Chennai, Jan 19 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil

Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister Edappadi

K Palaniswami, Opposition DMK President M K Stalin and

leaders of various political parties condoled the death of

renowned oncologist and cancer care pioneer Dr V Shantha.

Mr Modi tweeted, 'Dr V Shanta will be remembered for her

outstanding efforts to ensure top quality cancer care. The

Cancer Institute at Adyar, Chennai is at the forefront of

serving the poor and downtrodden.'

'I recall my visit to the Institute in 2018. Saddened by

Dr. V Shanta’s demise. Om Shanti', Mr Modi said.

In his condolence message, Mr Purohit expressed shock and

grief over he death.

'The sad demise of Padma Vibhushan Dr V.Shanta, an Indian

Oncologist and the Chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute

fills me with shock and grief.'

A fine human being, as having dedicated over 60 years of

her life to cancer care treatment, Dr Shanta has always

emphasised on compassion and sympathy while treating

patients, he said, according to a Raj Bhavan communique.

Apart from many awards from public and official organisations

for her contributions to the advances in management and control

of Cancer, Dr Shantha was the recipient of major National and

International Awards including Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and

Ramon Magsaysay Awards, Mr Purohit said.

He said she was an inspiring role model for the entire women

community in the world.

'I had few occasions to meet her and speak to her. I was really

impressed with her unparalleled commitment and complete dedication

to Cancer patients and Adyar Cancer Institute', the Governor said.

Her demise is an irreparable loss to the people of Tamil Nadu and

particularly to the medical fraternity and poor cancer patients,

Mr Purohit said, adding, 'I convey my deep condolences to the

bereaved members of the family and pray to the Almighty God to

rest her soul in eternal peace and give strength to her family

and her colleagues to overcome this unfathomable loss.'

Condoling her death, Mr Palaniswami said the mortal remains of

Dr Shanta will be laid to rest with full police honours.

Paying rich tributes to her, he said that this was a way to

honour her selfless service, he said in a statement.

He recalled that she had joined the Cancer Institute in 1955

and served in several key posts.

Due to her selfless service, she obtained support from

various quarters, improved the institute that was started

with 12 beds with advanced facilities, thereby providing

free and advanced care for poor cancer patients.

Dr Shanta took up several research projects on cancer and

created awareness on the need for regular screening for

cancer detection among the public.

Her service to medicine earned praise at the global level,

he said.

In 2013, former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had presented

her with the ‘Avvaiyar Award’, he said.

The CM lauded the institute’s humanitarian approach that

provided free treatment not only for poor patients in

Tamil Nadu but also for those from other States.

Her passing away is a great loss to medical fraternity

and to the state of Tamil Nadu, Mr Palaniswami said.

Condoling her death, Mr Stalin, in a tweet said, he was

saddened to hear about the demise of Dr Shantha.

He said it was a big loss to the medical fraternity as

she dedicated her life to ensure affordable cancer

treatment for the poor.

Mr Stalin also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the

bereaved family members.

UNI GV 1145