Dr Nitya Anand, former director of CDRI, who discovered India’s first oral contraceptive ‘Saheli’, passed away at the age of 99 after a prolonged illness. Dr Anand, a Padma Shri awardee, was a renowned medical chemist and played a crucial role in the development of ‘Saheli’, which is a part of India’s National Family Planning Programme. The oral contraceptive, known as ‘Centchroman’, is the world’s first non-steroidal, non-hormonal contraceptive and has been hailed as a safe and effective method of contraception. Not only was the development of ‘Saheli’ a remarkable achievement in the field of contraception, but it was also a source of immense pride as it was developed and launched in India. Dr Nitya Anand’s contributions have had a lasting impact on women’s health and family planning in the country.