New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, to eminent Indian-American radiation oncologist Dr Dattatreyudu Nori in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field of medicine.
Dr Nori received the award at an investiture ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Widely regarded as a pioneer in oncology, Dr Nori has played a transformative role in advancing cancer treatment over a distinguished career spanning more than four decades.
He served as Professor and Chairman of Oncology and Director of the Cancer Centre at the prestigious Cornell Medical Centre, New York, and is credited with developing several innovative cancer treatment techniques that have significantly improved survival rates worldwide.
Dr Nori, a world-renowned Indian radiation oncologist, has been a leading figure in cancer research and treatment for several decades. He has served as the principal investigator for numerous clinical trials sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute and has earned wide recognition for his contributions to radiation oncology.
One of his most significant achievements is his pioneering work in high-dose-rate brachytherapy, which has transformed the treatment of cancers affecting the cervix, urinary system, chest, head, and neck.
His work on remote after-loading brachytherapy has allowed doctors to deliver precise and targeted radiation to cancerous tissues while minimising damage to healthy cells.
Since its introduction in the 1970s, this technique has become a globally accepted standard and has helped millions of patients worldwide.
Dr Nori’s contributions have been widely acknowledged at both national and international levels. In 2014, he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. He was also conferred the Padma Shri in 2015 for his services to medicine.
Born into a Telugu family in Mantada village in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district, Dr Nori completed his medical education at Kurnool Medical College and later pursued postgraduate studies at Osmania Medical College.
