Nomination Book/Biological Sciences - Book I.pdf · CONFIDENTIAL (For use of Fellows of the Academy only) The National Academy of Sciences, India NOMINATIONS Valid for Consideration

CONFIDENTIAL (For use of Fellows of the Academy only)

The National Academy of Sciences, India

NOMINATIONS Valid for Consideration for Election to

Fellowship – 2014

Section of Biological Sciences

BOOK-I

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Forestry, Agricultural

Toxicology, Soil Sciences, Plant Protection, Post Harvest Technology, Agricultural Engineering)

BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOPHYSICS, BIOTECHNOLOGY

(Molecular and Cell Biology, Structural and Functional Studies, Microbiology, Immunology)

PLANT SCIENCES

(Structural, Developmental, Functional, Genetical, Ecological, Taxonomical and Evolutionary Aspects)

5, Lajpatrai Road, Allahabad-211002

The National Academy of Sciences, India

NOMINATIONS

Valid for Consideration for Election to Fellowship – 2014

Section of Biological Sciences

BOOK-I

CONTENTS

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES 1 - 81 (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Forestry, Agricultural Toxicology, Soil Sciences, Plant Protection, Post Harvest Technology, Agricultural Engineering) BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOPHYSICS, BIOTECHNOLOGY 82 - 180 (Molecular and Cell Biology, Structural and Functional Studies, Microbiology, Immunology) PLANT SCIENCES 181 - 254 (Structural, Developmental, Functional, Genetical, Ecological, Taxonomical and Evolutionary Aspects)

5, Lajpatrai Road, Allahabad-211002

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

ANNAPURNA, Kannepalli 22 ARUNACHALAM, Ayyanadar 23 ARYA, Arun Om Prakash 62 AYYAPPAN, Subbanna 1 BANDI, Venkateswarlu 63 BANERJEE, Rintu 2 BARANWAL, Virendra Kumar 3 BARBUDDHE, Sukhadeo Baliram 37 BARUAH, Kushal Kumar 64 BASAVARAJAPPA, Rangappa Dasikatte 24 BUDHAVARAM, Varalakshmi 46 CHALLA, Jagannadham 47 CHAMARTHY, Venkata Ratnavathi 4 CHAUDHARI, Suresh Kumar 65 CHAUDHARY, Harinder Kumar 25 CHERUKUMALLI, Srinivasa Rao 48 DAS, Dilip Kumar 5 DASGUPTA, Tapash 6 DATTA, Karabi 38 DEVI, Laishram Sobita 26 GHOSH, Probir Kumar 49 GOPAL, Jai 50 GOPAL, Madhuban 27 GOYAL, Aakash 28 GUDDE, Subbaraya Ramachandra 39 GULATI, Arvind 40 GUPTA, Vijai Kumar 7 HARISCHANDRA, Shripathi Prakash 66 JAIN, Vanita 29 JANAPALA, Venkateswara Rao 51 JOHN, George 67 KALRA, Alok 68 KALVAKUNTLA, Jeevanrao 52 KANDASAMY, Kathiresan 53 KHAN, Mohamed Latif 69 KHAN, Mujeebur Rahman 54 MAGANTI, Sheshu Madhav 8 MAHAPATRA, Ajay Kumar 9 MANDAL, Bikash 10 MANDAPAKA, Maheswari 11 MEHTA, Naresh Kumar 30

MEMETRE, Subhash Sonyabapu 12 MESHRAM, Sudhir Umaji 70 MODAYIL, Mohan Joseph 71 MONDAL, Kalyan Kumar 13 MURUGESAN, A.G. 31 NANDI, Samit Kumar 41 NEGI, Sharad Singh 42 PAL, Kamal Krishna 14 PANDEY, Rakesh 32 PATIL, Ramabhau T. 55 PATRA, Ashok Kumar 56 PONNUCHAMY, Manivel 72 PRAKASH, Jamuna 33 PRASAD, Gaya 57 RAIZADA, Sudhir 34 RAJPUT, Thakur Bahadur Singh 73 RANA, Jaichand 15 RANI, Pathipati Usha 16 ROY, Ajoy Kumar 74 SANDHU, Jeet Singh 35 SANTRA, Subhas Chandra 58 SHANMUGHAVEL, Piramanayagam 36 SHARMA, A.R. 75 SHARMA, Pradeep 76 SIDDAPURA, Ramachandrappa Niranjana 77 SINGH, Bijay 59 SINGH, Brahma 17 SINGH, Duniya Ram 78 SINGH, Dwijendra 79 SINGH, Harikesh Bahadur 60 SINGH, Krishna Kumar 43 SINGH, Major 80 SINGH, Rajendra 18 SINGH, Ramesh Pratap 44 SINGH, Rishi Pal 19 SINGH, Sunil Kumar 45 SINGH, Vasudeva 20 SOMVANSHI, Ramesh 61 TOMAR, Anita 21 VUDAYAGIRI, R. Sashidhar 81

BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOPHYSICS, BIOTECHNOLOGY AGGARWAL, Ramesh K. 106 AHMED, Niyaz 124 AMIRTHANAYAGAM, H. Rachel Vasanthi 166 ASHISH 107 BALARAM, Hemalatha 167 BHADRA, Rupak Kumar 108 BHATTACHARYYA, Nitai Pada 125 BORA, Tarun Chandra 82 CAMEOTRA, Swaranjit Singh 126 CHAKRABARTI, Tapan 127 COUTINHO, Evans Clifton 128 COWSIK, Sudha Mahajan 168 DAS GUPTA, Sujoy Kumar 169 DATTA, Salil C. 147 DEOBAGKAR, Deepti Dileep 129 DHARMESH, Shylaja Mallaiah 170 DHAWAN, Devinder Kumar 109 DUBEY, Vikash Kumar 148 DUDEJA, Surjit Singh 110 DWIVEDI, Ved Prakash 83 FULEKAR, Madhusudan 149 GAUTAM, Sant Prasad 150 GHOSH, Ananta Kumar 130 GHOSH, Sanjay 111 GOSWAMI, Arunava 151 GUPTA, Pawan 131 GUPTA, Rani 171 GUPTA, Sarita Sharadchandra 84 GUPTA, Umesh Datta 152 HABIB, Saman 153 IRSHAD, Mohammad 132 KARANDE, Anjali Anoop 172 KASBEKAR, Durgadas Prabhakar 133 KAUR, Jagdeep 85 KHAN, Asad Ullah 112 KHANNA, Madhu 113 KHANNA, Sunil 173 KHARE, Sunil Kumar 86 KHUSHU, Subash 114 KOMATH, Sneha Sudha 154 KRISHNASWAMY, Sankaran 115 KUHAD, Ramesh Chander 134 KUKRETI, Shrikant 155 KUMAR, Anil 135 KUMAR, Ashok 174

KUNDU, Manikuntala 87 MANCHALA, Raghunath 175 MANDE, Sharmila Shekhar 156 MANGAMOORI, Lakshmi Narasu 136 MISRA, Hari Sharan 137 NAIR, Sudha 157 NANDI, Dipankar 176 NANDICOORI, Vinay Kumar 88 NATARAJAN, Krishnamurthy 89 PADHY, Rabindra Nath 90 PAL, Rahul 91 PAL, Samir Kumar 138 PANCHANADHAM, Sachdanandam 158 PARIDA, Manmohan 116 PARNAIK, Veena Krishnaji 139 PARRACK, Pradeep 177 PATI, Uttam 92 PATRA, Samir Kumar 117 PHALE, Prashant Sitakant 118 POLASA, Kalpagam 93 PONNURAJ, Karthe 119 PRASAD, Rajendra 178 RAHA, Sanghamitra 140 RAYCHAUDHURI, Saumya 159 RISHI, Praveen 160 ROY, Sib Sankar 94 SA, Gaurisankar 95 SAINI, Neeru 96 SAMUDRALA, Gourinath 120 SANKARARAMAKRISHNA, Ramasubbu 141 SANYAL, Kaustuv 121 SARKAR, Dibyendu 161 SEN, Ellora 97 SENGUPTA, Sagar 98 SESHADRI, Vasudevan 142 SHANMVGAM, Mayil Raj 162 SHARMA, Rakesh Kumar 122 SHARMA, Rakesh 143 SHARMA, Yogendra 99 SHOUCHE, Yogesh 123 SIDDAVARAM, Nagini 144 SIKDAR, Sujit Kumar 145 SIL, Parames Chandra 100 SINGH, Rama Kant 164 SINGH, Surya Satyanarayana 101

SONAWANE, Avinash 102 SUGUNA, Kaza 103 SUNDAR, Durai 104 SURI, Chander Raman 165

THOMAS, Pious 179 VEGESNA, Radha 146 VENKATASUBRAMANIAN, Padmavathy 105 VIDYARTHI, Ambarish Sharan 180

PLANT SCIENCES ABDIN, Malik Zainul 215 AGRAWAL, Veena 227 AHLUWALIA, Amrik Singh 242 ANEJA, Kamal Rai 243 BATISH, Daizy Rani 228 BATRA, Amla 198 BERA, Subir 216 BHATIA, Sabhyata 217 BHATNAGAR, Subodh Kumar 199 BORDOLOI, Manobjyoti 218 CHAND, Suresh 200 CHATTOPADHYAY, Sharmila 201 CHAUDHARY, Lal Babu 219 CHAUHAN, Devendra Kumar 229 DABHADE, Ganpat Trimbakrao 202 DAS, Abhaya Prasad 244 DAVIDAR, Priya 203 DHAR, Manoj Kumar 182 D'SOUZA, S. Jacinta 181 DUBEY, Nawal Kishore 204 DUBEY, Rama Shanker 183 GARG, Arti 184 GIRI, Ashok Prabhakar 185 GOEL, Anil Kumar 245 GOPALAKRISHNAN, L. Panickamparambil 246 GUPTA-BHATTACHARYA, Swati 186 HOSAKATTE, Niranjana Murthy 247 HUSAIN, Tariq 187 JAIN, Ashok Kumar 188 JAIN, Mukesh 189 JHA, Lalit Kumar 230 KOTTAPALLI, Sreenivasa Rao 248 KUMAR, J.I. Nirmal 231 KUSHWAHA, Satya Prakash Singh 232 MAIKHURI, Rakesh Kumar 233 MALLICK, Nirupama 234 MANDAL, Sudhendu 249

MOHAPATRA, Pravat Kumar 205 MUKHERJEE, Anita 220 MUKHERJEE, Pulok Kumar 190 MUKHOPADHYAY, Radha Nath 250 MUNSHI, Abid Hussain 191 NAITHANI, Subhas Chandra 251 NANDI, Shyamal Kumar 235 NATH, Virendra 252 PANDA, Sanjib Kumar 206 PANDE, P.C. 236 PANDEY, Arun Kumar 192 PANDIT, Maharaj Krishan 193 PARVATAM, Giridhar 237 PATHAK, Promila 221 PATRA, Hemanata Kumar 222 RAMTEKE, Pramod Wasudeo 194 RANA, Tikam Singh 223 RAO, Mandali Venkateswara 195 SATHISH KUMAR, Chellappan 207 SAWANT, Samir Vishwanath 238 SENGUPTA, Dibyendu Narayan 208 SEN-MANDI, Swati 224 SHARMA, Vinay 196 SHEKHAWAT, Narpat Singh 225 SIKARWAR, Ram Lakhan Singh 209 SINGH, Devendra Kumar 239 SINGH, Inderjit 210 SINGH, Kaushal Kumar 240 SINGH, Ved Pal 241 SONIYA, Eppurath Vasudevan 211 SUNDRIYAL, Rakesh Chandra 253 SUPRASANNA, Penna 212 TAMANG, Jyoti Prakash 213 THAKUR, Indu Shekhar 214 THENGANE, Shubhada Ratnakar 254 TRIVEDI, Prabodh Kumar 197 YADAV, Sudesh Kumar 226

[ 1 ]

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Forestry, Agricultural Toxicology,

Soil Sciences, Plant Protection, Post Harvest Technology, Agricultural Engineering)

AYYAPPAN, SUBBANNA (b. 1955), Director-General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences)

Dr. Ayyappan has made original contributions in the areas of Limnology and microbial ecology of lentic habitats, Biological nitrogen fixation and methane emission in fish pond ecosystems, Algal and Azolla biofertilization, Aquatic bioenergetics and trophic significance of microbial communities in carp farming, Nutrient budgets of pond systems, Biofiltration and bioremediation of aquatic habitats, Thermal tolerance of fish species, Carp polyculture and Standardisation of pen and cage farming in inland waters. Specific technology packages were developed with regard to cage culture of carps (1984); Combination of urea and bleaching powder as a piscicide (1988); Use of biogas slurry in aquaculture (1992); Highest production of 17.3 tonnes/ha/year in carp polyculture in India (1994); First estimates of nitrogen fixation in Indian aquatic ecosystems and standardization of Azolla biofertilisation (1997); Bio-remediated domestic sewage treatment (2000); Assessment of thermal tolerance levels of freshwater fish species along with a model for use of thermal effluents from nuclear power plants for fish hatcheries (2002); Design of mechanical pond applicator (2007); and Procedure developed for early maturity and breeding of carps (2008). Dr Ayyappan has guided 23 Ph.D. and eight Masters' degree students and has been conferred D.Sc. (honoris causa) by eleven Universities in the country.

Proposer : Prof. R.K. Gupta, Seconder : Prof. I.P. Abrol Ten Best Publications: 1. Olah, J., V.R.P. Sinha, S. Ayyappan, C.S. Purushothaman, S. Radheyshyam, 1986. Primary production and fish yields in fish ponds under different management practices, Aquaculture, 58 (1): 111-122. (if=2.009, ci=28) 2. Ram, K.J., G.R.M. Rao, S. Ayyappan, C.S. Purushothaman, P.K Saha, KC. Pani, 1988. A combination of commercial bleaching powder and urea as a potential piscicide, Aquaculture 72 (3): 287-293. (if=2.009, ci=7) 3. Mishra, S., S.K Barik, S. Ayyappan, B.C. Mohapatra, 2000. Fish bioassays for evaluation of raw and bioremediated dairy effluent, Bioresource Technology 72 (3):213-218. (if=4.75, ci=7) 4. Giri, S.S., S.K Sahoo, B.B. Sahu, A.K Sahu, S.N. Mohanty, P.K. Mukhopadhyay, 2002. Larval survival and growth in Wallago attu (Bloch and Schneider): effects of light, photoperiod and feeding regimes. Aquaculture 213 (1):151-161. (if=2.009, ci=45) 5. Jena,J.K, S. Ayyappan, P.K. Aravindakshan, 2002. Comparative evaluation of production performance in varied cropping patterns of carp polyculture systems, Aquaculture, 207 (1): 49-64. (if=2.009, ci=26) 6. Adhikari, S., B. Sarkar, A. Chatterjee, C.T. Mahapatra, S. Ayyappan, 2004. Effects of cypermethrin and carbofuran on certain hematological parameters and prediction of their recovery in a freshwater teleost, Labeo rohita (Hamilton). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 58 (2): 220-226. (if=2.203, ci=108) 7. Das, P.C., S. Ayyappan, J.K Jena, B.K Das, 2004. Nitrite toxicity in Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.): acute toxicity and sub-lethal effect on selected haematological parameters. Aquaculture, 235 (1): 633-644. (if=2.009, ci=27) 8. Tripathy, S., P.K. Sahoo, J. Kumari, B.K Mishra, N. Sarangi, S. Ayyappan, 2006. Multiplex RT-PCR detection and sequence comparison of viruses NY and XSV associated with white tail disease in Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Aquaculture, 258 (1): 134-139. (if=2.009, ci=12) 9. Das, P.C., S. Ayyappan, J.K. Jena, 2006. Haematological changes in the three Indian major carps, Catla catla (Hamilton), Labeo rohita (Hamilton) and Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) exposed to acidic and alkaline water pH. Aquaculture, 256 (1): 80-87. (if=2.009, ci=22) 10. Mitra, G., P.K. Mukhopadhyay, S. Ayyappan, 2007. Biochemical composition of zooplankton community grown in freshwater earthen ponds: Nutritional implication in nursery rearing of fish larvae and early juveniles. Aquaculture, 272 (1): 346-360. (if=2.009, ci=17)

[ 2 ]

BANERJEE, RINTU (b 1963), Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences)

Prof. Rintu Banerjee, MNRE Chair Professor is acknowledged as one of the leading enzymologist working in the area of Food, Fermentation and Bioenergy. She has received wide recognition including the coveted Panjabrao Deshmukh Outstanding Women Scientist Award, “Louis Pasteur”, Recognition award, Women Bioscientist, and Fellow of different esteemed societies and academy. Her significant contributions to the fermentation sector include cost-effective production of industrial enzymes. Enzymatic degradation of potent xenobiotic compounds and development of “Biodepilator” to control environmental pollution generated by tannery industry is one of her significant contribution. Prof. Banerjee has introduced a new concept of using isolated microbial consortia for methane production up to 74% without the addition of cowdung. She has also brought the revolution in the area of pretreatment of lignocellulosics through enzymatic delignification for improved ethanol/butanol yield. She successfully overcome the problems related to vegetable oil/ algal biofuel by transesterification of lipid extracted from oleaginous microbes. She has pioneered novel food processing technologies including enzymatic rice polishing, debittering of juices, nutraceutically enriched food products, lactic acid production with multiple applications. In the domain of fundamental research, she has investigated the structure, stability and function of food proteins and enzymes, nature of forces involved in ligand-protein interactions. As an outcome of her innovative research, she has been granted with three international and seven national patents out of which eight technologies have been transferred to different industries. Prof. Banerjee guided 23 PhDs, published over 133 articles, 22 book chapter and authored a book entitled “Environmental Biotechnology“, published by Oxford University Press.

Proposer : Prof. T. K. Adhya, Seconder : Prof. Krishna Mishra Ten Best Publications: 1. Dutta Ray J, Dutta PK and Banerjee R, (2004), Optimization of culture parameters for extracellular protease production from a newly isolated Pseudomonas sp. using Response Surface and Artificial Neural Network models, Process Biochemistry, 39(12), 2193-2198.(if=2.414, ci=95) 2. Dey G, Mitra A, Banerjee R and Maiti BR, (2001), Enhanced production of amylase by optimization of nutritional constituents using Response Surface Methodology, Biochemical Engineering Journal, 7(3), 227-231. (if=2.579, ci=90) 3. Hadi T, Banerjee R and Bhattacharyya BC, (1994), Optimization of tannase biosynthesis by a newly isolated strain of Rhizopus oryzae, Bioprocess Engineering, 11, 239-243. (if=1.809, ci=68) 4. Rout S and Banerjee R, (2007), Free radical scavenging, anti-glycation and tyrosinase inhibition properties of a polysaccharide fraction isolated from the rind from Punica granatum, Bioresource Technology, 98(16), 3159-3163. (if=4.74, ci=54) 5. Tunga R, Shrivastava B and Banerjee R, (2003), Purification and characterization of a protease from solid state cultures of Aspergillus parasiticus, Process Biochemistry, 38(11), 1553-1558. (if=2.414, ci=46) 6. Kar B, Banerjee R and Bhattacharyya BC, (1999), Microbial production of gallic acid by modified solid state fermentation, Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 23, 173-177. (if=2.321, ci=44) 7. Kumari A, Mahapatra P, Garlapati VK and Banerjee R, (2009), Enzymatic transesterification of Jatropha Oil, Biotechnology for Biofuels, 2, 1. (if=5.552, ci=45) 8. Banerjee R and Bhattacharyya BC, (1993), Evolutionary Operation (EVOP) to optimize three dimensional biological experiments, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 41, 67-71. (if=3.648, ci=30) 9. Nanda RK, Sarkar N and Banerjee R, (2007), Probing the interaction of ellagic acid with Human Serum Albumin: a fluorescence spectroscopic study, Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, 192(2-3), 152-158. (if=2.416, ci=42) 10. Kar B and Banerjee R, (2000), Biosynthesis of tannin acyl hydrolase from tannin-rich forest residue under different fermentation conditions, Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 25, 29-38 (if=2.321, ci=41)

[ 3 ]

BARANWAL, VIRENDRA KUMAR (b 1960), Principal Scientist and In charge, Plant Virology Unit, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences)

Dr Baranwal has made major contribution in genome characterization and development of serological and molecular detection assays of RNA and DNA viruses affecting allium, banana, citrus, grapes and other important crops. His group has identified and characterized Grape leaf roll associated viruses for the first time in India. He employed next generation sequencing to resolve forty year old problem of leaf crinkle disease in urdbean and mungbean showing definite association of a carlavirus with the disease. Full genome characterization of episomal Banana streak MY virus (BSMYV) isolates employing sequence independent rolling circle amplification (RCA) and identification of putative coat protein gene as well as epitopes made it possible to produce antibodies to BSMYV which will be highly useful to banana tissue culture industry. Simultaneous detection of a poty-, two carla- and any of eight allexiviruses infecting allium crops is a novel cost effective and sensitive multiplex RT-PCR technology developed for virus indexing of garlic. He has demonstrated production of virus free garlic through apical meristem culture coupled with novel solar heat therapy. His latest contribution in development of micro array chip having probe sets for more than 1200 plant viruses and viroids is pioneer effort in chip based diagnostics for plant viruses in India and will be highly useful for quarantine and bio-security. The chip has detected new viruses in several crops. Earlier, he made contribution on characterization of antiviral plant proteins and studied the mechanism of their action. He demonstrated that the action of antiviral proteins is host mediated.

Proposer : Prof. Anupam Varma, Seconder : Prof. Shelly Praveen Ten Best Publications: 1. Baranwal V.K., Majumder, S., Ahlawat, Y.S. Singh, R.P. (2003). Sodium Sulphite yields improved DNA of higher stability for PCR detection of Citrus yellow mosaic virus from citrus leaves. J Virological Methods 112:155-159. (if= 1.9, ci= 35) 2. Balasubrahmanyam, A., Baranwal V.K., Lodha, M. L., Varma A. and Kapoor, H. C. (2000). Purification and properties of growth dependent antiviral proteins from the leaves of Celosia cristata, Plant Science, 154:13-21. (if= 2.9, ci= 28) 3. Baranwal V.K and Verma, H.N., Characteristics of a virus inhibitor from the leaf extract of Celosia cristata, Plant Pathology, 46; 523-529 (1997). (if= 2.7, ci= 28) 4. Baranwal V.K and Verma, H.N. (1992). Localized resistance against virus infection induced by leaf extract of Celosia cristata, Plant Pathology, 41, 633-638. (if= 2.7, ci= 25) 5. Singh, R.P., Dilworth, A. D. Baranwal, V.K. and Gupta K .N. (2006). Detection of Citrus exocortis viroid (CEVd), Iresine viroid (IrVd) and Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd) in new ornamental host plants in India. Plant Disease 90: 1457. (if= 2.4, ci= 16) 6. RP Singh, AD Dilworth, X Ao, Singh, M., V.K. Baranwal (2009). Citrus exocortis viroid transmission through commercially-distributed seeds of Impatiens and Verbena plants. European journal of plant pathology 124 (4), 691-694 (if= 1.6, ci= 16) 7. Arya, M., Baranwal, V.K., Ahlawat, Y.S. and Singh L. (2006). RT--PCR detection and molecular characterization of Onion yellow dwarf virus associated with garlic and onion. Current Science 91:1230-1234. (if= 0.9, ci= 16) 8. Ahlawat, YS, Baranwal, V.K., D Doe, S Majumder (2003. First Report of Citrus Greening Disease and Associated Bacterium “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” from Bhutan. Plant Disease 87 (4), 448-448 (if= 2.4, ci= 10) 9. Manimekalai, R. Soumya, V.P., Satish Kumar R., Selvarajan, R., Reddy, K., Thomas, G.V., Sasikala,M. Rajeev, G and Baranwal, V. K. (2010) Molecular detection of 16SrXI Group Phytoplasma associated with root wilt disease of coconut (Cocos nucifera) in India. Plant Disease 94, 636 (if= 2.4, ci= 9) 10. Prabha K and Baranwal V. K., (2012). The Genome Sequence of an Isolate of Indian Citrus Ringspot Virus infecting the Sweet Orange in India. J Virology. 86(22):12446-47. (if= 5.07, ci= 1)

[ 4 ]

CHAMARTHY, RATNAVATHI VENKATA (b 1961), Principal Scientist and Directorate of Sorghum Research (ICAR), Hyderabad Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences)

The major achievements made by Dr. Ratnavathi gave new face to sorghum as a health cereal and as a bio-energy crop. The successful pilot experiments for the production of bio ethanol from sweet sorghum and her research contributions for juice quality characterization led to the development and release of first sweet sorghum hybrid CSH 22 SS and a variety CSV 24 SS for commercial cultivation. The studies made in collaboration with sugar industries have led to the introduction of sweet sorghum crop in the farmer’s fields in a larger area for the first time in two states yielded bio-ethanol with acceptable quality to create a totally new concept for a novel alternate raw material to sugarcane molasses. Her Successful results of basic research in the area of mycotoxins and food safety added scientific knowledge through international publications. The research work on aflatoxins and fumonisins in sorghum proved sorghum grain safe for human consumption and the work also was recognized by CODEX committee. She has led 4 externally funded competitive projects like NATP and NFBSFARA to improve sorghum as a bioenergy crop. She established food processing laboratory under NAIP project. The technology development of products like flakes, semolina, pasta, noodles, multigrain flour with sorghum, cakes, biscuits, and their popularization made sorghum as a health food and based on this MoUs were signed with leading food companies. The pilot experiments on use of sorghum in brewing industry as adjunct made the industry to shift the adjunct to broken sorghum.

Proposer : Dr. N.G Prasada Seconder : P. B. Kirti Ten Best Publications: 1. Ratnavathi,CV and Bala Ravi, S.(1991).Effect of different durations of steeping and malting on the production of alpha-amylase in Sorghum J. Cereal Sci., 14, 287- 296 (if=2.971, ci=19) 2. Ratnavathi,CV and Sashidhar, RB (1998) Micro assay for the quantitation of protein precipitable polyphenols: use of bovine serum albumin-benzidine conjugate as a protein probe. Food Chemistry, 61, 373-380 (if=4.072, ci=19) 3. Ratnavathi,CV and Sashidhar, RB (2000) Changes in the enzyme activities and the aflatoxin elaboration in Sorghum genotypes following Aspergillus parasiticus infestation. J. Sci. Food and Agric. 80:1-9. (if=1.77, ci=4) 4. Ratnavathi,CV and Sashidhar, RB (2003) Substrate suitability of different genotypes of sorghum in relation to Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin production J Agric. Food Chem, 51, 3482-3492 (if=3.290, ci=12) 5. Ratnavathi,CV and Sashidhar, RB (2004) Induction of Chitinases in response to Aspergillus infection in sorghum(Sorghum bicolor (L)Moench) J. Sci. Food and Agric. 84:1521-1527 (if=1.77, ci=4) 6. Audilakshmi, S., Aruna, C., Garud, TB., Nayakar, NY., Atale, SB., Veerabadhiran, P., Dayakar Rao, B., Ratnavathi, CV and Indira, S.(2005) A technique to enhance the quality and market value of rainy season sorghum grain, Crop Protection 24: 251-258 (if=1.598, ci=11) 7. Ratnavathi, CV and Sashidhar, RB.(2007) Inhibitory Effect of Polyphenols on the growth of Aspergillus Parasiticus (NRRL 2999) and aflatoxin production J. Sci. Food and Agric. 87:1140-1148 (if=1.77, ci=1) 8. Ratnavathi, CV., Suresh, K., Vijay Kumar, BS., Pallavi, M., Komala, VV and Seetharama, N. (2010) Study on Genotypic Variation for Ethanol production from sweet sorghum Juice. Biomass and Bioenergy 34: 947-952 (if=3.931, ci=44) 9. Ratnavathi, CV., Komala, VV, BS Vijay Kumar, IK Das and JV Patil (2012) Natural Occurence of Aflatoxin B1 in Sorghum grown at different geographical Regions of India Journal of The Science Food and Agriculture J Sci Food Agric. 92(12):2416-20 (if=1.77, ci=7) 10. VV Komala, CV. Ratnavathi, B.S. Vijay Kumar, I.K. Das (2012) Inhibition of aflatoxin B1 production by an antifungal component, eugenol in stored sorghum grains. Food Control 26:139-146(CV Ratnavathi as corresponding author) (if=3.066, ci=4)

[ 5 ]

DAS, DILIP KUMAR (b 1950), Professor of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) Field experiments on rice under both kharif and rabi seasons were conducted in low land Haplustalfs of alkaline reaction for a period of 10 years with different treatment combinations and the results recommended that the total losses of N through NH3 volatilisation, leaching and denitrification mechanisms during the kharif season was recorded highest 23.08 kg/ha while that of the same in the rabi season recorded as 24.42 kg/ha in the treatment when entire nitrogen at 90 kg/ha was applied as basal in the form of urea. Such total losses were reduced to about 17 percent in both the seasons with the application of green manure (Dhaincha, Sesbania aculeate) along with urea-N on 50:50 basis. Micronutrient deficiency in soils of West Bengal was first delineated by me in the year 1999 in the form of a Map.Apart from the research activities, he is actively involved in imparting teaching programmes of UG, PG and Doctoral students engaged in agricultural education since the last 28 years. Prof.Das is an author of eight books on Agriculture, of which “ Introductory Soil Science” and “ Micronutrients: Their behaviour in soils and plants” are of important additions to the Libraries of Agricultural Universities in India and abroad. Besides, Prof.Das supervised a number of post graduate and Ph.D. students as a chairman of the Advisory Committee. He also published more than 145 research papers in journals of National and International repute. Prof Das is also a recipient of different awards and honours and an elected Fellows of different professional societies.

Proposer : Dr. Dharani Dhar Patra, Seconder : Dr. Suchitra Banerjee Ten Best Publications: 1. Indranil Das, Koushik Ghosh, Dilip Kumar Das and S.K.Sanyal. 2012 . Evaluation of humic and fulvic acid extracts of compost, oilcake and soils on complex formation with arsenic. Soil Research. 50:239-248. CSIRO Publishing (Australia) (if=3.443) 2. H.Pathak, J.K.Ladha, P.K.Aggarwal, S.Peng,S.Das, Y.Singh, B.Singh, S.K.Kamra, B.Mishra, A.S.R.A.S.Sastri, H.P.Aggarwal, D.K.Das and R.K.Gupta. 2003. Trends of climatic potential and on-farm yields of rice and wheat in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Field Crops Research. 80: 223-234. B.V.Elsevier Science (if=2.984) 3. Tanmoy Karak, Pradip Bhattacharyya, Ranjit Kumar Paul and D.K. Das . 2013. Metal accumulation, biochemical response and yield of Indian mustard grown in soil amended with rural roadside pond sediment. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 92. 161–173(if=2.572) 4. A.M.Puste and D.K.Das. 2001. Impact of Air pollutant emissions on the ecosystems in the vicinity of Industrial Areas of Indian-subtropics.Water, Air and Soil Pollution. 130: 843-848. Kluwer Academic Publication. (if=1.748) 5. D.K. Das and A.M. Puste. 2001. Influence of different organic waste materials on the transformation of nitrogen in soils. The Scientific World Journal. 1 (S2): 658-663. A.A.Balkema, The Netherlands. (if=1.730) 6. T. Karak; U.K. Singh and D.K. Das. 2004. Role of various extractants in removing group-II B elements of soils incubated with EDTA. The Scientific World Journal. 4: 1038-1045. A.A.Balkema, The Netherlands (if=1.730) 7. D. Maiti; D.K. Das; T. Karak and M. Banerjee. 2004. Management of Nitrogen through the use of leaf colour chart (LCC) and Soil-Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) or chlorophyll meter in rice under irrigated eco-system. The Scientific World Journal. 4: 838-846. A.A.Balkema, The Netherlands (if=1.730) 8. Tanmoy, Karak; D.K. Das; U.K. Singh and D. Maiti. 2005. Influence of pH on soil charge characteristics and cadmium sorption in some non-contaminated soils of Indian sub-tropics. The Scientific World Journal. 5: 183-194. A.A.Balkema, The Netherlands. (if=1.730) 9. D.K.Das; T.K.Garai; S.Sarkar and Pintu, Sur. 2005. Interaction Effect of arsenic with zinc and Organics in a Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivated field in India. The Scientific World Journal. 5: 646-651. A.A.Balkema, The Netherlands. (if=1.730) 10. Debtanu, Maiti; D. K. Das and H. Pathak. 2006. Fertilizer requirement for irrigated wheat in eastern India using the QUEFTS simulation model. The Scientific World Journal. 6: 231-245. A.A.Balkema, The Netherlands (if=1.730)

[ 6 ]

DASGUPTA, TAPASH (b 1955), Director, Institute of Agricultural Science, Calcutta University, Kolkata Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) Prof. Dasgupta has contributed significantly in the genetic up gradation of genotypes in vegetable cowpea, chickpea, blackgram, rice and sesame. He along with three other scientists developed two vegetable cowpea varieties having characteristics like long succulent pod and determinate plant type. His expertise in biometrical genetics is well known at national level. He has carries out nationally recognised work in the development of sesame in West Bengal. Not only his contribution towards popularisation of white seeded sesame is well appreciated, but his contribution towards seed coat colour genetics and development of mutant varieties are well appreciated. He is deeply involved in study of arsenic contamination in rice for last ten years. He has established a strong network with university of Aberdeen, UK in arsenic research. The first report on QTL mapping for arsenic tolerance in rice (Astol gene) was also published by him along with a group of International scientists in the reputed journal "New Phytologist". He has initiated teaching and research on Bioinformatics and molecular biology with special emphasis to application in crop improvement. He has also established a new laboratory in molecular biology at the Institute. He has guided 9 scholars who have been awarded Ph.D. degree. 3 more scholars have submitted their thesis. He has handled a number of national and international projects. All his research works are now mainly focussed on integrated plant breeding i.e. combining plant breeding, bioinformatics and molecular biology together in crop improvement program of rice and sesame.

Proposer : Dr. Dharani Dhar Patra, Seconder : Prof. Sumita Jha Ten Best Publications: 1. O Singh, CL.L Gowda,SC Sethi and T Dasgupta JBSmith(1992) Genetic analysis of agronomic characters in chickpea.I. Estimates of genetic variances from diallel mating designs. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 83: 956-962. (if=0.760) 2. T Dasgupta, SA Hossain, AA Meharg, AH Price (2004). An arsenate tolerance gene on chromosome 6 of rice. New Phytologist 163 (1), 45-49 (if=6.736) 3. GJ Norton, M Nigar, PN Williams, T Dasgupta, AA Meharg, AH Price (2008). Rice–arsenate interactions in hydroponics: a three-gene model for tolerance. Journal of Experimental Botany 59 (8), 2277-2284 (if=5.242) 4. GJ Norton, G Duan, T Dasgupta, MR Islam, M Lei, Y Zhu, CM Deacon, (2009). Environmental and genetic control of arsenic accumulation and speciation in rice grain: comparing a range of common cultivars grown in contaminated sites across Bangladesh, China, and India. Environmental Science and Technology (if=5.257) 5. Tamina Begum and Tapash Dasgupta (2010). A comparison of the effects of physical and chemical mutagens in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Genetics and Molecular Biology, 33 (4), 761-766 (if=0.740) 6. GJ Norton, T Dasgupta, MR Islam, S Islam, CM Deacon, FJ Zhao (2010). Arsenic influence on genetic variation in grain trace-element nutrient content in Bengal Delta grown rice. Environmental Science and Technology 44 (21), 8284-8288 (if=5.257) 7. GJ Norton, MR Islam, T Dasgupta, RP White, AH Price (2011). The dynamics of arsenic in four paddy fields in the Bengal delta JL Stroud, Environmental Pollution 159 (4), 947-953 (if=3.730) 8. JL Stroud, MA Khan, GJ Norton, MR Islam, T Dasgupta, YG Zhu, AH Price (2011). Assessing the labile arsenic pool in contaminated paddy soils by isotopic dilution techniques and simple extractions Environmental Science and Technology 45 (10), 4262-4269 (if=5.257) 9. AA Meharg, G Norton, C Deacon, P Williams, EE Adomako, A Price, Y Zhu, G Li, F-J Zhao, S McGrath, A Villada, A Sommella, P Mangala, CS De Silva, H Brammer, Tapash Dasgupta and M Rafiqul Islam (2013). Variation in rice cadmium related to human exposure. Environmental Science and Technology 47 (11), 5613-5618 (if=5.257) 10. U Bhattacharyya, Sarita K. Pandey and Tapash Dasgupta ( 2014). Identification of EST-SSRs and FDM in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) through data mining. Scholarly Journal of Agricultural Science 4(1), 51-60 (if=1.3725)

[ 7 ]

GUPTA, VIJAI KUMAR (b 1981), Assistant Professor, MITS Universiy, Sikar, Rajasthan Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. Gupta is one of the experts in the area of Mycology. His author h-index and i10-index are 10. He has developed diagnostic kit for Fusarium wilt disease of guava and optimized the process of industrially important enzymes for production of renewable bioenergy from waste and biomass and filed two European Patents. He has developed 04 methods in the area of fungal biology. He is having 44 international/national research/review and 29 book chapters publications with a total ciation of 311 to date. He has excellent editorial capabilities which is evident from 16 books he edited for highly reputed publishers like Wiley-Blackwell; CRC Press; Springer; Elsevier; Nova Science Publisher; LAP Lambert; and CABI. He is the “Fellow of Prestigious- The Linnaean Society, UK; Fellow of Hind Agri Society, Fellow of Society of Applied Biotechnologist, and Fellow of International Society of Contemporary Biologist, India”. He has also receved “Indian Young Scientist Award 2009 & 2011”. He is the active member of International Sub-commission on Trichoderma and Hypocrea, Austria and working group member of the International Society for Fungal Conservation, UK. He is also serving as editor-in-chief and editor of highly reputed journal/book series like Scientific Reports, A Nature Publishing Group Journal; Fungal Biology and Biotechnoloogy, A BioMed Central Journal; Mycosphere; International Journal of Plant Pathology; “Fungal Biology”, and “Biofuel & Bioenergy”, Springer etc. His work with Fusarium, Colletotrichum, Aspergillus. Penicillium, and Trichoderma has been complemented by contributions to biotechnological development, molecular diversity, disease diagnostic, plant pathology, fungal-plant interaction, and industrial applications.

