. Two laundry platforms have been constructed outside the toilet for washing clothes.

The toilet spans 600 square feet in a prime location, relatively safer and easily reachable by women. The unit will soon be handed over to the gram panchayat and thrown open for public use, said Abhishek Pola, In-charge Engineer at KRIDL.

Community public toilets in rural areas can directly help reduce risks of snakebite deaths and drowning. Citing an example of a recent death of a girl at Mannalli village due to snakebite, Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Kiran Patil said the risk of encountering snakes or drowning can be decreased by promoting better sanitation and discouraging open defecation. In addition, such sanitation facilities can improve hygiene and health. “The community toilets in rural areas often fail to be used effectively due to lack of water facilities, but the hi-tech community toilets will have adequate water supply through connections drawn under Jal Jeevan Mission,” Mr. Patil added.

Besides establishing hi-tech community toilets, the zilla panchayat is organising awareness about the importance of using community toilets among villagers through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, says IEC coordinator Satyajeet Nidodakar.

People in rural areas are showing interest in constructing individual toilet facilities under Swachh Bharat Mission. As of now, the zilla panchayat has received 9,412 applications for individual toilets, of which 6,778 got approved while the rest are under process, he said.