Dr Shantilal Kothari, President of the Academy of Nutrition Improvement, breathed his last on July 27. He was 79 years of age.
Dr Kothari known as ‘Soya Milk Man of the city was a well know microbiologist and nutrition expert from Nagpur.
He made sure that the ban imposed on production, consumption, and sale of the khesari dal, also known as lakholi dal must be lifted.
Dr Kothari started his career as an Assistant Professor in G. B. Pant Agricultural University, Uttarakhand in 1973, left the job following a dispute with officials on the process of manufacturing soya milk from soyabean.
In Nagpur, he set up soya milk plant. He was also associated with many social organizations like the Vidarbha Sahayata Samiti that looked after underprivileged kids.
He had a major contribution in setting up Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Maharaj Cancer Hospital. He is survived by two sons, a daughter CA Kamal, Nisha, and CA Hemal.
Last rites were performed at Ambazari Ghat. He inspired many social activists and farmers.