Proposer : PROF. DALJIT SINGH VIRK, Seconder : PROF. HUNTHRIKE SHEKAR SHETTY Ten Best Publications: 1. R. Davis, R. Kataria, F. Cerrone,T. Woods, S. Kenny, A. O’Donovan, M. Guzik, H. Shaikh, G. Duane, V. K. Gupta, M. G. Tuohy, R. Padamati and K. O’Connor (2013). Conversion of grass biomass into fermentable sugars and its utilization for mclPHA production by Pseudomonas strains. Bio-resource Technology, 150:202-209. (if=5.2, ci=0) 2. P. Kumar, M. kamle, V.K. Gupta, B.K. Pandey, A.K. Misra and D.R. Modi (2013). Host Pathofen interaction study in malformed affected tissues of Mangifera indica L. American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences 8 (3): 199-203. (if=1.36, ci=01) 3. V. K. Gupta (2012). PCR-RAPD profiling of Fusarium spp. causing guava wilt disease in India. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B, UK. 47, 2012, 315-325. (if=1.119,, ci=01) 4. V. K. Gupta, P.K. Jain, A.K. Misra R. Gaur and R.K Gaur. (2010). Comparative molecular analysis of Fusarium solani isolates by RFLP and RAPD. Microbiology, 79(6):772-776. (if=0.813, ci=04) 5. Pankaj Kumar Jain, Vijai K. Gupta, Hardik Pathak, Madan Lowry and D. P. Jaroli (2010) Characterization of 2T engine oil degrading indigenous bacteria, isolated from high altitude (Mussoorie), India. World. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 26 (8): 1419-1426. (if=1.262, ci=11) 6. V. K. Gupta, A. Pandey, P. Kumar, B.K.Pandey, R.K. Gaur, V. Bajpai, N. Sharma and S. Sharma (2010). Genetic characterization of mango anthracnose pathogen-Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. African Journal of Biotechnology, 9 (26): 4001-4009. (if=0.568, ci=10) 7. Vijai Kumar Gupta, Rajeeva Gaur, Santosh Kumar Yadava, and Nandan Singh Darmwal. (2009). Optimization of xylanase production by free and immobilized cells of Fusarium solani F7. Bioresources. 4: 932-945. (if=1.418, ci=06) 8. V.K. Gupta, A.K. Misra, Rajeeva Gaur, R. Pandey and U.K. Chauhan. (2009). Studies of genetic polymorphisms in the isolates of Fusarium solani. Australian Journal of Crop Science. 3: 101-106. (if=1.63, ci=12) 9. V.K. Gupta, R. Gaur., N. Gautam, P.Kumar, I.J.Yadava and N.S. Darmwal.(2009). Optimization of xylanase production by Fusarium solani F7. American Journal of Food Technology. 4: 20-29. (if=0.894, ci=27) 10. Kumar, P., Gupta, V.K., Misra, A.K Modi, D.R. and Pandey, B. K. (2009). Potential of molecular markers in plant biotechnology. Plant OMICS: Journal of Plant Biology & Omics. 2:141-162. (if=1.734, ci=78)

[ 8 ]

MAGANTI, SHESHU MADHAV (b 1972), Senior Scientist (Biotechnology), Directorate of Rice Research (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. M. S. Madhav has actively contributed towards development and application of molecular markers for improvement of important traits in rice. He fine-mapped and cloned two major rice blast resistance genes i.e Pi54 and Pi 40 (Madhav et al 2005,Sharma et al 2005, Madhav et al 2008). He conceptualized the true allele mining schemes of biotic stress resistance genes (Ram Kumar et al 2010) and identified superior alleles for Pi54 and Pita ( Ram Kumar et al 2010a). He also identified new genetic resources for blast resistance as well as key candidate genes involved in biotic and abiotic stress through transcriptome analysis (Venu et al 2010,Venu et al 2013). He is actively involved in development of biotic stress resistant lines in mega varieties, traditional Basmati varieties and hybrid parental lines possessing three important blast and blight resistant genes through marker-assisted back cross breeding (Arunakanthi et al 2008; Srinivasa Prasad et al 2009; Madhavi et al 2011, Hari et al 2013, Hari et al 2011, Pandey et al 2012). Dr Madhav's team also identified QTLs for major cooking quality traits using indica parents, that helps in identification of genes controlling these complex traits (Shobha Rani et al 2008, Shobha Rani 2011, Sivaranajani et al 2010 and Pandey et al 2012). He also instrumental in development of simple, rapid and reliable functional markers for the Aroma, Kernel elongation and Pi54 which are very useful in molecular breeding programmes of rice for improvement of quality as well as incorporation of resistance ( Shaktivel 2009, Ram Kumar 2010, Ram Kumar 2011)

Proposer : Dr.S.E. Siddiq, Seconder : Dr Ananda Kumar Polumetla Ten Best Publications: 1. M.S. Madhav, T.R. Sharma, P. Shankar, T. K .Jana, K. Gaikwad, R. Rathour, P. Plaha, N.K. Singh (2005). High resolution mapping, cloning and molecular characterization of Pi kh gene which confers resistance to Magnaporthe grisea. Molecular Genetics and Genomics. 274: 569–57; 671 (if=2.881, ci=87) 2. T.R.Sharma, P.Shankar. B.K. Singh T.K.Jana., M. S.Madhav, K. Gaikwad, N.K. Singh., P. Plaha R. Rathour (2005). Molecular mapping of rice blast resistance gene Pikh in the rice variety Tetep. Journal of Plant Biochemistry & Biotechnology 14: 127-133 (if=0.5, ci=22) 3. K. Sakthivel, N. Shobha Rani, M. K. Pandey, A. K. P. Sivaranjani, C. N. Neeraja, S. M. Balachandran, M. S. Madhav, B. C. Viraktamath, G. S. V. Prasad, R. M. Sundaram (2009). Development of a simple functional marker for fragrance in rice and its validation in Indian Basmati and non- Basmati fragrant rice varieties. Molecular Breeding 24:185–190 (if=3.251, ci=18) 4. G. Ram Kumar, K. Sakthivel, R. M. Sundaram, C. N. Neeraja, S. M. Balachandran, N. Shobha Rani, B. C. Viraktamath and M.S. Madhav*. (2010). Allele mining in crops: prospects and potentials. Biotechnology Advances. 28: 451–461. (* Corresponding Author)(if=11.850, ci=29) 5. G. Ram Kumar, A.K.P. Sivaranani, Manisk .K. Pandey, K. Sakthivel, N. Shobha Rani, I. Sudharshan, G.S.V. Prasad, C. N. Neeraja, R. M. Sundaram, B. C. Viraktamath and M.S. Madhav*(2010). Development of a PCR-based SNP marker system for effective selection of kernel length and kernel elongation in rice. Molecular Breeding. 26: 735-740. (* Corresponding Author) (if=3.251, ci=10) 6. R .C. Venu, M. Sheshu Madhav#,.... Guo-Liang Wang (2010). Deep and Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Rice Plants Infested by the Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)and Water Weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus). Rice. 3: 22–35. (# Equal contribution author)(if=2.381, ci=6) 7. P. Manimaran, G. Ramkumar, K. Sakthivel, R.M. Sundaram, M.S. Madhav, S.M. Balachandran (2011) Suitability of non-lethal marker and marker-free systems for development of transgenic crop plants: Present status and future prospects. Biotechnology Advances. 29: 703-714 (if=11.850, ci=19) 8. G. Ramkumar, K. Srinivasarao, K. Madhan Mohan, I. Sudarshan, A. K. P. Sivaranjani, K. Gopalakrishna, C. N. Neeraja, S. M. Balachandran, R. M. Sundaram, M. S. Prasad, N. Shobha Rani, A. M. Rama Prasad, B. C. Viraktamath, M. S. Madhav*(2011) Development and validation of functional marker targeting an InDel in the major rice blast disease resistance gene Pi54 (Pikh). Molecular Breeding. Volume 27:129–135. (*Corresponding Author) (if=3.251, ci=7) 9. N. Podishetty, S. Kalidindi, GS. Laha, S. Kommoju, B. Mishra, BC. Viraktamath, H. Yadla, CS. Reddy, SM. Balachandran, T. Ram, SM. Maganti, NS. Rani, NN. Chirravuri, AR. Gajjala, H. Shaik, Sundaram RM. (2012). Identification and fine-mapping of Xa33, a novel gene for resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae. Phytopathology. 102(2):222-8. (if=3.09, ci=4) 10. Manish K. Pandey, N. Shobha Rani, G. S. Laha,M. S. Madhav, K. Srinivasa Rao, Injey Sudharshan,Yadla Hari,G.S.Varaprasad, L. V. Subba Rao, Kota Suneetha, A. K. P. Sivaranjani, B. C. Viraktamath (2012). Improvement of two traditional Basmati rice varieties for Bacterial Blight Resistance and Plant Stature through Morphological and Marker-assisted Selection. Molecular Breeding. 31 (1), 239-246(if=3.251, ci=3)

[ 9 ]

MAHAPATRA, AJAY KUMAR (b 1959), CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR, REGIONAL PLANT RESOURCE CENTER, BHUBANESWAR Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) Dr Mahapatra researched for last 30 years in the area of biodiversity conservation, tree ecology, forest productivity, bio-prospecting of eastern ghat flora and fauna. Many of his research problems aims at addressing field based issues, and i’ts output led to field application. His major scientific contributions are; • Carbon sequestration modeling for Indian forests, and agroforestry modeling. • Ecological and economic analysis of non timber forest products of eastern India. • Floristic inventory and mapping of Orissa state, leading to development of Odisha Biodiversity Portal, (www.rprcbiodiversity.in) Digital Herbarium (www.rprcbbsr.com) based on diversity measurement of more than 1,50,000 plants extending over 885 sample plots. • Vegetation analysis of niche forests to redefine forest type classification. • Floristic inventory and Ethnobiology of medicinal plants of eastern India and wild edible fruit plants that led to establishment of wild fruit garden and biochemical exploration of wild fruits. • Biodiversity inventory and documentation of Similipal biosphere reserve. • Chemo and molecular profiling, reproductive biology, isolation of active ingredient of RET and valuable plants as Homalium, Saraca, Terminalia, Bambusa, Combretum, Calamus and Gloriosa species. • New micro propagation and macro propagation techniques of Orchids (Pomatocalpa, Vanda, Dendrobium sps), medicinal plant (Gloriosa, Embelia Blepharispermum, Cordia sps), Mangroves (Agiceras, Cerbera sps), lesser known timber species (Bridelia, Pogamia sps.) • Isolation, identification of fungus diversity and application for commercial uses (enzyme, bioinoculants etc). First Mushroom flora of Orissa published by him. Screening of medicinal and edible mushrooms (12 nos.) for bioactive compounds have been made and findings communicated.

Proposer : PROF. S.K.DUTTA, Seconder : PROF.G.B.N.CHAINY Ten Best Publications: 1. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar, Panda Pratap C. 2012. Wild edible fruits diversity and it’s significance in the livelihood of indigenous tribal people: evidence from Eastern India. Food Security. June 2012, 4(2) 279-293. Springer. (if=2.072, ci=5) 2. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar and Charlie, M. Shackleton. 2011. Has deregulation of non-timber forest product controls and marketing in Orissa (India) affected local patterns of use and marketing? Forest Policy and Economics. 13 (2011)621-629. Elsevier. (if=1.852, ci=17) 3. Mukherjee Arup K., Ratha Shibani, Dhar Sujaya, Debata Akhil K. Acharya Pradosh K. Mandal Sudhamoy, Panda Pratap C. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar. 2010. Genetic Relationships Among 22 Taxa of Bamboo Revealed by ISSR and EST-Based Random Primers. Biochemical Genetics (2010) 48:1015–1025. Springer (if=1.938, ci=12) 4. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar, Albres, H., Robinson, E. 2005. The impact of NTFP sale on rural households cash income in India’s dry deciduous forest zone. Environmental Management Vol.35, No 3, pp.1-8. Springer (if=1.647, ci=58) 5. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar, Tewari, D. 2005. Importance of Non-Timber Forest Products in the economic valuation of dry deciduous forests of India. Forest Policy and Economics Vol.7.no.3. pp.455-467. Elsevier (if=1.852, ci=37) 6. Gleinindig, A. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar, A. Mitchell, P. 2001. Modes of communication and effectiveness of Agroforestry extension in Eastern India. Human Ecology. vol.29. No.3 Hunter Publishing (if=2.249, ci=62) 7. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar, and Mitchell C. P. 2001. Classifying Tree Planters and Non Planters in a Subsistence Farming System using a Discriminant Analytical Approach. Agroforestry System 52:1, pp 43-34. Springer. (if=1.373, ci=40) 8. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar 2000. Planning economic land use model for dryland farm forestry in India. International Journal of Sustainable Development& World ecology.7(2000) Taylor&Francis. (if=1.213, ci=13) 9. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar and Mitchell C. P. 1999. Biofuel consumption, deforestation, and farm level tree growing in rural India. Biomass and Bioenergy, vol.17:4, 291-303. Elsevier( (if=IF-3.931, ci=61) 10. Mahapatra Ajay Kumar and Mitchell C P. 1997. Sustainable development of Non-Timber Forest Products: Implication for Forest Management in India. Forest Ecology and Management, 94, 1-3: pp15-29. (if=2.92, ci=45)

[ 10 ]

MANDAL, BIKASH (b 1963), Principal Scientist, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences)

Bikash is credited to resolve the age-old viral disease problems of large cardamom through path breaking research and discovery of new viruses, cardamom bushy dwarf virus (CBDV) and large cardamom chirke virus causing foorkey and chirke diseases, respectively. Bikash is the first to demonstrate that CBDV is a multi-genomic DNA virus containing nine novel genome components. He has identified the genes encoding major viral proteins of CBDV. His work on viral genomics led to establish CBDV as the third virus species under the genus Babuvirus (family Nanoviridae). Agroinfection of begomovirus was previously shown in experimental host. Bikash for the first time demonstrated agroinfection by cloned DNAs of a plant virus (mungbean yellow mosaic virus) in its original host. The agroinoculation technique to study infection of cloned DNA of begomovirus and a mechanical screening technique of tospovirus, which are developed by him, have been widely adopted. He determined the efficacy and mechanism of action of acibenzolar-S-methyl, a chemical potential for the management of tospovirus under practical field conditions. Bikash successfully developed a transgenic potato cultivar resistant to PVY. His another major contribution of practical value is development of immunodiagnosis kits against begomovirus, cucumovirus, potyvirus and tospovirus, the major groups of viruses in Indian agriculture. These diagnostic kits are based on engineered antigens and antibodies in E. coli, which are highly potential for commercial application. He developed dipsticks against several plant viruses, which can be used for the detection of virus within 10-15 min on the spot without any laboratory support. He licensed an ELISA kit to detect serogroup IV tospoviruses for the first time in India.

Proposer : Prof. Anupam Varma, Seconder : Dr. T.R. Sharma Ten Best Publications: 1. Mandal, B., Varma A and VG Malathi VG. 1997. Systemic infection of Vigna mungo using the cloned DNAs of mungbean yellow mosaic geminivirus through agroinoculation and transmission of the progeny virus through whiteflies. Journal of Phytopathology, 145:505-510. (if= 1.000, ci= 42) 2. Mandal, B., Pappu, H. R., and Culbreath, A. K. 2001. Factors affecting mechanical transmission of Tomato spotted wilt virus to peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Plant Disease 85:1259-1263. (if= 2.455, ci= 39) 3. Mandal B, Mandal S, Csinos AS, Martinez, N Culbreath AK, and Pappu HR. 2008. Biological and molecular analyses of the acibenzolar-s-methyl-induced systemic acquired resistance in flue-cured tobacco against tomato spotted wilt tospovirus. Phytopathology 98:196-204 (if= 2.968, ci= 37) 4. Mandal, B., Pappu H.R., Culbreath A.K., Holbrook C.C., Gorbet D.W. and Todd J.W. 2002. Differential response of selected peanut (Arachis hypogaea) genotypes to mechanical inoculation by Tomato spotted wilt virus. Plant Disease 86(9): 939-944. (if= 2.455, ci= 23) 5. Jain, R.K., Bag, S. Umamaheswaran, K. and Mandal, B. 2007. Natural infection by tospoviruses of cucurbitaceous and fabaceous vegetable crops in India. J. Phytopathology 155: 22-25. (if= 1.000, ci= 21) 6. Jain R.K., Pande A., and Mandal B. 2005. Immonodiagnosis of groundnut and watermelon bud necrosis virus using polyclonal antiserum to recombinant nucleocapsid protein of Groundnut bud necrosis virus. Journal of Virological Methods 130:162-164. (if= 1.900, ci= 16) 7. Mandal B, Jain RK, Krishnareddy M, Krishna Kumar NK, Ravi, KS and Pappu HR. 2012. Emerging Problems of Tospoviruses (Bunyaviridae) and their Management in the Indian Subcontinent. Plant Disease. 96(4): 468-479. (if= 2.455, ci= 13) 8. Pramesh D, Mandal B, Phaneendra C and Muniyappa V. 2013. Host range and genetic diversity of Croton yellow vein mosaic virus, a weed-infecting monopartite begomovirus causing leaf curl disease in tomato. Archives of Virology 158:531–542 (if= 2.030, ci= 6) 9. Mandal B, Vijayanandraj S, Shilpi S, Pun K B, Singh V, Pant RP, Jain RK, Varadarasan S and Varma A. 2012. Disease distribution and characterization of a new macluravirus associated with chirke disease of large cardamom. Annals of Applied Biology. 160: 225–236 (if= 2.147, ci= 3) 10. Mandal B, Shilpi S, Barman AR, Mandal S, Varma A. 2013. Nine novel DNA components associated with the foorkey disease of large cardamom: Evidence of a distinct babuvirus species in Nanoviridae. Virus Research, 178(2):297-305. (if= 2.745, ci= 1)

[ 11 ]

MANDAPAKA, MAHESWARI (b 1958), Director (Acting) & Head, Division of Crop Sciences, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) • Developed transgenic sorghum lines with mtlD gene for enhanced tolerance to water deficit and characterized using molecular, biochemical and physiological tools for gene integration and expression (Biol. Plant. 50: 741-744; 54: 647-652). Confined field trials for event selection were successfully conducted with appropriate clearances from GEAC and AP State Government. (13/7/2007-CSIII-GEAC; 25.05.2010) • Developed a non invasive NMR methodology to detect heat injury in plants. This is a novel and rapid technique based on relationship between high temperature stress injury and temperature dependence of the transverse relaxation time of leaf water to screen genotypes. (Ann Bot. 84: 741-745). • Isolated, cloned and characterized genes for water deficit and salinity tolerance such as TPS 1, DHN, ANNEXIN, NHX 1, DREB 2A, USP, SAPK4, CDPK from indigenous sources of rainfed crops and heat tolerant strains of yeast. Constructed Subtractive suppression hybridization libraries for multiple abiotic stresses and identified two novel genes (NCBI accessions: HM243499, GU137310, KC688698, KC688699, KC688697 and KC688696). • Elucidated adaptive mechanisms including recovery patterns in water relations and C/N metabolism, physiological basis of yield heterosis, inheritance & expression of osmotic adjustment and responses to elevated CO2 in a wide range of rainfed crops. (Indian J Exp Biol 28: 542-544; Indian J Plant Phy 33: 130-135; 34: 153-159; 36: 236-238; J. Agron Crop Sci 168: 85-90; 171: 336-342; Plant Soil and Environ. 56: 458-462) • Ammonia release was demonstrated from both leaves and ears of wheat during senescence and the losses being higher at higher applied N level. (J. Agron. Crop Sci.168: 310-317)

Proposer : Prof. Y.P. Abrol, Seconder : Dr. T K Adhya Ten Best Publications: 1. Maheswari, M., Joshi, D.K., Saha, R., Nagarajan, S. and Gambhir, P.N.1999. Transverse relaxation time of leaf water protons and membrane injury in wheat (Triticum aestivum L) in response to high temperature. Ann Bot. 84: 741-745 (if=3.449, ci=37) 2. Maheswari, M., Varalaxmi, Y., Vijaya Lakshmi, A., Yadav, S. K., Sharmila, P., Venkateswarlu, B Vanaja, M. and Pardha Saradhi P. 2010. Metabolic engineering using mtlD gene enhances tolerance to water deficit and salinity in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Biol. Plant. 54: 647-652. (if=1.692, ci=14) 3. Maheswari, M., Jyothi Lakshmi, N., Yadav, S. K., Varalaxmi, G., Vijaya Lakshmi, A., Vanaja, M. and Venkateswarlu, B. 2006. Efficient regeneration from shoot apices of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L Moench). Biol. Plant. 50:741-744. (if=1.692, ci=18) 4. Bhattacharya, R.C., Maheswari, M., Dinesh Kumar, V., Kirti, P.B., Bhat, S.R. and Chopra V.L. 2004. Transformation of Brassica oleracea var. capitata with bacterial bet A gene enhances tolerance to salt stress. Sci. Hort. 100: 215-227. (if=1.396, ci=29) 5. Khanna Chopra, R., Rao. P.S.S., Maheswari, M., Xiobong Liu. and Shivashankar, S.1994 Effect of water deficit on accumulation of dry matter, carbon and Nitrogen in the kernel of wheat genotypes differing in yield stability.Ann. Bot. 74: 503-512 (if=3.449, ci=15) 6. Shanker, A.K., Maheswari, M., Yadav, S.K., Bhanu, D., Attal N.B. and Venkateswarlu, B. 2014. Drought stress responses in crops. Funct Integr Genomics. 14:11-22. (if=3.292, ci=Altmetric score 5.75) 7. Venkateswarlu, B., Saharan, N. and Maheswari, M. 1990. Nodulation and N2 (C2H2) fixation in cowpea and groundnut during water stress and recovery.Field Crops Res. 25: 223-232 (if=2.984, ci=25) 8. Khanna Chopra, R. and Maheswari, M. 1998 Effect of altering source availability on expression of sink capacity in a maize hybrid and its parents.European J. Agron. 9: 101-107. (if=2.8, ci=8) 9. Venkateswarlu, B., Maheswari, M. and Saharan, N. 1989. Effect of water deficit on N2 (C2H2) fixation in cowpea and groundnut. Plant Soil. 114: 69-74. (if=2.773, ci=36) 10. Babitha, M., Maheswari, M., Rao, L. M., Arun Shanker, K. and Gangadhar Rao, D. 2010. Osmotic adjustment, drought tolerance and yield in castor (Ricinus communis L.). Environ. Exp. Bot. 69: 243-249 (if=2.578, ci=33)

[ 12 ]

MEHETRE, SUBHASH SONYABAPU (b 1952), Retired Director of Research, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) Discovered - Gossypium L.:auto-Cytoplasmic Genetic Male Sterile, maintainer and restorer in Gossypium hirsutum, new rerstorer in G. raimondii, concept of basic chromosome number X=7 and polyploid nature of cultivated diploid G. arboreum cotton for first time,. Induced haploids (2n=2x=26) in tetraploid cultivated (2n=4x=52) cottons and utilized them as “short cut” securing interspecific hybrids involving wild G. anomalum, G. thurberi, G. raimondii and cultivated G. arboreum. Synthesized amphidiplod (2n=4x=52) from F1 G. anomalum x G. arboreum (2n=2x=26) that produced fibre with unusual strength (35.8 g/tex). Introgressed pink boll worm, (Pectinophora gossypiella) resistance fine fibre with higher strength and anatomical traits cofering resistance to sucking pests from wild species G. thurberi, G. anomalum and G. capitis-viridis, respectively in cultivated cotton. Registered New germ plasms (RNGR) with NBPBR, New Delhi: Cytoplasmic Male Sterile G. hirsutum (0201), New Genetic Male Sterile of G. arboreum, (03071); surgical purpose G. arboreum cotton, (03072), hybrids: cotton Phule-492 (intra hirsutum), Phule-388 (G. hirsutum x G. barbadense), Pearl millet: Shanti, Varieties: G. arboreum –JLA 794,Phule Anmol and Phule Dhanwantari G. hirsutum Phule-688; Pigeon-pea T Vishaka. Varieties (36), implements (2) released, patents (2) filed, technologies (07) and process (Production and utilization of haploids) and concept (1 Fixation of F1 heterosis of cotton hybrids by One Line Theory) are developed.Investigated mechanism if thermosensitive male sterility in pearl millet. Published Research Papers 314- Foreign (030), National (284).Journals, books(1), Edited (1), and chapters (3),: Students 33: Ph.D (20), M.Sc (13). SIDDIQ, Ebrahimali Abubacker

Proposer : Prof. E.A.SIDDIQ, Seconder : Prof. N. G. P. RAO, Ten Best Publications: 1. Mehetre, S.S., Thombre, M.V. and Tayyab, M.A.(1980). Cytomorphological studies in an intergeneric hybrid between Gossypium hirsutum, L.(2n=52) and Hibiscus panduraeformis, Burm. Euphytica, (June, 1980); 29(2): 323-330. (if=1.643, ci=3) 2. Kulwal, P., Ishikawa, G., Benscher, D., Feng,Z., Xi Yu, L., Jadhav,A., Mehetre, S. and Sorrells, M. E.(2012). Association mapping for pre-harvest sprouting resistance in white winter wheat. Theor. Appl. Genet., 125:793–805. DOI10.1007/s00122-012-1872-0 (if=3.658, ci=7) 3. Nevaskar, G. S., Chimote, V. P., Mehetre, S.S. and Jadhav, A.S.(2013). Interspecific hybridization in Gossypium L.: characterization of progenies withdifferent ploidy-confirmed multigenomic backgrounds Plant Breed. doi:10.1111/pbr.12031 (if=1.175, ci=2) 4. Mehetre, S. S., Aher, A.R., Gawande, V. L., Patil V. R. and Mokate A. S. (2003). Induced polyploidy in Gossypium : A tool to overcome interspecific incompatibility of cultivated tetraploid cottons. Curr. Sci., (June,2003); 84(12): 1510-1512. (if=0.905, ci=19) 5. Mehetre, S. S., Patil, J. M. and Kharbade, S. B. (2009). Introgression of pink bollworm resistance from wild Gossypium thurberi Tod. to cultivated Gossypium arboreum L., cotton: pre-breeding efforts. Curr. Sci., (August, 2009), 97(4):558-564. (if=0.905, ci=2) 6. Mehetre, S.S., Gomes, M. Eapen, S. Aher, A. R. and Shinde, G.C.(2004) RAPD and cytomorphological Analysis of F1, F2 and amphidiploid (A1) generation of Gosspiym arboreum x Gossypium capitis viridis. Cytologia, (June,2004); 69(3): 367-379. (if=0.430, ci=11) 7. Mehetre, S.S., Patil, V.R. and Aher, A.R.(2002). Gossypium raimondii: a source of fertility restorer for cytoplasmic male sterility of Gossypium hirsutum, L. Caryologia, 55(3): 229-234. (if=0.632, ci=3) 8. Mehetre, S.S., Patil, S. C., Pawar, S. V., Pardeshi, S. U. Shinde, G. C. and Aher, A.R. (1984) Ovulo Embryo Cultured hybrid between amphidiploids (Gossypium arboreum x Gossypium anomalum) and Gossypium hirsutum Curr.Sci., (August, 2004); 87(3):286-289. (if=0.905, ci=3) 9. Mehetre, Subhash.(2010). Wild Gossypium anomalum: a unique source of fibre fineness and strength. Curr. Sci., (July, 2010); 99(1):58-71. (if=0.905, ci=2) 10. Gomes, M., Kulothungan, G., Mehetre, S.S. and Eapen, S (2004). Analysis of genetic relatedness in Gossypium species by RAPD. Indian J. Biotech., (January, 2004);3(1):41-46.(if=0.477, ci=6)

[ 13 ]

MONDAL, KALYAN KUMAR (b 1969), Principal Scientist, Division of Plant Pathology, IARI, New Delhi


Kalyan has demonstrated, for the first time, the composition of bacterial Type III effectors (T3Es) in Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap), the causal agent of bacterial blight of pomegranate. He has been instrumental in elucidating the precise role of XopN (Xanthomonas outer protein N), a conserved T3E of Xap, in modulating PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) in pomegranate. He proved that blight pathogen uses effector protein, XopN to cause disease and a XopN-defective mutant could not induce blight in pomegranate. Thus, the disease resistance could be achieved by suppressing the XopN target in pomegranate. Pomegranate bacterial blight is emerging as devastating disease in major pomegranate growing regions of the country. He developed a PCR-based detection kit for efficient detection required for production of quality planting materials. He analysed the close relatedness of pv. punicae with Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum based on multiple sequence typing. Towards managing the pomegranate bacterial blight, Kalyan has developed a Nanocopper based bactericide, for which patent application has been filed. For the management of cotton bacterial blight, Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum, he investigated the possible involvement of four phenolics (including 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol) in biocontrol activity by cotton rhizobacterial strain CRb26 of Pseudomonas fluorescens. He established the etiology of new bacterial diseases, fruit rot of Praecitrullus fistulosus (tinda) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and leaf blight of rice caused by Pantoea ananatis. In his post-doctoral programme, Kalyan successfully developed transgenic brassica lines expressing chitinase and glucanase, which restricted the infection by Alternaria brassicae.

Proposer : Prof. Anupam Varma, Seconder : Dr. Shelly Praveen Ten Best Publications: 1. Mondal, K.K., Dureja, P. and Verma, J.P. 2001. Management of Xanthomonas camprestris pv. malvacearum-induced blight of cotton through phenolics of cotton rhizobacterium. Curr. Microbiol. 43(5): 336-339 (if= 1.52, ci= 17) 2. Mondal, K.K., Rana, S.S. and Sood, P. 2002. Sclerotinia root rot: a new threat to buckwheat seedlings in India. Plant Disease 86(12): 1404 pp. (if= 2.46, ci= 1) 3. Mondal, K.K., Chatterjee, S.C., Viswakarma, N. Bhattacharaya, R.C. and Grover Anita 2003. Chitinase mediated inhibitory acivity of Brassica transgenic against Alternaria brassicae. Curr. Microbiol. 47(3): 171-173 (if= 1.52, ci= 12) 4. Mondal, K. K., Bhattacharya, R.C., Koundal, K.R., and Chatterjee S.C. 2007. Transgenic Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) expressing tomato glucanase leads to arrested growth of Alternaria brassicae. Plant Cell Reports 26(2):247–252 (if= 2.51, ci= 21) 5. Mondal, K.K. and Mani, C. 2009. ERIC-PCR generated genomic fingerprints and their correlation with pathogenic variability of Xanthomonas campestris pv. punicae, the incitant of bacterial blight of pomegranate. Curr. Micribiol. 59(6):616-620. (if= 1.52, ci= 14) 6. Mondal, K.K., Mani, C., Singh, J., Kim, J.G., and Mudgett, M.B. 2011. A new leaf blight of rice caused by Pantoea ananatis in India. Plant Dis. 95:1582-1583. (if= 2.46, ci= 1) 7. Mondal, K.K., Mani, C., Singh, J., Dave, S.R., Tipre, D.R., Kumar, A., Trivedi, B.M. 2012. Fruit rot of tinda Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa-A New Report from India. Plant Dis. 96: 141.2 -141.2. (if= 2.46, ci= 1) 8. Mondal, KK and Mani, C 2012. Investigation of the antibacterial properties of nanocopper against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae, the incitant of pomegranate bacterial blight. Ann Microbiol 62:889-893 (if= 1.55, ci= 4) 9. Mondal, K.K., Verma Geeta and Mani, C. 2012. Phylogenetic relatedness of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae, the causal agent of bacterial blight of pomegranate based on two loci, 16S rRNA and gyrB. Ann Microbiol. (DOI 10.1007/s13213-012-0498-4 (if= 1.55, ci= 1)

[ 14 ]

PAL, KAMAL KRISHNA (b 1966), PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, DIRECTORATE OF GROUNDNUT RESEARCH, JUNAGADH, GUJARAT Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. Pal has developed and popularized plant growth-promoting and yield-enhancing PGPR (PGPR1, PGPR2, and PGPR4) (Dey et al. 2004; Pal et al. 2004); highly competitive groundnut rhizobia (NRCG4 and NRCG9); and beneficial bacterial consortia (consortia 1 and consortia 2) as biofertilizers for groundnut cultivation. He also developed commercially viable technologies for production of cellulase from groundnut shell (Dey et al. 2001), and amylases and proteases from de-oiled groundnut cakes by application of microbes (Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus sp.). The technologies are being marketed to entrepreneurs. Studied the diversity of extremophiles of the Rann of Kutch including extreme halophilic archaea and bacilli (which can grow upto saturated NaCl) and identified novel lineage of archaea comprising three new archaea (3A1-DGR, H9-DGR and 2ANA-DGR) inhabiting the salt crystallizers (Thomas et al. 2012; Yadav et al. 2014). For the first time in India, genomes of ten extreme halophilic bacilli and archaea have been sequenced, released (available at NCBI) and published by Dr. Pal (Pal et al. 2013a, b, c, d; Dey et al. 2013a, b; Pal et al. 2014; Dey et al. 2014a, b) for understanding the mechanisms of obligate-, moderate-, and extreme- halophilism in bacilli and archaea for isolating genes for osmotolerance. Dr. Pal and his group also became the first in sequencing the genome of the genera Salinibacillus and Thalassobacillus (Pal et al. 2013); and Sediminibacillus (Dey et al. 2014). He also studied endophytes of groundnut which could be probable candidates for alleviation of abiotic stresses like salinity and drought.

Proposer : PROF. K. V. B. R. TILAK, Seconder : PROF. C. MANOHARACHARY Ten Best Publications: 1. Pal, K. K., Tilak, K. V. B. R., Saxena, A. K., Dey, R. and Singh, C. S. (2000). Monitoring of a biocontrol rhizobacterium Pseudomonas glumae EM85 using Tn5:: lacZ marker. Indian Journal of Microbiology 40: 21-24. (if=0.457, ci=1) 2. Pal, K. K., Tilak, K. V. B. R., Saxena, A. K., Dey R. and Singh, C. S. (2000). Antifungal characteristics of a fluorescent Pseudomonas strain involved in the biological control of Rhizoctonia solani. Microbiological Research 155: 233-242. (if=2.223, ci=30) 3. Pal, K. K., Tilak, K. V. B. R., Saxena, A. K., Dey, R. and Singh, C. S. (2001). Suppression of maize root diseases caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium graminearum by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Microbiological Research 156: 209-223 (if=2.223, ci=89) 4. Dey, R., Pal, K. K., Chauhan, S. M., Bhatt, D. M. and Misra, J. B. (2002). Cellulolytic and groundnut shell decomposition potential of some microorganisms. Indian Journal of Microbiology 42: 165-167. (if=0.457, ci=5) 5. Dey, R., Pal, K. K., Bhatt D. M. and Chauhan, S. M. (2004). Growth promotion and yield enhancement of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) by application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Microbiological Research 159(4):371-394. (if=2.223, ci=258) 6. Tilak, K.V.B.R., Ranganayaki, N., Pal, K.K., Dey, R., Saxena, A.K., Nautiyal, C.S., Mittal, S., Tripathi, A.K. and Johri, B.N. (2005). Diversity of plant growth and soil health supporting bacteria. Current Science 89 (1): 136-150 (if=0.995, ci=166) 7. Dey, R., Pal, K. K. and Tilak, K.V.B.R. (2012). Influence of soil and plant types on diversity of rhizobacteria. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences. DOI 10.1007/s40011-012-0030-4. (if=0.055, ci=0) 8. Thomas M., Pal, K. K., Dey, R., Saxena, A. K., and Dave, S. R. (2012). A novel haloarchaeal lineage widely distributed in the hypersaline marshy environment of little and great Rann of Kutch in India. Current Science, 103(9): 1078-1084. (if=0.995, ci=0) 9. Pal, K.K., Dey, R., Sherathia, D., Dalsania, T., Savsani, K., Patel, I., Thomas, M., Ghorai, S., Vanpariya, S., Rupapara, R., Acharya, N., Rawal, P., Joshi, P., Sukhadiya, B., Mandaliya, M., and Saxena, A.K. (2013). Draft genome sequence of Salinibacillus aidingensis strain MSP4, an obligate halophilic bacterium isolated from a salt crystallizer of the Rann of Kutch, India. Genome Announc. 1(4):e00253-13. doi:10.1128/genomeA.00253-13. (if=yet to compute, ci=4) 10. Ghazi, P., Rao, DLN., and Pal, K.K. (2014). Diversity and Phylogeny of Soybean Rhizobia in Central India. Annals of Microbiology, doi: 10.1007/s13213-013-0799-2. (if=1.549, ci=0)

[ 15 ]

RANA, JAI CHAND (b 1963), Principal Scientist & Head, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station, Phagli, Shimla – 171 004 (HP), INDIA


Dr. JC Rana has developed and released eleven varieties and one mutant for commercial cultivation of different crops. Secured six US patents on gladiolus hybrids; registered ten genetic stocks, and six farmer’s varieties are under registration with PPV & FR Authority. He has collected >2,000 germplasm accessions and evaluated >10,000 germplasm accessions and identified trait specific reference sets of germplasm for agronomic, quality and biotic stresses including a core collection in beans. He has supplied >5,000 accessions to researchers, which helped in 24 research projects, 76 experiments, 39 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. Standardize production technology for commercial production of six medicinal plants and also helped in generating useful information on molecular and physiological dynamics of rutin biosynthesis and accumulation in buckwheat. He has published his research in peer reviewed journals (93), popular articles (14), book chapters (35), bulletins (06), and books authored (02). He mobilised external funding to the tune of Rs. 500 lakhs through 20 externally funded projects. At grass root level, he has organized around 50 trainings on PGR conservation & utilization and 30 brainstorming sessions and awareness camps to promote on-farm conservation and cultivation of traditional hill crops. Received recognitions and awards such as Fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (FNAAS), Fellow ISPGR; member of Research Advisory Group, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, member of State Biodiversity Board for HP, member Advisory Group for Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme, best publication award 2011 by SADHNA, Recognition award – 2012 by SAGES and have visited Nepal, China, and Russia

Proposer : Prof. Shyam Kumar Sharma, Seconder : Prof. Narpinder Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Rana JC, K Pradheep and VD Verma. 2007. Naturally Occurring Wild Relatives of Temperate Fruits in Western Himalayan Region of India. An Analysis. Biodiversity and Conservation. 16(14):3963-3991 (if=2.26, ci=8) 2. Rana JC, KS Negi, SA Wani, Sanjeev Saxena,K Pradheep, Anjali Kak and SK Pareek. 2009. Genetic Resources of Rice in the Western Himalayan Region of India – Current Status. Genet. Resour. Crop. Evol. 56:963-973 (if=1.59, ci=13) 3. Seeratpreet Kaur, Narpinder Singh, Navdeep Singh Sodhi and Jai Chand Rana. 2009. Diversity in Properties of Seed and Flour of Kidney Bean Germplasm. Food Chemistry. 117(2):282-289. (if=3.33, ci=15) 4. Kaur Shubhpreet, Narpinder Singh, and Jai Chand Rana. 2010. Amaranthus hypochondriacus and Amaranthus caudatus germplasm: Characteristics of plants, grain and flours. Food Chemistry. 123 (4): 1227-1234. (if=3.33, ci=13) 5. Rana JC, Archna Singh, Yogender Sharma, K. Pradheep and Nisha Mendiratta. 2010. Dynamics of Plant Bioresources in Western Himalayan Region of India – Watershed Based Case Study. Current Sci. 98(2):192-203. (if=0.91, ci=5) 6. Rana JC, K Pradheep, OP Chaurasia, Sarvesh Sood, RM Sharma, Archna Singh and Ranjna Negi. 2011. Genetic Resources of Wild Edible Plants and their Uses among Tribal Communities of Cold Arid Region of India. Genet. Resour. Crop. Evol. 59 (1) 135-149 (if=1.59, ci=6) 7. Gupta Nidhi, Sunil K Sharma, Jai C Rana and Rajinder S. Chauhan. 2011. Expression of flavonoid biosynthesis genes vis-à-vis rutin content variation in different growth stages of Fagopyrum species. Journal of Plant Physiology. 168 (17):2117-2123 (if=2.69, ci=14) 8. Sonah H., Rupesh K. Deshmukh, Anshul Sharma, Vinay P Singh, Deepak K Gupta, Raju N Gacche, Jai C Rana, Nagendra K Singh and Tilak R Sharma. 2011. Genome-Wide Distribution and Organization of Microsatellites in Plants: An Insight into Marker Development in Brachypodium. PLoS ONE 6 (6): e 21298. Doi : 10.1371/ journal. pone. 0021298 (if=3.73, ci=41) 9. Thakur S, YK Gupta, PK Singh, R Rathour, M Variar, SK Prashanthi, AK Singh, UD Singh, D Chand, JC Rana, NK Singh and TR Sharma. 2013. Molecular diversity in rice blast resistance gene Pi-ta makes it highly effective against dynamic population of Magnaporthe oryzae. Funct Integr Genomics. 13:309–322 (if=3.29, ci=2) 10. Rana JC, DK Banyal, KD Sharma, Manish K Sharma and SK Gupta. 2013. Screening of pea germplasm for resistance to powdery mildew. Euphytica. 189 (2): 271-282 (if=1.64, ci=3)

[ 16 ]

PATHIPATI, USHA RANI (b 1955), Senior Principal Scientist, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad


Pathipati Usha Rani is an exalted scientist in the field of chemical ecology and semiochemical research. She has studied insect behavior and its utilization in integrated pest management, development of novel and ecofriendly pest control approaches, nano botanical formulations, biological control, insect -plant interactions, use of kairomones and plant- derived chemicals for enhancement of biocontrol potential of insect natural enemies. She is one of the few Indian scientists contributed to the plant defense strategies to insect herbivory . Contributed extensively on research on defense responses of castor, sorghum and brinjal plants to insect attack, host location behavior of insects as well as their natural enemies and nano material impact on environment, plants and insect populations. Participated in augmentation of Neochetina weevil for the biological control of the aquatic weed, water hyacinth. Experienced in identification and study on morphology of insect sensilla and their role in insect plant interactions. Her discovery of three unique types of sensilla responsible for prey location on the rostrum of predatory hemipteran bug is a noteworthy contribution to the field of insect sensory physiology. She is an expert in the area of biopesticides and was successful in developing a commercial insect antifeedant from Neem, JH mimicking compound from water hyacinth, and fumigants from indigenous plants. She has an aptitude for popularization of science which prompted her to make educational documentary films and to write popular articles in science magazines. She is involved in serving the society by educating the farmers on environmentally safer pest control measures.

