Lucknow bid farewell to Dr. Nitya Anand, the former director of the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) and the visionary behind India’s groundbreaking oral contraceptive, ‘Saheli’, as he succumbed to illness at SGPGIMS Lucknow. He was 99 years old.
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Dr. Nitya Anand, a recipient of the Padma Shri award, leaves behind a legacy survived by his sons Neeraj Nityanand and Dr. Naveen Nitya Anand, along with his daughter Dr. Sonia Nityanand, who serves as the vice-chancellor of King George’s Medical University (KGMU). His final rites are scheduled for Monday.
Source: Times of India
A pioneer in medical chemistry, Dr. Nitya Anand dedicated his life to CDRI since its establishment in 1951, leading as its director from 1974 to 1984. Throughout his illustrious career, he authored over 400 research papers, secured more than 130 patents, and mentored 100 PhD students.
Dr. Sonia Nityanand commemorated her father’s contributions, highlighting his pivotal role in developing ‘Centchroman,’ known as ‘Saheli,’ the world’s premier non-steroidal, non-hormonal oral contraceptive. Incorporated into India’s National Family Planning Programme in 2016, ‘Saheli’ revolutionized contraception with its safety and efficacy. Remarkably, it remains the sole non-steroidal, non-hormonal contraceptive globally, a testament to India’s ingenuity. ‘Saheli’ was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1986.
Source: The Times of India
Dr. Nitya Anand’s life intertwined with Swarn Nityanand, an MD in medicine from KGMU, marking a shared journey in advancing medical science and public health. His profound contributions will continue to resonate, shaping the landscape of reproductive health and pharmaceutical innovation.
The passing of Dr. Nitya Anand marks the end of an era in India’s scientific community, yet his indelible imprint remains etched in the annals of medical history. As the nation mourns the loss of a luminary, his legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of scientists and researchers, urging them to push the boundaries of innovation and address pressing global health challenges.
