Fairfax motto voiced by Ms. Priya Ramesh Mehta, Director of Charitable Giving at Fairfax Financial Holdings
Groundbreaking of the New Pediatric Specialty Centre: A Life-Affirming Milestone for CMCH’s Future
On August 12, 2024, the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC) of Vellore marked a momentous step in expanding pediatric healthcare in India with its “Turning of the Sod” ceremony to launch the construction of a new Pediatric Specialty Centre. Termed a "life-affirming" project by Rt. Rev. H. Sharma Nityananda, Bishop of Vellore Diocese, this event symbolized not only the beginning of construction but also the commitment to delivering the finest pediatric care for children in need.
This center is the result of a transformative $38 million partnership, facilitated by the Foundation, with entrepreneur Prem Watsa’s Fairfax Financial Holdings and its subsidiary, Quess Corp Limited. The
groundbreaking marked a significant milestone in the project’s funding with a donation of $5,945,000 – the largest single gift received in the Foundation’s history. A substantial 80% of this $38 million will flow through the Foundation over the next four years helping the center take shape and serve as a beacon of advanced pediatric care for children in Vellore and beyond.
Dr. Deepak Selvaraj, Associate Director of CMC’s Ranipet Campus, emphasized the mission of outreach embedded in this project. He expressed hope that the new pediatric center would empower CMC to "expand its outreach potential and minister to a greater number of people," fulfilling the institution’s long-standing mission.
Through this new phase of expansion, CMC is not only constructing a pediatric hospital but is also creating a platform for education, training, and innovative programs that could extend to future sites across India. Dignitaries, including Dr. Vikram Mathews, Director of CMC; Mr. Ajit Isaac, President of Quess Corp, Dr. Deepak Selvaraj; and Ms. Priya Ramesh Mehta, Director of Charitable Giving at Fairfax Financial Holdings, attended the event. In his recorded video message, Mr. Prem Watsa praised CMC for its mission to serve the poorest of the poor, reinforcing his trust in CMC’s legacy of compassion and innovative care.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR UPCOMING EVENTS
DECEMBER 6: 13th Annual
Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration: Chief Guest
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan
The event will be livestreamed on our website.
DECEMBER 7: Turning of the Sod: Jawadhi Hills Health Center, India
DECEMBER (DATE TBD):
Christmas Concert
Our annual Christmas Concert will take place right before Christmas. Date will be announced in early December.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION'S END-OF-YEAR GIVING CAMPAIGN
As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect with gratitude on the Foundation’s efforts to support CMC Vellore and its drive for excellence in health care, education, and research.
To continue this vital work, we invite you to make a year-end gift in support of CMC’s future success. Your contributions help provide transformational support to CMC and its programs, improving access to quality healthcare and creating a brighter, healthier future for all. Thank you for making a difference!
Dear Friends and Loyal Supporters of CMC Vellore,
At the time of this writing, the Foundation is in the process of electronically transferring $5,945,000 to CMC Vellore to support the ongoing construction of a new pediatric specialty care hospital on its Ranipet campus. We recently received this charitable contribution from the Six-Four Foundation, a U.S. organization whose mission is to support the philanthropic interests of Fairfax Financial Holdings Founder and Chair, Mr. Prem Watsa. It is worth noting that this donation represents the single largest financial gift ever to be received by either the Vellore CMC Foundation or CMC Vellore. This is truly a historic moment and a very special blessing!
On October 3rd, we hosted our fourth evening gala event (in New York City), the theme of which was "Advancing Research for a Healthier Tomorrow." Our honored guest was the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Emperor of All Maladies”, Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee. It too was a milestone event, resulting in the foundation’s ability to raise more than $300,000 – the single most successful gala fundraising activity of the past 75 years.
This year’s North American CMC alumni-hosted Gathering of the Clan (GOTC) reunion once again afforded the Foundation an opportunity to pay tribute to the extraordinary accomplishments of three deserving members of the medical, nursing, and allied health alumni community. Featured in this edition of Voices of Vellore are the profiles of each of this year’s Excellence in Service, Research and Education (EISRE) Award recipients.
