Dr V Shanta, Executive Chair of Chennai's Cancer Institute (WIA), was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service this year.

As the Magsaysay citation says, "20 per cent of cervical cancer in the world occurs in India, where poor rural women are particularly prone to the disease. Specialised research and treatment of these cancers in India are relatively recent phenomena. Dr V Shanta, executive chair of Chennai's Cancer Institute (WIA), is a pioneer in both."

Though she's 78 years old, Dr Shanta still sees patients, performs surgery, and is on call 24 hours a day.

Associated with the WIA since 1954, Dr Shanta strives to ensure that the Institute remains true to its ethos, 'Service to all.' Its services are free or subsidised for some 60 per cent of its 1,00,000 annual patients; travel allowances make regular treatments accessible to the poor.