Date:27/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/27/stories/2006012714100200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

At reunion, words fail a luminary

Staff Reporter

Lady Sivasami Aiyyar Girls school honours Dr. V. Shanta

Over 250 alumni gathered at the venue on Republic Day
Speakers recalled the promise showed by Dr. Shanta even as a student

Contributions to the field of Oncology recalled

HAPPY MEETING: Dr. V. Shanta in the midst of alumni at Lady Sivasami Aiyyar Girls' Higher Secondary School on Thursday. — Photo: M. Karunakaran

CHENNAI : This reunion at Lady Sivasami Aiyyar Girls Higher Secondary School was less about nostalgia, and more about pride. The National Boys' and Girls' Education Society, which manages the school, honoured V. Shanta, Executive chairperson (honorary), Cancer Institute, with the `Vaidya Seva Rathna' award on Thursday.

"I am overwhelmed, words fail me. There can be no happier period than one's school days," said Dr. Shanta, an alumnus of the school.

Over 250 alumni gathered at the venue on Republic Day. Lauding Dr. Shanta, T.R. Mani, president, The National Boys' and Girls' Education Society, said, "Here is an example for students to emulate and follow. She is a great administrator who always gives importance to details. She took over the Cancer Institute with just 12 beds and developed it into a leading centre providing comprehensive care for cancer patients."

"She did the nation proud and the nation is proud of her," he added.

Speakers recalled the promise showed by Dr. Shanta even as a student. She passed her S.S.L.C examination when she was barely 13, took a year's break and decided to do medicine. They recalled her contributions to the field of Oncology and said that the school was proud to have had her as a student.