Since the time of our last newsletter, we held our 2024 annual meeting, which resulted in a reconfiguration of the Foundation’s Board, as well as the welcoming in of CMC alumnus, Dr. Raj Narayan, as the Board’s newly elected Chairman. In June of this year, we also hired seasoned professional, Ms. Rekha Gupta Menon, as our new director of operations. Details regarding each of these decisions are featured within.
As with each new edition, I hope you find your review of this Voices of Vellore newsletter to be informative and inspirational.
Sincerely,
John A. Riehl
The Importance the Vellore CMC Foundation Places on Good Governance
Although often difficult to know exactly what “good governance” is, it is easy to recognize when the day-to-day activities of a nonprofit organization (ours in particular) are going smoothly. Conversely, when things begin to unravel, the lack of good governance becomes readily apparent as well. The question we must face regularly is “how can the current board of directors be sure that our Foundation is governed well today, while also being prepared to handle any challenge that lies ahead?”
Good governance requires strong leadership, accountability, transparency, and policy adherence. Mindful of this, our board and staff have worked tirelessly to adopt good governance practices, while also diversifying the make-up of its membership. The Foundation’s Board of Directors now includes meaningful representation from each of its major constituents, namely, CMC Alumni, the U.S. faithbased community, descendants of the Scudder missionary family, members of the U.S. medical community and individuals with unique personal connections to both India and CMC Vellore.
Now at the helm of this governance effort is the Foundation’s newly appointed Board Chair, Dr. Raj Narayan, a distinguished alumnus of CMC Vellore’s 1969 batch. Dr. Narayan brings decades of experience, a profound connection to CMC, and a commitment to ensuring that the Foundation stays on mission. Dr. Narayan recently shared his vision with the following comments:
"In an age of great political turmoil and cynicism in the world, it is reassuring that CMC continues to do God's work as it has for 125 years and that it continues to grow from strength to strength."
– Dr. Raj Narayan
“The other day, I was thinking, with a degree of wonder, that it has been 55 years since my classmates and I joined CMC’s medical school. Since then, this rather unique institution has become part of my DNA, and I know that this is true for most CMC alumni. What is even more remarkable though, is that so many others (who never trained or worked at CMC) are just as committed to its mission as I, if not more.
The Vellore CMC Foundation brings all such individuals together with the sole mission of supporting CMC with student scholarships, travel fellowships, exchange programs, special projects, grants, etc., while building deep connections to further support CMC. I am deeply honored to have been chosen to serve as Chairman and will do my very best to give back my utmost to this special institution.
In an age of great political turmoil and cynicism in the world, it is reassuring that CMC continues to do God's work as it has for 125 years and that it continues to grow from strength to strength. As the Foundation rededicates itself to making a positive impact in this world, we welcome all to share their ideas on which best practices will allow us to excel in governance, stewardship, and development.”
Dr. Narayan is joined by several new and returning board members who were elected at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting on May 22, 2024. As the Foundation enters this new chapter under Dr. Narayan’s leadership, its unwavering focus on impact and inclusivity positions it to face future challenges and continue supporting the vital work of CMC Vellore.
2024 Gala Celebrates Innovation, Honors Leaders, and Inspires Generosity
The 2024 Annual Gala, themed "Advancing Research for a Healthier Tomorrow", was an inspiring evening celebrating healthcare innovation, groundbreaking research, and dedicated philanthropy. Held on October 3, 2024, the gala brought together a vibrant community of supporters, distinguished guests, and passionate advocates, all united by their commitment to the Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMC) in Vellore, India.
Honoring Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee with the Dr. Ida S. Scudder Socratic Leadership Award
The night’s highlight was the presentation of the Dr. Ida S. Scudder Socratic Leadership Award to Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee, renowned oncologist, researcher, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. This award recognized Dr. Mukherjee for exemplifying the values of critical inquiry, ethical leadership, and a commitment to advancing healthcare for all. The award was presented to Dr. Mukherjee by his former professor, CMC distinguished alum, and Professor of Medicine and Health Sciences & Technology (HST) at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Shiv Pillai (Batch '69).