Proposer : Dr. Ramesh V Sonti, Seconder : Prof. P B Kavi Kishor Ten Best Publications: 1. Pala Rajasekharreddy, Pathipati Usha Rani and Bojja Sreedhar (2010). Qualitative assessment of silver and gold nanoparticle synthesis in various plants: a photobiological approach. Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 12: 1711-1721. (if=IF- 2.1, ci=Cited By 40) 2. Peta Devanand and Pathipati Usha Rani (2008). Biological potency of certain plant extracts in management oftwo lepidopteran pests of Ricinus communis L. Journal of Biopesticides, 1(2):170 - 176. (if=IF- 0.5, ci=Cited By 30) 3. Pathipati Usha Rani and Yasur Jyothsna (2010). Biochemical and enzymatic changes in rice plants as a mechanism of defense. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 32: 695-701. (if= IF- 1.305, ci=Cited By 21) 4. Pathipati Usha Rani and Pala Rajasekharreddy (2011) Green synthesis of silver-protein (core–shell) nanoparticles using Piper betle L. leaf extract and its ecotoxicological studies on Daphnia magna. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 389 (1-3): 188-194. (if=IF- 2.1, ci=Cited By 20) 5. Pathipati Usha Rani and S. Sakuntala Madhavendra (2005). External morphology of antennal and rostral sensillae in four hemipteran insects and their possible role in host in host plant selection. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science 25 (3): 198- 207. (if=IF-0.00, ci=Cited By 12.) 6. Pathipati Usha Rani and K. Nakamuta. (2001). Morphology of Antennal Sensilla and Sexual Dimorphism of Trogossita japonica (Coleoptera: Trogossidae). Annals Entomological Society of America. 94 (6): 917-927 (if=IF-1.196, ci=Cited By 11) 7. Pathipati Usha Rani and Pala Rajasekharreddy (2010). Insecticidal activity of (2n-octylcycloprop-1-enyl)-octanoic acid (I) against three coleopteran stored product insects from Sterculia foetida (L.). Journal of Pest Science, 83(3); 273-279. (if= IF- 2.1, ci=Cited By 10) 8. T. Sreelatha, A. Hymavathi, Joish Madhusudhana Murthy, Usha Rani Pathipati and J. Madhusudana Rao (2009). Synthesis of Insect Antifeedant compounds from Plumbagin derivatives against Achaea janata and Spodoptera litura. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 57: 6090–6094. (if=IF-2.816, ci= Cited By 10) 9. Atanu Bhattacharyya, Asim Bhaumik, Pathipati Usha Rani, Suvra Mandal and Timothy T. Epidi (2010). Nano-particles - A recent approach to insect pest control. African Journal of Biotechnology 9(24): 3489-3493. (if=IF-0.573, ci=Cited by 26) 10. Pathipati Usha Rani, Thanniru Venkateshwaramma and Peta Devanand (2011). Bioactivities of Cocos nucifera L. (Arecales: Arecaceae) and Terminalia catappa L. (Myrtales: Combretaceae) leaf extracts as post-harvest grain protectants against four major stored product pests. Journal of Pest Science. 84(2): 235-247. (if= IF- 2.1, ci=Cited By 8)

[ 17 ]

SINGH, BRAHMA (b 1941), FORMER DIRECTOR, LIFE SCIENCES, DRDO, DELHI


Padma Shri Dr Brahma Singh has developed 1o varieties of vegetables, two of them (brinlal ARU-1 and ARU-2C) were identified for release at national level. He is known for greening of Leh valley by developing appropriate agro-technologies making production of large number of vegetables under frozen conditions possible and large scale plantation. He pioneered research on protected cultivation in India resulting in cultivation of almost all type of vegetables in Leh Valley (considered impossible) in innovative ways. This has led to local farmers being able to supply 50 percent fresh vegetable requirement of troops boosting both the local economy and cutting spending by Defence Forces on air transportation of food material to Leh besides boosting troop morale. This expertise has led to appointment of Dr Singh as Chairman of Working Group on Protected Cultivation for Haryana, Haryana Kisan Ayog. He is Founder President of Indian Society for Protected Cultivation, New Delhi which plans to help in bringing one million hectare (now 2500 ha) under protected cultivation in next ten years to enhance productivity and production of vegetables and flowers in India, besides standardizing soil-less vertical farming to face climate change. While documenting bio resources of Ladakh he discovered sea-buckthorn, an environment friendly fruit with many health promoting phytochemicals. He led development of beverage ‘Leh Berry’ out of its juice patented and transferred the technology leading to establishment of a new flourishing industry in India. He has contributed in development of space food for first Indo-Russian Space Mission.

Proposer : DR KIRTI SINGH, Seconder : DR ANUPAM VARMA Ten Best Publications: 1. B. Singh and B. Choudhury (1973) The chemical characteristics of tomato varieties resistant to root- knot nematodes. Nematologica 19 (4) 443-448. Rating 7.4 (if=0.214, ci=23) 2. P.V.L. Rao and B. Singh (1991) Plantlet regeneration from encapsulated somatic embryos of hybrid Solanum melongena L. Plant Cell Reporter 10 : 7-11. Rating 7.7 (if=2.509, ci=55) 3. Om Kumar & B. Singh (1992) Effect of Ayurvedic liver stimulants on live weight gain broilers in North East Region. Indian J. Anim. Res. 26 (11) : 1-5. Rating 6.1 (if=0.46, ci=3) 4. N. Kannan and B. Singh (1994) Changes in haematological blood gas variables in broiler at high altitude with ascites syndrome. Indian Vet. J. 71 (9) : 881-884.Rating 6.0 (if=0.5, ci=1) 5. B. Singh, Eli Paljor and K. L. Jadhav (1995) Effect of plant spacing on the yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum) grown through seeding in Leh. Indian J. Agri. Science. 65 (9) : 683-685. Rating 6.6 (if=0.18, ci=-) 6. K.L. Jadhav, B. Singh & M. M. Kale (1995) Mortality in crossbred calf and young stock at Leh (Ladakh). Indian J. Ani. Sciences 65 (1) : 110-112. Rating 6.6 (if=0.349) 7. Dwivedi, S.K., Paljor Eli, Attrey, D.P. and Singh, B. (2002). Propagation of common seabuckthorn through hard wood cuttings in Ladakh. Ind. J. Agril. Sciences. 72 (4): 228-229.Rating 6.6 (if=0.18, ci=4) 8. Dwivedi, SK; Singh, B. and Paljor Eli.(2000). Studies on vegetative propagation of apricot through grafting in Ladakh. Ind J. Hort. 57(1): 39-41 Rating 6.6 (if=0.13, ci=7) 9. 14. Dwivedi SK and Singh B. (2001).Studies on chip budding in Apricot in cold arid conditions of Ladakh. Indian J. Hort 58(3). 215-217. Rating 6.6 (if=0.13, ci=3) 10. R.S. Singh, B. Singh & S.P.S. Beniwal (1967) Observation on the effect of sawdust on incidence of root knot and on yield of okra and tomatoes in nematodes infested soil. PI. Dis. Reptr. 51 : 861-863 NAAS Rating 7.7 (if=--, ci=17)

[ 18 ]

SINGH, RAJENDRA (b 1963), Dean (Undergraduate Studies) & Professor (HAG), I.I.T.Kharagpur


Dr. Rajendra Singh has contributed significantly to the Agricultural Engineering profession through teaching, research and technology transfer. He has made fundamental contribution in hydrometry through introduction of a new concept for determining the discharge coefficient of side weirs, and developing an Automated Side Weir Irrigation System (Singh & Satyanarayana 1994; Singh et al. 1994). He has developed ANN_ETo models (artificial neural networks models for reference crop evapotranspiration) (Kumar et al. 2002). He has developed a Portable Rainfall Simulator Infiltrometer that improves the infiltration measurements (Bhardwaj and Singh 1992). His work on the canal irrigation system management is pioneering as he has developed an Irrigation Optimization System (IOS), combining the hydraulic-hydrologic simulations of canal-command to improve the overall irrigation efficiency (Singh et al. 1997, 1999). He has further developed an Integrated Reservoir-Based Canal Irrigation Model, IRCIM, for irrigation departments (Bhadra et al. 2009). He has developed and popularized software packages like Hydrology_Calculator, SCS_Designer and DSS_ET to improve the agricultural engineering education and research. Dr. Singh has guided 10 PhD and 52 MTech students, and as per Google Scholar, his h-index is 17 and i-10-index is 29, which highlight his research contribution. He has received several national and international honours and awards including BOYSCAST Fellowship, AICTE Career Award for Young Teachers, ICAR Young Scientist Award, DAAD Research Fellowship, DAAD Visiting Professorship; and held important positions like Member, Board of Governors, Dean (Undergraduate Studies) and Head of Department at IIT Kharagpur, and Member of Research and Technical Advisory Committees of several National bodies.

Proposer : Prof. K.N. Tiwari, Seconder : Prof. Subhasish Dey Ten Best Publications: 1. Singh, R., Manivannan, D. and Satyanarayana, T. 1994. Discharge coefficient of rectangular side weirs. Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Engineering, ASCE, 120 (4): 814 819 (if=1.13, ci=72) 2. Singh, R., Subramanian, K. and Refsgaard, J.C. 1999. Hydrological modelling of a small watershed using MIKE SHE for irrigation planning. Agricultural Water Management, 41: 149-166. (if=2.203, ci=65) 3. Mishra, A., Anand, A., Singh R. and Raghuwanshi, N.S. 2001. Hydraulic modelling of Kangsabati main canal for performance assessment. Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Engineering, ASCE, 127(1): 27-34. (if=1.13, ci=24) 4. Kumar, M., Raghuwanshi, N.S., Singh, R., Wallender, W.W. and Pruitt, W.O. 2002. Estimating evapotranspiration using artificial neural network. Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Engineering, ASCE, 128(4): 224-233. (if=1.13, ci=230) 5. Tripathi, M.P., Panda, R.K., Raghuwanshi, N.S. and Singh, R. 2004. Hydrological modelling of a small watershed using generated rainfall in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model. Hydrological Processes, 18: 1811-1821 (if=2.497, ci=28) 6. Raghuwanshi, N.S., Singh, R. and Reddy, L.S. 2006. Runoff and sediment yield modelling using artificial neural networks: upper Siwane river, India. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, ASCE, 11(1): 71-79 (if=1.38, ci=54) 7. Bandyopadhyay, A., Raghuwanshi, N.S. and Singh, R. 2008. Estimation of monthly solar radiation from measured air temperature extremes. Agricultural & Forest Meteorology, 148 (11): 1707-1718. (if=3.421, ci=27) 8. Bandyopadhyay, A., Bhadra, A., Raghuwanshi, N.S. and Singh, R. 2009. Temporal trends in estimates of reference evapotranspiration over India. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, ASCE, 14 (5): 508-515. (if=1.38, ci=45) 9. Bhadra, A., Bandyopadhyay, A., Singh, R., Raghuwanshi, N.S. 2010. Development of a rainfall-runoff model: Comparison of two approaches with different data requirements. Water Resources Management, 24: 37-62. (if=2.259, ci=23) 10. Kumar, M., Raghuwanshi, N.S. and Singh, R. 2011. Artificial neural networks approach in evapotranspiration modeling: a review. Irrigation Science, 29(1): 11-25 (if=2.289, ci=35)

[ 19 ]

SINGH, RISHI PAL (b 1962), Director, Seed & Farms, BAU, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. R.P. Singh, presently the Director of Seed and Farms at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) is internationally known for his contributions in breeding climate resilient germplalsm stocks/hybrids/varieties in cotton and developed first Indian cotton variety (Aurobindo) in upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.) for its cultivation during rabi/spring summer season in West Bengal. Focusing on quality seed production under present scenario of climate change, nominee has been instrumental in strengthening of formal seed system in Jharkhand. Consequent to this seed production, processing and storage and testing facilities have been created/strengthened at BAU, Ranchi with >50 folds increase in quality seed production of various categories. With the help of KVKs, rural entrepreneurship, local seed systems and public private partnership have been strengthened. The first Rolling Seed Plan of Jharkhand (2006) prepared and the same has been adopted/implemented by Jharkhand Govt. which contributed significantly in the accelerating the Seed Replacement Rates (SRR). This action also correlates with the achievement of State Govt. which has been awarded by the Agricultural Ministry, GOI with "Krishi Karman Award" in pulse production and productivity for two consecutive years i.e. 2011-12 and 2012-13. Nevertheless, nominee has published three articles in the internationally reputed journal Advances in Agronomy (from USA). This has been adopted by the American Seed Industry journal "Seed World" as a new theme “breeding for climate change”. The nominee is recipient of prestigious Dr. Rajendra Prasad Puruskar-2011 by ICAR, New Delhi for technical book in Hindi on seed and planting material. The scientific and technical leadership of the nominee has also been recognized at national and state level by giving responsibilities as member of Board of Director/Member Governing Bodies/Chairman etc.

Proposer : Dr. Dinesh Chandra Uprety, Seconder : Dr. Anurush K. Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. R.P. Singh, P.V. V. Prasad and K.R. Reddy (2014). Climate change and seed industry: mitigating the impact by various stakeholders. Advances in Agronomy (Future Volume) In press. (if=A038 (11.06) - NAAS) 2. R.P. Singh, P.V. V. Prasad and K.R. Reddy (2013). Impact of changing climate and climate variability on seed production and seed industry. Advances in Agronomy, (Academic Press, New York) 118, 49-110. (if=A038 (11.06) - NAAS) 3. R.P. Singh, P.V. V. Prasad, K. Sunita, S.N. Giri and K. Raja Reddy (2007). Influence of High Temperature and Breeding for Heat Tolerance in Cotton – A Review. Advances in Agronomy, (Academic Press, New York) 93: 313-385. (if=A038 (11.06) - NAAS, ci=61) 4. M. Raghuraman, G.P. Gupta and R.P. Singh (2004). Biochemical constituents imparting resistance in cotton (G.hirsutum L) to whitefly Besmisia Tabici Genn. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 74(9): 505-507. (if=I023 (6.18) - NAAS) 5. M. Vafie-Taber, S. Chandrashekaran, R.P. Singh and M.K. Rana (2003). Evaluation of Genetic diversity in Indian tetraploid and diploid cotton (Gossypium spp) by morphological characteristic and RAPD’s. Indian Journal of Genetics & Plant Breeding. 63(3): 230-234. (if=I047 (6.20) - NAAS, ci=21) 6. R.P. Singh, V.P. Singh, M. Singh, G.P Gupta and C.B. Lal (2001). Selection of narrow leaf upland cotton (G.hirsutum L.) lines with better fibre quality and tolerant to white fly. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 71(2):131-133. (if=I023 (6.18) - NAAS, ci=4) 7. R.P. Singh, A.K. Gupta, R.G. Saini and R.K. Goel (1998). Inheritance and allelic relationship between genes conferring resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. Oryzae (Ishiyama) Dye in rice (oryza sativa L.). Indian Journal of Genetics & Plant Breeding. 58(4): 427-431. (if=I047 (6.20) - NAAS) 8. Munshi Singh, R.P. Singh and V. P. Singh (1998). Inheritance and linkage relations of gene for yellow seedlings in cotton (Gossypium spp.). Indian Journal of Genetics & Plant Breeding. 58(2): 143-147. (if=I047 (6.20) - NAAS) 9. R.P. Singh, A.K. Gupta and R.G. Saini (1994). Genetics of resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. Oryzae (Ishiyama) Dye in Oryza sativa L. Indian Journal of Genetics & Plant Breeding. 54(3) : 287-292. (if=I047 (6.20) - NAAS) 10. R.P. Singh, A.K. Gupta and R.G Saini (1992). Genetics of resistance against bacterial leaf blight (BLB caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. Oryzae (Ishiyama) Dye in a breeding line of rice ARC10464 from India. Plant Breeding (Zeitschrift fur pflanzenzuchtung), 108:335-337. (if=P069 (7.18) - NAAS)

[ 20 ]

SINGH, VASUDEVA (b. 1953), Former Head, Chief Scientist (Retd), Dept. of Grain Science and Technology, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore 570 020, Karnataka, India


Experienced on the processing of rice w.r.t improved harvesting and processing of the same for getting better yield. Demonstrated on 3 tonnes of high moisture paddy, the method of preservation in humid conditions at northern part of Karnataka. Developed a test for knowing scent at leaf stage and helped the Breeders in selection of scented rice varieties at plant stage, (even today practiced). Isolated starch from grains like rice, waxy rice, finger millet, sorghum, wheat, potato and tapioca. These starches were modified at about 500 C with 0.5N HCl . These native and modified starches were analysed for their granular and molecular properties. Biodegradable plastics were prepared from isolated starches of indica, japonica non-waxy & japonica waxy rice after acetylation and their biodegradation was studied. Properties of these three types of rice in flour, grain and starch form were studied. Modified starches from tapioca as well as corn, were used in the preparation of traditional foods. Sago (Saboodana) was manufactured successfully with modified steps at 3 tones tapioca wet starch level at an industry at Salem, Tamilnadu. Special products were prepared from the physical modification of corn starch/waxy rice starch. Prepared number of products from multigrain in RTC and RTE forms viz. Halwa mix, semolina mix, RTE flakes. Protein from deoiled bran, low digestible cross linked rice starch have been prepared. Handled the milling problems of some of the rice mills of Orissa State. Phytochemicals in Indian Corn varieties and diabetic noodle preparation from rice work are under progress.

Proposer : Dr. Benjaram Mahipal Reddy, Seconder : Dr. Sarit Kumar Das, Ten Best Publications: 1. Vasudeva Singh and S. Z. Ali (2000): Acid degradation of starch. The effect of acid and starch type. Carbohy. Polym. 41, 191 –195.(if=3.479, ci=72) 2. Vasudeva Singh, H.Okadome, H.Toyashima, S.Isobe and K. Ohtsubo: (2000) . Thermal and Physico- chemical properties of rice grain, flour and starch. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, 45 (7), 2639 – 2647 (if=2.906, ci=68) 3. G.Deepa, Vasudeva Singh and K. Akhilender Naidu (2008) : Nutrient, Physico- chemical properties of Indian Medicinal Rice : Njavara Food Chemistry, 106. 165-171 (if=3.334, ci=42) 4. Vasudeva Singh and S. Zakiuddin Ali (1987): Comparative Acid Modification of Various Starches. Starch/Staerke 39, 11, 402 – 405(if=1.22, ci=25) 5. Vasudeva Singh, S. Zakiuddin Ali and S. Divakar (1993) : 13C CP / MAS NMR Spectroscopy of Native and Acid Modified Starches . Starch/Staerke 45, 2, 59 – 62 (if=1.22, ci=27) 6. Pankaj Sharma, Chakkaravarti, A. Vasudeva Singh and Subramanian, R. (2008). Grinding characteristics and batter quality of rice in different wet grinding systems. J. Food Engineering 88, 499 – 506. (if=2.276, ci=24) 7. A. Jayadeep, Vasudeva Singh, B.V. Satheydra Rao, A. Srinivas, S. Z. Ali (2009): Effect of Physcal Processing of Commercial De-oiled Rice Bran on Particle Size Distribution, and content of Chemical and Bio-functional Components. Food and Bioprocessing, 2, 57 -67. (if=4.115, ci=14) 8. Vasudeva Singh, Vishwanathan, K.H., Aswathanarayana, K.N and Indudhara Swamy Y.M (2010). Hydration behaviour of rice, wheat, millets and modeling their sorption behaviour as per Peleg’s equation. Part I. Cereals. J Food Sci Technol (Jan. – Feb.), 47 (1) 34-41.(if=1.123, ci=14) 9. Sreerama, Y.N., Sashikala, V.B., Pratape, V.M. and Vasudeva Singh (2011). Nutrients and antinutrients in cowpea and horse gram flours in comparison to chickpea flour: Evaluation of their flour functionality. Food Chemistry: doi. 10 1016/I food chem 2011 09 008.(if=3.334, ci=11) 10. Hameeda Banu.N. Itagi and Vasudeva Singh* (2012). Preparation, nutritional composition, functional properties and antioxidant activities of multigrain composite mixes. J of Food Science and Technology, 49(1), 74-81. Adjudged as JFST Best Paper Award, for the year 2012, in the fielf of Food Science, Award was presented during IFCON 2013, Dec 21st. (if=1.123, ci=7)

[ 21 ]

TOMAR, ANITA (b 1976), Scientist-C,Centre for Social Forestry and Eco-rehabilitation(CSFER) Allahabad Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Agricultural Sciences) Nominee Initiated first ever work on Lesser Known Trees Species (LKTS) a new step towards biodiversity conservation. Her Ph.D (awarded by Forest Research Institute University in 2011) on Lesser Known Plants, she developed a new approach of Macro-proliferation for fern and herb with rhizome (a technique till date popular for bamboo only). This approach of Macro-proliferation of rhizome technique used for herb (Gentiana kurroo) research paper adjudged Women Scientist award in 2010 in 2nd Rashtriya Yuva Vaigyanik Sammelan at Doon University, Dehradun. Also adjudged for Brandis Prize by Indian Forester. Introduced Stereospermum suaveolens- “A rare endangered medicinal plant” at Allahabad, this tree was not reported in the Flora of Allahabad and Introduction of Hippophae salicifolia – “A wonder Lesser Known Plant” at Chakrata in Dehradun district (under ICFRE funded projects). A new innovative technique in wild Mango Spondias pinnata was adopted by her for its quick/cheap germination without any potting media so that quality seed lots may be assured for its conservation as well as cultivation in cheapest way. As a researcher she has worked on various International projects like USDA, Europian Union and National Projects funded by NMPB, DBT, CSIR, NRAA, ICFRE etc. Currently working on Less Known wild Fruits viz. Artocarpus lakoocha, Spondias pinnata, Averrhoa carambola etc. for sustainable livelihood and promoting lesser known beneficial species in Social Forestry programmes. Forty one research articles publications in international, national journals and books. More than 35 publications in proceedings. As a referee for various national and international forestry journals.

Proposer : Prof. G.K.Srivastava, Seconder : Prof. Anupam Dikshit Ten Best Publications: 1. Tomar, A. and Srivastava, R. K. (2007). Vegetative propagation of Less Known Fern-Cyrtomium caryotideum-A new approach. Indian Forester*, 133 (2) 261-262 pp. (if=NAAS ratings(2013) is 4.27) 2. Kumar, D., Negi, S. S., Pandey, R., Pundir, I., Tomar, A. and Kumar, P. (2007). Variation in Cone and Seed Morphology of Pinus roxburghii Sargent: Effect of population and mother tree. Indian Forester, 133 (6): 749-758 pp. (if=NAAS ratings(2013) is 4.27) 3. Tomar, A., Kumar, D., Singh, B. and Pundir, I. (2008). An approach to ensure year round availability of germinating seeds of Cassia tora for industrial application. Indian Forester,134 (8) :1011- 1015 pp. (if=NAAS ratings(2013) is 4.27) 4. Tomar, A., Manhas, R.K. and Srivastava, R.K. (2011). Macroproliferation of Gentiana kurroo Royle .International Journal of Green Pharmacy.5 (2): 138-140. 5. Tomar, A (2012). Impact of different treatments in Gentiana kurroo and Cyrtomium caryotideum rhizome macroproliferation. National Journal on Chembiosis. 3(1) 11-13. 6. . Tomar, A. R.K.Manhas, R.K. Srivastava (2012).Seed germination studies in Gentiana kuroo Royle –An endangered medicinal herb. Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences. 34 (3 & 4) 168-171. 7. Tomar, A., Manhas, R. and Srivastava R.K, Vasistha, H.B. (2012). Growth performance of macroproliferated plants of Gentiana kurroo and Cyrtomium caryotideum at two different Sites. Indian Forester. 138(11): 1063-1065. (if=NAAS ratings(2013) is 4.27) 8. Tomar, A., Tripathi, S., Kumar, A. (2013). Relationship of Pods and Seeds traits in medicinal value tree Stereospermum suaveolens DC. International Journal on Applied Bioengineering (ISSN: 0973-9084), Volume 7, Issue 1 9. Tomar, A. and RattanV. (2013).Temperature and Light response index (RI) on seed germination of Hippophae salicifolia D.Don. Indian Forester,139(5): 420-424. (if=NAAS ratings(2013) is 4.27) 10. Tomar, A., Singh, S.M., Pandey,B.K., Shukla, M.K. and Chandra, V. (2013).Floristic diversity of Meja Thermal Power Plant (MTPP) at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Ann.For. 21(1):68-76. (if=2012 rating is 1.63)

[ 22 ]

KANNEPALLI, ANNAPURNA (b 1959), PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, INDIAN ARICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, NEW DELHI-110012 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. K. Annapurna focused her research efforts in exploiting the genetic diversity of rhizobia, PGPR and soybean-microbe interactions for nitrogen fixation, biotic and abiotic stress management. For the first time she showed an in situ localization of Paenibacillus polymyxa in root nodules of soybean (Annapurna et al 2013). Broad spectrum PGPR identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa HKA-15, with strong antimicrobial activity produced a resilient cyclic peptide and depsipeptide. Charcoal rot in soybean and bacterial blight in cowpea are reduced by 80% in the presence of P. polymyxa HKA-15 (Senthil et al. 2007, 2008, 2009; Mageshwaran et al. 2010, 2011, 2012). Dr. Annapurna showed that high genetic diversity existed in nodule symbionts of Indian soybean cultivars (SatyaPrakash and Annapurna, 2006; Pham et al. 2007) and endophytic rhizobia in rice (Ramesh et al. 2006). Exploitation of the diversity resulted in developing a molecular marker (a 110bp RSα) for rapid identification of soybean bradyrhizobia (Annapurna et al. 2007). Her research has brought into commercial production of highly effective strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum ; SB 103, SB 119, and DS-1which are used in soybean inoculation in the country. These bio-inoculants has improved crop growth and yield by 5-15%. Isolation, cloning and functional validation of acdS (Govindasamy et al. 2008, 2009), otsA and mltD genes for abiotic stresses like heavy metal and salinity is an important contribution. Dr. Annapurna’s group have submitted ~ 150 bacterial (16S rDNA, acdS, nifH, mltD) genes to GenBank NCBI.

Proposer : Prof. Appa Rao Podile, Seconder : Dr. P. Anand Kumar

Ten Best Publications: 1. K. Annapurna and Y.D. Gaur 1998. Antigenic diversity amongst strains of Azospirillum from an Indian soil and their host specificity. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 30: 1217-1219. (if=3.654, ci=02) 2. Ramesh K. Singh, Ravi P.N.Mishra, Hemant K. Jaiswal, Vinod Kumar, Shree P.Pandey, Sasi B.Rao and K. Annapurna 2006. Isolation and identification of natural endophytic rhizobia from Rice (Oryza sativa L.) through rDNA PCR RFLP and sequence analysis. Current Microbiology. 52: 345-349 (if=1.52, ci=43) 3. Pham Q Hung, M.Senthil Kumar, V. Govindsamy and K Annapurna 2007. Isolation and characterization of endophytic bacteria from wild and cultivated soybean varieties. Biology and Fertility of Soils. 44: 155-162. (if=2.505, ci=26) 4. M. Senthilkumar, V.Govindasamy and K. Annapurna 2007. Role of antibiosis on charcoal rot disease suppression by Soybean endophytic bacterium Paenibacillus sp. strain HKA 15. Current Microbiology, 55: 25-29. (if=1.52, ci=23) 5. K. Annapurna, N. Balakrishnan and L. Vital 2007. Verification and rapid identification of soybean bradyrhizobia in Indian soils. Current Microbiology 54: 287-291. (if=1.52, ci=08) 6. V. Govindasamy, M. Senthilkumar, Kishore Gaikwad and K. Annapurna 2008. Isolation and characterization of ACC deaminase gene from two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Current Microbiology. 57: 312-317. (if=1.52, ci=15) 7. Young-Keun Lee, M. Senthilkumar, Jung-Hun Kim, K. Swarnalakshmi and K. Annapurna. 2008. Purification and Partial characterization of antifungal metabolite from Paenibacillus lentimorbus WJ5. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 24: 3057 3062. (if=1.262, ci=12) 8. M. Senthilkumar, K. Swarnalakhmi, V. Govindasamy, Young Keun Lee and K. Annapurna. 2009. Biocontrol potential of Soybean bacterial endophytes against charcoal rot fungus Rhizoctonia bataticola.. Current Microbiology. 58: 288-293 (if=1.52, ci=21) 9. Young-Keun Lee, Senthilkumar M, Annapurna K 2011. Gamma radiation induced modifications in substrate specificity of glucose dehydrogenase and carbon source utilization pattern of Pantoea strains. Biotechnology Letters. 33: 2391-2396. (if=1.853, ci=03) 10. Kannepalli Annapurna, Dhanushkodi Ramadoss, Pranita Bose and Lakkineni VithalKumar 2013. In situ localization of Paenibacillus polymyxa HKA-15 in roots and root nodules of soybean (Glycine max.L.). Plant and Soil 373: 641-648. (if=2.638, ci=01)

[ 23 ]

ARUNACHALAM, AYYANADAR (b 1970), Principal Scientist, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. A. Arunachalam has made notable contributions to soil ecology, ecosystem ecology, shifting agriculture and land use dynamics, particularly in the northeastern India. His maiden research on the role of detrital mass in soil nutrient restoration in regrowing forests has revealed the competitive role of fine roots and microbial biomass in nutrient immobilization and biomass turnover particularly in the degraded and/or regenerating forest ecosystems. Dr. Arunachalam has characterized nutrient cycling patterns in hill agro-ecosystems associated with slash-and-burn agriculture (jhum), with special reference to the microbial biomass that act as both `sink’ and `source’ of plant available nutrients. His studies have revealed that the role of microbial biomass in soil organic matter and nutrient cycling increases with jhum cycle period and also with fallow age. He has also investigated the impact and after-effects of various types of disturbances such as fire, floods, felling and landslides on the soil nutrients in the region, particularly with reference to carbon and nitrogen. He has demonstrated the role of microbial biomass in nutrient retention that helps in the natural revegetation following landslides. Further, while evaluating the role of bamboos in the recovery of shifting agricultural fallow lands, he found that the bamboo rhizosphere hold greater soil biomass and therefore more soil nutrients. Based on extensive research, he is focusing on the reclamation of shifting agricultural fallow lands. Dr. Arunachalam’s scientific findings have been helpful in formulating management strategies for undisturbed and disturbed ecosystems.

Proposer : Dr. B.P. Mohan Kumar, Seconder : Dr. D.C. Uprety Ten Best Publications: 1. Arunachalam, A., Pandey,H.N., Tripathi, R.S. and Maithani, K. (1996): Biomass and production of fine and coarse roots during regrowth of a disturbed subtropical humid forest in north-east India. Vegetatio (Presently `Plant Ecology’) 123, 73-80 (if=1.829, ci=26) 2. Arunachalam, A., Maithani, K., Pandey, H.N. and Tripathi, R.S. (1996): The impact of disturbance on detrital dynamics and soil microbial biomass of a Pinus kesiya forest in north-east India. Forest Ecology and Management 88, 273-282 (if=2.766, ci=43) 3. Arunachalam, A., Pandey, H.N., Tripathi, R.S. and Maithani, K. (1996): Fine root decomposition and nutrient release patterns in a subtropical humid forest following tree cutting. Forest Ecology and Management 86, 141-150. (if=2.766, ci=43) 4. Maithani, K., Arunachalam, A., Tripathi, R.S. and Pandey, H.N. (1998): Influence of leaf litter quality on N mineralization in soils of a subtropical humid forest. Biology and Fertility of Soils 27, 44-50. (if=2.505, ci=35) 5. Arunachalam, A., Maithani, K., Pandey, H.N. and Tripathi, R.S. (1998): Leaf litter decomposition and nutrient mineralization patterns in regrowing stands of a humid subtropical forest after tree cutting. Forest Ecology and Management 109, 151-161. (if=2.766, ci=33) 6. Arunachalam, A., Arunachalam, K., Pandey, H.N. and Tripathi, R.S. (1998): Fine litterfall and nutrient dynamics during forest regrowth in the humid subtropics of north-eastern India. Forest Ecology and Management 110, 209-219. (if=2.766, ci=38) 7. Arunachalam, K., Arunachalam, A. and Melkania, N.P. (1999): Influence of soil properties on microbial population, activity and biomass in terrestrial mountainous ecosystems of humid subtropics. Biology and Fertility of Soils 30(3): 217-223. (if=2.505, ci=41) 8. Arunachalam, A. and Arunachalam, K. (2000): Influence of gap size and soil properties on microbial biomass in a subtropical humid forest of north-east India. Plant and Soil 223 (1/2), 185-193. (if=2.638, ci=46) 9. Arunachalam, A. and Pandey, H.N. (2003) Ecosystem restoration of jhum fallows in northeast India: Microbial C and N along altitudinal and successional gradients. Restoration Ecology, 11 (2): 168-173. (if=1.934, ci=40) 10. Barbhuiya, A.R., A. Arunachalam, H.N. Pandey, K. Arunachalam, M.L. Khan and P.C. Nath (2004) Dynamics of soil microbial biomass C, N and P in disturbed and undisturbed stands of a tropical wet-evergreen forest in Arunachal Pradesh, India. European Journal of Soil Biology, 40 (3-4): 113-121. (if=1.838, ci=37)

[ 24 ]

DASIKATTE, BASAVARAJAPPA RANGAPPA (b 1963), PROFESSOR OF AGRONOMY AND UNIVERSITY HEAD,UAS,DHARWAD


Dr. R. Basavarajappa Professor and University Head, Department of Agronomy, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka was involved in development of crop varieties SIA-2642 (foxtail millet) MAS-946-1 and MAS-26 (aerobic rice varieties) and KM-101(Thanu) rice variety. He developed Agronomic technologies namely • Pandimethaline @ 5 lit/ha+diuran @1.25kg/ha as post emergent weedicide in cotton. • Mepiquat chloride @2 ml/lit. at 50 and 75 DAS,reduces vegetative growth in cotton. • Increasing cropping intensity by growing cotton + onion during kharif followed by wheat in rabi. • Fertilizer level to pre-release Navani variety,SIA-2642 (25:15:15 kg NPK/ha) and Savi variety,TNAU-63 (25:15:15 kg NPK/ha) • Inter cropping system of Little millet or Foxtail millet and Finger millet with pigeon pea and Sesame in 4:2 row proportions. • Intercropping of Sesame + Pigeon pea, Foxtail millet + Green gram / Matki and Little millet + Green gram / cowpea in 4:2 row proportions . • Copper ore Tailing @ 1.5 t/ha in chilli as source of micronutrient to enhance productivity and improve soil fertility. • Chapter on small millets in the “Package of Practices” book of UAS Dharwad. • Rice(kharif)- Ridgegouard/ Tomato/ Cluster been/ Radish(rabi/ summer) based cropping system • Organic sources (cow dung slurry/Glyricidia/paddy straw) in the long run could save 25-50% of the inorganic nutrient requirement in rice-rice system. • Nitrogen management in paddy through LCC. Parthenium@ 2.5 t/ha. as green manure in paddy along with 5t FYM /ha • He has published 55 Research publications and Published four books. • Increasing the plant population by 25% than the normal helps to achieve maximum rice yields.

