Vellore CMC Foundation

03/24/2026

From the halls of CMC Vellore in 1969 to the heart of New York City in 2026, the spirit of service remains unchanged.

We are honored to announce that Drs. Honorine and Shiv Pillai, proud members of the CMC Batch of 1969, will be joining us at the 5th Annual Bridges of Compassion Gala on April 9th at Pier 59, Chelsea Piers.

For the Pillais, this evening is about more than a reunion, it’s about a commitment to the next generation. As they beautifully put it, attending this Gala is a privilege in support of the new Pediatric Specialty Centre at their Alma Mater.

In India, the need for specialized pediatric care is urgent. This new Centre is designed to be a sanctuary for children who desperately need intervention, ensuring that the excellence the Pillais learned decades ago continues to save and enrich lives today.

Join the Pillais and the global CMC community as we build this lifeline for India’s children.

🎟️ Register for the Gala or make a donation today: https://vellorecmc.org/2026-gala/

03/20/2026

“I will not be a medical missionary. I will not come back to India and be a drudge.”

That was Ida S. Scudder’s firm resolve as a young student. She didn't want to follow in her family’s footsteps into medicine; rather, she wanted a quiet life in the United States.

But in 1890, while visiting her parents in India, a single night changed her heart. Three men came to her door seeking help for their wives in labor. Because of the customs of the time, they could not see a male doctor. Since Ida was not yet trained, she could only watch as all three women passed away.

She made a different choice.

In 1899, she earned her medical degree from Cornell, the first woman to ever do so. She returned to India not just to treat patients, but to build a legacy that would ensure no woman or child was ever be left without a safety net again.

By establishing the Vellore CMC Foundation in New York in 1948, Dr. Scudder ensured her dream would live beyond her years here on earth. She didn't just build a hospital; she created a bridge between two nations that has allowed thousands of women to enter the medical field and serve their communities for over a century.

This , we remember: Change doesn’t always begin with certainty. Sometimes, it begins with the decision to step forward anyway.

Learn more: www.vellorecmc.org

03/19/2026

Dr. Philip and Mrs. Sarah Ninan have been a steadfast pillar of the Vellore CMC Foundation. Their commitment to the CMC mission isn’t just professional, it’s a lifelong dedication to the people of India.

As a member of the CMC Batch of 1969, Teeps understands the critical need for the new Pediatric Specialty Centre. As he poignantly shares: "Children are innocent and their suffering ever more poignant. Here’s to healing their illnesses and spirit." ❤️🩺

We invite you to join the Ninans and the rest of our global community at our 5th Annual Spring Gala: Bridges of Compassion. Every contribution directly builds the safety net that rural South India’s children have never had.

📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026

📍 Pier 59, Chelsea Piers, New York City

🎟️ Join us in person or donate today: https://vellorecmc.org/2026-gala/

03/17/2026

One night in 1890, three desperate husbands knocked on a young woman’s door seeking help for their wives in childbirth. Because of cultural customs, they refused care from her father, who was a male doctor.

She had no medical training and could do nothing. By morning, all three women had died.

That heartbreaking night changed the life of Dr. Ida Scudder. Determined that no woman should die simply because there was no female doctor, she chose to study medicine and return to India to serve women in need.

What began with tragedy eventually led to the founding of Christian Medical College Vellore, now one of India’s most respected medical institutions.

Sometimes the greatest missions begin with a single moment that changes everything.

Learn more about this remarkable legacy: www.vellorecmc.org

03/16/2026

Millions of children in rural South India are growing up with limited access to the specialized medical care they urgently need. No pediatric oncologist. No emergency specialist. No safety net. CMC Vellore is building one, and we need your help to make it a reality.

We are deeply honored that Drs. James and Susan Taylor, treasured members of the Scudder family and long-time pillars of the Vellore CMC Foundation, will be with us at our 5th Annual Spring Gala: Bridges of Compassion.

📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026
📍 Pier 59, Chelsea Piers, New York City

Every dollar raised at this gala goes toward CMC Vellore's Pediatrics Specialty Centre, a landmark facility that will bring life saving pediatric care, including oncology and emergency services, to children and families who have never had access to anything like it.

The Scudder family has served the people of India through medicine for over a century. Drs. James and Susan Taylor carry that legacy forward, and now they're inviting you to be part of it too.

Whether you join us in person or give from afar, your support builds this hospital.

