Dr. Kamal Ranadive, an eminent Indian biomedical researcher, left an indelible mark on the world of medical science with her pioneering studies on the intricate relationship between viruses and cancer. Her groundbreaking work made her one of the founding members of the Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA).
Born on November 8th, 1917, in Pune, India, Kamal Ranadive was the daughter of Dinkar Dattatreya Samarath and Shantabai Dinkar Samarath. Her father, a dedicated scientist teaching at Pune’s Fergusson College, prioritized providing his children with a stellar education. Driven by academic excellence, Ranadive received her schooling at Huzurpaga’s H. H. C. P. High School.
Her journey into higher education commenced at Fergusson College, where she initially focused on botany and zoology. In 1934, she graduated with honors, earning her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree.
Ranadive’s pursuit of knowledge led her to the Agriculture College in Pune, where she achieved her Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in 1943. Her specialization in the cytogenetics of annonaceae demonstrated her commitment to scientific exploration.
On May 13, 1939, she entered into matrimony with mathematician J. T. Ranadive, and together they embarked on a new chapter of life in Bombay. They were blessed with a son, Anil Jaysingh.
Her professional journey reached a pivotal juncture during her fellowship at Maryland’s Johns Hopkins University. Under the mentorship of the distinguished cell biologist George Gey, she delved into tissue culture research, which significantly influenced her future work. Following her fellowship, Ranadive returned to the Indian Cancer Research Center (ICRC) in Mumbai, where she established the nation’s inaugural tissue culture laboratory.
In 1973, Ranadive, alongside eleven dedicated colleagues, played a pivotal role in founding the Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA). Her retirement in 1989 did not mark the end of her contributions. She turned her attention to rural areas in Maharashtra, dedicating her efforts to training women in healthcare and imparting valuable guidance to the local communities on matters of health and medical care.
On April 11, 2001, Dr. Kamal Ranadive left this world, but her enduring research continues to shape advancements in the fields of medicine and cancer treatment, leaving an everlasting impact on the realm of scientific discovery.
Quick Facts:
- Dr. Kamal Ranadive, a renowned biomedical researcher, made significant contributions to the study of viruses and cancer.
- Born on November 8, 1917, in Pune, India, she was a founding member of the Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA).
- Her academic journey began at Fergusson College, Pune, where she excelled in botany and zoology, earning a B.Sc. with honors in 1934.
- She specialized in the cytogenetics of annonaceae during her M.Sc. at the Agriculture College in Pune, graduating in 1943.
- Dr. Kamal Ranadive’s marriage to mathematician J. T. Ranadive in 1939 led her to Bombay, where they had a son named Anil Jaysingh.
- A fellowship at Johns Hopkins University influenced her tissue culture research, which she pursued at the Indian Cancer Research Center (ICRC) in Mumbai.
- In 1973, she co-founded the Indian Women Scientists’ Association (IWSA) and continued her work even after retiring in 1989.
- Dr. Kamal Ranadive passed away on April 11, 2001, leaving behind a lasting legacy of medical and scientific advancements.
