The Padma Bhushanawards for 2026 were announced on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day. These awards recognise exceptional individuals for their distinguished work in fields ranging from arts and public affairs to sports and medicine. Among the notable recipients this year is Dr Nori Dattatreyudu, whose contribution in the field of medicine has undoubtedly been immense.
The award recognises his exceptional work in improving cancer treatment and patient care, both in India and internationally.
Who is Dr Nori Dattatreyudu?
Nori is a well-known radiation oncologist from Telangana who was born in Andhra Pradesh’s Mantada village. He got his medical degrees from Kurnool Medical College and Osmania University before heading to the United States, where he built an extraordinary career.
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As a pioneer in brachytherapy’s modern techniques and radiation oncology, he has led major clinical trials, shaped advanced techniques for treating cancers, especially in women, and held top roles like Chairman of Radiation Oncology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Dattatreyudu’s exceptional work in brachytherapy
Brachytherapy was not invented in India. According to multiple reports, the treatment was first developed globally in the early 1900s, where some of its earliest uses were reported in Paris around 1901.
In India however, brachytherapy started gaining ground in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in the 1920s, when radium was used for cancer treatment. Indian doctors played an important role in expanding its use. Dr Naidu helped by producing radon seeds locally, while doctors such as K Munjunath Rai, P K Haldar, J P Sinha and M L Aggarwal helped take radium-based treatment to cities including Chennai, Agra, Patna and Amritsar.
Dattatreyudu however significantly shaped modern advancements in brachytherapy techniques, especially for women’s cancers. His work on remote after-loading brachytherapy made it possible for doctors to give accurate radiation directly to cancer-affected areas, while reducing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
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Dr Nori’s past achievements
He received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2015 in recognition of his work in the field of medicine.
The Padma Awards are among the country’s highest civilian honours. They are approved by the President of India and announced every year on Republic Day. For 2026, President Droupadi Murmuhas cleared a total of 131 Padma Awards in three categories. This includes five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards. Two joint awards have been counted as one each.
The awards will be presented by the President at formal ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan, which is usually held in March or April. |
