India’s pioneering scientist in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology Pushpa Mittra Bhargava is no more. He passed away on Tuesday evening following brief illness at his home in Hyderabad, his family said.
Eighty-nine-year old Bhargava, who was born in Ajmer and and did his Ph D in synthetic organic chemistry had adopted Hyderabad as his home as he founded and headed the premier research institute Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Bhargava had a multifaceted personality and a self proclaimed atheist and liberal in thoughts. After his retirement he emerged as an activist spousing various causes be it opposing the US invasion of Iraq or the recent waves of mob lynchings. Despite an advance age and failing health he participated in protest demonstration “Not in My Name” in Hyderabad against lynching culture.
He was also in the forefront of opposing the saffronisation of education and scientific research institutions in the country. He was open and bold critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this issue.
The news of his death was heard by the scientific community and the staff of CCMB with shock.
A resolution passed by the CCMB hailed Dr Bhargava as the nation building scientists who built the edifice of Indian science. “He was internationally recognised molecular biologist, a thinker and an institution builder”, the CCMB staff said in a press statement.
Apart from heading the CCMB for a long time he also headed the knowledge commission set up in 2005. He was a recipient of Padma Bhushan, third highest civilian award in 1986 for his pathbreaking contribution in the field of scientific research.