CMC | Eminent Visitors

For more than a century, CMC Vellore has welcomed numerous distinguished visitors from India and around the world. Statesmen, Presidents, Prime Ministers, freedom fighters, scientists, healthcare pioneers, and global dignitaries have visited the institution, recognising its contributions to healthcare, medical education, research, and compassionate service.

These historic visits not only honoured the institution’s achievements but also strengthened its enduring legacy. Explore some of the memorable moments captured through these archival photographs.

National Leaders

Mahatma Gandhi: Father of the Nation

Mahatma Gandhi visited CMC Vellore during its formative years, where he met the institution’s founder, Dr. Ida Scudder. His visit reflected the growing national recognition of CMC Vellore’s commitment to compassionate healthcare, medical education, and service.

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur: India’s First Union Health Minister & Freedom Fighter

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, India’s first Union Health Minister and a prominent freedom fighter, visited CMC Vellore with the institution’s founder, Dr. Ida Scudder, and pioneering neurosurgeon Dr. Jacob Chandy. Her visit highlighted CMC Vellore’s significant contributions to healthcare, medical education, and nation-building in post-independence India.

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Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (in the middle) – India’s first health minister, Gandhian and freedom fighter – with Dr. Ida Scudder and pioneering
neurosurgeon Dr. Jacob Chandy.

Indira Gandhi: Former Prime Minister of India

Former Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi visited CMC Vellore on multiple occasions, reflecting the institution’s growing national reputation in healthcare, medical education, and patient care. During one visit, she was accompanied by Ms. Anna Jacob, CMC’s first Indian Nursing Superintendent, Rev. Sanjeevi Savarirayan, former General Superintendent, and Dr. Ida Scudder. On another occasion, she was welcomed by Sr. Aleyamma Kuruvilla, the first Indian Dean of the College of Nursing.

Former Indian Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, at CMC Vellore; also seen in the picture are Ms. Anna Jacob (***to her right)***, the first Indian Nursing Superintendent of CMC and (to Mrs. Gandhi’s left), the former General Superintendent of CMC, Rev. Sanjeevi Savarirayan as well as Dr. Ida.

***Mrs. Gandhi being greeted by Sr. Aleyamma Kuruvilla, first Indian Dean of the College of Nursing, during another visit.***

Dr. Rajendra Prasad: First President of India

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India, visited CMC Vellore during the institution’s 60th Jubilee celebrations. He is pictured with Dr. John Carman, then Director of the institution.

***President Rajendra Prasad (right), free India’s first president, with Dr. John Carman, former Director of CMC at the 60th Jubilee celebrations of the institution***.

His visit commemorated a significant milestone and recognised CMC’s longstanding contribution to advancing medical science, education, and compassionate patient care.

International Dignitaries

Lady Edwina Mountbatten: Last Vicereine of India

Lady Edwina Mountbatten visited CMC Vellore in 1946 and is pictured with Dr. Ida Scudder and Dr. Hilda Lazarus, the institution’s first Indian Director and Principal.

**Lady Mountbatten, the last Vicereine of India, visited CMC in 1946; also in the picture are Dr. Ida Scudder and Dr. Hilda Lazarus,** **CMC’s first Indian Director and Principal.**

Her visit reflected the growing recognition of CMC’s pioneering work in medical education, clinical care, and service during a pivotal period in India’s history.

Global Medical and Scientific Leaders

Dr. Jonas Salk: Developer of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine

In 1984, renowned physician-scientist Dr. Jonas Salk visited the Department of Clinical Virology at CMC Vellore. He is pictured alongside eminent virologist Dr. Jacob T. John and Dr. Jacob Abraham, former Head of the Department of Neurosurgery.

**Dr. Jonas Salk, the physician-scientist who made the inactivated polio vaccine, visited CMC’s Department of Clinical Virology in 1984;** **to his left is renowned virologist Dr. Jacob T. John. (Also in the picture and standing behind Dr. John is Dr. Jacob Abraham, former Head of CMC’s Neurourgery department.)**

His visit recognised the institution’s longstanding contributions to virology, infectious disease research, and scientific innovation, reinforcing its role in advancing medical knowledge and public health.

Last updated on 31 July 2026

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