Dr. Kateel N. Pai MD

Dr. Kateel N Pai MD passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born in Mangalore, India, Dr. Pai’s life was marked by dedication to his family, hard work and devotion to his profession, and his strong Hindu Faith. His legacy will be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Dr. Pai began life in Mangalore, India as the beloved son of the late Kateel Vital Pai and Nagi Pai. He carried forward his family's values with dignity and spent his years not only excelling in his studies and chosen field of medicine but also upholding the traditions and warmth of his roots. He had a warm, smile, kind heart, and glow that lighted up any room. Many have commented on his kind actions.

Respected and admired by peers and patients alike, Dr. Pai was noted for his thoroughness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to medical excellence. He earned the distinction of MBBS/ MD from Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India. He began his career studying orthopedic surgery in India and in England where he obtained the distinguished FRCS, Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons,. He then immigrated to the US and completed anesthesiology residency. He practiced his career to improving the lives of others, earning the trust and gratitude of many over the decades in Indiana.

Family was always at the heart of Dr. Pai’s world. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 60 years, Jayashree Pai, whose partnership was a cornerstone of his life; his loving daughter, Dr. Durga Pai; sons, Harish Pai; and Dr. Rajesh Pai (Dr. Valerie Pai). Dr. Pai’s legacy continues in the lives of his grandchildren: Jathan Pai, Anjali Pai, and Lakshmi Kateel Pai, each of whom carries forward his warmth, guidance, and proud heritage.

Dr. Pai’s strong Hindu faith was one of the cornerstones of his life. He was very devoted religiously and spiritually and followed the path with a high moral compass. He is one of the original founders of the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana. He was actively involved in temple activities.

He was always exceptionally active mentally and physically. He loved to read about medicine and his Hindu faith and spirituality amongst many other topics. He was also very physically active and performed yoga, power walking, stair climbing and cross country skiing. He loved the outdoors and sun. He planned many family vacations both in the USA and abroad.

Dr. Pai’s memory will also be honored as a cherished son to his late parents, Kateel Vital Pai and Nagi Pai, whose influence and teachings shaped his devotion to family, lifelong faith, hard work ethic, philosophy and aspirations.

A Prayer Service will be held at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary, 11411 N. Michigan Rd., Carmel, IN 46077, on July 3, 2026. Visitation begins at 4:00 PM, followed by the Hindu Last Rites Service at 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Hindu Temple of Central Indiana or the American Diabetes Association.

Dr. Kateel N Pai MD leaves behind a remarkable legacy of professional integrity, familial devotion, and community respect. His life serves as an enduring inspiration, and he will be sorely and deeply missed by his family and all who had the honor to know him.