🎟️ Register for the Gala or donate today: https://vellorecmc.org/2026-gala/

03/11/2026

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Vellore Christian Medical College Foundation is reflecting on the life and legacy of Ida S. Scudder, founder of Christian Medical College Vellore.

In 1899, Dr. Scudder graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College and returned to India with a vision that was revolutionary for its time: ensuring that women and children had access to compassionate, high-quality medical care.

What began as a small one-bed clinic in 1900 would grow into one of the world’s most respected teaching hospitals, serving millions of patients every year.

Throughout Women’s History Month, we’ll share stories from Dr. Scudder’s life, the moments of courage, compassion, and determination that shaped her mission and continue to inspire healthcare today.

Because as she once said:

“Only those who can see the invisible can achieve the impossible.”

Learn more: www.vellorecmc.org

03/09/2026

Children in India cannot wait for change, and neither can we. Millions of children in rural India are waiting for care they can't access. You can help change that.

Join us at the 2026 Vellore CMC Foundation Spring Gala — A Celebration of Global Giving for Children's Health in India!
📅 Thursday, April 9, 2026
📍 New York City

This evening is dedicated to supporting CMC Vellore's first-of-its-kind specialty Children's Hospital — bringing pediatric oncology, emergency care, and world-class treatment to underserved communities in India. Every seat at the table brings a child closer to the care they deserve.

We are so excited to share that CMC Vellore alumni Drs. Raj & Tina Narayan (Batches of 1969 & 1973) will be joining us — their passion for this mission is a beautiful reminder of why this work matters so deeply to so many.

We're also honored to welcome donor champion Ajit Isaac as a special guest.

🎟️ Register now — https://vellorecmc.org/2026-gala/
👉 2026 Gala - Vellore Christian Medical College Foundation

09/23/2025

Honored to celebrate & Dr. Ravi Kannan, who will deliver the 14th Dr. Ida S. Scudder Humanitarian Oration.

Join us tomorrow:
📍Scudder Auditorium, CMC Vellore Bagayam Campus
🗓️24 Sept 2025
🕡6:30PM IST
📺 Watch live: www.vellorecmc.org/oration

Celebrate a true humanitarian whose work embodies Dr. Ida Scudder’s legacy of service.

awardee, surgical oncologist Dr Ravi Kannan, to deliver 14th Dr Ida S Scudder Humanitarian Oration; Dr Kannan, currently Director, Cachar Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, also awarded Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2023 for transforming treatment in Assam, with people-centered care blending excellence, compassion, affordability, and community support.
Annual oration seeks to perpetuate the legacy of our founder, Ida Sophia Scudder; honours exceptional individuals who exemplify her compassion, integrity and character, with previous awardees such as, A P J Abdul Kalam, Sudha Murthy, Azim Premji and Soumya Swaminathan.
Organised jointly by CMC Vellore and Vellore CMC Foundation.
📍Scudder Auditorium, CMC Vellore Bagayam Campus
🗓️24 Sept 2025
🕡6:30PM IST
Watch it live on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKJSJlOAEp4

09/07/2025

We did it!! Huge THANK YOU to our runners, volunteers, sponsors, and cheer squads who made our inaugural Edison to India 5K Dash or Dally unforgettable!

09/01/2025

Thank you FASTSigns of Edison for you generous support of the race on September 6th. We love the banners and signage!!

We will see you this Saturday.

08/30/2025

🏃‍♀️ Edison2India5K – Join us on September 6th! 🏃‍♂️

Edison friends and neighbors — we’re in the final countdown to the this Saturday, September 6th, and there’s so much happening around this year’s event!

🌟 Online Auction Is Live!

Local Edison businesses have donated amazing gifts you won’t want to miss, including:

✨ Two $1,500 tutoring gift certificates

✨ Gift cards to your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert spots — a true “Taste of Edison”

✨ A special “Mom’s Day Out” gift basket loaded with local treats

Check out the Online Auction Items: CLICK HERE

🏅 Fundraising Challenge: We’re also giving away a $250 gift basket to the top fundraiser — filled with gift cards from Edison’s best spots.

🎁 5K Runners’ Giveaway - Everyone who registers for the 5K is automatically entered into a drawing for a second $250 gift basket on race day!

Your participation helps us support critical medical needs for individuals and families in India, and we’re so grateful for the incredible generosity of our Edison community.

📅 Race Day: Saturday, September 6th
📍 Registration: http://Edison2IndiaK.org

Sign up, bid on auction items, and be part of something special right here in Edison!