Arba Minch University expatriate instructor, Dr Vishnu Narayanan Vishwanathan Pillai, resident of Kannur district in Kerala, India, was killed along with driver when the private car they were travelling in collided head-on with the public bus coming from Addis Ababa at Sankura woreda, Silte Zone, Ethiopia at 3 pm on 12th June, 2021.

According to the sources, the ghastly mishap took place when the public bus coming from Addis Ababa rammed into deceased’s car around 3 pm; the impact of the collision was so terrific that it left car in a mangled heap leaving Dr Vishnu and the driver dead on the spot while 3rd passenger miraculously survived with no injury marks on him, the Sankura Woreda Police stated.

Dr Vishnu’s body was shifted to Menilik-II Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, by AMU ambulance where autopsy was said to have been performed, the cause of his immediate death is yet unknown. His mortal remains will probably be flown to his native state of Kerala, India, on 16th June, 2021, where he will be cremated on date to be decided by his relatives.

He was 44 and survived by two sons; the university record says he was divorced. He had joined College of Business & Economics’ Hotel Management Department on 14th October, 2014, as Assistant Professor and since then he dedicatedly served his pupils on same position.

He did PhD in Hospitality Management from Sri Venketashwara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, and his first, second and other degrees came from different education institutions in India. In his brief life span he served as senior lecturer in Bangalore, Assistant Professor in Mangalore and Mysore; before joining AMU he worked as Associate Professor in Goa, India.

The pall of gloom descended on his college and department where he was dear to staff, students and administrative personnel. His Department Head, Mr Yakob T Medhin, said, as soon as the news about his demise reached college, students, staff and others flock to the department to know about his wellbeing.

He further added that characteristically, Dr Vishnu was very humble, forthcoming and cordial with one and all; he was hard working; college and department in particular will miss him for he was an asset to us. The previous day of his ill-fated travel that proved to be his last journey, Mr Yakob, said, they had discussed about the renewal of his work contract.  

AMU in general and College of Business & Economics in particular have expressed deep shock and dismay at sudden demise of Dr Vishnu. The condolence message says that Dr Vishnu was one of sincere Indian expatriates who had remarkable contribution in the success of Hotel Management programs since its establishment. He was engaged in multiple tasks like delivering courses, research, community services and other academic affairs of the department and college. In him, we have lost an incredible soul and our sincere condolences, sympathies and love go to the bereaved families, friends and colleagues on this sad occasion.  

(Communication Affairs Directorate)