1. Kiran Martin is an Indian pediatrician, social worker and the founder of Asha, a non governmental organization, working towards the health and community development of around 95 slum colonies in and around Delhi, reaching a reported number around to 700,000 slum dwellers.
Kiran Martin was honored by the Government of India, in 2002, with the fourth highest Indian civilian award of Padma Shri.
Kiran Martin's career took a turn when Dr Ambedkar Basti, one of the slums in South Delhi, endured a cholera epidemic, in 1988.
Kiran Martin volunteered to provide medical assistance to the slum dwellers and the experience is reported to have prompted her into social service.
Kiran Martin's values are an integral part of the Asha model and include the belief that all people, including the poor, have the same inherent dignity and rights that deserve protection.
Under the aegis of Asha, Kiran Martin is reported to have started various programs such as medical aid, development of roads, sanitation and water supply facilities and basic and higher education.
Kiran Martin is credited with efforts to get the inhabitants of the Delhi slums included in the financial inclusion schemes of the Ministry of Finance.
Kiran Martin has worked with Hon Mr P Chidambaram, India's Home Minister and earlier the Finance Minister, to increase financial inclusion for slum dwellers, and Mr Chidambaram has taken a keen interest in the progress of Asha's higher education initiative.
In October 2023, Kiran Martin received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of Sydney, recognizing her significant contributions to the welfare of India's people and her leadership in civil society.
In December 2024, Dr Kiran Martin was awarded a Doctor of Laws by the University of Melbourne.
Kiran Martin has been supported by her husband, Mr Godfrey Kiran Martin, who has served as the associate director of Asha for over 30 years.
Kiran Martin's contributions have been integral to the organization's success and sustainability.
Kiran Martin is associated with various philanthropic organizations in India and abroad for raising funds for her activities.
Kiran Martin has attended many seminars and conferences and has addressed gatherings at the British House of Commons, United States House of Representatives, Harvard University, MIT, Cambridge University, Boston University School of Public Health, Columbia University, Monash University, Melbourne University, University of Sydney the Australia India Institute.