Dr. R. A. Mashelkar
CHIEF PATRON
Dr. R. A. Mashelkar is one of India’s most renowned scientists and a global thought leader in innovation and research. Born in 1943 in a small town in Goa and raised in Mumbai under challenging circumstances, he rose to become the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), one of the largest publicly funded R&D organizations in the world. A chemical engineer by training, he is known for his work in polymer science, intellectual property rights, and innovation policy.
Major Career Achievements:
Served as Director General of CSIR from 1995 to 2006, transforming it into a user-focused, performance-driven organization.
Played a key role in reviving and defending India’s patent rights in international forums, including the Turmeric and Basmati patent cases.
Contributed significantly to shaping India’s science, technology, and innovation ecosystem.
Served on the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India and chaired several national committees.
Led the Mashelkar Committee, which advised on a wide range of issues including auto fuel policy, national innovation strategy, and more.
Civilian Honors
Padma Shri (1991): India's fourth-highest civilian award.
Padma Bhushan (2000): India's third-highest civilian award.
Padma Vibhushan (2014): India's second-highest civilian award.
Scientific and Academic Awards
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1982): Prestigious award for scientists under 45.
G.D. Birla Award for Scientific Research (1993): Recognizing outstanding scientific research.
Receiving the Dadabhai Naoroji Memorial Award (2002) at the hands of Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam, President of India.
State and Regional Honors
Maharashtra Bhushan Award (2005): Highest civilian award of Maharashtra.
Gomant Vibhushan Award (2013): Highest civilian award of Goa.
Punyabhushan Award (2008): For contributions to science.