Dr. Nayan V. Acharya

Dr. Nayan V. Acharya, an adoring father, loving husband and brilliant colleague died Tuesday, 25th April 2017 after a valiant battle with gastric cancer. He was 44 years old.

Tributes to Nayan poured in on social media from his friends, family and colleagues in India, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Indiana.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear, dear friend, classmate, philosopher and guide,” said a childhood friend of Nayan’s. “He was always so positive and cheerful…”
Friends and colleagues spoke about Nayan’s kind soul, his uplifting and caring spirit, his leadership style, ever present smile and his sense of humor.
“There are no words to describe the void that Nayan Acharya leaves behind in the world,” said another longtime friend. “Nayan was an exceptionally kind spirit, and his cheerfulness and goodness were infectious.”

Nayan was born in Raichur, India. He graduated from Medical school in 1996 from KMC Mangalore, India. After graduating from medical school, Nayan and his family moved to the United Kingdom for his residency and fellowship. In London, he was a member of the Royal College of Physicians, one of the most prestigious medical groups composed of world-renowned physicians. It was there that Nayan became a specialist in dermatology.

“You were always happy to take on any challenge and faced it with the up most courage and dignity,” said another friend. “I owe most of my achievements to you and your constant encouragement.”

In 2003, Nayan joined Eli Lilly & Co in the UK. Three years later, Nayan and his family moved to Indiana where Nayan worked at Lilly’s headquarters in product safety.

“I met Nayan not long after I met his wife, Lily,” said an Indianapolis friend. “Nayan was a devoted, loving husband. He doted on his children. Whenever Lily had a jewelry booth at the Broad Ripple Art Fair, Nayan, Rhea and Tanay were by her side the entire weekend. Nayan was so supportive of Lily’s metal-smithing passion as well as her biggest fan and marketer at art fairs.”

Nayan was Lily’s biggest fan – whether it be her architecture or her various interests. Nayan was passionate about making a difference in his community, and supported various causes. He was devoted to his two children and celebrated their every accomplishment – whether it be academic or extracurricular. He enjoyed following
and playing sports with his son Tanay whilst encouraging his daughter Rhea to excel in her interest for Science and Math.
Nayan finished his career at Lilly where he became a respected expert in his field. Recently, he assisted with the launch of a new medicine to treat psoriasis. His dedication, expertise and good humor, even in the face of illness, were a fine example to all.

Nayan is survived by his wife Lily Pai and two children, Rhea and Tanay of Carmel, IN; his mother, Shantha Acharya of India; sisters, Shubhanjali (Ramesh Aithal) and Geethanjali (Pradeep Rao) both of India; two nieces; two nephews; his in-laws, who helped care for him during his final days, Laxman and Aruna Pai of India and a brother-in-law, Srinivas Pai (Sneha and Sohum Pai) of New Jersey.

Memorial contributions can be made to either IU Simon Cancer Center for gastric cancer research or the Sycamore School, which Nayan was passionate about. Gifts should be made payable to IU Foundation/GI Cancer Research Fund.
Please indicate “In memory of Nayan Acharya, MD” on your gift.
Mail to: IU Simon Cancer Center, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207
or
Mail to: Sycamore School, 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260.