Proposer : Dr. ABROL YASH PAL, Seconder : Dr. ABROL INDER PAL Ten Best Publications: 1. BASAVARAJAPPA,R ., PRABHAKAR, A.S. AND HALIKATTI S. I., 2002, Effect of tillage practices, organics and nitrogen levels on yield and economics of foxtail millet during rainy season. Indian J. of Agril sciences, 72(7): 416-417. (if=0.10-0.20 (6.6), ci=NISCAIR CABI IABA and NAAS) 2. SHASHI KUMAR, BASAVARAJAPPA, R., M.P., SALAKINKOP,S.R.,PATIL H.Y. AND HEBBAR. M., 2012, Influence of foliar nutrition on performance of blackgram (vigna mungo l.), nutrient uptake and economics under dry land ecosystems. Legume Research,36(5):422-428 (if=0.08-0.10 (6.5), ci=NISCAIR CABI IABA and NAAS) 3. MANJUNATH, B. N., BASAVARAJAPPA, R., SIDRAMAPPA, A.S., POLICE PATIL., YOGESHAPPA, H. AND KALYANMURTHY., 2010, Effect of age of seedlings under different system of rice intensification (SRI). International J. Agril. Sciences, 6(2): 377-379. (if=0.0 (3.9), ci=CABI IABA and NAAS) 4. RAVI, N., BASAVARAJAPPA, R., CHANDRASHEKAR, C. P. and HARLAPUR, S.I., 2013, Response of quality protein maize(QPM) to integrated nutrient management on yield, nutrient uptake and availability of nutrients during summer. International J. Agril. Sciences, 9(1):126-129. (if=0.0 (3.9), ci=CABI IABA and NAAS) 5. BASAVARAJAPPA, R., 2013, Evaluation of TwinN in rabi sorghum on growth and growth parameters in northern transitional zone of Karnataka. International J. Agril. Sciences, 9(1):314-316 (if=0.0 (3.9), ci=CABI IABA and NAAS) 6. BASAVARAJAPPA, R., KORADDI, V. R., AND KAMATH, K.S., 1997, Response of cotton cv. Abhadita to soil and foliar application of micronutrients under rainfed conditions. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 10(2): 287-291. KJAS (if=0.0 (3.3), ci=CABI ILN and NAAS) 7. BASAVARAJAPPA, R., PRABHAKAR. A. S. AND HALIKATTI, S. I., 2003, Foxtail millet based inter cropping system under shallow alfisols. Karnataka J. Agril, Sciences, 16(4): 514-518. (if=0.0 (3.3), ci=CABI ILN and NAAS) 8. BASAVARAJAPPA, R. AND PRABHAKAR. A. S., 2002, Studies on tillage practices organic, nitrogen levels on foxtail millet yield and nutrient uptake under shallow alfisols. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 15(3): 457-461. (if=0.0 (3.3), ci=CABI ILN and NAAS) 9. BASAVARAJAPPA,R ., PRABHAKAR, A. S. AND HALIKATTI S. I., 2002, Effect of tillage practices, organics and nitrogen levels on yield and economics of foxtail millet during kharif. Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 15(3): 485-490. (if=0.0 (3.3), ci=CABI ILN and NAAS) 10. BASAVARAJAPPA, R. AND PRABHAKAR, A.S., 2003, Foxmillet based cropping sequences, production potential and monetary returns under shallow alfisols. Mysore J. Agril, Sciences, 37(3): 236-241. (if=0.0 (2.9), ci=CABI IABA and NAAS)

[ 25 ]

CHAUDHARY, HARINDER KUMAR (b 1962), Professor & Head, Department of Crop Improvement, CSK HP Agricultural University, Palampur, HP, India Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) Dr H K Chaudhary, Professor & Head, Department of Crop Improvement, an expert in Chromosome Engineering & Molecular Breeding has contributed in the development and release of nine crop varieties in wheat, rajmash, buckwheat and peas for the tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining states by utilizing the indigenous germplasm resources. Release of the first Doubled Haploid wheat variety (DH 114- Him Pratham) and first winter wheat variety (Saptdhara) of the country is in his credit. Besides raising a High-tech Molecular Cytogenetics & Tissue Culture Lab, he has invented a wheat x Imperata cylindrica system of doubled haploidy breeding (protocol under patent process) following chromosome elimination- mediated approach having commercial applications for the acceleration of wheat improvement programmes. He has led 12 research projects in wheat biotechnology and coordinated three international projects with the renowned Japanese scientists in the sphere of Chromosome Engineering. He has published 110 research papers, three practical manuals and four brochures in plant breeding, genetics & biotechnology and guided 15 PG scholars (with prestigious fellowships). He has been ordained with various awards (ICAR Young Scientist Award 1997–presently Lal Bahadur Shastri Outstanding Young Scientist Award, Himachal Kesari Award 2007 and Prerna Strot Samman Puruskar of State Govt. of H.P. – 2009), fellowships (Commonwealth Fellowship– 2003-04 and Sr. Biotech Overseas Associateship – 2004-05), Honorary Visiting Professorship of Osaka K University and fellow/membership of various professional societies. He has been invited by the renowned Labs and scientists groups abroad(9 countries) for sharing his expertise & innovations in chromosome engineering.

Proposer : Dr. Shyam Kumar Sharma, Seconder : Dr. U.C. Lavania Ten Best Publications: 1. Chaudhary, H.K., Dhaliwal, I., Singh, S. and Sethi, G.S. 2003. Genetics of androgenesis in winter and spring wheat genotypes. Euphytica 132 (3), 311-319. (if=1.643, ci=18) 2. Singh, S., Chaudhary, H. K. and Sethi, G.S. 2000. Distribution and allelic expressivity of genes for hybrid necrosis in some elite winter and spring wheat ecotypes. Euphytica 112: 95-100 (if=1.643, ci=4) 3. Chaudhary, H.K., Sethi, G.S., Singh, S., Pratap, A. and Sharma, S. 2005. Efficient haploid production in wheat by using pollen of Imperata cylindrica. Plant Breeding 124(1): 96-98. (if=1.175, ci=20) 4. Pratap, A., Sethi, G.S. and Chaudhary, H.K. 2005. Relative efficiency of different Gramineae genera for haploid induction in triticale and triticale x wheat hybrids through the chromosome elimination technique. Plant Breeding 124: 147-153. (if=1.175, ci=26) 5. Sharma, S. Sethi, G.S. and Chaudhary, H.K. 2005. Influence of winter and spring wheat genetic backgrounds on haploid induction parameters and trait correlation in wheat x maize system. Euphytica 144: 199-205. (if=1.643, ci=8) 6. Pratap, A., Sethi, G.S. and Chaudhary, H.K. 2006. Relative efficiency of anther culture and chromosome elimination technique for haploid induction in triticale x wheat and triticale x triticale hybrids. Euphytica 150(3): 339-345. (if=1.643, ci=20) 7. Komeda, N., Chaudhary, H.K., Suzuki, G. and Mukai, Y. 2007. Cytological evidence for chromosome elimination in wheat x Imperata cylindrica hybrids through fluorescence in situ hybridization. Genes and Genetic Systems 82: 241-248. (if=1.132, ci=13) 8. Kishore, N., Chaudhary, H.K., Chahota, R.K., Kumar, V., Sood, S.P., Jeberson, S. and Tayeng,T. 2011. Relative efficiency of maize- and Imperata cylindrica-mediated chromosome elimination approach for the induction of haploids in wheat-rye derivatives. Plant Breeding 130 :192-194 (if=1.175, ci=6) 9. Tayeng, T., Chaudhary, H.K. and Kishore,N.2012. Enhancing doubled haploid production efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell) by in vivo colchicine manipulations in Imperata cylindrica-mediated chromosome elimination approach. Plant Breeding 131:574-578(if=1.175, ci=5) 10. Chaudhary, H.K. Tayeng, T., Kaila, V. and Rather, S.A. 2013. Use of asynchrony in flowering for easy and economical polyhaploid induction in wheat following Imperata cylindrica- mediated chromosome elimination approach. Plant Breeding 132:155-158 (if=1.175, ci=4)

[ 26 ]

DEVI, LAISHRAM SOBITA (b 1960), PROFESSOR, SAM HIGGINBOTTOM INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE, TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCES (FORMERLY ALLAHABAD AGRICULTURE INSTITUTE) (DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY) ALLAHABAD


Prof. (Dr.) Mrs. Sobita Devi, Head, Department of Plant Protection,SHIATS, Allahabad has been known to me professionally for more than 20 years. Her passion for research has afforded her many awards sponsored by CSIR, UGC, and DST Govt. of India. For three years (2004-07) she was selected as National career Awardee by UGC, New Delhi. Her work has been published in many National and International Journals and she is a member of twelve academic societies. To date she has successfully guided fourteen PhD theses. The most significant research contribution of the nominee relates to studies she conducted on molecular mapping of gene conferring resistant to M. graminicola in rice. Extensive evaluation were done using PCR based amplified products, which resulted in the polymorphic identification of the genes through bulk segregation analysis. Out of 50 rice lines screened 13 were found to be highly resistant and 24 were resistant. The result obtained have been catalogued with UGC. Her main area of focus has been to develop integrated pest management modules for some major plant endo-parasitic nematodes, such as H. cajani of some pulses, M. incognita of vegetables, H. mucronata and M. graminicola of rice and P. thornei of gram singly and in complex association with other soil micro-organisms, like Pythium spp. F. oxysporum spp and R. solani of major field crops.

Proposer : PROF. ANUPAM DIKSHIT, Seconder : DR. KRISHNAPAL SINGH Ten Best Publications: 1. Sobita Simon and Anamika (2011) Agro-based waste products as a substrate for mass production of Trichoderma spp. (if=2.041, ci=JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, 3(4):168-171) 2. Sobita Simon (2011) Management of Root knot disease in rice caused by Meloidogyne grminicola through Nematophagous Fungi(if=2.041, ci=JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, 3(1):122-126) 3. Sobita Simon and Anamika (2011) Sustainable plant disease management of wilt of chickpea caused by fungi-nematode interaction(if=2.041, ci=JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, 3(4):272-276) 4. Sobita Simon, Abhilasha A. Lal and Mayank Kumar (2013). A new record of leaf spot disease of Vigna unguiculata L. caused by Drechslera australiensis (Bugnic.) Subram and B. L. Jain 1966 in India. (if=4.12, ci=INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND RESEARCH, 3(3):149-150) 5. Sobita Simon, Abhilasha A. Lal and Hayder, M. (2013). Record of Root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infesting banana in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. (if=1.45, ci=INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BOTANY AND RESEARCH, 3(3):51-54) 6. L. Sobita Devi, Abhishek Dass, Manish K. Pande and C. R. Kole (2006) Depiction of genetic diversity in Rice (if=0.036, ci=CROP RESEARCH AND INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, 32(3):459-461) 7. L. Sobita Devi, Firdoos Ahmad Raina, Manish K. Pandey and C. R. Kole (2006). Genetic parameters of variation for yield and its components in rice (Oryza sativa) (if=0.036, ci=CROP RESEARCH AND INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, 32(1):69-71) 8. Devi, S.L. and Wang, Y.R. (1995) Effect of chopped some plant for management of Rotylenchulus reniformis on pigeonpea (if=9.0 (INDEX COPERNICUS), ci=ACTA AGRICULTURAE UNIVERSITATIS JIANGXIENSIS, 17(3):345-347) 9. Mukesh Dongre and Sobita Simon (2013). Efficacy of certain botanical Extracts in the management Meloidogyne graminicola of rice.(if=4.12, ci=INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND RESEARCH, 3(3):91-98) 10. Anoorag Rajnikant Tayde & Sobita Simon (2013). Studies on Biology and Morphometris of Hadda Beetle, Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) a Serious Pest of Bitter Gourd, Momordica charantia, in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India.(if=4.12, ci=INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND RESEARCH, 3(4):133-138)

[ 27 ]

GOPAL, MADHUBAN (b 1951), National Fellow & Principal Scientist, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012. Member of the NASI : No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) Dr Madhuban Gopal activated carbon monoxide (CO) for developing a novel non-cyanide route of synthesis by using in-situ generated metal catalysts and evolved methods for detoxification of pesticides. His experiments on decontamination of pesticides using solar energy, nanotechnology and novel way of utilizing microorganisms and enzymes as well as chemicals are of practical utility. His citation index is 653, and technologies based on his initiative have been adopted by researchers and industry. He prepared reference materials of pesticides and their metabolites and provided leadership to the Delhi Centre of All India Coordinated Research Project on Pesticide Residues. Having prepared nanopesticides effective at lower dosage than conventional agrochemicals, he evaluated safety of nanoparticles. He refined and validated IPM packages for vegetables and fruits to reduce the input of pesticides. Plant protection packages for the management of problem pests (aphids in mustard, diamondback moth in cabbage and Helicoverpa in tomato) have utilized both synthetic and bio-pesticides. He proposed Maximum Residue Limit of pesticides on pulses and maize and passed them to Codex Alimentarius Commission (FAO/WHO). Dr Gopal improved analytical methods for the quantity control of synthetic and bio-pesticides (e.g. BT). He developed methods for estimation of pesticides in drinking water at sub ppb level and assisted BIS in fixing new MCL for water to help Indian laboratories for enhancing their capability for analyzing pesticide residues at 0.1 ppb level. He designed the course “Agrochemicals: Regulation, Quality Control and Management” and trained students in management and was rightly awarded best teacher award.

Proposer : Prof. Nagendra Kumar Singh, Seconder : Dr. Tilak Raj Sharma Ten Best Publications: 1. Chromatographic techniques in the analysis of organochlorine pesticide residues. Journal of Chromatography A 754 (1), 33-42, 1996 (IF=4.531, CI=64) 2. Organochlorine pesticide residues in dairy milk in and around Delhi. Journal of AOAC International 76 (2), 283, 1993 (IF=2.109, CI=35) 3. Synthesis of diynes, alpha, beta.-unsaturated monoacids and diacids by the selective palladium (0)-catalyzed and phase transfer catalyzed reactions of vinylic dibromides Organometallics 2 (7), 801-805, 1983 (IF=3.963, CI=35) 4. Biodegradation of beta-cyfluthrin by Pseudomonas stutzeri strain S1. Biodegradation 16 (6), 581-589, 2005 (IF=2.017, CI=28) 5. Insecticide residues in baby food, animal feed, and vegetables by gas liquid chromatography. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 56 (3), 381-388, 1996 (IF=1.139, CI=28) 6. Biodegradation of β-Cyfluthrin by Fungi. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 52 (5), 1220-1223, 2004 (IF=2.823, CI=27) 7. Organochlorine insecticide residues in drinking and ground water in and around Delhi. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 76 (2), 185-193, 2002 (IF=1.400, CI=25) 8. Environmental behaviour and translocation of imidacloprid in eggplant, cabbage and mustard Pest Management Science 56 (10), 932-936, 2000 (IF=2.251, CI=24) 9. Degradation of beta endosulfan by Aspergillus Niger . Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry 46 (4), 217-221, 1994 (IF=2.809, CI=24) 10. Residue behaviour of fenvalerate, tau fluvalinate, lambda cyhalothrin and monocrotophos in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) fruits. Pesticide science 36 (3), 175-179, 1992 (IF=2.251, CI=21)

[ 28 ]

AAKASH GOYAL (b. 1979), Canadian Wheat Breeder, Bayer Crop Science, Lab 10,410 Downey Road, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, S7N4N1, Canada Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) An expert in Agriculture and Plant Biotechnology along with breeding, molecular biology and tissue culture techniques. He did his Masters in Biotechnology from Guru Jambeshwar University Hissar, India (2001); and Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding from Ch.Charan Singh University Meerut, India (2007). After Ph.D. he has been a recipient of prestigious NSREC Visiting Fellowship of Canada and worked in spring wheat and triticale molecular breeding programs of Lethbridge Research Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. After successful completion of three years of Fellowship he applied for research scientist position with Bayer and got selected for this January 2012. Currently at Saskatoon with Bayer, now working on the development of new wheat primaries from new sources of wheat germplasm, wide crosses, with emphasis on Yield, FHB and Rust disease resistance. Also using some advance technologies e.g. microspore and Maize Pollinated based double haploid production and Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) to pyramid different biotic and abiotic resistance genes in wheat.

Proposer : Prof. C.Manoharachary, Seconder : Prof. G.K.Srivastava

Ten Best Publications: 1. Kavanagh V.B., Hills M.J., Goyal A., Randhawa H.S.,Topinka A.K., Eudes. F. and Hall L.M.* (2013) Molecular markers as a complimentary tool in risk assessments: Quantifying interspecific gene flow triticale to spring wheat and durum wheat. Transgenic Research (if = 2.754). 2. Mukhtar. Ahmed,Atif Kamran, Muhammad Asif,Ummara, Rehman, Zammurad Iqba Ahmed, Aaash Goyal* (2013) Silicon priming:a potential source to impart abiotic stress tolerance in wheat: A Review. Australian Journal of Crop Science (if = 1.63). 3. Muhammad Asif, Francis Eudes*, Aakash Goyal, Eric Amundsen, Harpinder Randhawa and Dean Spanner (2013) Organelle antioxidants improve microspore embryogenesis in wheat and triticale. In Virto Cellular and Development Biology-Plant. (if = 1.497). 4. Kumar S., Goyal A., Mohan A. Balyan H.S. and Gupta P.K.*(2012) Further addition to physical maps of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in bread wheat. In Special Issure on wheat in Australian Journal of Crop Science (if = 1.63). 5. Goyal A.* (2012) Protected areas, sustainable land? Book review in Agriculture and Human Values (if = 1.54). 6. Armghan Shahzad, Muhammad Iqbal, Muhammad Asif*, Arvind H. Hirani, Aakash Goyal(2013) Growing wheat on saline lands: Can a dream come true? Australian Journal of Crop Science. (if = 1.63) 7. Mukhtar A., Muhammad A., Hirani A., Mustazar N.A., and Goyal A*. (2013) Modeling for Agricultural Sustainability: A Review. Book Chapter in Agriculture Sustainability Ed. By Bhullar G. and Bhullar N.K. by Elsevier Publication Houses. (Chapter 07,127-143) 8. Goyal A* and Mukhtar A. (2012) BARLEY: Production, Improvement, and Uses Book review. Crop Science 52:2852-2853 (if = 1.73) 9. Kumar A.,Bassi FM., Paux E., Al-Azzam O., Jimenez M., Denton A., Yong Q GuYQ., Huttner E., Kilian A., Kumar S., Goyal A., Iqbal JM., Tiwari V., Dogramaci M., Balyan HS., Dhaliwal HS., Gupta PK., Randhawa GS., Feuillet C., Pawlowski W. and Kianian SF*. (2012) DNA repair and crossing over favor similar chromosome regions as discovered in radiation hybrid of Triticum. BMC Genomics 13:339-351. (if = 4.07) 10. Goyal A*. And Mohammad A. (2012) Food Security in Africa and Asia Strategies for Small-scale Agricultural Development by Henk Bakker published by CAB International Book Review in Agriculture and Human values DOI 10.1007/s10460-012-9397-3. (if = 1.54)

[ 29 ]

JAIN, VANITA (b 1967), Principal Scientist, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) Studies have led to understanding the various aspects of process of nitrate assimilation The differences in NUE of High Nitrate Reductase and Low Nitrate Reductase were found to be due to the coordinated expression and activity of transporters and all the enzymes of nitrogen assimilation pathway (J. of Plant Biology, 2006, 32: 43-48; Physiol. Mol. Biol. Plants:2011, 17: 137-144) the enzyme nitrate reductase is also regulated by Oxidation of methionine to Met sulfoxide can couple oxidative signals to changes in protein phosphorylation, in vitro as well as in vivo (Biochem. J. 2009, 422,: 305-312). Associative symbiosis with N2 fixing bacteria in maize enhanced activity of enzymes of ammonia assimilation pathway and phytohomones resulting in similar yield and higher grain N with lower application of chemical fertilizers. (Cereal Research Communications, 2004, 32: 83-89; Indian J. Agric. Sci. 2004, 74, 213-214; Curr. Sci; 2007, 93; 1296-1300; Indian J. Plant Physiology.,2003, 539-544). The CO2 changed the composition of the grains in terms of amino acids and led to decline in N concentration by inhibiting nitrate photoassimilation (Biol. Plant. 51: 559-562, 2007; Agric Ecosyst Environ. 101: 31-38; 2004.). Ammonical-N enhanced nitrogen concentration in wheat: indicating thereby that rising CO2 levels may lead to changes in the pattern of fertigations in future (Indian J. Plant Physiology,2013). Cytokinins prevented the degradation of carbonylated proteins via 26 S proteasome pathway (Plant Cell Physiol. 2008, 49, 843-852) and has relevance to protein homeostasis in responses to changes in N nutrition.

Proposer : Dr Polumetala. Ananda Kumar, Seconder : Dr T. R. Sharma Ten Best Publications: 1. Vanita Jain, M. Pal, K. C. Lekkineni, YP Abrol . 1999. Photosynthetic characteristics in two wheat genotypes as affected by nitrogen nutrition. Biol. Plant. 42:217-222. (if=1.69, ci=cited by 8) 2. D.C. Uprety, N. Dwivedi, V. Jain, R. Mohan. 2002. Effect of elevated carbon dioxide concentration on the stomatal parameters of rice cultivars. Photosyn. 40: 315-319, 2002.) (if=1.00, ci=cited by 22) 3. Pal M., Karthikeyapandian., Vanita Jain., Srivastava A.C., Raj A., Sengupta U.K. 2004. Biomass production and nutritional levels of berseem (Trifolium alexandrium) grown under elevated CO2. Agriculture Ecosystem and Environment. 101: 31-38. (if=3.004, ci=Cited by 23) 4. Mamta Rai, Madan Pal, K. V. Sumesh, Vanita Jain, and A. Sankaranarayanan. 2006. Engineering for biosynthesis of ecotine (2methyl4-carboxy tetrahydro pyrimidine) in tobacco chloroplasts leads to accumulation of ecotine and enhanced salinity. Plant Sci., 170: 291-306. (if=2.92, ci=Cited by 9) 5. S.P. Saikia and Vanita Jain. 2007. Biological nitrogen fixation with non-legumes: an achievable target or a dogma. Current Science 92:317-322 (if=1.04, ci=Cited by 24) 6. Vanita Jain., Pal.,M., Raj, A., Kheterpal, S. and Srivastava, G.C. 2007. Photosynthesis and nutritional composition of spinach and fenugreek grown under elevated atmospheric CO2. Biol. Plant. 51: 559-562. (if=1.69, ci=Cited by 4) 7. Kant P.C.B, Bhadraray, S., Purakayastha, T.J., Vanita Jain., Madan Pal and Datta S.C. 2007. Active carbon pools in rhizosphere of wheat( Triticum aestivum L.) grown under elevated atmospheric carbon di oxide concentrationin a typic heplusept in subtropical India. Environ. Pollut. 147: 273-281 (if=3.746, ci=Cited by 11) 8. Quan-Sheng Qiu, Joan L. Huber, Fitzgerald L. Booker, Vanita Jain, Andrew D.B. Leakey, Edwin L. Fiscus, Peter M. Yau, Donald R. Ort and Steven C. Huber 2008. Increased protein carbonylation in leaves of Arabidopsis and soybean in response to elevated [CO2]. Photosyn. Res, 97: 155-166. (if=3.243, ci= Cited by 20) 9. Vanita Jain, Werner Kaiser, Steven C Huber . 2008. Cytokinin inhibits the proteasome-mediated degradation of carbonylated proteins in Arabidopsis leaves. Plant Cell Physiol. 49: 843-852 (if=4.702, ci=Cited by 13) 10. Shane C. Hardin, Clayton T. Larue, Man-Ho Oh, Vanita Jain, Steven C Huber. 2009 Coupling oxidative signals to protein phosphorylation via methionine oxidation in Arabidopsis. Biochem. J., 422: 305-312. (if=4.654, ci=Cited by 50)

[ 30 ]

MEHTA, NARESH KUMAR (b 1956), PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF PLANT PATHOLOGY, CCS HARYANA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, HISAR - 125004 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. Naresh Mehta has contributed immensely in Plant Pathology as evident from a large number of publications in National and International journals of repute. He is known for his contribution on identification of two races of Peronospora parasitica inciting downy mildew of rapeseed-mustard, which has received global recognition. The findings on variability studies on Alternaria brassicae leads to identification of four pathotypes of A. brassicae, which have been utilized in development of resistant varieties. Disease prediction models developed for three major diseases of rapeseed-mustard have made a remarkable impact in judicious use of fungitoxicants for management of these diseases and thereby reducing over dependence on pesticides. His findings on metalaxyl residue limit in mustard, has laid the foundation for harvesting residue-free produce. His expertise and contribution in Tissue culture techniques is worth emulating and have been successfully employed for generation of disease resistant calli and biochemical basis of disease resistance. Plant clinic, employed for timely diagnosis of plant ailments and providing remedial measures, established under his supervision is a model which has been appreciated by dignitaries in India and abroad. He has been nominated as member of International Working Group on ‘Plant Health Clinic”. He has published 2 books, 8 Manuals, 16 book chapters, 16 lead/invited lectures, four review articles and 94 research papers.He has guided about a dozen of students in plant pathology, and contributed in several National and International conferences in India and abroad. I strongly recommend the nominee, Dr Naresh Kumar Mehta for election to the Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi which he richly deserves.

Proposer : DR. M. P. SRIVASTAVA, Seconder : DR. B.L. JALALI Ten Best Publications: 1. Arora, Y.K., N. Mehta, D. P. Thakur and D. S. Wagle. (1986). Enzyme changes associated with host parasite interactions between pearlmillet and downy mildew fungus. Journal of Phytopathology (Phytopath. Z.) 116: 97-105. (if=1.0, ci=ISSN 0931-1785) 2. Madaan, R.L., J. N. Chand and Naresh Mehta (1986). Physiological studies on Alternaria state of Pleospora infectoria causing leaf spot disease of ber. Indian J. Microbiology 26: 162-164. (if=0.457, ci=ISSN 0046-8991) 3. Mehta, Naresh and D.P. Thakur. (1986). Role of different grasses in the occurrence of ergot in pearl millet. Indian J. Agril. Sci. 56: 473-475 (if=0.177, ci=ISSN 0975-4180) 4. Mehta, Naresh, P. C. Gupta, R. K. Thareja and J. K. Dang (1989). Varietal behaviour and efficacy of different fungicides for the control of date-palm leaf spot caused by Graphiola phoenicis. International Journals of Pest Management (Formerly Tropical Pest Management) 35: 117-119. (if=0.718, ci=ISSN 0967-0874) 5. Jalali, Indu and Naresh Mehta (1994). Evaluation of pre-planting and post harvest seed tuber treatment for the control of black scurf of potato. Potato Journal (J. Indian Potato Assoc.) 21: 226-230. (if=0.558, ci=ISSN 0973-5909) 6. Mehta, Naresh, G. S. Saharan and T. S. Kathpal. (1997). Absorption and degradation of metalaxyl in mustard plant (Brassica juncea). Eco-toxicology and Environmental Safety, USA 37: 119-124. (if=2.203, ci=ISSN 0147-6513) 7. Srivastava, M. P., M. S. Sangwan, Naresh Mehta and Rakesh Kumar (2001) Evaluation of Brassica varieties for resistance to Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc. under epidemic conditions. Tests Agrochemicals & Cultivars (Ann. Appl. Bio. Suppl.). 22: 30-31. (if=2.147, ci=ISSN 0003-4746) 8. Malik, Heetika, Anjula Dahiya, Rakesh Kumar, M. S. Sangwan, Naresh Mehta and Naresh Sangwan. (2001). Synthesis and bio efficacy evaluation of 2-[4-(3-arylprop-2-enoyl) phenoxy]-N-substituted acetamides and 2-[4-(5-aryl-4, 5-dihydro-1-H-pyrazol-3-yl) – phenoxy] acetic acid hydrazides as potential pesticides. Indian J. Chemistry 40B: 682-687. (if=0.689, ci=ISSN 0376-4699) 9. Kumar, Prabhat, M.S. Sangwan, Naresh Mehta and Santosh Kumar (2014). Anti-oxidative enzymes changes associated with chickpea calli tolerant to Ascochyta rabiei culture. Journal of Environmental Biology: (In Press) (if=0.682, ci=ISSN 0254-8704) 10. Kumar, Prabhat, M.S. Sangwan and Naresh Mehta (2014). A protocol for efficient callus induction from hypocotyls explants in chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Indian J. Agril. Sci. 84: 166-168. (if=0.177, ci=ISSN 0975-4180)

[ 31 ]

MURUGESAN, A.G. (b 1960), Professor, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) Prof. A.G.Murugesan has intensively worked on industrial toxicology with special reference to the impact of industrial effluents and other xenobiotics on immunotoxicity, haematotoxicity etc. He is continuously assessing the water quality and self purification capability of the perennial river Tamairabarani, and other southern rivers. He has assessed the environmental quality of the Gulf of Mannar region and thermal ecology of the Kudankulam marine environment. Dr.Murugesan has developed an integrated method of biological control of the water hyacinth employing weevils, mite and fish at field levels. He has developed technologies on biological treatment of industrial effluents employing bacteria, fungi, and aquatic weeds, reeds and recycling the treated water for irrigation and aquaculture. He has intensively worked and successfully produced bio-ethanol, biopolymer and hydrogen fuel using agricultural wastes, water hyacinth, coir industrial waste, micro algae and seaweeds employing microbial technologies. He has conducted Environment Impact Assessment for several industries. Prof. Murugesan has published more than 110 quality research papers and written 5 books on environment and global warming, 50 popular science articles on different environmental issues in leading dailies and weekly magazines. He has produced 27 PhDs, 35 M.Phils and 90 PGs. Dr. Murugesan has successfully operated 23 major research projects, in addition to several minor projects, and currently he is operating 6 major projects funded by national and international agencies to the tune of about 4.0 crores. He has been bestowed with two state government awards in addition to a few more prestigious awards for his teaching, research and extension activities in environmental pollution.

Proposer : Prof. Dr. T. J. Pandian, Seconder : Prof. Dr. G. Marimuthu

Ten Best Publications: 1. D. Radhika and A.G. Murugesan (2012). Bio-production, statistical optimization and characterization of microbial plastic (Poly 3-hydroxy butyrate) employing various hydrolysates of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as sole carbon source. Bioresource Technology, 121: 83-92. (if=4.980, ci=2) 2. Bala Amutha.K and Murugesan, A.G (2011). Biological hydrogen production by the algal biomass of Chlorella vulgaris MSU 01 strain isolated from pond sediment. Bioresource Technology, 102(1):194–199 (if=4.980, ci=15) 3. Sathesh Prabu, C and Murugesan, A.G (2011). Potential utilization of sorghum field waste for fuel ethanol production employing Pachysolen tannophilus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Bioresource Technology, 102(3):2788-2792 (if=4.980, ci=13) 4. Murugesan, A.G., Vijayalakshmi, G.S., Sukumaran, N. and Mariappan, C (1995). Utilization of water hyacinth for oyster mushroom cultivation. Bioresource Technology. 51(1): 97-98. (if=4.980, ci=15) 5. Kumar G, Sharmila Banu G, Murugesan A.G and Rajasekara Pandian M. 2008. Hypolipaedmic activity of Helicteres isora bark extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 116: 161 – 166. (if=3.014, ci=25) 6. Kumar, G., Sharmila Banu, G., Murugesan A.G and Rajasekara Pandian, M (2006) Hypoglycemic effects of Helicteres isora bark extract in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.107; 304-307. (if=3.014, ci=37) 7. Ramesh, S., Sukumaran, N., Murugesan, A.G and Rajan, M.P. (2010). An innovative approach of drinking water quality index—A case study from Southern Tamil Nadu, India. Ecological Indicators, 10: 857-868 (if=2.967, ci=14) 8. Kandaswamy Kalaivani, Sengottayan Senthil Nathan, Murugesan, A.G. (2012). Biological activity of selected Lamiaceae and Zingiberaceae plant essential oils against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera:Culicidae), Parasitol Research, 110: 1261-1268(if=2.149, ci=14) 9. Murugesan, A.G and Haniffa, M.A (1992) Histopathological and histochemical changes in the oocytes of the air-breathing fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch), exposed to textile-mill effluent.Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 48: 929 – 936. (if=1.139, ci=18) 10. Maheswari, S and Murugesan, A.G. (2009). Remediation of arsenic in soil by Aspergillus nidulans isolated from an arsenic contaminated site. Environmental Technology 30(9): 921-926 (if=1.406, ci=7)

[ 32 ]

PANDEY, RAKESH (b 1960), PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST & HEAD, MICROBIALTECH. & NEMATOL.CSIR-CIMAP, LUCKNOW Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) Systemic efforts were made to evolve safe and green technology for production of medicinal and aromatic plants through ecosafe inputs for augmentation and tabulization of productivity and value addition. A strain of Trichoderma harzianum useful as growth promoter and nematode inhibitor was developed. It was found that distillation wastes of Mentha arvensis and Cymbopogon winterianus can serve as better media for mass multiplication of T. harzianum and T. virens with longer shelf life and better nematode disease control. Several resistance inducers were screened for their resistance including efficiency against root-knot disease of mints, ashwagandha, henbane and chamomile. A complete recycling package of managing distillation and agro waste of medicinal and aromatic plants for production of superior quality of vermicomposts was developed. Cellulolytic microbes were screened for higher cellulose activities and a strain of Trichoderma was developed producing higher amount of exo-, endo-glucanase, and beta glucosidase. Vermicompost integration of the same strain considerably reduced the decomposing period and was also helpful in reducing incidence of nematode infestation. Aqueous extracts of vermicompost from menthol mint and geranium were found inhibitory to hatching of Meloidogyne eggs and significantly reduced the nematode infection in plants. Vermicompost was established as better carrier supporting higher population of beneficial microbes compared to conventional carrier and can be directly applied to the fields in standing crops/ plantation. New phytomolecules possesses antiageing activities have been reported using Caenorhabditis elegans model system.

Proposer : Prof. H.N.Verma, Seconder : Dr. B. P. Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Khare, P., Sonane, M., Pandey, R., Ali S., Gupta, KC and A. Satish. 2011.Adverse effect of TiO2 and Zno nanoparticles in soil nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology 7: 116-117. (if=4.216, ci= 64) 2. Pandey, R. 2005. Management of Meloidogyne incognita in Artemisia pallens with Bio-organics Phytoparasitica 33(3):304-308.(if=0.887, ci= 19) 3. Pandey, R., Kalra, A., Tandon, S., Mehrotra, N., Singh, H. N. & S. Kumar. 2000. Essential oils as potent source of nematicidal compounds.Journal of Phytopathology, Phytopathologische Zeitschrift148: 501-502. (if=0.937, ci=64) 4. Pandey R. 2000.Additive effect of three organic materials and pesticides on the reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita and yield of Mentha arvensis.Nematropica 30:155-160. (if=0.632, ci=13) 5. Pandey, R.. Gupta, M .L. Singh, H. B. and Kumar, S.1999. Interaction potentialities of Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on black henbane.Bioresource Technology 69:275-278. (if=4.301, ci=10) 6. Pandey, R.2000. Effect of nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on Ammi majus L. International Journal of Pharmacognosy (J. Pharmaceutical biology) 20(3): 191-196. (if=0.638, ci=02) 7. Haseeb, A. & R. Pandey. 1989.Root knot disease of henbane, Hyoscyamus A new disease records. Tropical Pest Management (if= 0.690, ci=09) 8. Haseeb, A, Pandey, R. and A. Husain. 1988.A comparison of nematicides and oil seed cakes for control of Meloidogyne incognita on Ocimum basilicum. Nematropica 18: 65-69. (if=0.632, ci=09) 9. Haseeb, A and R. Pandey.1987. Incidence of root knot nematodes in medicinal and aromatic Plants New Host records.Nematropica 17: 209-212 (if=0.632, ci=15) 10. Haseeb, A., Pandey, R. & Husain, A.1984.Some New host records of the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood. Current Science 53: 1151-1152. (if=0.782, ci=07)

[ 33 ]

PRAKASH, JAMUNA (b 1955), Professor, Dept of Food Science and Nutrition, Univ. of Mysore, Mysore


The applicant has been very active in research as evidenced from research projects, publications, and guidance. She has won many accolades and awards for research achievements. Notable contribution are- Extensive work is done in the area of development, compositional analysis, storage stability and sensory evaluation of value added products such as fortified products, products with dehydrated green leafy vegetables, products utilizing bio-waste from food industry such as rice bran, wheat bran, industrial bio-waste in the form of pulp residue and peels of fruits and vegetables. Use of different processes and ingredients for lowering the fat absorption in fried products, such as pre-thermal processing of ingredients, use of jack seed flour, soy flour and dehydration techniques. Use of natural emulsifiers for lowering the fat content of curries has been a major contribution. Food and Nutrition Security as impacted by utilization of nutrients : Food matrix is a major determinant of nutritional quality of foods as the amount of utilizable nutrient from a food depends on the overall food matrix apart from the composition. This concept has been forwarded through research studies undertaken on the digestibility/bioaccessibility of nutrients. Antioxidant properties of foods, are determined not only by the presence of antioxidant components but also by the processing conditions as some of the processes enhance availability of antioxidant components whereas others may reduce it thus influencing the antioxidant potential. In a unique study, effects of digestive enzymes on antioxidant properties of foods has also been investigated.

