Prof. M. Viswanathan Centenary Award

M.V. Hospital for Diabetes, one of India’s leading super specialty hospitals for diabetes, and the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre, a non-profit dedicated to diabetes research and its complications, hosted the inaugural Prof. M. Viswanathan Centenary Award and Oration, honouring the enduring legacy of Late Prof. M. Viswanathan, known as the Father of Diabetology in India. Dr. Banshi Saboo, Chairman of the International Diabetes Federation – South East Asia, delivered the inspiring oration at the event, in the presence of Chief Guest Dr. A. Somasundaram, Director, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Government of Tamil Nadu. Also in attendance were Dr. S.N. Narasingan, Dean, and Dr. Jayashree Gopal, Associate Dean, of the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre, along with Dr. Vijay Viswanathan, President of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, and other dignitaries. Delivering his oration, Dr. Banshi Saboo said, “India currently ranks second globally in the number of people living with type 1 diabetes, with approximately 941,000 patients, and leads the world with 301,000 children and adolescents under 20 years affected by this chronic condition. Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong management, and without proper care, it can significantly impact quality of life. However, there is hope: India has made remarkable strides in diabetes care, including thinner insulin needles, painless glucose monitoring methods like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and advanced automated insulin delivery systems such as insulin pumps. With continued awareness, research, and access to these innovations, we can ensure that children and young adults with type 1 diabetes not only survive but thrive, leading full and healthy lives. In his Chief Guest address, Dr. A. Somasundaram said, “We remember and honour the remarkable contributions of Late Prof. M. Viswanathan, whose pioneering work in diabetes care has transformed the lives of countless patients and laid the foundation for modern diabetology in India. Building on this legacy, the Government of Tamil Nadu has initiated several programmes to support people who lack access to quality medical care. These initiatives aim to reach underserved communities across the state, ensuring timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for chronic conditions like diabetes. By strengthening public healthcare infrastructure and increasing awareness about preventive measures, the government seeks to bridge the gap in healthcare access and improve overall health outcomes for vulnerable populations.” In his address, Dr. Vijay Viswanathan said, “Organising the Prof. M. Viswanathan Centenary Oration is a meaningful way to honour the pioneering contributions of Late Prof. M. Viswanathan and to continue his legacy of advancing diabetes care and research. I would like to thank Dr. Banshi Saboo for his inspiring oration, which highlighted both the challenges and the remarkable progress in type 1 diabetes care. At M.V. Hospital for Diabetes, more than 500 children and adolescents are currently receiving treatment across our Royapuram, South Chennai, and Bangalore branches. Our teams remain committed to providing comprehensive care, including regular monitoring, counseling, and access to the latest diabetes management technologies, so that these young patients can lead healthy and active lives.” Earlier, Dr. S.N. Narasingan, Dean of the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre, felicitated the Chief Guest, Dr. A. Somasundaram, while Dr. Jayashree Gopal, Associate Dean of the Centre, presented the citation to Dr. Banshi Saboo. The event was attended by government officials, leading healthcare professionals, staff from the hospital and research centre, as well as special invites from various sectors and members of the public. Late Prof. M. Viswanathan, widely regarded as the Father of Diabetology in India, was a visionary physician who transformed diabetes care in the country. He established India’s first organized diabetes clinic at Stanley Medical College in 1948 and later founded M.V. Hospital for Diabetes in Chennai in 1954. In 1972, he set up the Prof. M. Viswanathan Diabetes Research Centre, a pioneering institution recognized by the Indian Council of Medical Research and WHO. Viswanathan's research, education initiatives, and dedication to patient care laid the foundation for modern diabetes treatment in India and continue to inspire generations of healthcare professionals.