Turning her personal loss into a lifetime mission, Dr.Shanthi Ranganathan started TT Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation in 1980 when the concept of addiction as a treatable disease was relatively unknown in India. With unwavering commitment, passion and untiring efforts, she nurtured the growth of the organization from one room centre to a renowned 100 bed centre known for its quality treatment and training initiatives.
In recognition of her services, she was awarded the Padma Shri (1992), the United Nations Civil Services Award (1999) and the Avvaiyar Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 2015. As a member of the National Level Committees with the Government of India and as the Deputy Chairperson of ICCE Commission, Dr Ranganathan contributes to development of policies and guides initiatives to professionalize the field of addiction treatment.
Her contribution is however most vividly reflected in the lives of thousands of patients who lead alcohol and drug free lives along with their happy families who received a fresh lease of life.