Vidyadhar Akkaraju - Obituary

n Loving Memory of Dr. Vidyadhar Akkaraju, MD (retired) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the departure of beloved husband, father, brother, and friend Vidyadhar (Vijju) Akkaraju. He passed away peacefully at his residence in the presence of his wife Parvathi Akkaraju and younger brother Jayachandra Akkaraju on 20 April 2025. Born in Chennai, India on 19 March 1950, Vijju spent his childhood and formative years in Hyderabad, India. He was homeschooled until 1960 when he joined St. Paul’s School in 6th standard. In 1966, he completed his pre-university studies at Nizam College. He attended Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC) in Karnataka, India from 1967 to 1968. He returned to Hyderabad to attend Gandhi Medical College where he earned his M.B.B.S. in 1972. After his internship years from 1972 to 1974, he joined his father’s eponymous medical practice - A.V. Ramamurthy Clinic in 1975. He immigrated to the United States in 1976, where he built a successful career as a well-respected physician, a much-loved family man, and an active community member. Upon his arrival to America with his wife, he initially settled in Norfolk and then Charleston, Virginia, where he completed his medical residency and fellowship respectively. Moving to Lafayette, Louisiana in 1981, he began his professional practice at what was then Lafayette General Medical Center, becoming known affectionately as ‘Doc Akk.’ Towards the end of his career, he opened his independent radiology practice. He touched many lives through his mentorship and empowerment of fellow professionals. The American Society of Neuroradiology elected him as a Senior Member in 1997, acknowledging his skills and expertise in the neuroradiology subspecialty. He was also a member of the American Board of Radiology. He retired in 2016. His practice, spanning four decades, has been instrumental in diagnosing and treating countless patients in Southwest Louisiana and beyond. Outside of his professional dedication, he was an adored member of the Lafayette community and its Indian community. In its founding year in 1991, he served as the Acadiana Indian Association’s (AIA) first Vice President and then as President the following year. For several years, he served on the cultural committee that planned and executed Lafayette’s well-known Diwali Festival program. He performed beautifully in cultural shows both singing and playing the mandolin to classical and popular Indian music. He is survived by his loving wife, Parvathi Akkaraju, his three children- the joys of his life- Nikhil Akkaraju, Vyshali Akkaraju Grote, and Haritha Akkaraju Vasat, his sons-in-law Keenan Grote and Peter Vasat, his four grandchildren, Kieran, Elina, Devin, and Aethan, and his two brothers Seshagiri Akkaraju and Jayachandra Akkaraju and their families in addition to many brothers- and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews from his wife’s side. He is not only deeply loved but equally revered for his unbreakable spirit and contagious ‘joie de vivre’. Vijju uplifted people’s hearts and spirits with his sincerity, charming personality, and sense of humor. A musician, a philosopher, a great friend, gifted physician, and a dare-devil in his own right, he lived his life to the fullest. He never missed the opportunity to brighten the spirits of those around him. A man of impeccable integrity and steadfast resolve, he never faltered on his better judgement and kept a clear conscience, which earned him the admiration and respect of many. He dutifully adhered to his dharma without imposing the same on others and without deviating from his own purpose. He was an example to live by for those who had the pleasure of knowing him throughout any part of his beautiful life. While he will be missed, he is loved in perpetuity. Lead me from untruth to truth, lead me from darkness to light, lead me from death to immortality Aum Peace, Peace, Peace Asatoma Sadgamaya, Tamasoma Jyothirgamaya, Mruthyorma Amrutangamaya Aum Santhi, Santhi, Santhihi