Prof. B. S. Chavan – A tribute

Abstract

I understand this is not a conventional way to start an obituary and it may be considered a much-delayed reaction as well. The delay could be attributed to my own apprehension to express the feeling which is deeply hurting and I am poor in such expressions. Much more has been expressed and told by various people and professionals about Prof. Bir Singh Chavan and also about their personal-professional experiences of working or living with him. I would like to cite one here, "of the diverse array of activities, Prof. Chavan would perhaps best be remembered for his services in the area of community, social, and rehabilitation psychiatry".^[1] These areas are very closely associated with Psychiatric Social Work and one can reckon his contribution to it which is incredibly indispensable. One of those is starting M. Phil in Psychiatric Social Work course under Centre of Excellence in mental health for manpower development schemes in mental health for the 11^th 5-year^[2] which is running well with full intake capacity of 8 seats every year; trainees are getting stipend (which he wanted to increase and make equal to UGC) scale and hostel accommodation for which various centres are still struggling.