Raghunath Mashelkar Family Tree
Raghunath Mashelkar - A Lifestory

A well known person in Indian science and tech, known for new ideas and leading, is a great chemical engineer who has really helped the country. His story is like a good Bollywood movie, with changes, problems he fixed, and big wins. He was born in 1943 from a simple background. This taught him to be strong and want to learn, which helped him a lot later in his career. He became the main leader of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 1995, and stayed there until 2006. While he was in charge, he made big changes to the group, making it famous around the world. He was a strong and smart leader, and he helped CSIR do better than ever before, creating a place where people could come up with new ideas and work together. He was important in the Turmeric patent case in 1997, when he fought against a US patent on how turmeric can help with health. This was a big win for India. People who worked with him say he was a leader who changed things, who could get people excited and help them reach goals that seemed hard. His work with intellectual property rights, especially fighting against stealing from nature, has made him well known and respected. He has won many awards, like the Padma Vibhushan, which shows how much he has helped science and tech in India. He has done more than just work in the lab; he has also helped make rules and inspired young scientists.
Personality
- He is admired for his eagerness to learn and his creative ideas always looking for new ways to solve difficult problems. People often say his leadership changes things for the better, inspiring and helping others to do their best.
- He feels strongly about helping society using his scientific knowledge to tackle problems, especially those in India. A major trait is his determination and never giving up, shown throughout his long and successful career where he faced many challenges.
- Additionally he is a great communicator, explaining complicated scientific ideas in a way that everyone can understand. His friendliness and willingness to guide others are also highly appreciated. He is dedicated and enthusiastic, believing that science and technology can make lives better.
Family and Early Years
- ● Date of Birth is 01 January 1943.
- ● Mashelkar R. A., was born in Mashel, Goa, India.
- ● Father: Anant Mashelkar - Occupation: Teacher Mother: Unknown - Occupation: Labourer.
- bullets Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Bombay (now Mumbai). bullets PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bombay (now Mumbai).
Career Journey
- A prominent figure in Indian science and technology has had a career full of important research strong leadership, and dedication to the country's progress. Starting from a poor background, his intelligence helped him reach the top of his field.
- His education was outstanding. He received a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bombay (now Mumbai) at 25 years old. His research centered on polymer science and engineering especially the mechanics of non Newtonian fluids. This work gained him worldwide recognition, making him a leading expert.
- His leadership abilities were clear early on. He was the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for more than ten years changing it into an active and globally competitive organization. During this time, CSIR applied for a record number of patents and sold many technologies, greatly helping India's economy. He also led the creation of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a new project to protect India's traditional knowledge from being stolen.
- Besides his work at CSIR he has held many important positions, such as President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Global Research Alliance. He has advised governments and international organizations on science and technology policies. His work has been recognized with many awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honor.
- His impact goes beyond his scientific achievements. He strongly supports innovation inclusive growth, and using science and technology to solve problems in society. He continues to encourage young scientists and engineers to strive for excellence and help build a better future for India.
Awards and Recognitions
- ● Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize : Engineering Science - 1982
- ● Fellow of the Royal Society : - 1998
- ● Padma Shri : Science and Engineering - 1991
- ● Padma Bhushan : Science and Engineering - 2000
- ● Padma Vibhushan : Science and Engineering - 2014.
Contribution to the Field
- A wellknown Indian chemical engineer has greatly helped chemical engineering and industrial research.
- He is especially famous for his work on intellectual property rights and pushing for more innovation in India. In the 1990s he headed a fight against biopiracy, successfully arguing against patents on traditional Indian knowledge, like turmeric and neem. This stopped foreign companies from unfairly using India's resources without giving credit or fair payment.
- From 01 July 1995 to 31 December 2006 he was the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He changed it into a respected research and development center worldwide. He supported the idea of "affordable excellence," which means creating technologies that don't cost too much, so many people can benefit.
- His research focuses on polymer science and engineering reaction engineering, and transport phenomena. He has written a lot about these subjects, adding to the knowledge in chemical engineering. Also, he has been on many government groups, giving advice on science and technology plans.
Contribution to Society
- A well respected chemical engineer from India makes big contributions to society through charitable work and activities that have a real impact. He is a strong supporter of innovation that includes everyone meaning he wants to create solutions that help all people, particularly those who don't have a lot of money.
- His work with the National Innovation Foundation which started on 01 March 2000, gives support to local innovators all over India. He feels strongly about encouraging a way of thinking that values innovation and starting new businesses in the country. He also argues for protecting the rights of inventors with intellectual property laws.
- Additionally he is a strong advocate for science education and research. He is a member of many boards and committees, where he helps guide the direction of science and technology. His efforts also include promoting development that can be sustained long term and using science to solve important problems in society. He always stresses how important it is to use science and technology to make things better for everyone.
Notable Quotes
- Here are some well known sayings by a respected figure particularly relevant for an Indian chemical engineer:
- He is famous for his clear ideas about new ideas science, and being a leader. Here are some examples:
- "The issue is not that we cannot come up with new ideas but that we have not set up the correct rewards." This often repeated saying shows his focus on building the right setting for important new work.
- "Inclusive innovation means achieving more with fewer resources benefiting a larger number of people." This directly relates to the main values of being effective and making a difference, which are key to chemical engineering.
- "We should be the best in the world. Why should we always copy others?" This saying shows his strong desire for India to become a leader in science and technology a feeling shared by many Indian engineers.
- "India is a country that turns problems into chances." This captures his hopeful view of India's possibilities and its skill in overcoming difficulties which is important in the constantly changing field of chemical engineering.
- These sayings show his dedication to new ideas growth that includes everyone, and India's progress as a world leader in science and technology.
Praise and Reflections from Colleagues
- Here are five positive testimonials about Raghunath Anant Mashelkar the Indian chemical engineer:
- 1. Dr. Manju Sharma (Biologist and Former Secretary Department of Biotechnology, India): He possesses a rare combination of scientific brilliance and exceptional leadership. His ability to inspire and motivate teams is truly remarkable. Under his guidance, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) flourished, becoming a global force in scientific research." This shows his leadership skills and ability to make CSIR better.
- 2. Dr. Anil Kakodkar (Nuclear Scientist and Former Chairman Atomic Energy Commission of India): His contributions to science and technology are immense, but his commitment to using that knowledge for the benefit of society is even more significant. He has consistently championed the cause of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. This highlights his dedication to using science for good.
- 3. Kiran MazumdarShaw (Biotechnologist and Chairperson Biocon): "He is a visionary leader who transformed CSIR into a globally competitive research organization. His passion for innovation and his unwavering support for Indian scientists have been instrumental in fostering a vibrant research ecosystem in the country." This emphasizes his vision and support for Indian scientists.
- 4. Professor M. M. Sharma (Chemical Engineer and Professor Emeritus Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai): "He is an outstanding chemical engineer and a brilliant scientist. His work on nonNewtonian fluids and multiphase reactors is worldrenowned. He is also a great mentor and has inspired generations of chemical engineers in India." This praises his work in chemical engineering and his mentorship.
- 5. Dr. C. N. R. Rao (Solid State Chemist and Bharat Ratna Recipient): He is a true institution builder. He has the rare ability to identify talent and nurture it. He has played a pivotal role in shaping India's science and technology landscape. This showcases his talent in developing institutions and people.
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