Dr V Shanta,
1927-2021

Dr V Shanta was an oncologist. This means that she specialised in treating the illness called cancer. Cancer is one of the strangest diseases known to humans. It is not caused by a bacteria or virus (you must know that Covid-19 is caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus, for instance). Instead, cancer occurs when some of the body's own cells grow uncontrollably. Moreover, they also spread to other parts of the body.  The tragedy of cancer is that it can occur in almost every organ or tissue of the body.

How cells turn cancerous
You may know that new cells are formed by cell division, when one cell divides into two, and the genetic material gets shared by both the daughter cells. Cancer happens when some cells suddenly start to divide uncontrollably. It is still not known why this happens but these cells are typically damaged in some way. The cell multiplication happens so fast that the new cells form a lump or tumour. Sometimes, these lumps or tumours are benign (not harmful) but often they are cancerous or malignant. Since these cells were originally a part of the body, the immune system that protects us from harmful bacteria and viruses do not recognise these cancer cells as being harmful to us. So the cancer grows unchecked. 
While it is possible to prevent some kinds of cancers, there are still limited treatments possible for most cancers. Some common ones are radiation therapy (target and kill the cancerous cells), chemotherapy (use drugs to kill cells that divide quickly), or even surgery (remove the tumour). 
The success of the treatment depends on identifying the cancer early.
The sooner it is found, the more success in curing it, before it spreads
to other tissues. In addition, the treatments can cause severe side
effects and fatigue.  So an important aspect of cancer treatment is
awareness and providing support during the treatment process. Dr V
Shanta was famous for her dedication to provide treatment and care for
cancer patients for most of her life.  Her patients used to come for
treatment in the Cancer Institute (WIA) where she worked from all over India. Dr V Shanta died almost exactly a year ago, on 19 Jan, 2021. She was still an active member of the Cancer Institute, which she had joined in 1955, 65 years earlier.

Early career
Another important person who dedicated his life to cancer treatment and research was Dr S Krishnamurthi. Dr Shanta was associated with him at the Cancer Institute from the very beginning. Dr Krishnamurthi studied and worked in various cancer hospitals in the US and England. He decided to return to India, work with patients here, and dedicated his life to try and eradicate cancer. His mother, Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, another incredible lady, was one of India's first woman doctors. She started the Cancer Institute in 1954, and Dr Krishnamurthi took over as Director in 1959. He and Dr Shanta worked together over decades to make the Cancer Institute the premier institution that it is today. Dr Krishnamurthi died in 2010, and Dr Shanta continued her work till she passed away last year.

Dr Shanta and the Cancer Institute
Both Dr Shanta and the Cancer Institute are well known for their compassionate attitude towards cancer patients. She was also famous for making cancer treatment available to patients at affordable rates.  Whether rich or poor, all got the same quality treatment from her. She qualified as a doctor in the 1950s when not much was known about cancer or its treatment. She did a lot of research on the causes and treatment of cancer, both its prevention and cure. Most importantly, she worked tirelessly to spread awareness of the disease and the importance of early diagnosis.

Awards and recognition
She was awarded the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma VIbhushan, which are some of the highest awards that can be given to civilians by the government of India. The photo shows her receiving the Padma Bhushan from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam when he was the President of India. She also won the Ramon Magsaysay award given as a recognition of service to the people.
Dr Shanta has many other credits to her name. She was on the Advisory Committee on Cancer of the World Health Organisation. She was also the Convener of the State Advisory Board on Cancer. She was internationally known for her work on cancer research. But her real legacy is the Cancer Institute. Up to 60 per cent of patients receive free or highly subsidised treatment here. In addition, it has trained many young doctors who are working in India and abroad, helping more people than ever to recover from this terrible disease. Dr Shanta deserves the highest praise for building such a unique institution.
Sources: www.cancerinstitutewia.in, Wikipedia