Dr. Damodar Nene, a renowned columnist and writer, passed away on Tuesday in Baroda, Gujarat at the age of 92. He had been bedridden due to illness for the past year, as confirmed by his friend Dr. Suchitra Nene. Dr. Nene is survived by his wife Vaijayanti and sons Milind and Manoj. Born in 1931 in the former Baroda province, Dr. Nene enrolled in Baroda Medical College in 1949. Upon graduating in 1953, he began his medical practice in 1956.
He diligently attended to his clinic twice a day, providing care to numerous patients for many years. However, his contributions extended beyond healthcare. In addition to his medical duties, Dr. Nene made significant literary contributions through column writing and book publications. He contributed to various magazines such as Kesari, Saamna, Sobta, Guya, Dharmabhaskar, Caravan, and Vikli. Writing columns under the pseudonym 'Dadumiya,' inspired by one of his Muslim patients, Dr. Nene gained recognition.
His first book, 'Can Indira Accept This Challenge,' published in 1966 under the pen name 'Vijayanand Bharti,' drew attention from Indira Gandhi herself. Over time, Dr. Nene garnered further acclaim with works like 'Dalit's Politics,' 'Shrimant Sayajirao Gaekwad,' 'Modi Ek Zanjawat,' and 'Dhastavlele Muslims.' During the Emergency, Dr. Narendra Modi, an influential figure associated with the Sangh, frequented Dr. Nene's residence.