Inaugural Healthcare Innovation Award Presented to American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA), an agency of the US Agency for International Development (USAID)
This year’s gala also marked the introduction of the Healthcare Innovation Award, a recognition bestowed upon ASHA for its support and dedication to global community health improvement. Over the past four decades, ASHA has become CMC Vellore’s and the Vellore CMC Foundation’s most significant and reliable partner. Since 1982, working through the Foundation, CMC has been awarded over $14 million in ASHA funding. This has transformed how CMC educates its faculty, provides care for its patients and conducts data driven research.
Chief Guest Dr. J.V. Peter Reflects on CMC’s Vision and Values
Dr. J.V. Peter, former Director of CMC Vellore, graced the evening as the gala’s Chief Guest, adding a heartfelt layer of inspiration to the program. Dr. Peter shared his reflections on CMC’s legacy of care, highlighting the institution’s mission to provide compassionate and equitable healthcare. He emphasized how CMC’s culture of service and dedication has touched millions of lives, especially in resource-limited areas. His presentation reinforced the enduring values that guide CMC and its supporters in their commitment to advancing healthcare for all.
Penn Masala’s Performance Adds a Vibrant Cultural Touch
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was a performance by Penn Masala, the world’s first South Asian a cappella group. Known for their unique fusion of Western and Indian music, Penn Masala’s repertoire included a mix of popular tracks and Bollywood classics, delighting the audience and adding a dynamic cultural element to the gala.
Fundraising Milestones and a Generous $50,000 Matching Gift Challenge
The gala not only celebrated CMC’s achievements but also set a new fundraising record. A $50,000 matching gift challenge, initiated by a generous donor, galvanized the audience’s support and inspired widespread giving. This match propelled contributions that supported CMC’s mission to provide exceptional healthcare and furthered the Foundation’s goal of advancing education, training, and outreach initiatives.
Overall, the 2024 Annual Gala was a remarkable success, embodying the spirit of CMC’s mission to advance healthcare through research, innovation, and compassion.
The evening’s awards, memorable performances, and heartfelt reflections underscored the transformative power of generosity and the dedication of CMC’s global community.
The funds raised will play a pivotal role in ensuring CMC continues to meet the needs of those most in need, advancing healthcare for a healthier tomorrow.
Celebrating CMC Alumni: The 2024 EISRE Awards at the GOTC in Louisville
The second annual Excellence in Service, Research, and Education (EISRE) Awards were presented at the 2024 GOTC in Louisville, Kentucky, bringing together an inspiring array of CMC Vellore alumni. This year’s awards highlighted outstanding achievements in healthcare and community impact, expanding the scope of recognition to include an award for an allied health alum—a testament to the essential contributions made by allied health professionals in advancing CMC’s mission.
The EISRE Awards were established to recognize alumni who embody CMC Vellore’s legacy of service, commitment to compassionate care, and dedication to creating positive change. This year’s winners exemplify these values through their diverse and impactful contributions to healthcare and community service. From groundbreaking medical research to frontline healthcare delivery, these awardees have upheld CMC’s mission to serve underserved communities with exceptional skill and empathy.
2024 EISRE Award Recipients
SHANTHI MARGOSCHIS, MSN (BATCH 1993)
Chief Executive Officer
Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital
JOSEPH A. ROCHE, PHD (BATCH 1997)
Associate Professor College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University
AJIT VARKI, MD (BATCH 1968)
Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Medicine
UC San Diego
A Growing Tradition of Excellence
The purpose of the EISRE Award is to celebrate and shine a spotlight on those members of the North American alumni community who carry forward CMC’s values in their professional lives. The awards acknowledge not only individual achievements but also the profound collective impact of CMC alumni worldwide. This year's GOTC gathering in Louisville served as a perfect backdrop for these honors, with alumni and supporters from around the country joining in to celebrate the spirit of service that defines CMC.
