Google Doodle marks the birthday of cancer research pioneer, Ramal Ranadive

New Delhi: Google today celebrated the 104th birthday of Indian cell biologist Dr. Kamal Ranadive with a meticulously crafted doodle. Kamal Ranadive is best known for her groundbreaking cancer research and her devotion to creating a more equitable society through science and education.

The doodle, showing Ranadive looking at a microscope, was illustrated by Indian-based guest artist Ibrahim Rayintakath,

Kamal Samarath, better known as Kamal Ranadive, was born that day in 1917 in Pune. His father’s encouragement to pursue a medical education inspired Ranadive to excel academically, but he found his calling in biology.

In 1949, she received a doctorate in cytology, the study of cells, while working as a researcher at the Indian Cancer Research Center (ICRC).

After a fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, he returned to Mumbai (then Bombay) and the ICRC, where he established the country’s first tissue culture laboratory.

As ICRC director and pioneer in animal modeling of cancer development, Ranadive was one of the first researchers in India to propose a link between breast cancer and heredity and to identify links between cancers and certain viruses.

Continuing this pioneering work, Ranadive studied Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy, and helped develop a vaccine.

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

“Ranadive fervently encouraged Indian students and academics abroad to return to India and put their knowledge at the service of their communities. After retiring in 1989, Dr. Ranadive worked in rural communities in Maharashtra, training women as workers. and providing health and nutrition education.

The IWSA now has 11 chapters in India and offers scholarships and childcare options for women scientists. Dr. Ranadive’s dedication to health justice and education continues to be influential for her students working as scientists today, “Google said in a blog post.