Proposer : Dr. V. Prakash, Seconder : Dr. H. Shekar Shetty Ten Best Publications: 1. Sheetal Gupta and Jamuna Prakash. Studies on Indian green leafy vegetables for their antioxidant activity. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 2009, 64(1), 39-45. (if=2.358, ci=92) 2. Rhicha Sinha, Radha C., Jamuna Prakash and Purnima Kaul. Whey Protein Hydrolysate : Functional Properties, nutritional quality and utilization in beverage formulation. Food Chemistry. 2007, 101(4): 1501-1508. (if=4.072, ci=82) 3. Shyamala B. N., Sheetal Gupta, Jyothi Lakshmi A. and Jamuna Prakash. Leafy vegetable extracts – Antioxidant activity and effect on storage stability of heated oils. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies. 2005, 6 (2): 239-245. (if=3.590, ci=74) 4. Sheetal Gupta, Jyothi Lakshmi A., Manjunath M. N. and Jamuna Prakash. Analysis of nutrient and antinutrient content of underutilized green leafy vegetables. LWT, Food Science and Technology, 2005, 38 (4), 339-345. (if=3.107, ci=71) 5. Reihaneh A. Ghavidel and Jamuna Prakash. The impact of germination and dehulling on nutrients, antinutrients, in vitro iron and calcium bioavailability and in vitro starch and protein digestibility of some legume seeds. LWT, Food Science and Technology, 2007, 40 (7): 1292-1299. (if=3.107, ci=65) 6. Gayatri G.N., Kalpana Platel, Jamuna Prakash and Srinivasan K. Influence of antioxidant spices on the retention of B-carotene in vegetables during domestic cooking process. Food Chemistry. 2004, 84:35-43. (if=4.072, ci=48) 7. Naveeda Khatoon and Jamuna Prakash. Nutritional quality of microwave cooked and pressure cooked legumes. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition. 2004, 55 (6): 441-448. (if=1.257, ci=34) 8. Naveeda Khatoon and Jamuna Prakash. Nutrient retention in microwave cooked germinated legumes. Food Chemistry. 2006, 97 (1): 115-121. (if=4.072, ci=29) 9. Mamatha Kumari, Sheetal Gupta, Jyothi Lakshmi A. and Jamuna Prakash. Iron bioavailability in greens cooked in different utensils. Food Chemistry. 2004, 86:217-222. (if=4.072, ci=28) 10. Reihaneh A. Ghavidel and Jamuna Prakash. Effect of germination and dehulling on functional properties of legume flours. Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture. 2006, 86 (8): 1189-1195. (if=1.759, ci=28)

[ 34 ]

RAIZADA, SUDHIR (b 1956), PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, N.B.F.G.R., LUCKNOW,


Dr Sudhir Raizada is a fish and fishery scientist for last 36 years in the ICAR set-up. He has made immense contributions in teaching, research and extension in the fisheries sector. In teaching and training, he has been associated with Ph.D., M.F.Sc., D.F.Sc., and certificate programmes of CIFE, Mumbai (Deemed University) and taught important topics of freshwater, brackishwater and marine fisheries. He supervised 11 students for their Ph.D. thesis and M.F.Sc. dissertations. His main areas of research are captive breeding, larval rearing and culture of commercial/prioritized/threatened fish and shellfish species; fish nutrition; ecotoxicology and fish health management. His noteworthy contributions in research are development of technologies of seed production of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) using inland ground saline water which is first of its kind in the fisheries domain; commercial farming of tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) in inland ground saline water, captive breeding of threatened/prioritized fishes Wallago attu, Ompok bimaculatus, Channa striatus, Labeo dyocheilus, Labeo calbasu, Clarias batrachus. He has published 5 books, 6 book chapters, 52 research papers, 13 manuals, 46 popular articles and 12 technical reports and bulletins. His major contributions in infrastructure developments are ISO accredited, Ganga Aquarium, the best in the country; development of world-class inland saline water fish farm at Rohtak (Haryana) with facilities of prawn hatchery, wet labs and biology/chemistry laboratories. He has been conferred with prestigious Dr. Rajendra Prasad Puruskar of ICAR, Best Scientist awards of CIFE and NBFGR and Best Hindi Worker award besides receiving 6 appreciation letters.

Proposer : DR S.A.H. ABIDI, Seconder : DR. P.K. SETH Ten Best Publications: 1. Sudhir Raizada, Hasan Javed, S. Ayyappan, S.C. Mukhergee, U.K. Maheshwari. D. S. Fielder (2014). Hatchery seed production of giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii using inland ground saline water in India. Aquacul. Res., DOI: 10.1111/are.12158.(if=ISI 1.422, NAAS 7.5, ci=1) 2. Sudhir Raizada, K.K. Lal, U.K. Sarkar, P.K. Varshney, Vikash Sahu, Kailash C. Yadav, P. Agnihotri, A. Awasthi, J.K. Jena (2013). Captive breeding and embryonic development of butter catfish (Ompok bimaculatus, bloch 1794), a threatened fish of Indian sub-continent in northern India. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci, India, Part. B, 83 (3): 333-339DOI 10.1007/s40011-013-0156-z. (if=ISI 0.171, NAAS 6.1, ci=1) 3. Prem P Srivastava, Shipra Chowdhary, Joy K Jena, Sudhir Raizada, Atul K Singh and Vipin Kumar (2013). Synergistic effects of thyroxine and feeding regimes on the survival and biomass gain in Asian catfish, magur (Clarias batrachus, Linn.) Larvae. n Nat. Acad. Sci. Lett., 36 (3): 265-270, DOI 10.1007/s40009-013-0126-2. (if=ISI 0.067, NAAS 6.7, ci=Nil) 4. Rajesh Dayal, Prem P. Srivastava, Anita Bhatnagar, S. Raizada, Shipra Chowdhary, Akhilesh K. Yadav and Wazir S. Lakra (2013). Captive Spawning and larval rearing of the striped murrel, Channa striatus (Bloch) using Salmon Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone in agro-climatic conditions of Northern India. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci, India, Part. B, 83 (1): 65-70. (if=ISI 0.171, NAAS 6.1, ci=Nil) 5. Sudhir Raizada, Prem Prakash Srivastava, Piyush Punia, Kailash Chandra Yadav, Vikash Sahu, Shipra Chowdhary, Joykrushna Jena (2012). Dietary protein requirement of giant snakehead, Channa marulius (Ham., 1822) fry and impact on survival and growth. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci, India, Part. B, 82 (4): 489-496. (if=ISI 0.171, NAAS 6.1, ci=Nil) 6. Shipra Chowdhury, P.P. Srivastava, Suman Mishra, A.K. Yadav, R. Dayal. S. Raizada and J.K. Jena (2012). Partial replacement of dietary animal protein with vegetable protein blend with different proportions of glucosamine on growth, feed efficiency, body composition and survival of fingerlings of Asian catfish (Clarias batrachus). Nat. Acad. Sci. Lett., 35 (4):291–297. (if=ISI 0.067, NAAS 6.7, ci=Nil) 7. Sudhir Raizada, N.K. Chadha, Musharraf Ali, Ashok Kumar, Hasan Javed (2005). Length-weight relationship of milkfish, Chanos chanos (Forskal) reared I inland saline ground water. Indian J. Fishe., 52 (1): 115-117. (if=ISI 0.20, NAAS 6.2, ci=3) 8. Rana, K.S. and S. Raizada (2000). Histopathological alterations induced by tannery and textile dyeing effluents in the kidney of Labeo rohita (Ham.). J. Environ. Biol., 21 (4): 301-304. (if=ISI 0.68, NAAS 7.1, ci=5) 9. Rana, K. S. and S. Raizada (1999). Acute toxicity of tannery and textile dyeing effluents on a common teleost Labeo rohita: Histological alterations in liver. J. Environ. Biol., 20 (1): 33-36. (if=ISI 0.68, NAAS 7.1, ci=8) 10. Raizada, S. and K.S. Rana (1998). Acute toxicity of Malachite Green to an air-breathing teleost, Clarias batrachus (Linn.). J. Environ. Biol., 19 (3): 237-241. (if=ISI 0.68, NAAS 7.1, ci=6)

[ 35 ]

SANDHU, JEET SINGH (b 1955), Agriculture Commissioner, Deptt Ag& Coop., Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences) Dr JS Sandhu was actively involved in basic and applied pulses research since 1985 at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana and developed 22 varieties of different pulse crops. His contributions in interspecific hybridization in chickpea and Vigna species have been widely acclaimed. Dr Sandhu has handled National and International research projects. He has guided, M.Sc and Ph.D of students of Plant Breeding. Dr Sandhu has published 162 research papers in journals of national and international reputes. He has provided leadership to PAU pulses scientists and also established linkages with national and international institutes. Dr Sandhu has significantly contributed as Assistant Director General (Seeds) with ICAR from March 2010 to March 2013, to enhance the breeder seed production and its policy planning. He has made a number of new initiatives to minimize varietal mis-match and varietal replacement. Dr Sandhu is duly recognized for his contributions with awards and honors like CGIAR’ S King Baudouin Award 2002 and ICRISAT DOREEN MASHLER 2002 – PAU Team Award as national collaborator, Plaque for best Research Worker, with a certificate for outstanding contribution in Research and Development by the PAU and with ISPRD Recognition award by the Indian Society of Pulses Research and Development (ISPRD), Kanpur. He also served the ISPRD as president & vice president. Dr Sandhu was a member of various committees like PPVFRA, RCGM, SVRC, Saarc Regional Gene Bank and Board of Management, MSKJUA&T, Banda etc. The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi’ awarded Fellowship to Dr Sandhu, for his scientific Contributions.

Proposer : Professor R.B. Singh, Seconder : Dr Kailash Chander Bansal Ten Best Publications: 1. Sandhu, J.S.; Brar, H.S. and Verma, M.M. 1990.Inheritance of plant --- --utilization in chickpea. Euphytica 48(2): 111-112. (if=1.554, ci= 7) 2. 2. Verma, M.M. Ravi. andSandhu, J.S. 1995. Characterization of the interspecific cross Cicer arietinum L. x C .judaicum (Boiss).Plant Breeding 114: 549-551 (if=1.596, ci=11) 3. Kaur, Harinderjeet.; Gupta, ----- Jeet, Singh. 2009. Differential ---of chickpea. Plant Growth Regulation 57: 109-114. (if=2.859, ci=14) 4. Kaur ----Sandhu, J.S. --Gupta, S.K. 2009. Antioxidative ----- in chickpea. Journal of Agronomy &Crop Science195: 393-397.65.(if=2.433, ci=17) 5. Bhardwaj, R.;Sandhu, J.S.;Kaur, L.; ----Varshney, R. 2010. Genetics of resistance --- in chickpea. Euphytica 171: 337-343. (if=1.554, ci=11) 6. Saxena, K.B., ----Sandhu, J.S. ---Varshney, R.K. 2011. Genetics ----hybrids in Pigeonpea.Crop Science 52: 574-578. (if=2.433, ci=7) 7. Berger, J.D.;Street, K.A.; Sandhu, J.S.---- 2012. Temperature – ---wild relatives. Field Crop Research 126: 119-129. (if= 2.936, ci=6) 8. Kaur, H.---- and Sandhu, J.S. 2012.High acid -----seed filling. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 50:735-743. (if=1.295, ci=1) 9. Kaur L.----Sandhu, J. S.--- Siddique, K.H.M. 2013.Combing -----hybridization. Phytopathologia mediterranea 52:157-165. (if=1.413, ci=0) 10. Singh, Inderjit, Sandhu, J.S.----Singh, Sarvjeet.2013. Introgression----- blackgram. Plant Breeding.doi:10.1111/pbr.12068. (if=1.596, ci=0)

[ 36 ]

PIRAMANAYAGAM, SHANMUGHAVEL (b 1964), Co-ordinator. Bioinformatics Centre : Co-ordinator- Cheminformatics Programme School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Agricultural Sciences)

Piramanayagam Shanmughavel added a new knowledge on the physiology of plantation bamboo crop. Contributed innovative cultural practices on bamboo cultivation and management, including bamboo growth and development, biomass production and allocation, nutrient dynamics and nutrient cycling in plantations. Suggested fertility dosage for plantation bamboo to sustain productivity of the soil while raising large-scale bamboo plantations. Recommended inter-cropping agricultural plants (Pigeon Pea, Turmeric, Soybean and Ginger) in bamboo plantations. Also analyzed edible nature of bamboo shoots. Described fiber characteristics, chemical analysis, and pulp and paper making characteristics of plantation bamboo. At the time of extraction of bamboo from the plantation forests, no definite cutting age is employed. Rather, bamboos of different age groups were extracted indiscriminately. As a result, pulping of a mixture of bamboos of different age groups resulted in heterogeneous cooking, producing inferior quality pulp. So, a research was undertaken and suggested 36 month cutting cycle is ideal for pulping purposes. Regression equations are derived and suggested first time for the plantation bamboo. This equation is very useful for the paper industries. An alternative raw material for the paper industries is suggested. His finding on harvesting and post harvest application is of much use to the paper industry. Suggested methodologies to guide future research on plantation bamboo, document comparative studies of biomass accumulation and productivity of other forest species, and provide an extensive bibliography of existing plantation bamboo research. Recent contributions related to biodiversity informatics and computational biology. Using experimental data several databases on forest and plantations are developed

Proposer : Prof.M.S.Swaminathan, Seconder : Prof. P. C. KESAVAN Ten Best Publications: 1. T Muthukumar, K Udaiyan, P Shanmughavel (2004) Mycorrhiza in sedges—an verview.Mycorrhiza, 14:65-77 (if=2.630, ci=81) 2. P Shanmughavel, K Francis (1996) Above ground biomass production and nutrient distribution in growing bamboo ( Bambusa bambos(L.) Voss). Biomass and Bioenergy, 10:383-391 (if=2.975, ci=39) 3. Zheng, P Shanmughavel, L Sha, M Cao (2006) Litter Decomposition and Nutrient Release in a Tropical Seasonal Rain Forest of Xishuangbanna, Southwest China. Biotropica, 38:342-347 (if=2.975, ci=25) 4. P Shanmughavel, K Francis (1997) Balance and turnover of nutrients in a bamboo plantation (Bambusa bambos) of different ages. Biology and fertility of soils, 25:69-74 (if=2.510, ci=16) 5. P Shanmughavel, K Francis (1996) Biomass and nutrient cycling in bamboo (Bambusa bambos) plantations of tropical areas. Biology and fertility of soils, 23:431-434 (if=2.510, ci=13) 6. P Shanmughavel, L Sha, Z Zheng, M Cao (2001) Nutrient cycling in a tropical seasonal rain forest of Xishuangbanna, Southwest China. Part 1: tree species: nutrient distribution and uptake. Bioresource technology, 80:163-170 (if=4.750, ci=13) 7. P Shanmughavel, RS Peddappaiah, T.Muthukumar (2001) Biomass production in an age series of Bambusa bambos plantations. Biomass and Bioenergy, 20:113-117 (if=2.975, ci=18) 8. P Shanmughavel, Z Zheng, S Liqing, C Min (2001) Floristic structure and biomass distribution of a tropical seasonal rain forest in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. Biomass and Bioenergy, 21:165-175 (if=2.975, ci=19) 9. P Shanmughavel, K Francis (2001) Bioproductivity and nutrient cycling in bamboo and acacia plantation forests. Biomass and Bioenergy, 80:45-48 (if=4.750, ci=14) 10. P Shanmughavel (2007) An overview on biodiversity information in databases. Bioinformation, 9:367-369 (if=1.0, ci=5)

[ 37 ]

BARBUDDHE, SUKHADEO BALIRAM (b 1967), PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, ICAR Research Complex for Goa, Old Goa


Contributed significantly to research on an emerging foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. State-of-the-art facilities to diagnose and to subtype Listeria monocytogenes in humans and animals have been established. The research contribution has led to grant of “Centre of Excellence and Innovation in Biotechnology” on Molecular epidemiology of Listeria monocytogenes by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The research has provided an overall picture on the genetic diversity among Listeria isolates prevalent in India. Established a rapid method, Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis for typing Listeria based on macro-digestion of the listerial genome. Contributed to the complete and annotated genome sequence of Listeria seeligeri. The research work carried out emanated in the form of a diagnostic kit, protocols for molecular subtyping, a national repository of Listeria strains and an on-line Indian Listeria Culture Database, 36 research papers and four reviews in journals of repute, three book chapters. He has contributed significantly to animal disease research and development of diagnostic protocols for zoonotic infections. Filed a patent for a process of fermentation of cashew apple juice used for feni making in controlled conditions. The contribution has been well recognized internationally as member of the International Advisory Committee for XVI and XVII International Symposia on Problems of Listeriosis (ISOPOL) held in USA during 2007 and in Portugal during 2010. The nominee was a recipient of Biotechnology Overseas Associateship of Department of Biotechnology, Young Scientist Award of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fellow of National Academy of Veterinary Sciences and Indian Association of Veterinary Public Specialists.

Proposer : Dr. Mohan R. Wani, Seconder : Dr. T.R. Sharma Ten Best Publications: 1. Barbuddhe, S.B. and Chakraborty, T. (2009) Listeria as an enteroinvasive gastrointestinal pathogen. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology 337:173-195. (if=4.860, ci=24) 2. Barbuddhe, S.B., Maier, T., Schwarz, G., Kostrzewa, M., Domann, E., Chakraborty, T. and Hain, T. (2008). Rapid identification and typing of Listeria species using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 74(17): 5402-5407. (if=3.678, ci=103) 3. Barbuddhe S.B., Malik S.V.S., J. Ashok Kumar, Kalorey, D.R., and Chakraborty, T. (2012). Epidemiology and management of listeriosis in India. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 154: 113-118 (if=3.425, ci=2) 4. Vaidya V. M., Malik S. V.S., Bhilegaonkar K. N., Rathore R. S., Kaur B. and Barbuddhe S. B. (2008). Comparison of PCR, immunofluorescence assay and isolation method for diagnosis of q fever in humans with spontaneous abortions. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 46:2038–2044. (if=4.068, ci=11) 5. Rawool, D.B., Malik, S.V.S., Shakuntala, I., Sahare, A.M. and Barbuddhe, S.B. (2007). Detection of multiple virulence associated genes in pathogenic Listeria monocytogenes from bovines with mastitis. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 113(2): 201-207.(if=3.425, ci=11) 6. Shakuntala, I., Malik, S.V.S., Barbuddhe S.B. and Rawool, D.B. (2006). Isolation of Isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from buffaloes with reproductive disorders and its confirmation by polymerase chain reaction. Veterinary Microbiology, 117(2-4): 229-234. (if=3.127, ci=13) 7. Kaur, S., Malik, S.V.S., Vaidya, V.M. and Barbuddhe, S.B. (2007). Listeria monocytogenes in spontaneous abortions in humans and its detection by multiplex PCR. Journal of Applied Microbiology 103:1889-1896. (if=2.196, ci=20) 8. Parihar, V.S., Barbuddhe, S.B., Danielsson-Tham, M.L. and Tham W. (2008). Isolation and characterization of Listeria species from tropical seafood. Food Control 19:566-569. (if=2.738, ci=22) 9. Bhide, M., Chakurkar, E., Tkacikova, L., Barbuddhe, S., Novak, M. and Mikula, I. (2006). IS900-PCR-based detection and characterization of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis from buffy coat of cattle and sheep. Veterinary Microbiology 112(1):33-41. (if=3.127, ci=26) 10. Kuenne C.T., Billion, A., Mraheil, M.A., Strittmatter, A., Daniel, R., Goesmann, A., Barbuddhe, S.B., Hain, T. and Chakraborty, T. (2013). Reassessment of the Listeria monocytogenes pan-genome reveals dynamic integration hotspots and mobile genetic elements as major components of the accessory genome. BMC Genomics 22;14:47. (if=4.40, ci=2)

[ 38 ]

DATTA, KARABI (b 1951), Reader in Botany, Uiversity of Calcutta, Co-ordinator DBT-programme support, Kolkata


Pioneering contribution in establishment of genetic transformation using protoplast system in indica rice (Bio/Technology, 1990).Demonstrated stable marker free transgenic event selection in rice using Agro system and biolistic method of transformation (Plant Biotechnol.J,2003; MGG, 2005; Plant Biotechnol J. 2006). Demonstrated non-antibiotic based phosphomannoseisomerase (pmi) selection system in rice (Plant Biotechnol J., 2003; Curr. Sci. 2006).Endosperm specific promoter driven carotenoids biosynthesis to increase pro-vitamin A in indica rice demonstrated (Plant Biotechnol. J, 2003; Curr. Sci.2006). High iron rice developed (Plant Science, 2003; Food Chemistry, 2013). Tissue specific promoter driven cry genes expression in rice (TAG, 1998) and Enhanced sheath blight resistance in rice demonstrated (Bio/Technology, 1995; TAG, 1999, 2000; Plant Sci., 2001; MPP, 2013). Bacterial blight resistant rice developed by using Xa21 gene and field evaluated (TAG, 2000; Trends in Biosciences, 2008). Gene pyramiding of Xa, Bt and pathogenesis related protein gene, chitinase in conferring resistance to bacterial blight, lepidopteran insect and enhanced resistance to sheath blight respectively has been demonstrated in rice (TAG, 2002). Hybrid insect resistant Bt rice developed, field evaluated and demonstrated its efficacy and advantage over the control of non-Bt rice (Plant Cell Reports 1999; Nature Biotechnology, 2000).Abiotic stress tolerance by overexpression of DREB genes and Rab16A has been demonstrated in rice (Plant Biotechnol. J., 2012; Plant Signaling and Behavior, 2012). Stress inducibility of salinity regulated promoters has been studied in rice for their efficacy (Plant Cell Reports, 2011). RNAi mediated silencing technology for enhancement of nutritional bioavailability from rice has been demonstrated (PlosOne, 2013; Rice, 2013).

Proposer : Prof. K.C. Bansal, Seconder : Dr Ajay Parida Ten Best Publications: 1. Datta Karabi, Baisakh N, Ganguly M, Krishnan S, Shinozaki K and Datta SK (2012) Overexpression of Arabidopsis and rice stress genes’ inducible transcription factor confers drought and salinity tolerance to rice. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 10(5):579-586 (if=6.27, ci=9) 2. Datta Karabi, Baisakh N, Oliva N, Torrizo L, Abrigo E, Tan J, Rai M, Rehana S, Al- Babili S, Beyer P, Potrykus I, and Datta SK (2003) Bioengineered 'golden' indica riceCultivars with β-carotene metabolism in the endosperm with hygromycin and mannoseselection systems. Plant Biotechnology Journal 1:81-90 (if=6.27, ci=133) 3. Datta Karabi, Baisakh N, Thet KM, Tu J, and Datta SK (2002) Pyramiding transgenesfor multiple resistance in rice against bacterial blight, yellow stem borer and sheath blight Theor. Appl. Genet. 106:1-8 (if=3.65, ci=124) 4. Datta Karabi, Velazhahan R, Oliva N, Mew T, Khush GS, Muthukrishnan S. Datta S.K.(1999) Over expression of cloned rice thaumatin-like protein (PR-5) gene in transgenicrice plants enhances environmental friendly resistance to Rhizoctonia solani causing rice plants enhances environmental friendly resistance to Rhizoctonia solani causingrice plants enhances environmental friendly resistance to Rhizoctonia solani causingrice plants enhances environmental friendly resistance to Rhizoctonia solani causingsheath blight disease. Theor. Appl. Genet. 98:1138-1145 (if=3.65, ci=231) 5. Datta Karabi, Vasquez A, Tu J, Torrizo L, Alam MF, Oliva N, Abrigo E, Khush GSand Datta SK (1998) Constitutive and tissue-specific differential expression of cryIA(b)gene in transgenic rice plants conferring resistance to rice insect pest. Theor. Appl.Genet. 97:20-30(if=3.65, ci=214) 6. Reddy PM, Ladha JK, Ramos MC, Maillet F, Hernandez RJ, Torrizo LB, Oliva NP and Datta SK, Datta Karabi (1998) Rhizobial lipochitooligosaccharide nodulation factors activate expression of the legume early nodulin gene ENOD12 in rice. Plant Journal 14:693-702 (if=6.582, ci=56) 7. de Vasconcelos M, Datta K, Oliva N, Khalekuzzaman M, Torrizo L, Krishnan S,Oliveira M, Goto F, Datta SK (2003) Enhanced iron and zinc accumulation inTransgenic rice with the ferritin gene. Plant Science 64(3): 371-378 (if=2.92, ci=214) 8. Datta SK, Peterhans A, Datta Karabi, Potrykus I (1990) Genetically engineered fertileIndica- rice plants recovered from protoplasts. Bio/Technology (Nature Biotechnology) 8:736-740 (if=32.44, ci=418) 9. Tu J, Zhang G, Datta Karabi, Xu C, He Y, Zhang Q, Khush GS and Datta SK (2000) Field performance of transgenic elite commercial hybrid rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis d-endotoxin. Nature Biotechnology 18:1101-1104 (if=32.44, ci=314) 10. Lin W, Anuratha CS, Datta K, Potrykus I, Muthukrishnan S, Datta SK (1995) Genetic engineering of rice for resistance to sheath blight. Bio/technology (Nature Biotechnology) 13:686-691 (if=32.44, ci=334)

[ 39 ]

GUDDE, RAMACHANDRA SUBBARAYA (b 1964), Chief Research Scientist, IISc, Bangalore Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Agricultural Sciences) I have known Dr. Ramachandra for the last two decades ever since he joined as Scientific Officer at the Primate Research Laboratory (PRL), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. I had great opportunity to interact and observe his work very closely when I was heading the PRL, the largest bonnet monkey facility in India. He was involved in almost all the projects on non-human primates which I had undertaken and he was actively involved in designing and execution of the projects. One of the projects where he was involved resulted in a publication in Science, an international journal of repute. Dr. Ramachandra is not only a very good veterinarian but also a very good scientist who actively participated in the projects and contributed significantly to the success of the projects. He was instrumental in testing several compounds for their contraceptive efficacy (Contraception, 1997; Andrologia, 1998; Reproduction, 2003), need for estrogen during implantation (Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 2007), effect of immunization with phage-expressed peptides of FSH receptor (Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 2004) and by Eppin (Science, 2004) in bonnet monkeys. Apart from his routine job, he is actively involved in promoting and creating awareness on quality of laboratory animals in biomedical research and organizing several workshops, conferences and training programmes periodically. He is instrumental in promoting the laboratory animal care and management in India and established a Laboratory Animal Scientist’s Association (Founder President) and started a “Journal of Laboratory Animal Science” (Editor-in-Chief) that shows his innovativeness and leadership in promoting the laboratory animal science.

Proposer : PROF. A. J. RAO, Seconder : PROF. RAJAN. R. DIGHE Ten Best Publications: 1. M. G. O'Rand, E.E. Widgren, P. Sivashanmugam, R.T. Richardson, S.H. Hall, F.S. French, C.A. VandeVoort, S.G. Ramachandra, V. Ramesh and A. Jagannadha Rao (2004). Reversible immunocontraception in male monkeys immunized with Eppin. Science. 306(5699) : 1189-1190. (if=31.030, ci=137) 2. A.J. Rao, S.G.Ramachandra, V. Ramesh, L.Couture, L. Abdennebi, R. Salesse and J.J. Remy (2004). Induction of infertility in adult male bonnet monkeys by immunization with phage-expressed peptides of the extra cellular domain of FSH receptor. Reproductive Biomedicine Online. 8(4) : 385-391. (if=2.675, ci=26) 3. M.K.Lakshmana, B.S.Shankaranarayana Rao, N.K.Dhingra, R.Ravikumar, Govindaiah, S.G.Ramachandra, B.L.Meti and T.R.Raju (1998). Chronic (-) deprenyl increases dendritic arborization in CA3 neurons of hippocampus and Acetylcholinesterase activity in specific regions of the primate brain. Brain Research. 796 : 38-44. (if=2.892, ci=24) 4. A.J.Rao, V.Ramesh, S.G.Ramachandra, H.N.Krishnamurthy, N.Ravindranath and N.R.Moudgal (1998). Growth and reproductive parameters of bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata). Primates. 39 (1) : 97-107. (if=1.292, ci=16) 5. S.G. Ramachandra, V.Ramesh, H.N. Krishnamurthy, N. Kumar, K. Sundaram, M.P. Hardy and A.Jagannadha Rao (2002). Effect of chronic administration of 7 α-methyl-19-nortestosterone on serum testosterone, number of spermatozoa and fertility in adult male bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata). Reproduction. 124 : 301-309 (if=3.555, ci=13) 6. A.J. Rao, S.G.Ramachandra, V.Ramesh, H.N.Krishnamurthy, S.Jayaraman and H.S.Juneja (1998). Effect of chronic administration of tamoxifen on fertility in the male bonnet monkeys. Andrologia. 30 : 129-132. (if=1.748, ci=12) 7. N.Selvaraj, R.Medhamurthy, S.G.Ramachandra, M.R.Sairam and N.R.Moudgal (1996). Assessment of luteal rescue and desensitization of macaque corpus luteum, a result of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and deglycosylated hCG treatment. Journal of Bioscience. 21(4) : 497-510. (if=1.759, ci=12) 8. Gunapal Shetty, H.N.Krishnamurthy, H.Krishnamurthy, S.G.Ramachandra and N.R.Moudgal (1997). Use of Norethisterone and Estradiol in mini doses as a contraceptive in the male : Efficacy studies in the adult male bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata). Contraception. 56(4) : 257-265. (if=3.090, ci=10) 9. S.G.Ramachandra, V.Ramesh, H.N.Krishnamurthy, N. Ravindranath, K.Taranath Shetty and N.R.Moudgal (1998). Normal haematological and plasma biochemical parameters of captive bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata). Primates. 39 (2) : 127-134. (if=1.292, ci=9) 10. Nirmalya Basu, Sayanti Saha, Imran Khan, Subbaraya G. Ramachandra and Sandhya S. Visweswariah (2013). Intestinal cell proliferation and senescence are regulated by receptor Guanylyl Cyclase C and p21. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 289(1) : 581-593. (if=4.651, ci=0)

[ 40 ]

GULATI, ARVIND (b 1954), Chief Scientist, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176 061 (HP) Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Agricultural Sciences) It is my pleasure citing scientific contributions of my colleague Dr. Arvind Gulati for his nomination to the Election of Fellows in Agricultural Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences, India. Dr. Gulati has made tangible contributions in the area of Plant Pathology inter alia to the understanding of host-parasite interactions in fungal-pathogens in cereals and tea, microbial diversity of the unique niches of trans-Himalayas, and plant growth promoting microorganisms. Notably, his contributions on involvement of cytokinins in pathogenecity of hemibiotrophs by directed translocation of nutrients to infection sites, evolutionary relationship of cellulose and protease producing bacteria from the cold deserts, distinctive biogeographic pattern of distribution of root nodulating and rhizobacteria, and selection of efficient genotypes of PGPR with consistent field performance have been recognized internationally. His R&D findings have appeared in high impact international journals and cited widely by international scientific community. Consequently, he has been invited for chairing sessions and sharing his research findings in international conferences. He is also credited with creating microbial culture collection as national wealth for bioprospection from the cold deserts. The microbial technologies developed by Dr. Gulati are finding field applications through M/s. Multiplex Biotech Private Limited in promoting agricultural productivity with reduced application of fertilizers, and microbe-assisted phytorestoration of closed dumping sites in the difficult terrains of the Himalayas by National Hydro-Power Corporation. His team has also made a substantive contribution in improving productivity and quality of tea with considerable economic gains to Kangra Tea Industry.

Proposer : Dr. P.S. Ahuja, Seconder : Prof. S.K. Sharma, Ten Best Publications: 1. Vats, S.K., Sood, R.P., Gulati, A. and Sharma, O.P. (1994). Lantana camara L.- a lignocellulosic substrate for cultivation of Pleurotus sajorcaju. Bioresource Technology 48: 49-52. (if=5.172, ci=6) 2. Vyas, P., Rahi, P., Chauhan, A., Gulati, A. (2007). Phosphate solubilization potential and stress tolerance of Eupenicillium parvum from tea soil. Mycological Research 111: 931-938. (if=2.81, ci=33) 3. Gulati, A., Rahi, P., and Vyas, P. (2008). Characterization of phosphate-solubilizing fluorescent pseudomonads from rhizosphere of seabuckthorn growing in the cold deserts of Himalayas. Current Microbiology 56: 73-79. (if=1.520, ci=58) 4. Kasana, R.C., Salwan, R., Dhar, H., Dutt, S., and Gulati, A. (2008). A rapid and easy method for detection of microbial cellulases on agar plates using Gram’s iodine. Current Microbiology 57 (5): 503-507. (if=1.520, ci=109) 5. Vyas, P., Rahi, P. and Gulati, A. (2009). Stress tolerance and genetic variability of phosphate-solubilizing fluorescent pseudomonas from the cold deserts of the trans-Himalayas. Microbial Ecology 58: 425-434. (if=3.277, ci=12) 6. Vyas, P. and Gulati, A. (2009). Organic acid production in vitro and plant growth promotion in maize under controlled environment by phosphate-solubilizing fluorescent Pseudomonas. BMC Microbiology 9: 174. (if=3.10, ci=50) 7. Gulati, A., Vyas, P., Rahi, P., and Kasana, R.C. (2009). Plant growth promoting and rhizosphere competent Acinetobacter rhizosphere strain BIHB 723 from the cold desert of Himalayas. Current Microbiology 58(4): 371-377. (if=1.520, ci=30) 8. Mamta, Rahi P., Pathania V., Gulati A., Singh B., Bhanwara R.K., and Tewari R. (2010). Stimulatory effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria on plant-growth, stevioside and rebaudioside-A contents of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. Applied Soil Ecology 46: 222-229.(if=2.106, ci=27) 9. Singh, D.P., Khattar, J.I.S., Nadda, J., Singh, Y., Garg, A., Kaur, N. and Gulati A. (2011). Chlorpyrifos degradation by the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PUPCCC 64. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 18(8): 1351-1359. (if=2.618, ci=17) 10. Rahi, P., Kapoor, R., Young, JPW and Gulati, A. (2012). A genetic discontinuity in root-nodulating bacteria of cultivated pea in the Indian trans-Himalayas. Molecular Ecology 21: 145-159. (if=6.275, ci=2)

[ 41 ]

NANDI, SAMIT KUMAR (b 1967), Associate Professor and Former Head of the Department, Department of Veterinary Surgery & Radiology, West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences Kolkata


Dr Samit Kumar Nandi, Associate Professor and Former Head, Department of Veterinary Surgery & Radiology, WBUAFS has made significant contribution in developing calcium phosphate based implants, doped cements, marine based biomaterials in bone grafting, local antibiotic delivery systems in osteomyelitis, coated metallic implants and dental surgery, effective pain management protocol, autologous bone marrow grafting for enhancing wound healing and isolation of biomolecules from marine mollusk as osteogenic inhibitor and novel immunostimulator/immunomodulator in animal model. The research endeavors yielded a new trend of cost effective, well accepted, effective technologies for treatment of complicated orthopaedic diseases for the profitable ailing animals’ vis-à-vis for curing human patients and some of the technologies has been transferred to industry. His research aptitude has already been established and proved through achieving the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Award for outstanding Post-Graduate Agricultural Research 2007, National Bioscience award for career development 2008, CSIR Technology Award-2010 by ICAR, DBT, CSIR, Government of India. He has been conferred Biotech Product & Process Development and Commercialization Award-2013 from DBT, Government of India by the President of India. Dr Nandi has completed four nationally funded projects and presently running three projects in the field of orthopaedic surgery using biomaterials and allied fields. His research works have tremendous promise for application in human and animal subjects in complicated orthopaedic challenges. I am personally acquainted with the scientific work of Dr. Nandi and it is my pleasure to recommend and propose his name to elect as the Fellow of ‘The National Academy of Sciences’, India.

Proposer : Dr. Risendra Verma, Seconder : Dr. Hemanta K. Majumder Ten Best Publications: 1. Kundu, B., Soundrapandian C., Nandi SK., Mukherjee P., Dandapat N., Roy S., Datta BK., Mandal TK., Basu D., Bhattacharya RN. 2010 Development of new localized drug delivery system based on ceftriaxone-sulbactum composite drug impregnated porous hydroxyapatite: A systematic approach for in vitro and in vivo animal trial. Pharmaceutical Research; 27: 1659-1676. (if=4.742, ci=25) 2. Nandi SK., Roy S., Mukherjee P., Kundu B., De, DK., Basu, D. 2010 Orthopaedic applications of bone graft and graft substitutes-a review. Indian Journal of Medical Research; 132: 15-30 (if=2.061, ci=98) 3. Ghosh, SK., Nandi, SK., Kundu, B., Dutta, S., De, D.K., Roy, SK., Basu, D. 2008 In vivo response of porous hydroxyapatite and ß-tricalcium phosphate prepared by aqueous solution combustion method and comparison with bioglass scaffolds, J. Biomed. Mater. Res.: Applied Biomaterials; 86B: 217-227. (if=2.834, ci=53) 4. Nandi SK., Mukherjee P., Roy, S., Kundu, B., De, DK. and Basu, D. 2009 Local antibiotic delivery systems for the treatment of osteomyelitis- a review. Material Science and Engineering C; 29: 2478-2485. (if=2.404, ci=56) 5. Nandi SK., Kundu B., Datta S., De DK., Basu D. 2009 The Repair of segmental bone defects with porous bioglass: An experimental study in goat¨ Research in Veterinary Science.; 86: 162-173 (if=1.774, ci=24) 6. Dey Arjun, Nandi, SK, Kundu B., Kumar, C., Mukherjee P., Roy S., Mukhopadhyay AK, Sinha, MK and Basu, D 2011. Evaluation of hydroxyapatite and β-tri calcium phosphate microplasma spray coated pin intra-medullary for bone repair in a rabbit model. Ceramic International; 37 (4)1377-1391 (if=1.789, ci=17) 7. Nandi S.K., Kundu, B., Mandal, TK., De, DK., Basu, D 2009. Cefuroxime-Impregnated calcium Phosphates as an Implantable Delivery System in Experimental Osteomyelitis¨. Ceramic International.; 35(4): 1367-1376 (if=1.789, ci=17) 8. Kundu B., Nandi SK., Mukherjee, P., Roy, S., Dandapat, N., Singh, A., Mandal, TK., Datta, S., Das, P. and Basu D 2011, “Macro-to-micro porous special bioactive glass and ceftriaxone-sulbactam composite drug delivery system for treatment of osteomyelitis: A systematic approach for in vitro and in vivo animal trial. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine; 22:705–720 (if=2.141, ci=07) 9. Samit K. Nandi, Biswanath Kundu and Debabrata Basu. 2013. Protein growth factors loaded highly porous chitosan scaffold: A comparison of bone healing properties. Material Science and Engineering C 33: 1267–1275 (if=2.404, ci=05) 10. Rupnarayan Bhattacharya, Biswanath Kundu, Samit Kumar Nandi and Debabrata Basu 2013. Systematic approach to treat chronic osteomyelitis through localized delivery system: Bench to bed side. Material Science and Engineering C, 33(7):3986-93 (if=2.404)

[ 42 ]

NEGI, SHARAD SINGH (b 1957), Director, Forest Research Institute and Vice Chancellor, FRI University, Dehradun. Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2012, Agricultural Sciences) As Director, Forest Research Institute (Dehra Dun) and ex-officio Vice-Chancellor, FRI University, Dr. Negi has made unquantifiable contribution to the advancement of research, extension and education in Forestry and Wood Science, thereby laying a strong foundation not only for the enhancement of forest resources in India, but also to the environmental security in general. An acknowledged authority and an accomplished author, with an unmatched flare for prolific writing, the nominee has utilized the voluminous data, collected on diverse disciplines of Indian forestry, intelligently interpreted and supplemented with innovative ideas from his imaginative but analytical mind, to publish 126 books (Appendix – I). These are standard reference volumes for forestry students and administrators. His outstanding work on participatory natural resource management and integrated water-shed development aspects has convincingly demonstrated the complex dynamics entwined in sustainable resource management and forest-dwellers’ participation. These studies are useful in assessing the extent of dependence of forest-fringe dwellers on the natural resources and also in formulating techniques for optimizing ecosystem services through improved planning and management, thereby laying the foundation for participatory natural resource management – an effective tool in poverty alleviation and environmental conservation. Dr. Negi has extensively studied different aspects of Himalaya ecosystems and the useful data generated range from environmental aspects, geological and litho-petrological observations, drainage morphology, ecological and conservation details to bio-diversity.

