Renowned chemical scientist wins award

“Chemical scientists are the most difficult people to please,” stated professor CNR Rao, former chairman of the science advisory council to the Centre, on Wednesday.

“Chemical scientists are the most difficult people to please,” stated professor CNR Rao, former chairman of the science advisory council to the Centre, on Wednesday.

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Rao who received the Padma Vibhushan for his contribution to science research was in the city to collect the ‘Dhirubhai Ambani — UAA Life Time Achievement Award’ sponsored by the UDCT Alumni Association (UAA) and Reliance Industries Limited. The annual award was instituted in the memory of Dhirubhai Ambani to recognise outstanding contributions of a scientist in the field of chemical sciences.

“People should realise that there is life beyond cricket, and chemical scientists should get their due for their research papers and findings,” he said, adding that earlier, the efforts of Indian and Russian scientists were never recognised.

“When I was pursuing my graduation in science, DNA was still an unheard concept,” said Rao, adding that he was “extremely fortunate” to witness the evolution of science during the 20th century.

Rao is also the founder of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bangalore. He has nearly 50 doctorates apart from 1,500 research papers and has authored more than 40 books.

“CNR Rao is the greatest chemist that India has produced,” read the citation presented to him by Srikant Kumar Jena, minister of state for chemicals and fertilisers.

“My colleagues back in the Parliament need to listen to Rao, who is a national asset,” said Jena.

The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), formerly known as UDCT, is celebrating Technology Day and International Year of Chemistry on May 11 and May 12. Eminent scientists and researchers will address budding engineers and scientists.