The journey of Carani Balaraman Sanjeevi is a story of perseverance, excellence, and purpose. Born with deep Indian roots, he pursued medicine with the conviction that science could not only heal but also prevent disease. His academic brilliance and determination led him from India to Sweden, where he became a leading figure in the field of diabetes and immunology.
Before his global recognition, Dr. Sanjeevi dedicated his career to both clinical practice and research, embodying the spirit of a true physician-scientist. His work reflects a bridge between his homeland and the world, showcasing how Indian-origin scientists are shaping global medicine.
Carani Balaraman Sanjeevi: Career at the Karolinska Institute
Today, Dr. Carani Balaraman Sanjeevi serves as a professor in the Department of Medicine at the prestigious Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. He is also a senior scientist at the Centre for Molecular Medicine, where he leads the Diabetes-Immunology Research Group.
His team focuses on the genetic and immunological factors behind autoimmune diabetes, including Type 1 diabetes, Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), and malnutrition-modulated diabetes mellitus. By studying biomarkers and immunogenetic structures, his research aims to improve prediction and, ultimately, prevention of diabetes – a condition that affects millions worldwide.
For Dr. Sanjeevi, science is not just about diagnosis and treatment but about breaking new ground for future generations. His work has placed him among the world’s foremost experts in autoimmune diabetes research.
Contributions Beyond Sweden
Despite his base in Sweden, Carani Balaraman Sanjeevi has remained deeply connected to India. He once served as the Vice-Chancellor of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) in Andhra Pradesh, a role that highlighted his commitment to nurturing education and research in his homeland.
He has also spearheaded international collaborations, including the Type 1 Diabetes Network in India, coordinated with the Cuttack Diabetes Research Foundation. Through symposia, partnerships with Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Center, and grants under the Swedish Research Links programme, Dr. Sanjeevi has built a scientific bridge between India and Sweden. His collaborative project on the genetics and immunology of diabetes among Indian patients remains a landmark initiative.
Carani Balaraman Sanjeevi: Recognition and Awards
The crowning moment of his international recognition came in 2016, when the Government of India honored Dr. Carani Balaraman Sanjeevi with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award – the highest honor given to overseas Indians. He received the award from the President of India in January 2017 during the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas in Bengaluru.
This award was a recognition not only of his scientific brilliance but also of his role in enhancing India’s prestige abroad through dedicated medical research and academic leadership.
Academic Leadership and Editorial Roles
Dr. Sanjeevi’s influence extends well beyond his laboratory. He has served as:
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Editorial Board Member of Human Immunology
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International Advisory Board Member of Journal of the Association of Physicians of India (JAPI)
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Associate Editor for Diabetologia (European Association for the Study of Diabetes)
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Editorial Board Member of Current Diabetes Reviews (USA)
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Editor of the Immunology of Diabetes series published by the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
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