This IAS Officer and His Wife Have Devoted Their Lives to Helping India Fight Cancer

Through their foundation, Ganga Kumar, an IAS officer, and his wife Sneha Routray, an architect, are helping rural Indians fight cancer through better awareness and diagnosis.

By Vandita Kapoor

December 22, 2015

Ganga Kumar is an IAS officer, a member of India’s elite bureaucratic service. His wife, Sneha Routray, is an architect.

Together, these two are trying to change the face of cancer awareness and diagnosis in India.

As a couple, they seem to always have been socially-focused. They started the Grameen Sneh Foundation in 2009, with the aim of increasing public engagement in issues such as health education, early childhood education, and art and culture. Ganga, a 2000 cadre officer, is posted in Bihar, and the Foundation began its work in Bihar, Odisha, and Delhi-NCR.

Things, however, took a distressing turn when Sneha was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. She received timely chemotherapy and is now cancer-free, but this episode set the stage for a new focus to their social venture.

Several people living in rural parts of India do not know enough about cancer. This lack of awareness results in a number of cancer-related deaths that can be prevented very simply — through better information.

“I healed due to timely diagnosis and treatment. But there are several people who do not get to know in early states. There is need for a massive awareness campaign,” Sneha said to the Times of India.

Today, the Grameen Sneh Foundation, through its programme “Hausla” (or “courage”) works to disseminate cancer literacy in rural areas through workshops and seminars.

ias officer cancer

Source: Facebook

They also organise screening camps, where patients diagnosed with cancer are advised about their options, including details of private and government hospitals where they can get treatment. Sneha and Ganga spend most of their free time working with the foundation. It is funded through their personal earnings and donations from family and friends.

In 2016, the foundation plans to organise a beauty contest for cancer survivors.

Featured image credit: Facebook

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).

Similar Story

‘My Father’s Last Wish’: One Man’s Free Tiffin Service Provides Meals to 500 Seniors Daily

Rakesh Panchal honoured his father’s last wish by starting ‘Visamo Tiffin Seva’. What began as a small act of serving food to a few underprivileged individuals has evolved into a significant initiative, providing over 2.5 lakh meals to seniors in need. Here’s how you can help.

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201 ₹501 ₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let's ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?