Media Release
Kanhangad, Jul 6: Dr U B Kunikullaya, one of the pioneering orthopedic surgeons of North Kerala passed away peacefully, on July 5, at the age of 89.
Born on January 20, 1937 into a humble farming family in Ubrangala, Badiadka, Dr Kunikullaya's life was a remarkable journey of perseverance, dedication, and vision. Through hard work and determination, he rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most respected personalities in the region. He remained deeply grounded in his roots, always taking pride in his identity as a farmer and valuing the simplicity and dignity of life.
Dr Kunikullaya devoted over four decades to public service in the Kerala Health Services. He served as medical officer at the Primary Health Centre, Mulleria, medical officer at the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Hospital, Kozhikode, civil surgeon at the Taluk Headquarters Hospital, Kanhangad, and retired as district medical officer, Kasargod. Following his retirement from government service, he continued his commitment to patient care as medical director of City Hospital and Sunrise Hospital, Kanhangad.
A respected leader within the medical fraternity, he served as president of the Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA), Kanhangad, and president of the Kanhangad Orthopaedic Association (Ortho Club). His leadership extended well beyond medicine. He was the founding president of Brahmana Parishath and a former president and patron of Shivalli Brahmana Sabha, and trustee of Ganesh Mandir and Rajarajeshwari Temple, Kanhangad dedicating himself to social service, community development, and the welfare of society. Dr Kunikullaya was a skilled orthopedician of exceptional integrity, humility, and compassion. His unwavering values of honesty, discipline, humility, and service became the guiding principles for a whole generation.
He was a constant source of inspiration to his children, encouraging them to pursue excellence while remaining compassionate, ethical, and committed to serving others. He is survived by his wife, Dr U Krishnakumari, a distinguished gynecologist at Sunrise Hospital, Kanhangad; his son, Dr K U Raghavendra Prasad, infertility specialist and managing director, Sunrise Hospital, Kanhangad; and his daughter, Dr Seema Rajesh Rao, director and consultant in Palliative Medicine, Manipal Hospice & Respite Centre, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, along with his grandchildren and extended family.
Dr U B Kunikullaya's life exemplified quiet leadership, unwavering service, and profound humanity. His legacy lives on through the countless patients he healed, the institutions he strengthened, the communities he served, and the values he instilled in those who had the privilege of knowing him.
His was a life well lived—a life of purpose, compassion, and enduring service.