Proposer: Dr. B.P. Mohan Kumar, Seconder: Dr. L.N. Santhakumaran Ten Best Publications: 1. Negi, S.S., Sinha, A.K. and Pandey, B.K., 1982. Litho Petrological observations of the rock types in the Rudraprayag Tilwara area of Garhwal Lesser Himalaya. Himalayan Geology (Wadia Inst.of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun), 1 : 156 – 168. 2. Negi, S.S., 1983. Study of rural ecosystems in a part of Garhwal Himalaya. Him. Ecol. & Ind. Jour. For., 1983 : 1 – 16. 3. Negi, S.S., 1983. Comparative ecology of the Sivalik Forests of Dehra Dun and Nurpur areas. Him. Ecol. & Ind. Jour. For., 1983 : 65 – 82. 4. Negi, S.S. and Singhal, R.M., 1993. Biological Diversity of Garhwal Himalaya and its Conservation. Ind. Jour. Trop. Biodiversity, 1 : 18 – 29. 5. Negi, S.S., 1995. Biodiversity of sub-tropical Himachal Pradesh and its conservation. Van Vigyan, Journal of the Society of Indian Foresters, 33 (3-4) : 189 – 200. 6. Negi, S.S. 1997. Emerging Concepts of Sustainable Forest Management in India. Van Vigyan, Journal of the Society of Indian Foresters, 35 (2) : 102-109 7. Negi, S.S., 2003. Participatory management of natural resources in the Shivalik Hills of Himachal Pradesh. In : Cont. Studies in Nat. Res. Mgt. in India. Ed. S.B. Roy. Publ. Int. Alia. Pub., New Delhi : 293 – 306 8. Raina, A.K. and Negi, S.S., 2007. Soil mineral relationship with different forest types in Mussoorie Forest Division in Uttaranchal, India. Himalayan Geol., 28 (1) : 79 – 86. 9. Negi, S.S. and Gupta, M.K., 2010. Soil organic carbon store under different land use Systems in Giri Catchment of Himachal Pradesh. The Indian Forester, 136 (9) : 1147 – 1154. 10. Negi, S.S. and Gupta, M.K. 2012. Carbon Sequestration through soil organic Carbon pool under different forest covers in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. The Indian Forester, 138 (3) : 207 – 211.

[ 43 ]

SINGH, KRISHNA KUMAR (b 1960), Assistant Director General (Process Engineering), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India


Dr. K.K. Singh has made original contributions in the area of applications of cryogenics in food processing for retention of aroma in spice grinding establishing an internationally recognized school of thought in CRYOGENIC GRINDING OF SPICES, an area little explored until now in India or abroad. Based on basic theory of heat and mass transfer and properties of the spices, he developed a design concept and finally a pilot scale cryogenic grinding system of 30-40 kg/h capacity which has been transferred to a manufacturer for commercialization. He developed nutritionally rich extruded products based on Recommended Dietary Allowances for Indian population, protocols for flaxseed dehulling, screw pressing of dehulled kernel and functional energy bar, and peanut based dairy analogues. Dr. Singh also developed puffed potato cubes, a novel ready-to-eat product which does not contain any fat and tastes similar to the French fries. The complete process, technology and equipment for making puffed potato cubes at pilot scale was developed. He designed a number of need based food processing machines like, small capacity dryer for fruits and vegetables, potato peeler and slicer, power operated peanut sheller, expanding pitch type fruit grader, potato pulper for extraction of potato starch, and solar supplemented pulse dryer for small entrepreneurs/farmers. These machines have been helpful in reducing the drudgery and enhancing efficiency of operations, and have been adopted by the small scale processors/farmers. Dr. Singh also developed a thermal processing model to predict cooking index (A280 index) of crambe oilseed (a niche oilseed) based on soluble protein that is useful to identify optimally cooked seed for screw pressing.

Proposer : Prof. Narpinder Singh, Seconder : Dr. Swapan K. Datta Ten Best Publications: 1. Singh, KK. 1994. Development of a small capacity dryer for vegetables. Journal of Food Engineering, 21: 19-30. (if=2.414, ci=10 (ISI) & 14 (google scholar)) 2. Singh, KK and TK Goswami. 1996. Physical properties of cumin seed. Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research (presently: Biosystems Engineering), 64: 93-98. (if=1.357, ci=158 (ISI) & 249 (google scholar)) 3. Singh, KK and TK Goswami. 1998. Mechanical properties of cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum Linn.) under compressive loading. Journal of Food Engineering, 36: 311-321. (if=2.414, ci=23 (ISI) & 37 (google scholar)) 4. Singh, KK and TK Goswami. 1999. Design of a cryogenic grinding system for spices. Journal of Food Engineering, 39: 359-368.(if=2.414, ci=24 (ISI) & 29 (google scholar)) 5. Singh, KK and TK Goswami. 1999. Studies on cryogenic grinding of cumin seed. Journal of Food Process Engineering, 22: 175-190.(if=0.830, ci=08 (ISI) & 14 (google scholar)) 6. Singh, KK and TK Goswami. 2000. Thermal properties of cumin seed. Journal of Food Engineering, 45: 181-187. (if=2.414, ci=26 (ISI) & 55 (google scholar)) 7. Singh, KK and TK Goswami. 2000. Cryogenic grinding of cloves. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 24: 57-81. (if=0.553, ci=08 (ISI) & 10 (google scholar)) 8. Singh KK; DP Wiesenborn; N Kangas and K Tostenson. 2002. Influence of moisture content and cooking on screw pressing of crambe seed. Journal of American Oil Chemists’ Society, 79: 165-170. (if=1.773, ci=25 (ISI) & 32 (google scholar)) 9. Singh, KK and BS Reddy. 2006. Post-harvest physico-mechanical properties of orange peel and fruit. Journal of Food Engineering, 73: 112-120. (if=2.414, ci=36 (ISI) & 76 (google scholar)) 10. Singh KK, Mridula D, J Rehal and P Barnwal. 2011. Flaxseed: A potential source of food, feed and fibre. Critical Reviews of Food Science & Nutrition, 51(3): 210-222. (if=4.789, ci=17 (ISI) & 35 (google scholar))

[ 44 ]

SINGH, RAMESH PRATAP (b 1954) Associate Professor, Dept. of Entomology, NDUA&T, Kumarganj, Faizabad-UP Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Agricultural Sciences) The innovative research and findings have been contributed and reported for the first time by Dr. R. P. Singh namely larval proline of sac brood disease of honey bee recorded 81.8% of total free amino acids and more than twice of healthy larvae, estimated 94.11% proline content of total free amino acids in mustard honey. The bee pollinated plants of mustard seed constituted the triglycerides 74% non-polar lipids and sterol was least. Production of (30 - 40) kg honey from the mustard, sunflower and pigeon pea per ha crop occupied area have been estimated by him. A newly designed hive of Stingless bees (Trigona iridipennis Smith) has been evolved by him for hiving, rearing, extraction of honey, multiplication and conservation. Concentration of protein amino acids in mustard pollen fed larva was twice of non-mustard and mustard pollen was more nutritious than others. For survival of bee colony during lean period explored and discovered the feeding of Neem (Azadirachta indica) fruit pulp syrup and Mahua flowers extract syrup for feeding of bee colonies during floral dearth and recorded the deficiency of essential amino acids in the larvae of honey bee. The innovative research papers have been published by him, in most reputed apicultural journal of the world such as Apiacta, Italy, 1991 ; Journal of Apicultural Research, Cardiff, UK, 1992; Apidologie, France, 1996; Journal of Apicultural Research and Bee World, 2007; 2008, Cardiff, UK and university received a new centre of AICRP on "Honey Bees and Pollinators" on these contributions.

Proposer: Prof. Anupam Dikshit, Seconder: Prof. G.K. Srivastava

Ten Best Pulications : 1. Journal of Apicultural Research and Becword 2008, 47, 261-264 (CI = 0.78, NAASc=7.8)

2. Journal of Apicultural Research and Becword 2007, 46, 276-281 (CI = 0.78, NAASc=7.8) 3. Apidologie 1996, 27, 21-28. (Impact Factor=1.16) 4. Journal of Apicultural Research, U.K. 1992, 31, 128-133 NAASc 7.8 (CI = 0.78) 5. Apiacta Italy, 1991, 26, 38-44 6. Indian Journal of Entomology, 2011, (NAASc=4) 7. Indian Journal of Entomology 2010, 72, 259-261 (NAASc=4) 8. Indian Journal of Entomology 2007, 69, 321-326 (NAASc=4) 9. National Academy of Science Letters, 2004, 27, 11&12, 425-428 (NAASc=7.6) 10. National Academy of Science Letters, 2003, 26, 11&12, 336-340 (NAASc=7.6)

[ 45 ]

SINGH, SUNIL KUMAR (b 1960), Principal Scientist, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Agricultural Sciences)

Dr S. K. Singh is a recipient of DST Young Scientist Award, Post Doctoral fellowship (ICRISAT) and trained at Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany. Dr Singh is a fellow of three professional societies, remained Editor in Chief of An international Journal of Research, peer reviewed manuscripts of foreign research journals. He prepared current status report for FAO on “Current Status of Mushroom Genetic Resources in India”. He is an expert in advanced molecular tools and techniques and revealed inter and intra-species genetic diversity in a wide range of microbes and plants and registered 300 novel gene sequences of fungi, bacteria and plants with NCBI, USA to address Indian microbial and plant biodiversity. The novel Cryo-preservation and Lyophilization techniques developed by him are being utilized to conserve National Mushroom Gene Bank germplasm. Dr Singh has discovered a number of new fungal diseases and hosts of several important crops. He Adopted IPM strategies for integrated management of legumes and oil seeds to combat pests and diseases and his recommendations were adopted by SKUAST-J University as package and practice for the benefit of farmers. He has significantly contributed in molecular characterization and process of biosynthesis of agriculturally important metal nanoparticles by potential microbes. Dr. Singh has been recognized as Ph. D. guide by Jiva Ji University, Gwalior, Jai Narain University, Jodhpur and Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan by the Research Councils. He trained more than 50 post graduate students, teachers and scientists from Universities and ICAR institutes in molecular diagnostic techniques of microorganisms.

Proposer : Dr. Kalu Ram Dadarwal, Seconder : Prof. K.C. Bansal Ten Best Publications: 1. Kakani, R. K., Singh, S. K., Pancholy, A., Meena, R. S., Pathak, R. and Raturi A. 2011. Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Trigonella foenum-graecum Based on Nuclear Ribosomal DNA, Internal Transcribed Spacer and RAPD Analysis. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter 29:315-323. (if=5.319 (2012), ci=15) 2. Jain, N., Bhargava, A., Tarafdar, J.C., Singh, S.K. and Panwar, J. 2013. A biomimetic approach towards synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. DOI:10:1007/s00253-012-3932-2. (if=3.689 (2012), ci=11) 3. Raturi, A., Singh, S.K., Sharma V. and Pathak, R. 2012. Molecular characterization of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek genotypes based on nuclear ribosomal DNA and RAPD polymorphism. Molecular Biology Reports.39 (3):2455-2465. (if=2.506 (2012), ci=6) 4. Singh, S.K., Nene, Y.L. and Reddy, M.V. 1990. Influence of cropping systems on Macrophomina phaseolina population of Soil. Plant Disease (USA) 74(10): 612-614. (if=2.455 (2012), ci=27) 5. Singh, S.K., Nene, Y.L. and Reddy, M.V. 1990. Host range of a chickpea isolate of Macrophomina phaseolina. Plant Disease (USA) 74(10):828. (if=2.455 (2012), ci=6) 6. Singh, S. K., Sharma, V. P., Sharma, S. R., Kumar, S. and Tiwari, M. 2006. Molecular characterization of Trichoderma taxa causing green mould disease in edible mushrooms. Current Science 90 (3): 427-431 (if=0.905 (2012, ci=16) 7. Singh, S.K., Upadhyay, R.C., Yadav, M. C. and Tiwari, M. 2004. Development of a novel lyophilization protocol for preservation of mushroom mycelial cultures. Current Science. 87(5): 568-570. (if=0.905 (2012), ci=12) 8. Pathak, R., Singh, S.K., Singh, M. and Henry, A. 2010. Molecular assessment of genetic diversity in cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) genotypes. Journal of Genetics. 89(2):243-246. (if=0.876 (2012), ci=18) 9. Singh, S.K., Upadhyay, R.C., Kamal, Shwet and Tiwari, M. 2004. Mushroom cryopreservation and its effect on survival, Yield and genetic stability. Cryoletters (London) 25: 23-32. (if=0.837 (2012), ci=12) 10. Singh, S.K., Rehman S.J., Gupta, B.R. and Kalha, C.S. 1992. An integrated approach to the management of major foliar diseases and insect pests of peas in India. International Journal of Pest Management. (Formerly Tropical Pest Management (England) 36(3): 265-267. (if=0.718 (2012), ci=6)

[ 46 ]

BUDHAVARAM, VARALAKSHMI (b. 1965), Senior Scientist, Division of Vegetable Crops, Indian Instt. of Horticulture Research, Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore Member of the NASI : No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Green leaf vegetables occupy an important place among the food crops as these provide adequate amounts of many vitamins and minerals, consumption of which will reduce many degenerative diseases like cancer, heart diseases etc., In order to make available high yielding, nutrient rich leafy vegetable varieties, She has released six high yielding and nutrient rich leafy vegetable varieties namely, Amaranth: Arka Suguna, Arka Arunima -high yielding, Arka Varna, Arka Samraksha-rich in antioxidant activity; Palak: Arka Anupama-high yielding, Coriander: Arka Isha-high yielding and vitamin C rich (Varalakshmi et aI., 1998. Indian Hort. 42{4}:14-15, Varalakshmi et al., 2001. Indian Hort. 46(1): 28 & 30, Varalakshmi et al., 2001. Indian Hort. 46(1): 29 & 30) Cauliflower is an important vegetable grown extensily in the country, but seeds of the' available hybrids cultivated in India are all imported from European countries involving lot of foreign exchange. To save this valuable foreign exchange and to make available the indigenous varieties and hybrids for the tropical conditions, she has developed three superior advanced breeding lines namely, IIHR-316-1(371g, 18.6 t/ha), IIHR-391-1(360g, 18.0 t/ha) and IIHR-371-1 (346g, 17.3 t/ha) which are under testing and performing well in various locations in the country. She has also identified downy mildew resistant lines ('IIHR-260-1', 265, 302' and 305-1'), Alternaria leaf spot resistant lines (IIHR-73-3-20, 250-4-4-16-27, 264-3, 392, 424, 421,434,435 and 457} (Varalakshmi et al. 2009. Indian J. of Agric. Sci., 79 (6): 482-83) in early cauliflower. She has transferred male sterility (agura & taurnafartii ms back ground) in to cauliflower advanced breeding lines, which are ready to use in the indigenous F1 hybrid seed production.

Proposer: Prof. K. V. Peter Seconder: Prof. Kirti Singh. Ten Best Publications: 1. Varalakshmi, B., Y. Narayana Reddy and B. Muralimohan Reddy, 1994. Genetic divergence in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (Roxb). L. Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding. (the then, Genetica Agreria) 48: 131-134. (NAAS rating: 3.0) 2. Varalakshmi, B, P. Venkat Rao and Y.Narayana Reddy, 1995 Genetic variability and heritability in ridge gourd Indian J. Agric. Sci. 65 (8): 608-610. (NAAS rating: 7.2) 3. Varalakshmi, Band VV Pratap Reddy, 1997 Variability, heritability and correlation studies in vegetable amaranth. Indian J. Hort., 54 (2): 167-170. (NAAS rating: 4,0) 4. Pratap Reddy, VV and BVaralakshmi, 1998. Heterosis and combining ability for leaf yield and its components in vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor). Indian J. Agric. Sci.. 68(12): 773-775. (NAAS rating: 7.2) 5. Varalakshmi, B. 2003. Phenotypic stability for economic traits in vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.). Indian J. Agric Sci., 73, 114-5. (NAAS rating: 7.2) 6. Varalakshmi, Band Devaraju, 2007. Genetic Diversity in Drumstick (Maringa oleifera Lam.) Germplasm. In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Indigenous Vegetables and Legumes. (Eds. M.L.Chadha, G.Kuo and C.L.L.Gowda). Acta Horticulture, No. 752. pp 411-412. (NAAS rating: 3.0) 7. Varalakshmi, B Girija Ganeshan, C Gopalakrishnan, A Pushpalatha and B S Chethana. 2009 Identification of sources of resistance to alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria brassicicola), black rot (Xanthomanas campestris) and downy mildew (Peronaspora parasitica) in cauliflower (Brassica aleraceae). Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 79 (6): 482-83". (NAAS rating: 7.2) 8. Varalakshmi, B. 2009. Heterosis al)d combining ability for yield and its components in early cauliflower. Indian J. Hart. 66(2): 198403. (NAAS rating: 4.0) 9. Varalakshmi, B. 2009. Inheritance of yield and its component traits in vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.). Vegetable Science. 35(1): 77-78, (NAAS rating: 4.0) 10. Varalakshmi, B, A. Pushpalatha and J.R. Girigowda.2010. Genetic diversity in early cauliflower. Indian J.Hort., 67(2):281-283. (NAAS rating: 4.0)

[ 47 ]

CHALLA, JAGANNADHAM (b. 1949), Principal Scientist (Educational Technology) National Academy of Agril. Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. Challa is an excellent teacher, excellent researcher and a scholar of agricultural sciences. He has communication skills par excellence. At NAARM his courses are very popular and he is sought after speaker in many universities and institutions across the country. His PhD work on calcium and phosphorous kinetics of homoeostasis mechanism in ruminants and developed the cycle of homoeostasis < of phosphorous and the research information obtained had direct relevance to computation of calcium < and phosphorous requirements in cattle. His work is regularly being quoted in several papers and is being used in ARC Recommendations of the UK. He has 36 years of teaching and research experience in undergraduate, post graduate and PhD level students. As Programme Coordinator and Resource person he designed and conducted several senior level and foundation level training programmes at NAARM in Agricultural Research management, HRD, Faculty development programmes in Educational technology and International programmes for Management Development in Agricultural Research and Education. As, Principal Investigator of several externally funded projects he produced excellent reports which had direct relevance in policy implications of ICAR. He developed a concept of Scientist-Administrator Finance Interface with a lot of empirical data as a part of HRD Strategies for Organizational Effectiveness of NARS. He authored several books and monographs and edited several conference papers notably the book on Conservation Agriculture. He is the first author of the book on "Developing Winning Research Proposals in Agricultural Research" which is indeed is well sought after publication of NAARM. He has recently released the 3rd revised edition.

Proposer: Dr. S.M. Virmani, Seconder: Dr. E.A. Siddiq. Tem Best Publications: 1. Jagannadharn Challa and Braithwaite, G.D., 1988, Phosphorous and calcium metabolism in growing calves with special emphasis on Homoeostasis: 1. Studies of the effect of changes in the dietary phosphorous intake on phosphorous and calcium metabolism., Journal of Agricultural Science, 110,573-582 (NAAS JournallD J010) 2. Jagannadham challa and Braithwaite, G.D., 1988, Phosphorous and calcium metabolism in growing calves with special emphasis on phosphorous homoeostasis: 2. Studies of the effect of different levels of phosphorous infused abomasally on phosphorous metabolism, Journal of Agricultural Science, 110, 583-589. (NAAS JournallD J01 0) 3. Jaganndham Challa and Braithwaite, G.D., 1988, Phosphorous and calcium metabolism in growing calves with special emphasis on phosphorous metabolism: 3. Studies of the effect of contino us intravenous infusion of different levels of phosphorous in ruminating calves receiving adequate dietary phosphorous. Journal of Agricultural Science, 110,591-595. (NAAS JournallD J010) 4. Jagannadharn Challa, G. D. Braithwaite and M. S. Dhanoa, 1989, Phosphorous homoeostasis in growing calves, Journal of Agricultural Science, 112,217-226. (NAAS JournallD J010) 5. Jagannadham Challa and G.D. Braithwaite, 1989, Phosphorous and calcium metabolism in growing calves with special emphasis on phosphorous homoeostasis: 4. Studies on milk fed calves given different levels of dietary phosphorous but a constant level of calcium, Journal of Agricultural Science, 113,385-389. (NAAS JournallD J010) 6. U.R. Mehra, J. Challa and U. B. Singh, 1993, Nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation pattern in buffalo calves fed rations supplemented with formaldehyde treated urea molasses mineral blocks, 4,67-72. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 4, 67-72. (NAAS JournallD J030) 7. S.P. Tiwari, U. R. Mehra, U.B. Singh and J. Challa,1990, Rumen Fermentation pattern in growing male buffalo calves fed urea-molasses-mineral block as a lick -on a what straw basal diet, J. Nuclear Agric. Biol, 19: 128-133. 8. U. R. Mehra, J. Challa and U. B. Singh, 1990, Response to supplementation of berseem hay in buffalo calves fed with diets based on ammoniated wheat straw, Indian J. Dairy Sci. 43, 3,: 260-267 (NAAS JournallD 1025) 9. A. K. Ram, U. R. Mehra and J. Challa, 1990, Preparation and evaluation of complete feed mix block for goats, Indian, J. Dairy Sci, 43, 4: 458-461 (NAAS Journal ID 1025) 10. Pankaj Kumar, J. Challa, U. Dimri and Manish Kumar, 2007, Role of micronutrients in dermatological disorders of dog, INTAS Polyvet, 8, No: 11,467-471 (NAAS JournallD 1071)

[ 48 ]

CHERUKUMALLI, SRINIVASA RAO (b 1965), Project Coordinator, All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad


Dr. Rao has brought out, a comprehensive picture of potassium status and K release pattern of Indian soils in relation crop K nutrition in different agro-ecological regions. Kinetics of K release from exchangeable and non-exchangeable fraction of major benchmark soil series was studied in relation to mineralogy of silt and clay fractions of soils. His research evolved the K recommendations to crops based on non-exchangeable (soil reserve) K fraction. He developed district wise K fertility maps of India and identified 122 priority districts where soils are deficient in both exchangeable and non-exchangeable K fractions and strategies developed for judicious efficient use of imported K fertilizers costing 16,000 crores subsidy annually to Government of India (Soil Sci., 2001; Austr. J Soil Res., 1999, 2007). His contributions on soil health management resulted in evolving location specific integrated nutrient management strategies involving locally available organic resources to maintain soil organic carbon. Based on long-term studies he computed critical carbon inputs requirements for arresting further depletion or maintenance of soil organic carbon at antecedent level. His contribution in participatory soil health management strategies through soil health cards reached the benefits to resource poor farmers in more than 150 climate vulnerable in the country, which resulted in improved crop productivity, soil carbon sequestration, nutrient use efficiency and reduced GHG emissions (Adv Agronomy, Science Total Environment, 2013; Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., 2012; Geoderma, 2012). His contribution in agricultural contingency plans for 500 districts of India helped district authorities to cope up with climate vulnerable conditions.

Proposer : Dr. S. M. Virmani, Seconder : Dr. J. Venakteswarlu Ten Best Publications: 1. Srinivasarao, Ch., Anand Swarup, Subba Rao, A. and V. Venugopal (1999) Kinetics of nonexchangeable K release from Tropaquept as influenced by long-term cropping, fertilization and manuring. Australian Journal of Soil Research. 37(2):317-328. (if=2.105, ci=43) 2. Khormali,F., Ajami, M., Ayoubi, S., Srinivasarao, Ch. and S.P. Wani (2009) Role of deforestation and hillslope position on soil quality attributes of loess-derived soils in Golestan province, Iran. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment. 134: 178-189. (if=2.859, ci=35) 3. Vineela, C., Wani, S.P., Srinivasarao, Ch., Padmaja, B and K.P.R.Vittal (2008) Microbial properties of soils as affected by cropping and nutrient management practices in several long-term manurial experiments in the semi arid tropics of India. Applied Soil Ecology. 40: 165-173. (if=2.106, ci=35) 4. Venkateswarlu, B., Srinivasarao, Ch., Ramesh, G. Venkateswarlu, S. and J. C. Katyal (2007) Effects of long term legume cover crop incorporation on soil organic carbon, microbial biomass, nutrient build up and grain yields of sorghum/sunflower under rainfed conditions. Soil Use and Management (U.K.). 23:100-107. (if=1.832, ci=28) 5. Rupa, T.R., Srinivasarao, Ch., Subbarao, A., and Singh, M. (2002) Effect of farmyard manure and phosphorus on zinc transformation and phyto-availability in two Alfisols of India. Bioresource Technology. 87: 279-288. (if=4.750, ci=22) 6. Srinivasarao, Ch., Subba Rao,A. and T.R. Rupa (2000) Plant mobilization of reserve potassium from fifteen smectitic soils in relation to mineralogy and soil test potassium. Soil Science (USA) 165(7): 578-586. (if=1.051, ci=22) 7. Srinivasarao, Ch., Pal, D.K. and P.N. Takkar (1998) Mathematical models to study the kinetics of potassium desorption from swell-shrink soils of central India in relation to mineralogy. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science (Germany). 16(1):67-72. (if=1.380, ci=19) 8. Srinivasarao, Ch. and M. S. Khera (1994) Potassium replenishment capacity of some ustrochrepts at their minimal exchangeable K in relation to clay mineralogy. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science (Germany). 157(6):467-470. (if=1.380, ci=19) 9. Srinivasarao, Ch., Vittal, KPR., Tiwari, KN., Gajbhiye, PN. and S. Kundu (2007) Categorization of soils based on potassium reserves and production systems: implications in K management. Australian Journal of Soil Research. 45: 438-447. (if=2.105, ci=17) 10. Srinivasarao, Ch., Venkateswarlu, B., Lal, R., Singh, A.K., Vittal, K.P.R., Sumanta Kundu, Singh, S.R. and S.P. Singh (2012) Long-term effects of soil fertility management on carbon sequestration in a rice-lentil cropping system of the Indo-Gangetic plains. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 76(1): 168-178. (if=1.979, ci=15)

[ 49 ]

GHOSH, PROBIR KUMAR (b 1962), Head,Crop Production,Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) The nominee has made outstanding and original contributions on carbon sequestration, soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics, soil quality, compost quality and resource conservation technologies (RCT). The C-sequestration potential in groundnut-based system has been first time reported by the nominee and the groundnut-wheat system was proved to be the best system from C-sequestration and slowing down global warming point of view. The nominee established the fact that inclusion of pulses in cereal-based system had higher lability index and carbon management index, thus improving soil quality in rice-wheat-mungbean and rice-chickpea systems. The nominee assessed the quantitative and qualitative variation of soil organic matter and established a fact first time through the out-class research in India that less retention of labile pools of nutrient resulted in deterioration of soil quality in a 30-year rice-wheat-jute system. Development of soil quality index for rice-wheat system to predict sustainability based on four soil parameters, conceptualizing new method of assessing nutrient competition in intercropping systems based on relative nutrient yield and mathematical equations involving above and belowground components, identifying perennial grasses ( setaria, congosignal) based on hydro-physical behavior and SOC dynamics for improving soil quality in degraded land of fragile hill ecosystems and establishing the threshold limit of compost quality parameters such as C/N ratio (10-15: 1), biodegradability index (<2), CEC/TOC (>3.5:1), lignin/cellulose (4:1) are the pioneering works of the nominee. The nominee has developed 30 technologies on IPNS and RCT for various field crops, edited four books and published 95 research papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Proposer: Dr. R L Yadav, Seconder: Dr. D D Patra Ten Best Publications: 1. Ghosh, P.K., Ramesh, P., Bandyopadhyay, K.K., Tripathi, A.K., Hati, K.M., Misra, A.K., and Acharya, C.L. 2004. Comparative effectiveness of cattle manure, poultry manure, phosphocompost and fertilizer-NPK on three cropping system in Vertisols of semi-arid Tropics. I. Crop yields and system performance. Bioresource Technology, 95: 77-83. (IF=4.253, CI=45) 2. Ghosh, P.K. 2004. Growth, yield, competition and economics of groundnut /cereal fodder intercropping system in semi- arid tropics of India. Field Crops Research, 88: 227-237. (IF=2.336, CI=37) 3. Ghosh, P.K., Ajay, Bandyopadhyay, K.K., Manna, M.C., Misra, A.K., Mandal, K.G. and Hati, K.M. 2004. Comparative effectiveness of cattle manure, poultry manure, phosphocompost and fertilizer-NPK on three cropping systems in vertisols of semi-arid Tropics. II. Dry matter, nodulation, chlorophyll content and enzyme activity. Bioresource Technology, 95: 83-93. (IF=4.253, CI=35) 4. Ghosh, P.K., Devi Dayal, Bandyopadhyay, K.K and Mohanty, M. 2006. Evaluation of straw and polythene mulch for enhancing productivity of irrigated sunmmer groundnut. Field Crops Research, 99: 76-86. (IF=2.336, CI=25) 5. Mandal, K.G., Saha, K.P., Ghosh, P.K., Hati, K.M. 2002. Bioenergy and economic analysis of soybean-based crop production systems in India. Biomass and bioenergy, 23: 337-345. (IF=3.324, CI=79) 6. Manna, M.C., Swarup, A., Wanjari, R.H., Singh, Y.V., Ghosh, P.K., Singh, K.N., Tripathi, A.K. and Saha, M.N. 2006. Soil organic matter in a West Bengal Inceptisol after 30-years of multiple cropping and fertilization. Soil Science Society of America Journal, (USA), 70:121-129. (IF=2.18, CI=35) 7. Manna, M.C., Jha, S., Ghosh P.K and Acharya, C.L. 2003. Comparative efficacy of three epigeic earthworms under different deciduous forest litters decomposition. Bioresource Technology, 88(3): 197-206. (IF=4.253, CI=30) 8. Ghosh, P.K., Manna, M.C., Devi Dayal and Wanjari, R.H. 2004. An assessment of carbon sequestration potential and sustainable yield index for groundnut- and fallow-based systems. Journal of Agricultural Science (Camb), 141:249-259. (IF=1.654, CI=19) 9. Ghosh, P.K., Mohanty, M., Bandyopadhyay, K.K., Painuli, D.K. and Misra, A.K. 2006. Growth, competition, yield advantage and economics in soybean/pigeonpea intercropping system in s emi-arid tropics of India. I. Effect of subsoiling. Field Crops Research, 96(1): 80-89 (IF=2.336, CI=14) 10. Hati, K. M., Mandal, K.G., Misra, A.K., Ghosh, P.K. and Bandyopadhyay, K.K, 2006. Effect of inorganic fertilizer and farmyard manure on soil physical properties root distribution and water use efficiency of soybean in vertisol of central India. Bioresource Technology, 97: 2182-2188. (IF=4.253, CI=14)

[ 50 ]

GOPAL, JAI (b. 1954), Head, Crop Improvement Div., Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. Jai Gopal has contributed significantly to the field of agriculture. He is working on potato genetics, breeding, and genetic resources from past more than 30 years. He has bred 12 improved potato cultivars, which have been released and are in cultivation. He also developed eight genetic stocks, which have been registered at the national level. He has been instrumental in establishing the biggest potato gene bank of South Asia in India. He undertook research on reproductive biology, inheritance, conservation and evaluation of genetic resources and development of breeding methods. This has led to the development of efficient procedures and criteria for selection of superior parents, cross combinations and clones in the potato breeding programmes. He developed an innovative methodology of combining in vitro and in-vivo methods for accelerating potato breeding. His work has been published in high impact factor journal including Theoretical & Applied Genetics, Plant Breeding, Plant Cell Reports, Euphytica, In Vitro and Cellular Developmental Biology and so on as is evident from the his impressive list of publications. His work has been recognized at national as well as international level. He is fellow of a number cf scientific academies including the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Japan Society for Promotion of Science, Third World Academy of Sciences and he has also bagged many awards. The FAO nominated him as panel member for external project and management review of International Potato Center, Lima, Peru and member of Task Force oh Global Initiative on Plant Breeding.

Proposer: Dr. S.K. Sharma, Seconder: Dr. S. K. Pandey. Ten Best Publications: 1. Gopal, J. 1994. Flowering behaviour, male sterility and berry setting .... Euphytica 72: 133-142 (IF: 8.0 (NAAS)) 2. Gopal, J., P.C. Gaur and M.S. Rana, 1994. Early generation selection for agronomic ..... Theor. Appl. Genet. 84: 709-713 (IF: 8.9 (NAAS)) 3. Gopal, J. 1997. Progeny selection for agronomically important... Theor. Appl. Genet. 95: 307-311 (IF: 8.9 (NAAS)) 4. Gopal, J. 1998. Identification of superior parents and crosses .... Theor. Appl. Genet. 96: 287-293 (IF: 8.9 (NAAS)) 5. Gopal, J. and J.L. Minocha, 1998. Effectiveness of in vitro selection for ... Euphytica 103: 67-74 (IF: 8.0 (NAAS)) 6. Gopal, J., J.L. Minocha and H.S. Dhaliwal, 1998. Microtuberization in potato ... Plant Cell Reports 17: 794-798 (IF: 8.4 (NAAS)) 7. Gopal, J. 1999. In vitro versus in vivo genetic diverqence in potato. Theor. Appl. Genet. 98: 299- 304. (IF: 8.9 (NAAS)) 8. Gopal, J. and K. Oyama. 2005. Genetic base of Indian potato selections ... (IF: 8.0 (NAAS)) 9. Gopal, J. and K. Iwama. 2007. In vitro screening againstwater-stress ... Plant Cell Reports 26: 693- 700. (IF: 8.4 (NAAS)) 10. Gopal, J., V. Kumar and S.K. Luthra. 2008. Top-cross vs. poly-cross as .. Plant Breeding 127: 441- 445 (IF: 8.0 (NAAS))

[ 51 ]

JANAPALA, VENKATESWARA RAO (b 1956), Chief Scientist, Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad.


Dr. Janapala Venkateswara Rao working as a Chief Scientist at the Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad. His work is mainly focused on toxicokinetic behaviour of agricultural pesticides and their harmful effects on non-target organisms. He has contributed significantly to the development and adoption of novel in vitro and in vivo safety evaluation methods using paramecium, earthworm and different fish species for toxicity assessment of pesticides. He is an authority in the area of dynamic bio-indicators i.e., earthworms and marine sponges for real time operations to assess load of pollution in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Rao has made significant contributions in isolation and development of new biopesticide molecules from marine resources. The outcome yielded in the form of IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) from marine green algae Dictyosphaeria favulosa, which is first of its kind in the Integrated Pest Management. In the subsequent program many analogues have been developed from the above active compound that are lethal to the larvae and also disrupt the life cycle of many agricultural and publichealth pests. Dr. Rao is a member of several leading societies dealing with Biological Sciences. He is a Fellow of many National and International academies including National Academy of Biological Sciences, National Environmental Science Academy, and American Academy of Toxicological Sciences. As a research mentor, Dr. Rao has guided fifteen students for M.Phil. and PhDs under his supervision. He has published more than 100 papers and also has nine national and international patents.

