Viji Venkatesh: A Pioneer in Cancer Care and Beyond
As the Regional Head for India and South Asia at The Max Foundation, she played a pivotal role in ensuring life-saving treatments reached cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries.
As the Regional Head for India and South Asia at The Max Foundation, she played a pivotal role in ensuring life-saving treatments reached cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries.
Viji Venkatesh, a healthcare advocate and actress, has been working in the field of cancer care for decades. Even at 71, her confidence and energy defy her age, making her an inspiring figure.
Viji Venkatesh exemplifies that it’s never too late to chase new dreams while driving meaningful change. Her remarkable contributions made her the rightful winner of the Grihshobha Inspire Awards 2025 in the “New Beginnings” category. At 71, she continues to break barriers and achieve milestones relentlessly.
With over 37 years in patient advocacy, Viji has been a driving force in improving cancer care accessibility. As the Regional Head for India and South Asia at The Max Foundation, she played a pivotal role in ensuring life-saving treatments reached cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries. Her work has helped countless families navigate the challenges of cancer treatment.
Starting with grassroots fundraising, she visited Nariman Point’s corporate offices to Kalwa and Belapur’s mills, where workers earning ₹1,200 donated ₹25 to support the cause. She educated herself by reading cancer research books from the British Council Library and launched tobacco awareness campaigns and breast self-examination workshops for workers and their wives—addressing key cancer risk factors.
Her relentless efforts have since:
Provided life-saving therapies to over 60,000 cancer patients across South Asia.
Ensured treatment for 30,000+ chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients.
Remarkably, Viji had no personal experience with cancer, yet she felt compelled to contribute, raise funds, and spread awareness.
After dedicating three-and-a-half decades to cancer care, Viji stepped into acting. She made her cinematic debut in Akhil Sathyan’s “Pachuvum Albhuthavilakkum” (Pachu and the Magic Lamp), co-starring Fahadh Faasil.
At the Grihshobha Inspire Awards, when asked what advice she’d give women, she said:
“Listen to your heart. Do what you feel is right. Be fearless. You have the power to bring joy and help others—hold onto that strength. When opportunities come, don’t hesitate; seize them.”
She believes that awards and recognition events motivate women to achieve greatness. Celebrating women’s accomplishments publicly empowers them to move forward without fear.
Lifetime Achievement Award by a Global Health Organization.
Honored by the International CML Foundation (iCMLf) for her contributions to cancer care in South Asia.
Viji Venkatesh is a true inspiration, proving that passion and purpose have no age limit.