Dr. Kamal Ranadive stood out as one of the few women making a name for herself in science at a time when it was uncommon. She earned a spot in the science stream at Pune’s prestigious Fergusson College. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1934, she went on to earn a doctorate in cytology from Bombay University.
As a founding member of the Indian Women Scientists’ Association in Maharashtra, she played a vital role in supporting rural communities. The association provided women with training in healthcare, helping them guide others on health practices and medical care.
Google Remembered Dr. Kamal Ranadive with a Doodle:
On Monday, November 8, 2021, Google celebrated Dr. Kamal Ranadive’s 104th birth anniversary by dedicating a doodle in her honor. The doodle highlighted her unmatched contributions to cancer research. As a distinguished cell biologist and biomedical researcher, she made groundbreaking discoveries about the links between cancer and viruses.
The Google Doodle, created by artist Ibrahim Rayintakath, depicted Dr. Ranadive with a microscope. In its tribute, Google wrote:
“Ranadive also encouraged students and Indian scholars abroad to return to their own country and use their knowledge to work for their communities. After retiring in 1989, the scientist worked in rural communities in Maharashtra, training women as healthcare workers, and providing health and nutrition education. The IWSA has 11 chapters in India and provides scholarships and childcare options for women in science.”
Her Early Life and Education:
Dr. Kamal Ranadive was born as Dr. Kamal Samarath in Pune in 1917. While her family encouraged her to pursue a medical career, she was more passionate about biology. In 1949, she earned a doctorate in cytology while working as a researcher at the Indian Cancer Research Center (ICRC).
After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in tissue culture at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, she returned to India and established the country’s first culture laboratory at ICRC Mumbai. During her time in Mumbai, she also worked at Tata Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Kamal Ranadive’s Professional Career:
After returning to India from Baltimore, Dr. Ranadive rejoined ICRC as a Senior Research Officer. She set up the Experimental Biology Laboratory and the Tissue Culture Laboratory in Bombay. From 1966 to 1970, she served as the Director of the Indian Cancer Research Centre. In the 1960s, she developed tissue culture media and essential reagents. Dr. Ranadive played a key role in establishing new research units focused on Carcinogenesis, Cell Biology, and Immunology.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Ranadive earned numerous awards for her remarkable contributions to biology. In 1982, she received India’s third-highest civilian honor, the Padma Bhushan, for her work in Medicine. She also received the Silver Jubilee Research Award from the Medical Council of India in 1964. That same year, she was honored with the G. J. Watumull Foundation Prize for her research in microbiology.
Research Papers:
Some of her published research papers are:
- Betel quid chewing and oral cancer: Experimental studies on hamsters
- Effect of Urethan on Nucleic Acids
- Influence of splenectomy on the development of leukemia in male mice of the ICRC strain
- Characterization of the mammary tumor virus of strain ICRC mouse
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