Former NSW Young Australian of the Year Nikhil Autar has died at the age of 32.
The young doctor and innovator was committed to helping others, despite his own health challenges.
Autar was diagnosed with leukaemia at 17 during his HSC year and later underwent chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants and open heart surgery.
He graduated in medicine from Western Sydney University and was named NSW Young Australian of the Year for 2024.
Autar went on to create several projects focused on improving the lives of people living with illness and disability.
This includes the accessibility app Knia Maps, short for “Know In Advance”, which mapped accessibility features across Sydney hospitals, universities, public venues, transport hubs and small businesses.
He also founded the social enterprise Bheem Health, which developed low-cost medical devices for vulnerable patients.
One of the organisation’s devices, BheemUP, allowed standard beds to be converted into hospital-style beds, while another project involved a sensor mat designed to monitor sleep phases and reduce pressure sores.
Autar also raised almost $500,000 for pressure sore and medical device research.
Tributes have flowed following news of his death, including from former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer and his wife Katie Nicoll.
“We are deeply saddened following the passing of Nikhil Autar, a remarkable Australian who showed us all the importance of living with compassion, kindness, and a never-ending commitment to helping others,” the couple said on social media.
“Richard and I had the pleasure of meeting Nikhil and his family at the 2024 NSW Australian of the Year Awards, and then spent a wonderful few days with them in Canberra at the national awards.
“Nikhil’s determination and courage, coupled with his humility and wonderful sense of humour, shone brightly.”
Image: Nine
