Google marks Indian cell biologist’s 104th b’day with Doodle

Ranadive is best known for her groundbreaking cancer research and devotion to creating a more equitable society through science and education.

New Delhi: Google on Monday celebrated Indian cell biologist and cancer research pioneer Dr. Kamal Ranadive’s 104th birthday with a Doodle. The illustration was made by India-based guest artist Ibrahim Rayintakath.

Ranadive is best known for her groundbreaking cancer research and devotion to creating a more equitable society through science and education.

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“Happy birthday, Dr. Kamal Ranadive!” the Google Doodle page said.

Kamal Samarath, better known as Kamal Ranadive, was born on this day in 1917 in Pune. Her father’s encouragement to pursue a medical education inspired Ranadive to excel academically, but she found her calling in biology instead.

In 1949, she received a doctorate in cytology, the study of cells, while working as a researcher in the Indian Cancer Research Center (ICRC). After a fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, US, she returned to Mumbai and the ICRC, where she established the country’s first tissue culture laboratory.

“As the director of the ICRC and a pioneer in animal modeling of cancer development, Ranadive was among the first researchers in India to propose a link between breast cancer and heredity and to identify the links among cancers and certain viruses,” Google wrote in a bio accompanying the Doodle.

Continuing this trailblasing work, Ranadive studied Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy, and aided in developing a vaccine.

In 1973, Ranadive and 11 colleagues founded the Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA) to support women in scientific fields.

“Ranadive fervently encouraged students and Indian scholars abroad to return to India and put their knowledge to work for their communities,” Google said.

After retiring in 1989, Ranadive worked in rural communities in Maharashtra, training women as healthcare workers and providing health and nutrition education.

The IWSA now has 11 chapters in India and provides scholarships and childcare options for women in science. Ranadive’s dedication to health justice and education remains influential to her students who work as scientists today.