Raghunath Anant Mashelkar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Raghunath Anant Mashelkar
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Mashelkar in 2009
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| Born | 1 January 1943 Marcel, Goa, Portuguese India
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| Nationality |
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| Other names | Ramesh Mashelkar |
| Alma mater | Institute of Chemical Technology (B.Chem Eng, PhD) |
| Known for |
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| Title | FTWAS, FNA, FASc, FRS, FREng, FRSC |
| Awards |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemical Engineering |
| Institutions | CSIR Global Research Alliance National Innovation Foundation |
| Notable students | Yogesh M. Joshi |
Raghunath Anant Mashelkar (born 1 January 1943), also known as Ramesh Mashelkar, is a famous Indian chemical engineer. He used to be the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). This is a big group of science labs in India.
He has also led many important science organizations. These include the Indian National Science Academy and the Institution of Chemical Engineers in the UK. He is a member of the Royal Society in London. This is a very old and respected group of scientists.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Raghunath Anant Mashelkar was born on 1 January 1943. His birthplace was Marcel, Goa, which was then part of Portuguese India. He grew up in Bombay, which is now called Mumbai.
He went to the Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai. There, he studied chemical engineering. He earned his first degree in 1966 and his PhD in 1969. He later became the leader (chancellor) of this same institute.
A Leader in Science
Dr. Mashelkar has held many important leadership roles. He was the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for over eleven years. Before that, he was the Director of the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) for six years.
Teaching and Advising
He has also taught at famous universities around the world. These include Harvard University in the USA and Monash University in Australia. He has also advised many big companies. These include Reliance Industries and Tata Motors.
He was also part of important advisory boards. These include Microsoft in the USA and the National Research Foundation (Singapore).
Transforming Research in India
As Director of the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Dr. Mashelkar changed how research was done. He focused on creating new technologies that could compete globally. He also encouraged getting international patents for inventions. Before him, NCL mostly worked on making things that India used to import. After his leadership, NCL started licensing its inventions to companies worldwide.
When he became Director General of CSIR, he led a big change. This made CSIR one of the top organizations in India for managing big changes. A famous scientist, Prof. Jayant Narlikar, even called this change one of the top ten science achievements in India in the 20th century.
Protecting India's Knowledge
Dr. Mashelkar strongly believed in protecting India's traditional knowledge. He worked hard to make sure India's inventions and old wisdom were patented. Under his leadership, CSIR became a top organization for filing patents among developing nations.
Fighting for Traditional Knowledge
He led successful fights to protect India's traditional knowledge. One famous case was about turmeric. A US patent was given for its wound-healing properties. Dr. Mashelkar argued that this was ancient Indian knowledge and not new. The patent was then removed.
He also led a team that challenged US patents on Basmati Rice. These efforts helped create the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library in India. This digital library helps prevent others from wrongly patenting India's traditional knowledge.
"Gandhian Engineering"
In 2008, he introduced the idea of "Gandhian Engineering". This means "Getting More from Less for More People." It's about creating affordable solutions for many people. His ideas have helped inspire new ways of thinking about innovation that include everyone.
National Contributions
Dr. Mashelkar has played a big role in advising the Indian government. He was a member of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He also chaired many important committees. These committees looked into various issues. For example, they worked on national fuel policy and improving drug safety.
He was also involved in investigating major accidents. He helped investigate the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and a gas cracker complex accident.
Promoting Innovation in India
He has been deeply involved in promoting innovation in India. He was the Chairman of India's National Innovation Foundation for many years. He also leads innovation councils for several companies. He helps guide efforts to create new ideas and technologies across the country.
Research and Discoveries
Dr. Mashelkar has made important contributions in his field. His research focuses on how materials move and change. He has studied how polymers (a type of material like plastic) swell and shrink. He also worked on understanding how different types of liquids flow.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Mashelkar has received many awards and honors. He has been given honorary doctorates by 53 universities around the world. This is more than any other Indian engineer.
Top Indian Civilian Awards
He has received India's highest civilian awards:
- Padma Shri (1991)
- Padma Bhushan (2000)
- Padma Vibhushan (2014)
International Honors
He has been elected as a Fellow to many prestigious international academies:
- Fellow, Royal Society, London (1998)
- Foreign Associate, National Academy of Sciences, USA (2005)
- Foreign Member, Royal Academy of Engineering, UK (1996)
- Fellow, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) (1993)
National Honors
He is also a Fellow of many important Indian academies:
- Fellow, Indian National Science Academy (1984)
- Fellow, Indian Academy of Sciences (1983)
- Fellow, Indian National Academy of Engineering (1987)
Leadership in Academic Bodies
He has served as President of several top academic groups:
- President, Indian National Science Academy (2005–2007)
- President, Institution of Chemical Engineers, UK (2007–08)
- General President, Indian Science Congress (1999–2000)
Other Awards
He won the TWAS Lenovo Science Prize, which is the highest honor from The World Academy of Sciences. He also received the Star of Asia Award in 2005 from Business Week (USA).
Helping Society
Dr. Mashelkar started the Anjani Mashelkar Foundation in 2011. This foundation helps people who create new ideas that benefit everyone. It especially supports those who develop high-tech solutions for people who are often left out of society.
The foundation gives out the Anjani Mashelkar Prize every year. This prize recognizes and rewards innovators who create solutions for those in need. As of 2024, the prize has been awarded 14 times.