Proposer: Dr. Ramesh V Sonti, Seconder: Dr. S. Chandrasekhar Ten Best Publications: 1. Venkateswara Rao, J., Desaiah, D., Vig, P.J.S., & Venkateswarlu, Y. (1998), Marine biomolecules inhibit rat brain nitric oxide synthase. Toxicology, 129(2), 103-112. (IF=3.641, CI=21) 2. Venkateswara Rao, J., Surya Pavan, Y., &. Madhavendra, S.S. (2003), Toxic effects of chlorpyrifos on morphology and acetylcholinesterase activity in the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Ecotox. Environ. Safe., 54(3), 296-301. (IF=2.34, CI=45) 3. Venkateswara Rao, J., Shilpanjali, D., Kavitha, P., & Madhavendra, S.S. (2003), Toxic effects of profenofos on tissue acetylcholinesterase and gill morphology in a euryhaline fish, Oreochromis mossambicus. Arch. Toxicol.,77(4), 227-232. (IF=4.041, CI=33) 4. Sekhar, K.C., Chary, N.S., Kamala, C.T., Venkateswara Rao, J., Balaram, V., & Anjaneyulu, Y. (2003), Risk assessment and pathway study of arsenic industrially contaminated sites of Hyderabad: a case study. Environ. Int., 29(5), 601-611. (IF=4.691, CI=40) 5. Venkateswara Rao, J., & Kavitha, P. (2004), Toxicity of azodrin on the morphology and acetylcholinesterase activity of earthworm Eisenia Foetida. Environ. Res., 96(3), 323-327. (IF=3.500, CI=27) 6. Venkateswara Rao, J. (2006), Toxic effects of novel organophosphorus insecticide (RPR-V) on certain biochemical parameters of euryhaline fish, Oreochromis mossambicus. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol., 86(2), 78-84. (IF=1.503, CI=28) 7. Venkateswara Rao, J. (2006), Sub-lethal effects of an organophosphorus insecticide (RPR-II) on biochemical parameters of tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Comp. Biochem. Phys., C, 143(4), 492-498. (IF=2.325, CI=24) 8. Venkateswara Rao J. (2006), Biochemical alterations in euryhaline fish, Oreochromis mossambicus exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of an organophosphorus insecticide, Monocrotophos. Chemosphere, 65(10), 1814-1820. (IF=3.155, CI=32) 9. Kavitha, P., & Venkateswara Rao, J. (2007), Oxidative stress and locomotor behaviour response as biomarkers for assessing recovery status of mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis after lethal effect of an organophosphate pesticide, monocrotophos. Pestic. Biochem. Physiol., 87(2), 182–188. (IF=1.503, CI=33) 10. Venkateswara Rao, J., & Kavitha, P. (2009), Sub-Lethal Effects of Profenofos on Tissue-Specific Antioxidative Responses in a Euryhyaline fish, Oreochromis mossambicus. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf., 72(6), 1727-1733. (IF=2.34, CI=17)

[ 52 ]

KALVAKUNTLA, JEEVANRAO (b 1958), Professor, Dept. of Soil Science & Agril. Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-30 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) D.K.Jeevan Rao investigations have contributed towards understanding the nature and extent of soil and water pollution hazards due to urban solid wastes, Industrial effluents and sewage waters and sludge under farmers field and landfill conditions and helped to develop strategies for their safe utilization in agriculture. His work has had far-reaching applications in such diverse areas of solid waste management, soil and water pollution, and heavy metals in food chain etc. His studies will be useful in developing soil quality policies and understanding linkages among soil, waste, water pollution and environmental protection.He went on to develop a laboratory in the university for the first time for the study of soil and water pollution and organic waste recycling in agriculture by incorporating the interdisciplinary style. His studies revealed that management of urban wastes and agricultural wastes through composting technology is an environmentally friendly and cost effective way to transform high volume heterogeneous by products into a product having economic value. Compost enrichment with beneficial microorganisms and mineral additives such as rock phosphate and other additives helped in improving the agronomic value of the compost. Dr.Rao demonstrated the composting techniques in the farmers fields.

Proposer : Prof. E.A. Siddiq, Seconder : Prof. Dashavantha Vudem, Reddy Ten Best Publications: 1. Jeevan Rao, K and Shantaram M V 1994 Heavy metal pollution of Agricultural soils due to application of garbage Indian Journal of Environmental Health 36(1) : 31-39 Neeri Nagpur (IF=0.2334, CI=7) 2. Jeevan Rao, K and Shantaram M V 1995 Contents of heavy metals in crops treated with urban solid wastes Journal of Environmental Biology 16(3) : 225-232 Muzaffar U.P (IF=0.48, CI=3) 3. Jeevan Rao, K and Shantaram M V1995 Concentration and relative availability of heavy metals in urban solid wastes of Hyderabad, India Bio-resource Technology 53(10): 53-55 Elsevier Applied Sc England. (IF=4.0-4.5, CI=4) 4. Jeevan Rao, K and Shantaram M V 1995 Nutrient changes in agricultural soils due to application of garbage Indian Journal of Environmental Health 37(4) : 265-271 NEERI Nagapur. (IF=0.2334, CI=3) 5. Jeevan Rao, K and Shantaram M V 1996 Effect of urban solid wastes application on dry matter yield,uptake of micronutrients and heavy metals by maize plant Journal Environmental Biology 17(1):Muzaffarpur UP (IF=0.48, CI=8) 6. Prashanthi V. and Jeevan Rao K 1999 Impact of land disposal of industrial effluents on properties of Soils of Noor Mohammed Lakebed Journal of Environmental Biology 20(3) P. 269-272 Luknow. (IF=0.48, CI=5) 7. Jeevan Rao. K and .Shantharam M.V 1999 Potentially toxic elements in soils treated with Urban Solid Wastes Indian Journal of Environmental Health 41(4), P.364-368 Nagpur (IF=0.2334, CI=11) 8. Jeevan Rao.K, Vimala Devi Y.S.S, and Srinivasa Raju A 2004 Impact of long term land application of Urban Solid Wastes on Soil Chemical Properties Ecology, Environment and Conservation10(3), P 303-316 (IF=0.03, CI=5) 9. Jeevan Rao.K, Rama Lakshmi Ch. S, and Srinivasa Raju A 2008 Evaluation of Urban and Agricultural Waste Compost Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science 56(3)295-299 New Delhi. (IF=2.5, CI=3) 10. V.Chanakya and K.Jeevan rao2009 Fractionation of Metals in soils of Kattedan Industrial Area of Hyderabad Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering 15-126 NEERI,Nagpur. (IF=0.2334, CI=3)

[ 53 ]

KANDASAMY, KATHIRESAN (b 1956), Dean, Faculty of Marine Sciences; Director, Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai


Kathiresan has spent practically most of his research career studying mangroves (Kathiresan, 2000). He discovered a mangrove species new to science, and also prepared a check list for 4011 species of mangrove ecosystem in India (Kathiresan & Qasim, 2005). In association with a team of world class scientists, he identified 11 globally threatened mangrove species (Polidoro et al., 2010) and also contributed to “World Atlas of Mangroves”. He trained about 200 mangrove researchers of 16 countries. He formulated a package of techniques for better growth of mangroves and fishery resource enrichment. He also demonstrated the techniques to work in the field by creating 35-hectare area of forest. This forest saved about 1000 human lives during the 2004 tsunami (Kathiresan & Rajendran, 2004). His work demonstrated ecological roles of mangroves in tolerance to solar UV-B radiation, sedimentation, carbon sequestration, and pollution removal (Kathiresan & Bingham, 2001). His innovative ideas have proved mangroves as the source of high value products: black tea; artificial honey; microbial enzymes; plastic degrading microbes; agriculture fungicides; microbial biofertilizers; (vii) mosquito repellents; silver nanoparticles; prawn feed; to suppress HIV, diabetics, oral cancer, hair loss and E. coli infection (Premanathan et al., 1992). HE contributed to preparation of valued documents: (i) “National Strategy Action Plan for mangroves of India” for IUCN programme of Mangrove For Future; and, (ii) “National Guidelines for Mangrove Plantations, Conservation and Management” for Govt. of India. Among the top 10 highly cited mangrove papers in the world, two are from India that too by his contributions. In Historigraph, his paper has maximum cited with global citation score of 175 (Saravanan & Dominic, 2013).

Proposer : Prof.M.S. Swaminathan, Seconder : Prof.S.Z. Qasim Ten Best Publications: 1. K. Kathirean& B. L. Bingham, 2001. Biology of mangroves & mangrove ecosystem. Advances in Marine Biology, 40 : 81-251.(if=2.04, ci=563) 2. K. Kathiresan& N. Rajendran, 2005. Coastal mangrove forests mitigated tsunami. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Sciences, 65 : 601-606. (if=2.247, ci=296) 3. Gan Zhang, ParomitaChakraborty, Jun Li, PichaiSampathkumar, ThangavelBalasubramanian, Kandasamy Kathiresan, Shin Takahashi, Annamalai Subramanian, Shinsuke Tanabe & Kevin C. Jones, 2008. Passive Atmospheric Sampling of Organochlorine Pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, and PolybrominatedDiphenyl Ethers in Urban, Rural, and Wetland Sites along the Coastal Length of India. Environmental Science& Technology, 42:8218–8223 (if=5.228, ci=107) 4. Gan Zhang, ParomitaChakraborty, Jun Li, PichaiSampathkumar, ThangavelBalasubramanian, Kandasamy Kathiresan, Shin Takahashi, Annamalai Subramanian, Shinsuke Tanabe & Kevin C. Jones, 2008. Passive Atmospheric Sampling of Organochlorine Pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, and PolybrominatedDiphenyl Ethers in Urban, Rural, and Wetland Sites along the Coastal Length of India. Environmental Science& Technology, 42:8218–8223 (if=4.092, ci=114) 5. K. Kathiresan, S. Manivannan, M.A. Nabeel & B. Dhivya, 2009. Studies on silver nanoparticles synthesized by a marine fungus Penicilliumfellutanum isolated from coastal mangrove sediment. Colloids and surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 71: 133-137 (if=3.456, ci=132) 6. N. Asmathunisha, K. Kathiresan, R. Anburaj& M. A. Nabeel, 2010. Synthesis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles by callus and leaf extracts from saltmarsh plant, Sesuviumportulacastrum L., Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 79 (2): 488-493 (if=3.456, ci=74) 7. N. Asmathunisha&K. Kathiresan, 2013. A review on biosynthesis of nanoparticles by marine organisms. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces103: 283– 287 (if=3.456, ci=9) 8. J. Rajaganapathi, K. Kathiresan& T.P. Singh, 2002. Purification of Anti-HIV protein from purple fluid of the Sea Hare Bursatellaleachii de Blainville. Marine Biotechnology, 4 : 447-453 (if=3.43, ci=26) 9. M. Premanathan, R. Arakaki, H. Izumi, K. Kathiresan, M. Nakano, N. Yamamoto & H. Nakashima. 1999. Antiviral properties of a mangrove plant, Rhizophora apiculataBlume, against human immunodeficiency virus. Antiviral Research, 44 (2) : 113-122 (if=4.301, ci=64) 10. P. Moorthy&K. Kathiresan, 1999. Effects of UV-B radiation on photosynthetic reactions in Rhizophora apiculata. Plant Growth Regulation, 28: 49-54 (if=2.859, ci=17)

[ 54 ]

KHAN, MUJEEBUR RAHMAN (b 1963), Professor, Aliagrh Muslim University, Aligarh Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. Khan is a fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. He has 125 research papers, 35 review articles, 2 patents (USA 1 & India 1), 5 authored books (USA 1, Germany 2 and India 2), 3 edited books (NASI, Allahabad) and 6 research projects (DST 2, DBT 1, UGC 2 & UPCST 1) to his credit. Dr. Khan has contributed largely in evaluating the effects of environmental contamination and climatic change on crop productivity and plant diseases. His researches have revealed that SO2, O3, NH3, coal smoke, acidic rain and heavy metals at low concentrations do not injure plants, but may predispose them to a greater pathogenic damage. His ongoing DST project on climatic change has shown that 450-500 ppm CO2 can promote plant diseases. Dr. Khan has also explored plant growth promoting and pathogen suppressing effects of flyash, and has recommended soil application of 3-4 q ash/ha for cultivation of ornamental plants. Dr. Khan’s other major research area is biocontrol of plant diseases. Evaluation of numerous microorganisms has revealed that Pochonia chlamydosporia, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas flourescens can control root-knot, root-rot, wilt and fungus-nematode disease complexes of vegetables, pulses and ornamentals. Dr. Khan has invented a low-cost technology to produce microbial formulations of biocontrol fungi and bacteria. He has maped diversity of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) in U.P. and has demonstrated commercial potential of selected indigenous strains of EPN in the management of fruit fly in mango and root-knot nematodes in vegetable.

Proposer : Prof. M. Shamim Jairajpuri, Seconder : Prof. Q. H. Baqri Ten Best Publications: 1. Khan M R and M W Khan.1993. Interaction of SO2 and root-knot nematode on tomato. Environmental Pollution (U.K.) 81:92-103.(if=4.094, ci=25) 2. Khan M R and M W Khan.1994. Single and interactive effects of root-knot nematode and coal smoke on okra. New Phytologist (U.K.) 126:337-342. (if=6.640, ci=12) 3. Khan M R and M W Khan.1995. Effects of ammonia and root-knot nematode on tomato. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment (The Netherlands) 53:71-81. (if=3.673, ci=8) 4. Khan M R and M W Khan.1997. Effect of root-knot nematode on the sensitivity of tomato to sulphur dioxide and ozone. Environmental and Experimental Botany (U.S.A.) 37:11-26. (if=3.553, ci=9) 5. Khan M R and M W Khan.1996. The effect of fly ash on plant growth and yield of tomato. Environmental Pollution (U.K.) 92:105-11.(if=4.094, ci=113) 6. Khan M R, M W Khan and MJ Pasha.1998. Effects of sulphur dioxide on the development of powdery mildew of cucumber. Environmental and Experimental Botany 40:265-273. (if=3.553, ci=14) 7. Khan M R and M W Khan.1998. Interactive effects of ozone and root-knot nematode on tomato. Agriculture, Ecosysterms & Environment (The Netherlands) 70:97-107. (if=3.673, ci=5) 8. Khan M R and M W Khan.1998. Interactive effects of ozone and powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) on bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). Agriculture, Ecosysterms & Environment (The Netherlands) 70:109-118. (if=3.673, ci=5) 9. Khan M R and S.M Khan. 2002. Effect of root-dip treatment with certain phosphate solubilising microorganisms on Fusarial wilt of tomato. Bioresource Technology (U.K.) 85:213-215. (if=5.172, ci=27) 10. Khan M R and M. Mahmud Khan 2010. Effect of intermittent exposures of SO2 on the leaf blight caused by Alternaria brassicicola on Indian mustard. Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment (Netherland) 139 (4): 728-735 (if=3.673, ci=2)

[ 55 ]

PATIL, RAMABHAU TUMADU (b 1954), Principal Scientist and Former Director, CIPHET; Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal (MP) Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. Patil, a fellow of ISAE, Institution of Engineers and NAAS has contributed substantially to R&D in the area of Food Engineering. He has developed more than 20 prototypes for processing of plantation crops, soybean, fruits and vegetables for use by small scale processing industry in the production catchment. As Director CIPHET he steered the research on cutting edge areas like extrusion cooking, fermentation, smart packing, and development of bio extracts. The inventions done by his team like pomegranate aril extracting machine (500 kg/h with no aril damage and at 1/10 cost and double the capacity of imported machine) and hand tool for aril extraction are unique in the world. His earlier invention of coconut dryer has been helping coconut farmers of the country since last 25 years through about 20 manufacturers. The invention of soybean processing machines like low cost flaking machine, blancher, extruder, dryer etc has helped establish small scale processing industries to provide rural employment and better return to farmers. Development of a reactor and decantor by his team for fractionation of mustard flour, hulls and bio extract for production of mustard sauce have been licensed to M/s Cremica in 2007. He has published more than 75 research papers in refereed journal, 55 conference proceedings, 20 book chapters, 2 authored and 7 edited books. He is recipient of eminent engineer award by Institution of Engineers India and team awards from Govt of Poland for thermal processing and from ISAE for the invention of pomegranate aril extractor.

Proposer: Dr. Rakesh Tuli, Seconder: Dr. Tapan K. Adhya Ten Best Publications: 1. Patil, R. T. and B. D. Shukla. 1988. Natural convection tray type batch dryer using agricultural waste as fuel. International J. of Drying Technology, USA. 6 (2):P 195-212 (IF = 1.662) 2. Patil R. T. and Nawab Ali. 2006. Effect of pretreatments on mechanical oil expression of soybean using a commercial oil expeller. International Journal of Food Properties. 9:1-10 (IF= 0.947) 3. R.T. Patil, B.D. Shukla and A.P. Gandhi 1987 Development of low-cost soybean blanching unit using wood chips as fuel. Energy in Agriculture, 6 (1987) 255-263 (IF = 4.365) 4. Patil R. T. and B. D. Shukla. 2006 A novel design of crop dryer for use in developing countries. International J. of Drying Technology, 24,1-7 (IF= 1.662, CI = 0.14) 5. Rajbir Singh, RR Sharma, S Kumar, RK Gupta and RT Patil. 2008 Vermi compost substitution influences growth, physiological disorder, fruit yield and quality of strawberry. Bioresource Technology Volume 99, Issue 17, November 2008, Pages 8507-8511 (IF = 4.365) 6. Harinder Singh Oberoi; Praveen V Vadlani; Khushal Brijwani; Vinod Kumar Bhargav; Ramabhau Tumadu Patil. 2010. Enhanced Ethanol Production via Fermentation of Rice Straw with hydrolysate-adapted Candida Tropicalis ATCC 13803 Process Biochemistry, Vol.45 No.8 August 2010 [Page 1299-1306] (IF= 2.648, CI = 4.0) 7. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Neha Babbar, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, Simranjeet Kaur, Praveen V. Vadlani, Vinod K. Bhargav and Ramabhau T. Patil. 2010. Enhanced Oil Recovery by Pre-treatment of Mustard Seeds Using Crude Enzyme Extract Obtained from Mixed-Culture Solid-State Fermentation of Kinnow (Citrus reticulata) Waste and Wheat Bran. Food Bioprocess Technol., Online May: 9 pages (IF = 3.576, CI= 1.00) 8. Neha Babbar, Harinder Singh Oberoi, Dewinder Singh Uppal, Ramabhau Tumadu Patil. 2011. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of extracts obtained from six important fruit residues. Food Research International 44 (2011) 391-396 (IF= 2.416) 9. D.R. Rai, S.N. Jha, O.D. Wanjari and R.T. Patil. 2009. Chromatic Changes in Broccoli (IF= 1.223) 10. Dattatreya M. Kadam, Deepak Raj Rai, R.T. Patil, Robin A. Wilson, Sumandeep Kaur, and Rahul Kumar. 2011 Quality of fresh and stored foam mat dried Mandarin powder. International Journal of Food Science and Technology doi:10.1111/j.1365-2621.2011.02559.x(IF= 1.172, CI= 0.00)

[ 56 ]

PATRA, ASHOK KUMAR (b 1960), Director, Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal.

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Developed a procedure for bromide (Br–) extraction and estimation as a tracer for studying

2NO –N movement/leaching in soil and water. Using 15N and Br– tracers, quantified N-transformations in major soils of India. Using lysimeters under intensive legume based forage production system, quantified for the first time that leaching of nutrients during large storms is a major constraint in the semi-arid regions. Unraveled for the first time that N supply from soil [potential-N-mineralization] is strongly influenced by interactive effects of soil management, organic matter fractions, depth and weather conditions. Use of encapsulated calcium carbide (ECC) as a nitrification-denitrification inhibitor; established the mechanism that C2H2, which slowly released from ECC and inhibits activity of ammonia mono-oxygenase, is associated with reducing population of the ammonia oxidizing bacteria in soil. Methodologies developed for studying cell density of nitrifying organisms and genetic diversity at molecular level of functional communities for N-cycling in agroecosystems. Reported for first time that intensive agro-ecosystem enhances the activity and abundance of functional communities driving N cycling, but reduces their genetic diversity. Using molecular probes, demonstrated for the first time that intensity of land management and the plant species composition play a significant role to shape up the community functions and microbial diversity in soil. Identified promising strains (JSR-3 and JSR-4) of Rhizobium on Stylosanthes hamata for higher N2 fixation under impoverished red soils of the grasslands in India. Developed an integrated soil quality index for different cropping and land management systems. The nominee has more than 200 publications and his contribution has been recognized by national and international awards/recognitions such as FNAAS, FRMSI, IARI Hooker Award, Bharat Jyoti Award, Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award, DBT Biotechnology Overseas Associateship Award, Member of 'Nature' (Journal, UK) Readers' Panel, etc. His top ten papers have been cited more than 500 times with average citations of each paper 51.7 and average ISI impact factor of each paper 4.09; and average NAAS IF 8.05. He is serving the Indian Society of Soil Science as President (Delhi Chapter) and Joint Secretary; and refereeing NASI's journals besides 25 other International journals, and acting as editor of 3 journals of national and international repute.

Proposer : Dr. D.D. Patra, Seconder : Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra Ten Best Publications: 1. Patra A.K., Abbadie, L., Clays, A., Degrange, V., Grayston, S. J., Loiseau, P., Louault, F., Mahmood, S., Nazaret, S. Philippot, L., Poly, F., Prosser, J. I., Richaume, A. and Le Roux, X. (2005). Effect of grazing on microbial functional groups involved in soil N dynamics. Ecological Monographs 75(1): 65-80. (IF=8.085, NAAS IF = 14.09 CI=118) 2. Patra, A.K., Clays, A., Degrange, V., Grayston, S. J., Guillaumaud, N., Loiseau, P., Louault, F., Mahmood, S., Nazaret, S. Philippot, L., Poly, F., Prosser, J. I., and Le Roux, X. (2006). Effects of management regime and plant species on the enzyme activity and genetic structure of N-fixing, denitrifying and nitrifying bacterial communities in grassland soils. Environmental Microbiology 8 (6): 1005-1016.(IF=5.756, NAAS IF =11.76, CI=108) 3. Masto, R. E., Chhonkar, P.K., Singh, D., Patra, A. K. (2006). Changes in soil biological and biochemical characteristics in a long-term field trial on a sub-tropical inceptisol. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 38: 1577-1582 (IF=3.654, NAAS IF =9.65, CI=123) 4. Mandal, A., Patra, A. K., Singh, D., Swarup, A., Masto R. E. (2007). Effect of long-term application of manure and fertilizer on biological and biochemical activities in soil during crop development stages. Bioresource Technology 98: 3585-3592. (IF=4.750, NAAS IF =10.75, CI=119) 5. Masto, R. E., Chhonkar, P.K., Singh, D., Patra, A. K. (2007). Soil quality response to long-term nutrient and crop management on a semi-arid inceptisol. Agriculture, Ecosystem & Environment: 118 (1): 130-142. (IF=2.859, NAAS IF =8.86, CI=74) 6. Masto, R. E., Chhonkar, P.K., Singh, D., Patra, A. K. (2008) Alternative soil quality indices for evaluating the effect of intensive cropping, fertilisation and manuring for 31 years in the semi-arid soils of India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 136: 419–435.(IF=1.592, NAAS IF =7.59, CI=52) 7. Patra, A.K., Le Roux, X., Grayston, S. J., Loiseau, P., Louault, F. (2008). Unraveling the effects of management regime and plant species on soil organic carbon and microbial phospholipid fatty acid profiles in grassland soils. Bioresource Technology 99: 3545-3551(IF=4.750, NAAS IF =10.75, CI=25) 8. Patra, A.K., Jarvis, S.C. & Hatch, D. (1999): Nitrogen mineralization in soil layers, soil particles and macro-organic matter under grassland. Biology and Fertility of Soils 29(1): 38-45. (IF=2.505, NAAS IF =8.51, CI=21) 9. Patra, A. K., Chhonkar, P. K. and Khan, M. A. (2004). Nitrogen loss and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields in response to zero-tillage and sowing time in a semi-arid tropical environment. Journal of Agronomy & Crop Science 190: 324-331. (IF=2.151, NAAS IF =8.15, CI=15) 10. Mohanty, S., Patra, A. K., & Chhonkar, P.K. (2008). Neem (Azadirachta indica) seed kernel powder retards urease and nitrification activities in different soils at contrasting moisture and temperature regimes. Bioresource Technology 99: 894-899. (IF=4.750, NAAS IF =10.75, CI=15)

[ 57 ]

PRASAD, GAYA (b. 1953), Assistant Director General (Animal Health), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Bhavan, R. Prasad Road, New Delhi. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Prof. Prasad's pioneering work on bluetongue virus (BTY) epidemiology, viral genomic diversity, cell tropism, serological and molecular diagnostics and vector identification laid the foundation for development of vaccine based on Indian strains of the virus. His laboratory isolated and identified BTV from sheep and insect vector species for the first time in the country. Using sentinel herd approach, his group demonstrated current circulation of BTV in susceptible ruminant livestock. Monoclonal antibody against buculovirus expressed recombinant VP7 protein antigen were used for very sensitive dot immunobinding assay antibodies. His laboratory cloned and sequenced several genes of different serotypes/strains of BTV circulating in India. Based on the nucleotide sequences of group specific genes (VP7 and NS1) of Indian BTV isolates, RT-PCR based molecular diagnostic assays were developed for detection of BTV in the semen and blood samples of ruminants. Besides, 49 research publications and 49 gene sequences on bluetongue virus, he wrote a book on bluetongue which was published by ICAR. He made significant contributions in molecular epidemiology of animal rotaviruses, canine parvovirus and fowl adenoviruses. A strain of bovine rotavirus having new G & P genotype was isolated from buffalo calf for the first time in the world. Similarly, avian rotavirus was for the first time identified in poultry in India. Way back in 1987, he demonstrated that T lymphocytes were required for expression of neurological and immunological disorder induced by a temperature sensitive mutant (ts 1) of Moloney murine leukaemia virus.

Proposer: Dr. Rishendra Verma, Seconder: Dr. R. M. Acharya Ten Best Publications: 1. Manuja, B.K.,. Prasad, Minakshi, Manuja, A, Gulati, B.R. and Prasad G. (2008). A novel genomic conslellation G10P[3] of group A rotavirus detected from buffalo calves in northern India. Virus Research. 138:36-42. (IF: 2.563, CI : 2) 2. Pathak KB, Biswas, SK, Tembhurne, AP, Hosamanib, M, Bhanuprakash, V., Prasad, G., Singh, RK, Rasool, T J & Mandai, B. (2008). Prokaryotic expression of truncated VP7 of Bluetongue virus (BTV) and reactivity of the purified recombinant protein with all BTV type-specific sera. Journal of Virological Methods. 152:6-12. (IF: 2.133, CI: 5) 3. Mertens,P.P.C., Maan,N.S., Prasad,G., Samuel,AR., Shaw, AE., Potgiester, AC., Anthonay, S.J.& Maan, S. (2007).Design of primers and use of RT-PCR assays for typing European bluetongue virus isolates: differentiation of field and vaccine strains. Journal of General Virology. 88:2811-2823. (IF: 3.260, CI : 28) - 4. Naresh, A, Prasad, G. & Roy, P. (1996). Evaluation of recombinant bluetongue virus antigens using dot immunobinding assay. American Journal of Veterinary Research 57: 1556-1558. (IF: 1.53, CI : 5) 5. Chander, S., Prasad, G. & Jain, N.C. (1991). Dotimmonobinding assay for detection of bluetongue virus antibodies in sheep experimentally inoculated with bluetongue virus type 1. Veterinary Microbiology. 28: 289-294. (IF: 2.874, CI : 2). 6. Prasad, G., Stoika, G. & Wong, P.K.Y. (1989). The role of thymus in the pathogenesis of hind limb induced by ts1, a temperature sensitive mutant of Moloney murine leukemia virus-TB. Virology. 169: 332-340. (IF: 3.042, CI : 14) 7. Wong, P.K.Y., Prasad, G., Hansen, J. & Yuen, P.H. (1989). ts1, a mutant of Moloney murine leukemia virus-TB, causes both immunodeficiency and neurological disorders in BALB/c mice. Virology. 170: 450-459. (IF: 3.042, CI : 37) 8. Prasad, G., Kumar, A, Singh, AK., Bhattacharya A.K., Singh, K. & Sharma,V.D. (1986). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of some Ocimum species and clove oil. Fitoterapia. LVII: 429- 432. (IF: 1.36, CI : 23) 9. Prasad, G. & Sharma, V.D. (1981). Antifungal property of garlic in poultry feed substrate. Poultry Science. 60: 541-545. (IF: 1.747, CI : 6) 10. Prasad, G. & Sharma, V.D. (1980). Efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) treatment against experimental candidiasis of chicks. British Veterinary Journal (Now Veterinary Journal). 136: 448- 451 (IF: 2.323, CI : 21)

[ 58 ]

SANTRA, SUBHAS CHANDRA (b 1953), Professor, Department of Environmental Science University of Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Prof. Subhas Chandra Santra is a biologist who completed 40 years of teaching and research of which around 30 years in environmental science at University of Kayani, West Bengal. He had published over 250 research papers and scholarly articles in various National and International journals. He supervised over 50 research students in diverse area of research in environmental science. Prof. Santra was awarded Prem Chand Roy Chand Scholarship from University of Calcutta, and received fellowship from West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology. He also acted as Vice president of above academy for four successive years. The major scientific research area of Prof. Santra covers Toxicology, Environmental Microbiology, Radiation Biology and Pollution. He served as member of various academic committees of different Universities, Expert member of State Pollution Board, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India and University Grants Commission. Prof. Santra visited various scientific laboratories of the world, participated in International Conference outside the country and undertook a number of collaborative research with various laboratories within the country. He also published 15 text and reference books in Biology and Environmental Science

Proposer : Prof. T.K.Adhya, Seconder : Dr. Hemanta Kumar Majumder Ten Best Publications: 1. S.M.Islam, Anupam Singha Roy, Paramita Mondal, Dildar Hossain, Satabdi Banerjee, and S.C.Santra, 2011, Synthesis, catalytic oxidation and antimicrobial activity of copper (II) shiff base complex. Journal of Molecular catalysis A: Chemical 336: pp. 106-114.(if=3.319, ci=22) 2. P. Bhattacharya, A.C.Samal, J. Majunder and S. C. Santra, 2010, Arsenic Contamination in rice, wheat, pulses and vegetables: A study in an arsenic affected area of West Bengal, India, Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 213(1-4): 3-13 (if=1.75, ci=35) 3. N, Gupta, D.K. Khan and S.C. Santra. 2009, Prevalence of intestinal helminth eggs on vegetables grown in wastewater-irrigated areas of Titagarh, West Bengal, India. Food Control, 20(10), 942-945. (if=2.74, ci=39) 4. D.N. Guha Mazumder, K. K. Majumdar, S.C.Santra, Hero Kol and Chan Vicheth. 2009, Occurrence of arsenicosis in a rural village of Cambodia, Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A, 44, 480-487 (if=1.107, ci=18) 5. Maity, J.P., Chakraborty, S., Kar, S., Panja, S., Jean, J-S., Samal, A., Chakraborty, A., Santra, S.C. 2009, Effects of gamma irradiation on edible seed protein, amino acids and genomic DNA during sterilization, Food Chemistry, 114,1237–1244. (if=3.33, ci=27) 6. Gupta, N., Khan, D.K. and Santra, S.C. 2008, An Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Vegetables Grown in Wastewater Irrigated Areas of Titagarh, West Bengal, India Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 80(2), 115-118. (if=1.105, ci=52) 7. Mitra, A., Santra, S. C. and Mukherjee, J. 2008, Distribution of actinomycetes, their antagonistic behaviour and the physico-chemical characteristics of the world's largest tidal mangrove forest, Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 80(4):685-95. (if=3.69, ci=19) 8. J.P. Maity, D. Mishra, A Chakravorty, A. Saha, S.C.Santra, S. Chanda. (2005).Modulation of some quantitative and qualitative characteristics in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and mang (Phaseolus mungo L.) by ionizing radiation. Radiation physics & Chemistry 74, 391-394. (if=1.38, ci=14) 9. D. Chakraborty, S. C. Santra, A. L. Mukherjee, B. Roy and P. Das, 2002,Road Traffic Noise in Calcutta Metropolis, India, Indian Journal of Environmental Health, 44, (3) 173-180. (if=2.06, ci=19) 10. Debashish Chakraborty, S. C. Santra. 1997, Status of road traffic noise in Calcutta metropolis, India, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 101 (2), 943 - 949. (if=1.59, ci=57)

[ 59 ]

SINGH, BIJAY (b. 1950), ICAR National Professor, Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Inefficient management of nitrogenous fertilizers, imbalanced use of nutrients and environmental deterioration have been associated with rice-wheat cropping system since late seventies. During more than three decades, Dr Bijay Singh's research efforts have been directed towards understanding the mechanisms and quantifying the losses of nitrogen applied to rice and wheat and finding means and ways to improve the fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency. His contributions on nitrogen balance in soil-plant systems have lead to better understanding for (i) enhancing nitrogen use efficiency in rice-wheat cropping system (ii) fertilizer nitrogen related environmental pollution, and (iii) integrated nutrient management. Initiated in early seventies, work on nitrate pollution of groundwater revealed that nitrogen fertilizers used as per recommended practices contributed very little to nitrate enrichment of groundwater. Research on losses of nitrogen from soil-plant system has provided basis for enhancing fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency and avoiding possible pollution of the environment from fertilizers and helped in formulating more efficient fertilizer management practices for coarse textured soils of north-western India where farmers apply large doses of nitrogen fertilizers. Recent work on scheduling fertilizer nitrogen to rice and wheat through need based fertilizer applications using leaf color chart, chlorophyll meter and optical sensors should provide a breakthrough in rationalizing fertilizer nitrogen usage. Contributions in understanding the basic and applied aspects of integrated management of fertilizers, animal manures, green manures and crop residues have provided scientifically sound directions for achieving not only sustainable yields in rice-wheat system but also for maintaining soil fertility for the future generations.

Proposer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Seconder: Dr. I.P. Abrol Ten Best Publications: 1. Bijay-Singh and GS Sekhon (1976) Nitrate pollution of ground water from nitrogen fertilizers and animal wastes in the Punjab, India. Agriculture and Environment 3:57-67. (IF: 3.130, CI : 17). 2. Katyal JC, Bijay-Singh, PLG Vlek and ET Craswell (1985) Fate and efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers applied to wetland rice II. Punjab, India. Fertilizer Research 6:279-290. (IF: 1.350, CI : 41). 3. Bijay-Singh, JC Ryden and DC Whitehead (1988) Some relationships between denitrification potential and fractions of organic carbon in air-dried and field moist soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 20:737-741. (IF: 2.978, CI : 45). 4. Bijay-Singh, Yadvinder-Singh, CS Khind and OP Meelu (1991) Leaching losses of urea-N applied to permeable soils under wetland rice. Fertilizer Research 28: 179-184. (IF: 1.350, CI : 24). 5. Bijay-Singh, Yadvinder-Singh and GS Sekhon (1995) Fertilizer use efficiency and nitrate pollution of groundwater in developing countries. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 20:167-184. (IF: 2.010, CI : 51). 6. Dawe D, A Dobermann, P Moya, S Abdulrachman, Bijay-Singh, P Lal, SY Li, B Lin, G Panaullah, O Sariam, Y Singh, A Swarup, PS Tan, QX Zhen (2000) How widespread are yield declines in long term rice experiments in Asia? Field Crops Research 66: 175-193. (IF: 2.336, CI : 88). 7. Bijay-Singh, KF Bronson, Yadvinder-Singh, TS Khera, and E Pasuquin. (2001) Nitrogen- 15 balance as affected by rice straw management in a rice-wheat rotation in northwest India. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 59:227-237. (IF: 1.350, CI : 12). 8. Bijay-Singh, Yadvinder-Singh, JK Ladha, KF Bronson, V Balasubramanian, Jagdeep-Singh, and CS Khind (2002) Chlorophyll meter and leaf color chart-based nitrogen management for rice and wheat in northwestern India. Agronomy Journal 94:821-829. (IF : 1.532, CI : 91). 9. Yadvinder-Singh, Bijay-Singh, JK Ladha, CS Khind, RK Gupta, OP Meelu, and E Pasuquin. (2004) Long-term effects of organic inputs on yield and soil fertility in the rice-wheat rotation. Soil Science Society of America Journal 68: 845-853. (IF: 1.604, CI : 51). 10. Bijay-Singh, YH Shan, SE Johnson-Beebout, Yadvinder-Singh and RJ Buresh (2008) Crop residue management for lowland rice-based cropping systems in Asia. Advances in Agronomy 98: 117-199. (IF: 3.800, CI : 12).

[ 60 ]

SINGH, HARIKESH BAHADUR (b 1953), Professor, Department of Mycology & Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005


Prof. Singh has identified several new diseases on different crops and contributed significantly in developing sustainable and economically viable methods of controlling plant pathogens. One of the initial contributions has been establishing the antifungal nature of neem oil effective against soilborne pathogens (Mycologia 72:1077-1093, 1980). This work was instrumental in quashing the neem Patent filed by W.R. Grace CO., USA. Working on biological control of plant diseases, Prof. Singh developed a simple and economically viable medium for mass multiplication of Trichoderma with one year shelf life (US Patent No: 6,511,821). Prof. Singh's innovations have resulted 14 US patents, 3 PCTs patents on bioinoculants and disease resistant varieties of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. His biopesticide technologies were transferred to several industries for commercialization (Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; Balaji Crop Care Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad; GSFC, Vadodara). In recognition to the work on formulation development and popularization of bioinoculants among the farmers, his team was awarded with CSIR Award for Science & Technology Innovation for Rural Development by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. He showed that biocontrol potential microbes in combinations contribute significantly in eliciting host antioxidants and defense mechanisms against soilborne pathogens. His work on antioxidants further established that polyphenolics of different medicinal plants have very high antioxidant and antiquorum-sensing activities. He is recipient of several awards viz., CSIR Technology Prize for Biological Sciences, Prof. Panchanan Maheshwari Medal by Indian Botanical Society, BRSI Industrial Medal Award, Prof. V.P. Bhide Memorial Award by Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science, Pune.

