Long-time Doha resident and one of the prominent architects among the country’s Indian expatriate community, George Cheriyan (62), died in Melbourne yesterday.
Cheriyan (pictured), who was the general manager of Doha Design Centre, a local architectural firm, had been undergoing treatment in Australia for the last few months after a surgery.
Cheriyan, who graduated from the College of Engineering, Thiruvananathapuram in the mid-70s, was the founder chairman of the college’s local alumni association, Cetaaq.
He was also awarded a doctorate from a US university in honour of his contributions to architecture. He was involved in designing a number of Doha projects, including some landmark government institutions.
Cherian, who was also a writer, published a compilation of poems, Cherujeevitha Kathakal and acted in some South Indian films. He was also an active member of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).
He leaves behind his wife, Dr Roja Cheriyan and sons, Roshan (architect) and Rony (all in Australia).
His body will be flown to Edanad, near Chengannur in Kerala for burial.