A woman, a force to be reckoned with, and someone who single handedly brought a revolution, please join your hands for Dr S I Padmavati.
A grand introduction like this is also nothing when it comes to describing the lady who has brought revolution in the field of cardiology in India. Born in 1917 in Burma, she fled to Coimbatore in 1941 during World War II. An alma mater of John Hopkins Hospital and Harvard Medical College in the USA, she returned to India in 1952 and became the name behind numerous achievements including the establishment of the first cardiac clinic and cath lab at the Lady Harding Medical College, Delhi; setting up of cardiology departments at Maulana Azad Medical College, GB Pant Hospital, etc. and founding the All India Heart Foundation, Delhi.
Awarded the Padma Bhushan by Government of India in 1967, she set up the National Heart Institute (NHI) under AIHF, in South Delhi, in 1981. The hospital further expanded to areas including tertiary patient care, research and population outreach. Dr S I Padmavati still continues to work there.
Awards and Honors
| Name(Year) | Awarding organisation |
| Padma Vibhushan (1992) | Government of India |
My emotional tribute to late Dr S I Padmavati.
I am sure her contribution to the world of cardiology particularly in our country will ever be cherished and inspiring.
Once again, a heartfelt condolences. Pray for emancipation of the departed soul.
Prof A N AGRAWAL