The 2024 EISRE Awards serve as a testament that CMC’s mission endures through the dedication of its alumni and community. With each award, we are reminded of the power of service, the strength of compassion, and the profound impact of engaging in work that transforms lives.
Nominations for the 2025 EISRE Awards will open in January 2025, offering another opportunity to honor exceptional alumni who make a difference in healthcare and beyond. For more information, please visit our website or contact Mabel Haro at mabel.haro@vellorecmc.org
Foundation’s Scholarship Program Expands to Support Medical and Allied Health Students
Launched in 2018, the Vellore CMC Foundation’s student scholarship campaign has been committed to supporting aspiring healthcare professionals with funding for their education at CMC Vellore. What began as a focus on providing financial aid to nursing students has now grown, at the request of CMC, to include scholarships for medical and allied health students. This expansion reflects both the rising demand for well-trained healthcare workers and the Foundation’s dedication to fostering a new generation of leaders across various healthcare fields.
To date, 119 students have benefited from this program, thanks to generous contributions from our community of supporters. This past academic year (2023-2024) was particularly impactful, with more than 90 students receiving scholarships, including 45 newly funded awards. The scholarships help ease the financial strain of tuition and living expenses, empowering students to focus wholeheartedly on their studies.
Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Shekainah
Shekainah, a dedicated 20-year-old in her second year of a Bachelor's in Physiotherapy, is known for her hard work, humility, and talents in art and singing. Her father, Vishwaraj, has served as an evangelist for 20 years in Chatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, while her mother, Rebecca, manages the household in Bangalore. Despite their support, covering her education and hostel fees has been a financial strain. The scholarship she was awarded has eased this burden, allowing Shekainah to focus on her studies and work toward her goal of becoming a skilled physiotherapist. Your generosity helps students like Shekainah achieve their dreams.
CMC Vellore’s Tele-ICU Initiative Empowered by New USAID-ASHA Grant
One of the biggest challenges faced by people living in remote rural and semi urban areas is the lack of critical intensive care services. To serve these people, the CMC Vellore’s ICU team has long discussed the need to have a tele-ICU to deliver real-time expert care to remote areas. This vision is now set to become reality thanks to a generous
$852,980 grant received this year from the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) Program of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Providing intensive care in remote settings poses challenges such as a shortage of trained ICU personnel, limited beds, costly technology, and the need for high-quality critical care for increasingly complex cases.
To address these needs, CMC Vellore is establishing a comprehensive hub-andspoke tele-ICU infrastructure. Three satellite community health centers— CHAD, RUHSA, and Chittoor—will act as spokes, connected to three hubs at CMC’s main and Ranipet campuses, including two medical ICUs and one pediatric ICU. This 100-bed tele-ICU system will serve approximately 450,000 individuals. Central to this initiative is advanced technology, including state-of-the-art audio-visual systems, automated ICU and intraoperative anesthesia records, and clinical decision-making support to streamline clinician workflows.
This USAID/ASHA funded tele-ICU will further benefit rural and tribal communities in South India served by CMC, providing them timely access to expert care.
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 725 New York, NY 10115
Join Us in Welcoming the Newest Member of the Vellore CMC Foundation Team - Rekha Menon, Director of Operations
Rekha joins the Vellore CMC Foundation after a rich and varied corporate career, having worked across London, Bangalore, and New York, seamlessly translating her learnings and capabilities across geographies and industries. In 2017, she co-founded a tech startup focused on using artificial intelligence to automate business processes, successfully exiting in four years. She has worked in marketing, product management, and as a journalist, having written extensively for UK-based financial publications on trends in the financial services and tech industries. Rekha is deeply interested in the social impact sector and public policy advocacy. She has worked on civic engagement projects in India focusing on water conservation, waste management, and urban infrastructure development. Rekha received her MBA from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB), and her B.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology, Dhanbad (IIT-ISM).
Please join us in welcoming Rekha to the Foundation’s dedicated team.
