A GREAT LOSS TO SOCIAL WORK IN THE DEMISE OF PJ.NAIDU (PU JAY NAIDU IN FACEBOOK)

​A great loss to social work in the demise of PJ.Naidu (Pu Jay Naidu in Facebook) .I heard the sad news from M.H.Ramesha with disbelief. But he reconfirmed.Shocking .

​Jayachandran ,that was his name,was a student of Madras School of Social Work in the 1970s with specialisation in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work.An interesting student. He used to argue with me on many matters.He had a sharp mind.After the social work course, he secured employment as a psychiatric social worker in the Institute of Mental Health, from where he retired on superannuation. He was very passionate about introducing professional social work support in schools (school social work).With that objective ,he started a monthly Journal of School Social Work,which he ran singlehandedly almost with his own resources .Some years ago he invited me to receive an award for which a committee under his leadership chose Dr.Sarada Menon(Psychiatrist) and me.But I disappointed him by refusing to accept the award as I was not in favour of seeking and receiving award. I used to be in touch with him once a way.Some months ago he asked me when he could visit me.I told that I would inform .But I postponed as I did not take his message seriously .When Ramesha informed me of Jayachandran's demise I did not believe that first. Now R.Narasimham informed that P.J.Naidu donated his whole body to the Ramachandra Medial College .It was his wish. What a noble gesture?He devoted his whole life for social work and even in his death his mortal remains serve society. I pray God for his soul to rest in peace and to give strength to the bereaved family to bear his loss. All his friends including me will miss Jayachandran, the person and the social worker.

T K Nair