Dr. Kamal Ranadive's 104th Birthday

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by India-based guest artist Ibrahim Rayintakath, celebrates Indian cell biologist  Dr. Kamal Ranadive on her 104th birthday. Ranadive is best known for her groundbreaking cancer research and devotion to creating a more equitable society through science and education. 

Kamal Samarath, better known as Kamal Ranadive, was born on this day in 1917 in Pune, India. Her father’s encouragement to pursue a medical education inspired Ranadive to excel academically, but she found her calling in biology instead. In 1949, she received a doctorate in cytology, the study of cells, while working as a researcher in the Indian Cancer Research Center (ICRC). After a fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, she returned to Mumbai (then Bombay) and the ICRC, where she established the country’s first tissue culture laboratory.

As the director of the ICRC and a pioneer in animal modeling of cancer development, Ranadive was among the first researchers in India to propose a link between breast cancer and heredity and to identify the links among cancers and certain viruses. Continuing this trailblazing work, Ranadive studied Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy, and aided in developing 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 students and Indian scholars abroad to return to India and put their knowledge to work for their communities. After retiring in 1989, Dr. Ranadive worked in rural communities in Maharashtra, training women as healthcare workers and providing health and nutrition education. The IWSA now has 11 chapters in India and provides scholarships and childcare options for women in science. Dr. Ranadive’s dedication to health justice and education remains influential to her students who work as scientists today.

Happy birthday, Dr. Kamal Ranadive!

Guest Artist Q&A with Ibrahim Rayintakath

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by India-based guest artist Ibrahim Rayintakath. Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q. Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?

A. I got a chance to delve deep into her life and work, to understand her brilliance in the field. Not just work but also how she was as a person, which wouldn't have crossed me otherwise.

Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle?

A. I wanted to make a piece that feels lively to look at, that would match Kamal's personality. My initial thoughts were around bringing this out, at the same time highlighting her field of achievements.

Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? 

A. My main source of inspiration was lab aesthetics from the late 20th century and the microscopic world of cells related to leprosy and cancer.

Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A. I hope people get curious to learn more about Kamal Ranadive and her contributions to the field of biology.

Early drafts of the Doodle