On Apr.22, 2025, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K.Stalin, unveiled the statue and memorial museum of the former President of Adyar Cancer Institute, Dr. V.Shanta, at a ceremony held at the Adyar Cancer Institute in Gandhi Nagar.
Dr. Shanta, a world-renowned oncologist, devoted over 60 years of her life to the Cancer Institute, demonstrating a deep commitment to ensuring treatment for all cancer patients, advancing cancer research, and improving cancer prevention and control. She pioneered the multidisciplinary treatment approach to cancer in India, at a time when cancer treatment was not well-defined.
The newly opened museum chronicles her remarkable journey and contributions. The event also highlighted her accolades, including India’s highest civilian honours—Padma Shri (1986), Padma Bhushan (2006), and Padma Vibhushan (2016). The museum was curated and designed by architect Sujatha Shankar.
“What began as a humble journey under the guidance of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, the pioneering founder of the Adyar Cancer Institute, blossomed into an institution of extraordinary service as Dr. V. Shanta became a towering figure in the field of oncology. Today, I unveiled Dr. Shantha’s statue and museum at the very place where she devoted her entire life to serving the needy patients. The museum, filled with her belongings and ideals, left me deeply moved and inspired,” stated the chief minister on the occasion.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the Ma. Subramanian (Minister for Health and Family Welfare), J.M.H.Aassan Maulaana (Velachery MLA), Deputy Mayor M. Mahesh Kumar, N.Ram (Director of The Hindu Group), P.S. Raman (Advocate General), and representatives from Adyar Cancer Institute: N.L.Raja (President), Dr. Kalpana Balakrishnan (Director), Dr. Hemant Raj (Deputy Executive Director), Vijay Shankar (Vice President), Dr.Swaminathan, and Dr. Surendran, along with other administrators.
