In the year 2017, Hyderabad and India lost three distinguished scientists–Dr PM Bhargava, Dr KV Raghavan, and Dr Lalji Singh who made immense contributions to their respective fields.
To commemorate their lives and honour, the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) organized Distinguished Lectures in their memory at the Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute, Government of Telangana, Hyderabad.
The memorial event was attended by a large number of eminent persons from different walks of life. “The sad demise of the three famous scientists in 2017, familiar to both Indian and global scientific community, stunned our nation. They were not only leading scientists with unmatched triumphs but also excellent human beings, with a worth-emulating track record”, was the unanimous consensus at the event.
Prof. E. Premkumar Reddy, the discoverer of ras oncogene from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA, who spoke in the memory of Dr Bhargava, said that the recent ground-breaking research helped improve cancer therapy through immunotherapy and acknowledged his innovative contributions of Professor Bhargava in this field.
Dr. P G Rao, former Director of RRL, Jorhat, said, Dr. Raghavan, treaded the unknown path and came up with innovations and thereby served the society. By applying such technologies as nanotechnology and chemical engineering tools would help in production of sustainable environment for human survival.
“Rapid evolution of technology going to change the dynamics of waste management technology globally and our nation must be ready to face transformation towards sustainable development”, he added while recalling the qualities and abilities of Dr. Raghavan as a mentor.
Dr. Thangaraj, Sr. Scientist at CCMB-Hyderabad, who spoke on Dr. Lalji Sing, said that the current technologies in genome biology are greatly instrumental in understanding genomic DNA, better and faster.
“Human DNA data has great potential to study and understand the human evolution, disease impact, and above all, the political-social status of humans”, he stated.
Dr. Thangaraj also mentioned that how studying DNA solved the migratory pattern of Andaman & Nicobar tribals identifying them as native Africans. “Above all, DNA data can be useful to prevent as well as develop precision and personalised medicine for many chronic diseases”, he said and also shared learnings that he received from his mentor, Dr. Lalji Singh.
Prof. D. Balasubramanian, former Director of CCMB and LV Prasad Eye Institute, presided over the function “The mentorship of Dr. Bhargava, Dr. Raghavan and Dr. Lalji Singh helped the speakers in achieving the distinctions in their respective careers”, he stated.
Sri BP Acharya, IAS, Spl. Chief Secretary to Govt. & DG, Dr. MCR HRD Institute highlighted the contributions of Dr. PM Bhargava, Dr. Raghavan, and Lalji Singh in bringing social awareness on science and society, in establishing Genome valley and organising BioAsia, and in DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, respectively.
Prof. Reddanna, the Executive President of FABA, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the activities of FABA in providing a platform for interaction among academy, industry, and Government agencies, including the upcoming BioAsia 2018 from 22nd to 24th Feb, 2018.
FABA also honoured Ms. Deepanwita Chattopadhyay for her recent achievements as “Top Women Achievers of the Year” award at India-Singapore Business and Social Forum 2018 event held recently.
Prof. Prakash Babu, the Secretary-General, FABA proposed vote of thanks.