Dr Biju Dharmapalan
Eminent Biochemist and former Director of the Indian Institute of Science,Banaglore, Professor Govindarajan Padmanabhan is named as the first recipient of prestigious Vigyan Ratna- India’s top award in Science &Technology . It is one among the 33 Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar announced by the government last year by merging various awards, around 300 awards, given by various ministries and departments. Vigyan Ratna award has high stature akin to Nobel Prize . The others being Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva and Vigyan Team award. These awards are given to researchers working under various domains of science and technology,viz.,biosciences, agricultural science,medicine, Atomic Energy , space ,physics, chemistry, Earth sciences, Environmental sciences, Engineering sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Space Science and Technology , and Technology and Innovation. This year apart from Vigyan Ratna 13 scientists were awarded Vigyan Shri and 18 young scientists were awarded Vigyan Yuva and 1 Vigyan Team award, which was given to ISRO – Team Chandrayaan 3.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) aims to acknowledge the remarkable and motivating contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators, either individually or in teams, across diverse domains of science, technology, and technology-driven innovation. The RVP is a prestigious accolade in the realm of science, technology, and innovation in India. Individuals who have made significant contributions in terms of groundbreaking research, innovation, or discovery in any field of science, technology, or technology-driven innovation, whether working in government, private sector organisations, or independently, are eligible for the awards. Individuals of Indian descent residing outside of India who have made outstanding contributions that have benefited Indian groups or society are also eligible for the prizes.
This year’s Vigyan Ratna awardee Professor Govindarajan Padmanabhan is an eminent scholar, researcher and administrator. Born in 1938 in Tamil Nadu he rose from a modest upbringing to establish himself as one of India’s esteemed scientists. His early schooling was characterised by exceptional academic performance, which established the basis for a lifetime enthusiasm for science. He completed his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and then went on to earn a master’s degree, during which he developed a strong interest in biochemistry. Driven by this passion, he decided to pursue a Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, with a specific concentration on molecular biology, which was still in its early stages of development.
Professor Padmanabhan’s scientific career demonstrates his profound dedication to comprehending intricate biological processes. At the beginning of his career, he focused on researching protein synthesis and gene control, which were crucial areas in the emerging field of molecular biology. Nevertheless, it was his subsequent studies on malaria that truly established him as a prominent figure in the field of biomedical research. Prof. Padmanabhan’s research on malaria centred on the molecular biology of Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of the most severe manifestations of the illness. The aim of his research was to comprehend the molecular-level life cycle of the parasite, encompassing its mechanisms of invading human cells and eluding the immune system. An outstanding contribution made by him was the identification of crucial proteins and enzymes utilised by the parasite to ensure its survival and reproduction within human hosts. This finding had profound ramifications for the advancement of novel therapies and immunisations. Prof. Padmanabhan’s comprehension of the molecular mechanisms involved in malaria has yielded valuable insights that can be utilised to enhance the targeting of the parasite. His research created new opportunities for the development of drugs, specifically in the creation of compounds that could block the parasite’s essential processes without causing harm to the human body. Prof. Padmanabhan not only focused on his research on malaria, but also achieved significant advancements in the wider domain of molecular biology. His study on protein synthesis and gene control was revolutionary, especially in the context of comprehending the mechanisms of gene expression and regulation within cells. This work was crucial in increasing knowledge in the domains of biotechnology and genetic engineering, which have since transformed the fields of medicine, agriculture, and industry.
Prof. Padmanabhan’s contributions to Indian science beyond his research. From 1994 to 1998, he held the position of Director at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore.
Prof. Padmanabhan, in his role as Director, was renowned for his forward-thinking guidance and his unwavering dedication to achieving high standards in research and education. He played a crucial role in setting up new research centres and programs at IISc, specifically in developing sectors like biotechnology and information technology. His endeavours played a crucial role in establishing IISc as a prominent hub for scientific research in Asia and bolstered its standing as one of the foremost institutes globally. Additionally, he has played a major role in influencing science policy in India, specifically in the domains of biotechnology, health, and education.
Prof. Padmanabhan has received many accolades for his scientific work. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Shri for his extraordinary contributions to science and education.
He has won many honours for his research, including India’s earlier top science award , the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, and the TWAS Prize from the World Academy of Sciences. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), and the World Academy of Sciences.
By bestowing the highest award, the country recognizes the great scientific legacy of Prof. Padmanabhan. It will surely inspire young researchers to follow his foot steps to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity.
(The author is the Dean at Garden City University and adjunct faculty at NIAS, Bangalore)
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