Vasanthi Badrinath, wife of Sankara Nethralaya founder S.S. Badrinath, passes away at 85

Vasanthi Badrinath, a well-known paediatrician and hematologist and wife of late S.S. Badrinath, the founder of Sankara Nethralaya, died in Chennai on Wednesday. She was 85 and is survived by two sons, Ananth Badrinath and Seshu Badrinath.

Badrinath and Vasanthi met in Brooklyn, New York, and married in 1967 before relocating to Chennai, where they both dedicated their careers to advancing healthcare. She supported Badrinath’s mission throughout his life and helped create a legacy of medical service and affordable care.

She played a significant role in the success of Sankara Nethralaya, working alongside Badrinath to further the hospital’s mission of delivering quality, affordable eye care and training the next generation of ophthalmic professionals and paramedical staff, according to a tribute note.

She also supported the development and expansion of the hospital through the Sankara Nethralaya Women’s Auxiliary, which organised community and fund-raising events.