A Gem of Vellore Dr. Benjamin M. Pulimood Dr. Benjamin M. Pulimood passed away in Vellore on February 5, 2011.  Dr. Pulimood, or “Benji” as he was known to many, was associated with CMC for over fifty years. He joined the faculty in 1957 and went on to serve in numerous leadership roles, including Principal of the College, Medical Superintendent and Director. Dr. Pulimood possessed in full measure the qualities that make the CMC faculty the model for medical education and practice in today’s world. He was known as an excellent and compassionate clinician and a creative administrator whose life and work were infused with Christian values of selflessness and humility. He was a stalwart of the Medicine Department and was responsible for initiating several specialties at CMC including Gastroenterology, Hematology, Cardiology and Infectious Diseases. During his time as Director, the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, he oversaw construction of the ASHA Educational Building and the launching of the College of Nursing Community Health Program. Following his retirement, Dr. Pulimood continued to be an active participant in the CMC Council, where he shared his wisdom and his commitment to the healing ministry of the institution. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Ramani Pulimood, (MBBS Batch of 1953) former Professor and Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology; his daughter, Dr. Anna Pulimood (MBBS Batch of 1982), CMC Professor of Pathology and Vice Principal for Undergraduate Education; his sons, Mr. Mani Pulimood of Princeton, New Jersey and Dr. Thomas Pulimood (MBBS Batch of 1987) of Cambridge, England and many grandchildren. Mrs. Linda Knutson and Dr. Bob Carman, two former Directors of the Vellore CMC Foundation, worked closely with Dr. Pulimood over many years. Bob Carman: “While I share the sorrow felt by the Pulimood family and the entire CMC Vellore community in India and around the world at our loss in the death of Dr. Benjamin Pulimood, I also share a real sense of gratitude and thanksgiving for his life, his service, his faith and witness. Benji was a superb clinician, a beloved physician, a kind and gentle person, and a very dear friend. God blessed him, and he in turn was a blessing to many - his patients, his students, his family and colleagues, and his many friends. We will miss him, but we thank God for him.” Linda Pierce Knutson: “How blessed I was to have worked with Benji beginning in 1987.  He was a treasured colleague, living out God's calling to be an honest and caring human being and an excellent clinician.  Benji's vision for inclusiveness as well as his focus on providing facilities plus equipment for the treatment of all offered clarity. His leadership style enabled CMC&H to move forward into the 21st century with God's grace. His spirit will be missed by me and a host of others.”