Former head of the department of surgical gastroenterology and proctology and clinical professor of surgery, Madras Medical College, and GGH, Prof Rangabashyam was the first to start a separate department for surgical gastroenterology and again the first to start a specialisation in surgical gastroenterology, M.Ch. degree course in India. He who was aged 79 passed away in his sleep on Sunday morning. His last rites were performed the same evening at Besant Nagar crematorium. Prof Rangabashyam is survived by his wife, son and daughter.