The world of literature, medicine, and history has lost a true luminary with the passing of Dr. Edmundo Torrejón Jurado, a distinguished Bolivian physician, surgeon, poet, writer, and historian. Born in Tarija, Bolivia, in 1940, Dr. Torrejón Jurado dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of humanity. His passing on August 10, 2024, marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the vast body of work he left behind.
A Life of Service and Dedication
Dr. Torrejón Jurado’s career as a physician and surgeon was marked by a deep commitment to the health and well-being of his patients. He served as a professor at the “Juan M. Saracho University-Tarija” and “San Francisco Xavier University-Sucre,” where he educated and inspired the next generation of medical professionals. His expertise and dedication earned him membership in the “Bolivian Academy of Surgery” and the “History of Medicine,” where he played a vital role in advancing medical knowledge and preserving the history of the profession.
One of the most notable moments in his medical career came when he had the honor of serving as Pope John Paul II’s doctor during his visit to Tarija, Bolivia. This experience was a testament to Dr. Torrejón Jurado’s exceptional skills and the high regard in which he was held by his peers.
A Voice in Literature and Poetry
In addition to his medical career, Dr. Torrejón Jurado was a prolific poet and writer. His literary contributions were recognized both nationally and internationally, earning him numerous awards and accolades. He was a full member of prestigious organizations such as PEN International Club, “Poets of the World,” and aBRACE, among others. His poetry, characterized by its profound depth and emotional resonance, earned him the 1st National Poetry Prize in 1977, the 1st Latin American Poetry Prize from the Givre Foundation in Argentina in 1989, and the “Grand Prix Solenzara de Poesía 2011” in Paris.
Dr. Torrejón Jurado’s literary works were not confined to Bolivia; they were translated into seven languages, including English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Arabic, and Indonesian, allowing his words to reach and inspire a global audience.
A Champion of Literature and Culture
Throughout his life, Dr. Torrejón Jurado was a tireless advocate for literature and culture. He served as the Ambassador and IFLAC Delegate in Bolivia and was the curator of multiple editions of the “International Book Fair” in Tarija-Bolivia. His leadership extended to his role as the President of the National Board of Directors of the Bolivian Writers’ Society and as the Secretary of International Relations for the same organization.
Dr. Torrejón Jurado’s passion for literature and culture also led him to participate in numerous international events, including the Paris International Book Fair, the Havana International Book Fair, and the National University of Mexico. His presence at these events, where he often delivered lectures and presented his work, was a testament to his standing as a leading figure in the literary world.
A Legacy of Peace and Inspiration
Dr. Torrejón Jurado’s contributions were not limited to literature and medicine; he was also a staunch advocate for peace. He was honored with the “MISSIONARY OF PEACE Prize” in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2021, in recognition of his efforts to promote harmony and understanding through his work.
As an active participant in the Panorama International Literature Festival and a cherished member of the Writers Capital International Foundation, Dr. Torrejón Jurado was an inseparable part of our community. His wisdom, humility, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The passing of Dr. Edmundo Torrejón Jurado is a great loss to the worlds of medicine, literature, and culture. On behalf of Hon. President Prof. Preeth Padmanabhan Nambiar and Secretary General Prof. Irene Doura Kavadia, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and his contributions will remain a guiding light in our collective pursuit of knowledge, peace, and artistic expression.
May his soul rest in peace.