Proposer : Prof. Udai Pratap Singh, Seconder : Prof. A. K. Rai Ten Best Publications: 1. Singh, U.P., Singh, H.B. and R.B. Singh. (1980). The fungicidal effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) extracts on some soil-borne pathogens of gram (Cicer arietinum). Mycologia 72:1077-1093. (if=2.110, ci=82) 2. Pandey, R., Gupta, M.L., Singh, H.B. and S. Kumar. (1999). The influence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi alone or in combination with Meloidogyne incognita on Hyoscyamus niger L. Bioresource Technology 69: 275-278. (if=4.750, ci=12) 3. Nautiyal, C. S., Johri, J.K. and H. B. Singh. (2002). Survival of the rhizosphere-competent biocontrol strains Pseudomonas fluorescens NBRI2650 in the soil and phytosphere. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 48(7): 588-601. (if=1.199, ci=37) 4. Singh, A., Srivastava, S. and H. B. Singh. (2007). Effect of substrates on growth and shelf life of Trichoderma harzianum and its use in biocontrol of diseases. Bioresource Technology 98: 470-473. (if=4.750, ci=31) 5. Dhan Prakash, Upadhyay, G., Singh, B. N. and H. B. Singh. (2007). Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of seeds and agri-wastes of some varieties of soybean (Glycine max). Food Chemistry 104: 783-790. (if=3.334, ci=94) 6. Singh, B.N., Singh, B.R., Singh, R.L., Prakash, D., Dhakarey, R., Upadhyay, G. and H. B. Singh.( 2009). Oxidative DNA Damage protective activity, antioxidant and anti-quorum sensing potentials of Moringa oleifera. Food and Chemical Toxicology 47(6): 1109-1116.(if=3.010, ci=69) 7. Singh, B.N., Singh, B.R., Singh, R.L., Prakash, D., Sarma, B.K. and H. B. Singh. (2009). Antioxidant and Anti-quorum sensing activities of green pod of Acacia nilotica L. Food and Chemical Toxicology 47(4): 778-786. (if=3.010, ci=56) 8. Singh, B.N., Singh, B.R., Singh, R.L., Prakash, D., Singh, D.P., Sarma, B.K. Upadhyay, G. and H. B. Singh. (2009). Polyphenolics from various extracts/fractions of red onion (Allium cepa) peel with potential antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. Food and Chemical Toxicology 47(6): 1161-1167. (if=3.010, ci=63) 9. Singh, H.B., Singh, B.N., Singh, S.P. and C.S. Nautiyal (2010). Solid-state cultivation of Trichoderma harzianum NBRI-1055 for modulating natural antioxidants in soybean seed matrix. Bioresource Technology 101: 6444-6453. (if=4.750, ci=21) 10. Abhilash, P.C., Powel, J., Singh, H.B. and Brajesh K. Singh. (2012). Plant-microbe interactions: Novel applications for exploitation in multi-purpose remediation technologies. Trends in Biotechnology. 30(8): 416-420. (if=9.289, ci=14)

[ 61 ]

SOMVANSHI, RAMESH (b. 1953) Professor, Division of Pathology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) Nominee is having 37 years research, disease investigation and postgraduate teaching experience. He worked on diseases of animals and poultry like-bovine horn cancer, enzootic bovine haematuria, bovine papillomatosis, fern toxicity, infectious bursal disease, aflatoxicoses, diseases of cattle, Pashmina goats, laboratory animals and wildlife. Currently, he is researching on molecular pathogenesis, immunohistochemistry of enzootic bovine haematuria and bovine papillomatosis and fern toxin-virus interactions. He reported first time ultrastructure of bovine horn cancer, established status of EBH and determined presence of fern toxin ptaquiloside / quercetin in Uttarakhand, induced haematuria in guineapigs with green ferns. From bovine papillomatosis and urinary bladder tumour cases of EBH, reported first time BPVs from India. He described ultrastructure of EBH and fern toxicity in cattle and laboratory animals. He studied lBD, aflatoxicoses and their interactions in relation with immunosuppression and observed that in combined groups pronounced occurred. He reported causes of mortality cattle, Pashmina goats and laboratory animals. Investigated causes of deaths in Pashmina goats as environmental stress and controlled their high mortality by disease investigation and prophylaxis. Rare diseases / tumors were reported in these species including polycystic liver disease in hamsters. First world report of potato plant dermatitis and papillomatoses in Indian buffaloes and yaks were outstanding achievements. He credits 40 gene bank submissions. Possessing rich experience in necropsy techniques, histopathological and electron microscopy interpretations. Engaged in post graduate teaching in Veterinary Pathology. Guided 12 masters/ doctoral scholars and served as National Fellow (ICAR), Head, Division of Pathology and Joint Director, CADRAD, IVRI, Izatnagar.

Proposer : Dr. Ram Raghubir, Seconder : Dr. R. Verma

Ten Best Publications: 1. Somvanshi, R., Iyer, P.K.R., Biswas, J.C. and Koul, G.L. (1987). Polycystic liver disease in golden

hamsters. J. Comp. Path., 97: 615-618. (Impact Factor 1.725) Cited by 4 2. Hoque, M., Somvanshi, R., Singh G.R. and Mogha, I.V. (2002). Ultrasonographic evaluation of

urinary bladder in normal, fern fed and enzootic bovine haematuria affected cattle. J. Vet. Med. A., 49: 403-407. (IF 1.854). Cited by 14

3. Somvanshi, R. and Sharma, V.K. (2005). Proliferative urocystica and adenoma in a guinea-pig. J. Comp. Pathol., 133(4): 277-280. (Impact Factor 1.725) Cited by 1

4. Pangty, K., Singh, S., Goswami, R., Saikumar, G. and Somvanshi, R. (2010). Detection of BPV-1 &-2 and quantification of BPV-1 by real time PCR in cutaneous warts in cattle and buffaloes. Trans. Bound. Emerg. Dis., 57(3):185-196. (Impact Factor 2.448) Cited by 23

5. Nagarajan, K. Saikumar, G., Arya, R.S., Gupta, A., Somvanshi, R. and Pattnaik, B. (2010). Influenza A H1N1 virus in Idian pigs and its genetic relatedness with pandemic human influenza A 2009 H1N1. Indian J. Med. Res., 132: 160-167. (Impact Factor 1.51). Cited by 13

6. Rai, G. K., Saxena, M., Singh, V., Somvanshi, R. and Sharma, B. (2010). Identification of bovine papilloma virus 10 in teat warts of cattle by DNase-SISPA. Vet. Microbiol., 147: 416-419.. doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2010.07.015. (Impact Factor 2.874). Cited by 12

7. Mishra, B., Srivastava, V.K., Chaudhry, Somvanshi, R.K., Singh, A.K., Gill, K., Somvanshi, R., Patro, I.K. and Dey, S. (2010). SD-8, a novel therapeutic agent active against multidrug-resistant Gram positive cocci. Amino Acids, 39:1493-1505 (Impact Factor 3.87). Cited by 5

8. Somvanshi, R. (2011), Papillomatosis in Buffaloes: A less-known disease. Trans. Bound. Emerg. Dis., 58: 327-332. doi: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01211.x (Impact Factor 2.448) Cited by 3

9. Pathania, S., Pawan Kumar, Leishangthem, G.D., Kumar, D., Dhama, K. and Somvanshi, R. (2011). Preliminary assessment of binary ethylenimine inactivated and saponized cutaneous warts (BPV-2) therapeutic vaccine for enzootic bovine haematuria in hill cows. Vaccine, doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.07.065. (Impact Factor 3.467). Cited by 4

10. Pathania, S., Dhama, K., Saikumar, G., Shahi, S. and Somvanshi, R. (2012). Detection and quantification of bovine papilloma virus Type 2 (BPV-2) by real-time PCR in urine and urinary bladder lesions in enzootic bovine haematuria (EBH)-affected cows. Trans. Bound. Emerg. Dis., 59(1):79-84. doi: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01248.x (Impact Factor 2.448). Cited by 7

[ 62 ]

ARYA, ARUN OM PRAKASH (b.1956), Professor & Head, Department of Botany, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara. Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Prof. Arun Arya has worked in the areas of Mycology, Plant Pathology and Biodeterioration. His researches revealed various new plant diseases. Extensive studies conducted by him on Coelomycetes has resulted into discovery of three new species of genera Phomopsis and one new species of Botrydiplodia (Lasiodiplodia) on Rosa indica. Besides finding new diseases, study of their symptoms and etiology the efforts have been made to control the pathogens by eco-friendly methods like use of Botanical Pesticides. To control soil borne pathogens on pulses he has used Soil solarization- a physical soil disinfection technique for the first time in country on pigeon pea and has got significant results. The technique can be applied on fields and nurseries. To ensure food security, higher yield is possible by control of diseases and pests and efficient use of Biofertilizers. He has used Phosphate biofertilizers particularly AM fungi for enhancing biomass/yield in Ricinus communis and tree spp. Methods are being developed to treat the seeds as well as incorporate the AM fungi like Glomus and other Endomycorrhizae in soil. Considering the significant work done in the field of Plant Protection/ Fungal Biology, I propose his nomination for the Fellow of National Academy of Sciences.

Proposer: Prof. Ramesh K. Goyal Seconder: Prof. Anupam Dixit Ten Best Publications: 1. Arya C. and Arya A 2007 Aeromycoflora of fruit markets of Baroda Aerobiologia 23(4): 283 - 289 (IF: 1.08; CI : 1). 2. Arya A, Shah AR.and Sadasivan S. 2001 Indoor aeromycoflora of Baroda Museum Current Science 81(7): 793 -799 (IF: 0.8; CI :1). 3. Arya A 2007 Lack of motivation for quality Research Current Science 93(11): 1468 (IF: 0.8; CI :1). 4. Arya A, Arya C., Agarwal Rand Lal B.1999 A new species of Phomopsis on Tamarindus indica L. National Academy of Science Letters 22 (9 &10) 152 -155(IF : 0.048; CI :1). 5. Arya A, Srivastava R. C., and Lal B. 1985 Botryodiplodia blight of rose in India Plant Disease 69(8) 726 (IF: 2.5). 6. Arya C. and Arya A 2003 Effect of acid hydrolysis of substrate on the yield of oyster ushroom (Pleurotus sajo -caju (Fr.) Singer) Mushroom Research 12(1) 35 - 38. 7. Arya A and Mathew D. S. 1993 Studies on rhizosphere microflora of pigeon pea: qualitative and quantitative incidence of microorganisms after solarization. Indian Phytopath. 46(2) 151 - 154. 8. Arya C. and Arya A 2002 Some new fungal leaf spot diseases of social forestry trees -I J. Mycol. Plant Pathol. 32 (2): 260 - 262. 9. Arya A 1994 Four new fruit rot diseases of Aonla Nat. Acad. Sci. Letters 17 (11 & 12): 201 - 202 (IF: 0.048). 10. Arya A 2002 Soil solarization in integrated Pest Management Ann. Rev. Plant Pathology Vol I: 213 -230.

[ 63 ]

BANDI, VENKATESWARLU (b 1953), Director, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Santoshnagar Hyderabad. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Dr.Venkateswarlu made significant contributions in the field of soil microbiology, particularly biological nitrogen fixation. He carried out pioneering studies on microbial ecology of Indian desert and showed how sand dune stabilization impacts the population diversity of micro-organisms and nutrient build up in the dunes. He extensively studied the water stress impact on BNF and showed that the microsybiont in legume-Rhizobium symbiosis can tolerate much higher level of water stress than the host plant; established the threshold levels of soil and plant water deficits that completely inhibit BNF. He demonstrated that Pseudomonas straita can alleviate heat stress in plants through inducing the synthesis of heat shock proteins (hs0) in leaves, paving the way for the development of microbe based technologies to cope with climate change. He reported the suppressive effects of monoculture of castor and sunflower on population of Bradyrhizobium in soil which helped in understanding the negative effects of crop rotations. Dr. Venkateswarlu developed a unique method of soil fertility build up by growing a legume cover crop using off-season rainfall. He demonstrated that AM inoculation can enhance Azadirachtin content in neem seeds which helps in producing high quality neem seeds.

Proposer: Dr.S.M.Virmani, Seconder: Dr.J.Venkateswarlu Ten Best Publications: 1. Venkateswarlu, B., Rao, A.V., 1983. Response of pearlmillet to inoculation with different strains of Azospirillum brasilense. Plant and Soil 74, 379-386. (IF=2.773, CI=29) 2. Rao, A.V., Venkateswarlu, B., 1983. Microbial ecology of the soils of Indian desert. Agriculture, ecosystems & environment 10, 361-369. (IF=2.790, CI=27) 3. Rao, A.V., Venkateswarlu, B. 1982. Associative symbiosis of Azospirillum lipoferum with dicotyledonous succulent plants of the Indian desert. Canadian Journal of Microbiology 28, 778-782. (IF=1.235, CI=24) 4. Venkateswarlu, B., Maheswari, M., Saharan, N. 1989. Effects of water deficit on N2 (C2H2) fixation in cowpea and groundnut. Plant and soil 114, 69-74. (IF=2.773, CI=23) 5. Venkateswarlu, B., Rao, A.V., 1981. Distribution of microorganisms in stabilized and unstabilized sand dunes of the Indian desert. Journal of Arid Environments 4, 203-207. (IF=1.535, CI=20) 6. Venkateswarlu, B., Saharan, N., Maheswari, M., 1990. Nodulation and N2 (C2H2) fixation in cowpea and groundnut during water stress and recovery. Field Crops Research 25, 223-232. (IF=2.232, CI=18) 7. Venkateswarlu, B., Srinivasa Rao, CH., Ramesh, G., Venkateswarlu, S., Katyal, J.C. 2007. Effects of long term legume cover crop incorporation on soil organic carbon, microbial biomass, nutrient builda up and grain yields of sorghum/sunflower under rainfed conditions. Soil Use and Management 23, 100-107. (IF=1.51, CI=15) 8. Venkateswarlu, B., Ramesh, K., 1993. Cell membrane stability and biochemical response of cultured cells of groundnut under polyethylene glycol-induced water stress. Plant Science 90, 179-185. (IF=2.481, CI=13) 9. Venkateswarlu, B., Rao, A.V., 1987. Quantitative effects of field water deficits on N2 (C2H2) fixation in selected legumes grown in the Indian desert. Biology and fertility of soils 5, 18-22. (IF=2.156, CI=11) 10. Venkateswarlu, B., Hari, K., Katyal, J.C., 1997. Influence of soil and crop factors on the native rhizobial populations in soils under dryland farming. Applied Soil Ecology 7, 1-10. (IF=2.399, CI=11)

[ 64 ]

BARUAH, KUSHAL KUMAR (b 1953), Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, Tezpur (Central) University, Tezpur, Assam Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Dr K.K.Baruah is involved in the global climate change research, on methane and nitrous oxide emission from agricultural sources, including national methane campaign as Principal Investigator from North East India (Science, 316:204-205, 2007). He made precise estimation of methane emission from rice paddy fields grown under different ecosystems from all the agroclimatic zones of NE India and this information contributed significantly to the Indian methane budget (Chemosphere74:590-598, 2009). Morphophysiological traits such as photosynthesis, carbon partitioning, leaf area index of rice varieties associated with emission of methane were identified (Chemosphere 59:1677-1684, 2005, Agric Ecosystem & Environment 124:105-113, 2008).Anatomical characteristics such as area of medullary cavity and stomatal dimension in rice varieties have been found to be related to methane transport (Physiologia Plantarum 134:303-312, 2008).Thus Dr. Baruah has made significant contribution in the field of global climate change research by identifying morphophysiological traits for selecting low methane emitting rice varieties (Agronomy Sustainable Development 28:181-186,2008). He has identified plant anatomical characteristics related to nitrous oxide emission from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants which can contribute to biological mitigation of nitrous oxide emission (Journal of Plant Research, Springer, Japan, 125: 507-516, 2012). His classical investigations have lead to the selection and development of rice cultivars, which not only reduce the emission of methane from rice fields but also produce higher grain yield. His studies are useful to farmers of rice growing areas in India and to policy makers in relation to countering the stress of global climate changes.

Proposer : Dr. D.C. Uprety, Seconder : Prof. Pramod Tandon Ten Best Publications: 1. Deka Manabendra, Saikia, C.N. and Baruah, K.K. (2002). Studies on thermal degradation and termite resistant properties of chemically modified wood. Bioresource Technology (Elsevier) 84: 151-157 (IF=4.980, CI=22) 2. Gogoi Nirmali, Baruah, K.K., Gogoi Boby and Gupta, P.K. (2005). Methane emission characteristics and its relations with plant and soil parameters under irrigated rice ecosystem of northeast India. Chemosphere (Elsevier) 59:1677-1684 (IF=3.206, CI=30) 3. Das Kaushik and Baruah, K.K. (2008). A comparison of growth and photosynthetic characteristics of two improved rice cultivars on methane emission from rainfed agro-ecosystem of north east India. Agriculture, Ecosystem and Environment. (Elsevier) 124:105-113(IF=3.004, CI=12) 4. Gupta Prabhat K., Gupta Vandana, Sharma C., Das S.N., Purkait N., Adhya T.K., Pathak H., Ramesh R., Baruah K.K., .Venkatratnam L., Singh Gulab and Iyer, C.S.P (2009). Development of methane emission factors for Indian paddy fields and estimation of national methane budget .Chemosphere 74: 590-598 (IF=3.206, CI=10) 5. Baruah, K.K., Gogoi Boby and Gogoi, P. (2010). Plant physiological and soil characteristics associated with methane and nitrous oxide emission from rice paddy. Plant Physiology & Mol. Biol. (Springer) 16: 79-91 (IF=0.049, CI=10) 6. Sundareshwar, P.V., Murtugudde, R., Srinivasan, G., Singh, S., Ramesh, K.J., Agarwal,D., Baldocchi, D., Baru, C.K., Baruah K.K. (2007). Indoflux: A Biogeochemical monitoring network for India, Science (USA) 316:204-205 (IF=31.364, CI=5) 7. Das Kaushik and Baruah, K.K. (2008). Methane emission associated with anatomical and morpho physiological characteristics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) plant. Physiologia Plantarum (Black Well) 134: 303-312 (IF=3.112, CI=5) 8. Gogoi Nirmali, Baruah, K.K. and Gupta Prabhat K. (2008). Selection of rice genotypes for lower methane emission. Agron. Sustain. Dev. (EDP Sc) 28:181-186 (IF=1.8, CI=4) 9. Das Kaushik and Baruah, K.K. (2008). Association between contrasting methane emissions of two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars from the irrigated agroecosystem of northeast India and their growth and photosynthetic characteristics. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum (Springer) 30: 569-578 (IF=1.639, CI=5) 10. Baruah, K.K., Gogoi Boby, Borah Leena, Gogoi Manoshi and Boruah, R. (2012). Plant morphophysiological and anatomical factors associated with nitrous oxide flux from wheat (Triticum aestivum). Journal of Plant Research (Springer) 125: 507-516 (IF=1.746)

[ 65 ]

CHAUDHARI, SURESH KUMAR (b 1963), Principal Scientist (Soil Physics), Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. S.K. Chaudhari has made impactful contribution to the development of science through basic, strategic, applied and participatory action research. Developed new concepts for (i) transforming soil-water retention data to transmission and vice-versa (Chaudhari and Batta 2003), (ii) explaining hydraulic conductivity changes due to fluid properties (Chaudhari and Somwanshi 2004), (iii) ion-excess theory for cation exchange equilibrium (Chaudhari and Somwanshi 2002), (iv) applying threshold electrolyte concentration theory to unsaturated soils (Chaudhari et al. 2003), and (v) establishing new critical ESP limits for different soils (Chaudhari and Somwanshi 2002). Developed new methods suiting to Indian conditions for (i) soil textural analysis, (ii) ‘inflow-outflow’ hydraulic conductivity analysis, (iii) drip, pressure and tension infiltration, and (iv) water retention in low suction range (Chaudhari et al. 2001, 2004 and 2008). Developed (i) diffuse double layer – based model for analysing drainage and hydraulic conductivity changes in swelling soils, (ii) model for predicting salinity and alkalinity in irrigated soils, and (iii) predicting hydraulic conductivity from particle-size distribution curve and vice-versa (Chaudhari and More 2000, Chaudhari and Somwanshi 2004). Developed computer software for (i) assessing groundwater suitability for crop production, and (ii) national water management database. Developed integrated water management and resource conservation technologies which are highly input use efficient, saves considerable labour and energy. Technologies are popularized and commercialized by governmental and non-governmental agencies in a public-private-partnership mode. Disseminated knowledge through graduate/postgraduate/Ph.D teaching and guidance. Developed linkages and collaboration with International research organizations of global repute that include many organizations of UNO.

Proposer : Dr.C.L. Acharya, Seconder : Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra Ten Best Publications: 1. Chaudhari S.K., Hamournib M.H., Samouni Abderrazak and Bardhan Gopali (2011). Evaluating the potential of Sesuvium portulacastrum L. In phyto-remediation of saline and sodic soils with varying degree of CaCO3. Bioresource Technology 102 : 6822-6828.(IF=5.352, CI= 19) 2. Chaudhari, S.K., Singh, T.K., Mishra, R.N. and Mahapatra, P.K. (2011). Alternative land-use systems for sodic soils : Assessment of productivity potential of Casuarina glauca. Bioresource Technology 102 : 6822-6828. (IF=5.352, CI= 22) 3. Chaudhari S.K., Stefenson Sion, Bardhan Gopali and Belevier Roddick (2010). Agricultural soil and water quality as influenced by application of immobilization amendments : Environmental implications. Environment International 38 : 258-267. (IF=5.359, CI= 49) 4. Chaudhari S.K., Mohapatra, S.D. and Marsh Fliom (2009). Ecosystem assessment and human health issues in Acid Sulfate Soils. Environment International 36 : 1234-1242. (IF=5.359, CI=28) 5. McNeely S.A., Chaudhari S.K., Zhi L., McCrain D.R., Raju K.K., and Lal R. (2009). Water-deficit and other challenges for conserving biodiversity in Asia. Conservation Biology 23: 805-810 (IF=4.715, CI= 26) 6. Chaudhari S.K., Singh Ravender and Kundu, D.K. (2008). Modified rapid method for textural analysis of saline and alkaline soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal 72: 431-441. (IF=2.668, CI= 27) 7. Boswak Titiyana G., Chaudhari S.K. and Hamberg Latey J. (2007). Nanotechnlogies for environmental cleanup. Nanotoday 3: 44-48(IF=15.355, CI= 37) 8. Ramirez-Fuentes E., Chaudhari S.K., Escamilla-Silva E. And Scechanzis R. (2002). Effect of long term wastewater irrigation on properties and carbon and nitrogen dynamics in Vertisols and Leptosols. Bioresource Technology Journal 85: 179-187. (IF=5.352, CI= 62) 9. Chaudhari S.K., Gavsane D.V. and Patil A.S. (2001). Use of a non-similar media concept in estimating water retention characteristics from soil particle-size distribution. Geoderma 99:135-144. (IF=2.860, CI= 44) 10. Chaudhari S.K. and More A.N. (2000). Use of diffuse double-layer theory and Gapon’s selectivity coefficient in describing drainage, wetting and drying in a soil with mono- and divalent cations. Geoderma 95:335-346 (IF=2.860, CI= 38)

[ 66 ]

HARISCHANDRA, PRAKASH SHRIPATHY (b 1956), PROFESSOR AND CHAIRMAN, DEPARTMENT OF STUDIES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF MYSORE, MANASAGANGOTRI, MYSORE


Prof. H.S. Prakash has 28 years of teaching/research experience at the Department of Biotechnology, University of Mysore. Currently he is working as Professor of the department. He is a Fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences-2011 in Plant protection and recipient of Prof. V. Puri award of IBS-2011 and S.N. Dasgupta Memorial Award of IPS-2012. He has established seed health training/research facilities for Asian region with DANIDA/DSHC assistance and established cooperation with Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal, China and Vietnam. He evaluated National/International projects including FAO/UNDP. He is coordinating the UGC-SAP-DSA, DST-FIST and DBT-HRD programmes. He has handled DBT, ICAR, UGC projects and generated Rs.10 crore. Recently European Union has awarded Rs. 14 Crore for a network Project with Denmark, Burkina Paso and Tanzania. He developed the research proposal for the Institution of Excellence Scheme of Rs.100 crore awarded to the university by GOI-MHRD-UGC, and coordinating this programme. He has established Electron/confocal microscopy, LC-MS-MS, NMR, XRD and DNA sequencing facilities. He has guided 22 Ph.D’s, 65 M.Phils and published 153 research papers in peer reviewed journals and has 3 patents. He has an impressive citation index of 1332 and h-index of 19. His significant research contributions include; demonstration of the role of defense enzymes in downy mildew/viral disease tolerance; TOM gene targeted RNAi, Peroxidase/transcriptome changes and root apoplastic transport barriers due to salt stress; molecular diversity and bioactivity of endophytes; molecular/serological diagnostic tools, development of Fusarium wilt resistant banana clones through irradiation and demonstration of sclerotial germination of Claviceps fusiformis.

Proposer : PROF. H. SHEKAR SHETTY, Seconder : Dr. G.A. RAVISHANKAR Ten Best Publications: 1. Sreenivasulu, N., Ramanjulu, S., Ramchandra Kini, K., Prakash, H.S., Shekar Shetty, H., Savithri, H.S., and Sudhakar, C. 1999. Total peroxidase activity and peroxidase isoforms as modified by salt stress in two cultivars of fox-tail millet with differential salt tolerance. Plant Science 141: 1-9 (if=2.9, ci=Google Scholar Citation: 110) 2. Sreenivasulu, N., Miranda, M., Prakash, H.S., Wobus, U., and Weschke, W. 2004. Transcriptome changes in foxtail millet genotypes at high salinity: Identification and characterization of a PHGPX gene specifically upregulated by NaCl in a salt-tolerant line. J. Plant Physiol. 161: 467-477 (if= 2.5, ci=Google Scholar Citation: 37) 3. Babitha, M.P., Bhat, S.G., Prakash, H.S. and Shetty, H.S. 2002. Differential induction of superoxide dismutase in downy mildew-resistant and susceptible genotypes of pearl millet. Plant Pathology 51: 480-486. (if= 2.3, ci=Google Scholar Citation: 20) 4. Babitha, M.P., Prakash, H.S. and Shetty, H.S. 2004. Purification and properties of lipoxygenase induced in downy mildew resistant pearl millet seedlings due to infection with Sclerospora graminicola. Plant Science 166 (1) 31-39 (if=2.9, ci=Google Scholar Citation: 15) 5. Madhu, D., Shylaja Dharmesh, M., Arun Chandrashekar, Shekar Shetty, H. and Prakash, H.S. 2001. Role of H+ -ATPas in pearl millet downy mildew disease resistance. Plant Science 161: 799-806 (if= 2.9, ci=Google Scholar Citation: 10) 6. Nandeesh Kumar, P., Sudisha, J., Ramachandra Kini, K., Prakash, H.S., Niranjana S.R. and Shetty, H.S. 2008. Chitosan induced resistance to downy mildew in sunflower caused by Plasmopara halstedii. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 1: 1-7 (if=3.1, ci=Google Scholar Citation: 54) 7. Krishnamurthy, P., Ranathunge, K., Franke, R., Prakash, H.S., Schreiber, L., Mathew, M.K. 2009. The role of root apoplastic transport barriers in salt tolerance of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Planta 230(1):119-34 (if=3.1, ci=Google Scholar Citation: 54) 8. Tejesvi, M.V., Kini, K.R., Prakash H.S., Subbiah, V. and Shetty, H.S. 2007. Genetic diversity and antifungal activity of species of Pestalotiopsis isolated as endophytes from medicinal plants. Fungal diversity 24: 37-54. (if= 5.3, ci=Google Scholar Citation: 60) 9. Tejesvi, M.V., Tamhankar, S. A., Kini, K.R., Rao, V. S., Prakash H.S. 2009. Phylogenetic analysis of endophytic Pestalotiopsis species from ethnopharmaceutically important medicinal trees. Fungal diversity 38:167-183. (if=Impact Factor: 5.3, ci=Impact Factor: 5.3) 10. Julie R. Kesting, Lars Olsen, Dan Staerk, Tejesvi, M.V., Kini, K.R., Prakash, H.S. and Jaroszewski 2012. Production of Unusual Dispiro metabolites in Pestalotiapsis virgatula endophyte cultures: HPLC-SPE-NMR, Electronic circular Dichoism and time-dependent density functional computation study. Journal of Natural Products. 52: 427-435. (if=2.9, ci=Google Scholar Citation: 09)

[ 67 ]

JOHN, GEORGE (b 1952), Sr. Adviser/Scientist-H, Dept. of Biotechnology, Min. of Science & Tech,GOI, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences)

Dr. George John has made outstanding contribution to Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology with more than 35 years in teaching, research, research management, policy and promotion of public private partnership. He has worked in ICAR (CIFRI, CIFA, CMFRI, NBFGR); DBT and WorldFish Center (CGIAR), Cairo. His pioneering work in producing gynogenetic Indian major carps for the first time; cytogenetics, probiotics, immunostimulants and development of aquaculture technologies are noteworthy. He has guided Masters and Ph.D students, examined Ph.D / D.Sc theses, was Guest Faculty, member of Academic Councils of universities and Research Councils of Fisheries institutes. He is now an Adjunct Professor at CIFE, ICAR. Dr. John worked as Senior Aquaculture Scientist (2001-2006) at the WorldFish Center (CGIAR), Regional Center for Africa & West Asia. He strengthened research in the region through selective breeding, fish health and culture technologies. He set up an Aquatic Animal Pathogen and Quarantine Information System (AAPQIS) for Africa, jointly with FAO; strengthened collaboration with Wageningen University and national / international organizations. Dr. John mentored the growth of Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology in India as Director, Adviser and Senior Adviser in DBT. He set up a National Institute of Animal Biotechnology. A National Institute of Marine Biotechnology is being created. These new generation institutions will focus on translational research and incubate companies. Dr. John’s contribution in setting up Biotechnology Parks, Incubation Centers and implementation of ‘Small Business Innovation Research Initiative’ (SBIRI) has been creditable. His role in promoting Aquaculture and Marine biotechnology at the national and international levels is very substantial.

Proposer : Dr. S A H Abidi, Seconder : Dr. T.J Pandian Ten Best Publications: 1. John, G., Reddy, P.V.G.K. and S.D. Gupta, 1984. Artificial gynogenesis in two Indian major carps, Labeo rohita (Ham.) and Catla catla (Ham.) Aquaculture, 42: 161-168. Elsevier, Holland. (IF=2.696, CI=24 (Google scholar)) 2. Reddy, P.V.G.K., John, G.1986. A method to increase mitotic metaphase spreads and permanent chromosome preparations for karyotype studies in fishes. Aquacultura Hungarica Vol. V: 31-36 3. Das, P. and John, G. 1996 Demonstration of sister chromatid differentiation (SCD) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in Etroplus suratensis (Bloch). Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. Vol. 34: 1229 1232 (IF=1.295) 4. Lakra, W.S., John, G., and Barat, A. 1997. Cytogenetic studies on endangered and threatened fishes: Karyotypes of two species of snow trout, Schizothorax richardsoni and S.kumaoensis. Proc. Natl. Acad Sciences, 67(B) 1:80-81 (CI=2 (Google scholar)) 5. Das, P. and John, G. 1997 In vivo induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in a tropical fish, Etroplus suratensis (Bloch). Acta Biologica Hungarica, Vol 48 (2): 167-172 (IF=0.593, CI=5 (Google scholar)) 6. Das, P. and John, G. 1999. Induction of sister chromatid exchanges and chromosome aberrations in vivo in Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) following exposure to organophosphorous pesticides. Toxicology Letters, 104:111-116. Elsevier (IF=3.23, CI=24 (Google scholar)) 7. El Naggar, G.O., John, G., Waheed Elwan, W., Rezk, M. A., Yehia, M. 2006. Effect of varying density and water level on the spawning response of African catfish Clarias gariepinus: Implications for seed production. Aquaculture-Elsevier 261: 904-907. (IF=2.696, CI=6 (Google scholar)) 8. Aly, S.M., Mohammed, M.F and John, G. 2008. Effect of probiotics on the survival, growth and challenge infection in Oreochromis niloticus. Aquaculture Research, , 39,647-656. (IF=1.203, CI=25 (Google scholar)) 9. Aly, S.M., Abd-El-Rahman, A.M., John, G. and Mohammed, M.F. 2008. Characterization of some bacteria isolated from Oreochromis niloticus and their potential use as probiotics. Aquaculture-Elsevier, 277: 1-6. (IF=2.696, CI=41 (Google scholar)) 10. Rezk, M.A., Ponzoni, R.W., Khaw, H.L., Kamel, E., Dawood,T. and John, G. 2009. Selective breeding for increased body weight in a synthetic breed of Egyptian Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Response to selection. Aquaculture- Elsevier 293 (2009) 187-194.(IF=2.696, CI=24 (Google scholar))

[ 68 ]

KALRA, ALOK (b 1959), Scientist G (Chief Scientist), CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Dr Kalra made systematic efforts in developing eco-safe inputs for augmentation and stabilization of productivity and value addition in Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (MAPs). He developed efficient strains of Trichoderma; a strain of T. harzianum useful as biofungicide, growth promoter and nematode inhibitor (US Patent 6,475,772; 2002) and of T. citrinoviride producing higher amounts of exo and endo glucanase and ß glucosidase (Bioresource Technology, 2009). He identified distillation wastes of MAPs as cheap substrate for mass multiplication of Trichoderma (US Patent 6,511,821; 2003), higher cellulase production(Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 200,; Biomass and Bioenergy, 2010) and developed complete recycling package for production of superior quality vermicompost ( US Patent 6,488,733; 2002). Interestingly, while screening resistance inducers ( biological and chemicals) he identified some which apart from providing resistance also improved growth and yields of secondary metabolites; application of amino-iso butyric acid improved growth and flowering in Chamomilla recutita, Dl-2 amino butyric acid improved the content of essential oil in geranium, mint and patchouli by 20-36% (U S Patent 6,720,289; 2004) and culture filtrate of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus significantly improved content of asiaticosides in Centella asiatica. His recent 3-years publications carrying a total IF of >50 truly speak about his research capabilities. Based on his scientific achievements in Plant Protection, he was elected as fellow of NAAS in 2010. As a leader of CSIR-800 Programme, CSIR-CIMAP team did a commendable job, recognized by FICCI, CSIR and ZEE-MAHINDRA who conferred Rural Development and Technology Awards to CSIR-CIMAP.

Proposer : Prof. Ram Rajasekharan, Seconder : Dr B P Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Srivastava, R.K., Singh, A.K., Kalra, A., Tomar, V.K.S. and Bansal, R.P., Patra, DD., Chand,S., Naqvi, AA., Sharma, SS and Kumar Sushil. 2002 .Characteristics of menthol mint Mentha arvensis cultivated on industrial scale in the Indo Gangetic plains. Industrial Crops and Products 15:189-198 (if=If= 2.468, ci=Citations= 31) 2. Mahesh Chandra, Kalra, A; Sangwan, NS; Gaurav, SS; Darokar, MP; Sangwan, RS. 2009 Development of a mutant of Trichoderma citrinoviride for enhanced production of cellulases. Bioresource Technology 100:1659-62 (if= If= 4.750, ci=Citations= 41) 3. Mahesh Chandra, Kalra, A; Sharma PK; Sangwan, RS. 2009. Cellulase production by six Trichoderma spp fermented on medicinal plants processings. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology 36:605–609 (if=If= 2.321, ci= Citations= 24) 4. Alok Kalra, Mahesh Chandra, Ashutosh Awasthi, Anil K. Singh, Suman Preet S. Khanuja. 2010. Natural compounds enhancing growth and survival of rhizobial inoculants in vermicompost-based formulations. Biol Fertil Soils 46:521-24 (if=If= 2.505, ci=Citations= 20) 5. Mahesh Chandra, Alok Kalra,Pradeep K. Sharma, Hirdesh Kumar and Rajinder S. Sangwan. 2010. Optimization of cellulases production by Trichoderma citrinoviride on marc of Artemisia annua and its application for bioconversion process. Biomass and Bioenergy 34:805-11 (if= If= 2.975, ci=Citations= 20) 6. Awasthi, A; Bharti, N; Nair, P; Singh, RP; Shukla, AK; Gupta, MM; Darokar, MP; Kalra, A. 2011. Synergistic effect of Glomus mosseae and nitrogen fixing Bacillus subtilis strain Daz26 on artemisinin content in Artemisia annua L. Applied Soil Ecology 49:125– 130 (if=If= 2.106, ci=Citations= 16) 7. Singh, R, Kalra, A ., Ravish, BS., Divya, S, Parameswaran, TN., Srinivas, KVNS and Bagyaraj, DJ. 2012. Effect of potential bioinoculants and organic manures on root-rot and wilt, growth, yield and quality of organically grown Coleus forskohlii in a semiarid tropical region of Bangalore (India) . Plant Pathology 61:700-708 (if=If= 2.729, ci=Citations= 5) 8. Deepti Barnawal, Nidhi Bharti, Deepamala Maji, Chandan Singh Chanotiya, Alok Kalra. 2012. 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase-containing rhizobacteria protect Ocimum sanctum plants during waterlogging stress via reduced ethylene generation. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 58 : 227-235 (if= If= 2.775, ci=Citations= 12) 9. Rakshapal Singh & Sumit K. Soni & Alok Kalra. 2013. Synergy between Glomus fasciculatum and a beneficial Pseudomonas in reducing root diseases and improving yield and forskolin content in Coleus forskohlii Briq. under organic field conditions. Mycorrhiza 23:35-44 (if= If= 2.955, ci=Citations= 8) 10. Rashmi Tiwari, Ashutosh Awasthi, Maneesha Mall, Ashutosh K. Shukla, K.V.N. Satya Srinivas, K.V. Syamasundar, Alok Kalra. 2013. Bacterial endophyte-mediated enhancement of in planta content of key terpenoid indole alkaloids and growth parameters of Catharanthus roseus.Industrial Crops and Products 43 :306–310 (if= If= 2.468, ci=Citations= 4)

[ 69 ]

KHAN, MOHAMED LATIF (b 1961), Professor, Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed University), Nirjuli – 791109 (Arunachal Pradesh) Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. Khan’s major research interests focus on forest regeneration dynamics. Besides, he has also made valuable contribution in the fields of biodiversity conservation and eco-restoration. His investigations include mapping of plant biodiversity of Arunachal Pradesh and threatened/highly exploited tree species. He also explored the biodiversity of sacred groves of north eastern region. He has succeeded in characterizing the habitat requirements of a few tree species. His team has fabricated the solar powered electronic rodent traps. His studies on Rhododendrons have pointed towards the vulnerability of several species to anthropogenic stresses and have provided some insight for their conservation. He is also engaged with the studies on population dynamics of a few critically endangered tree species and has identified their niches and guilds that influence their regeneration process. He is also using ecological niche modeling as a tool for locating new populations of endangered tree species which will enhance ongoing efforts towards their in situ conservation. He is a recipient of Nanda Memorial Young Scientist Medal for his outstanding research in the fields of forestry and tree biology. He is a recipient of DST-BOYSCAST and DBT-Overseas fellowships. He is the Fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Environmental Science Academy and National Institute of Ecology. Dr. Khan is also carrying out research in collaboration with Concordia University, Grand Valley State University and Kansas University, USA. He has successfully supervised the Ph.D. research of ten students, and eight students are currently doing their Ph.D. under his guidance.

Proposer : Professor R. S. Tripathi, Seconder : Professor R. K. Kohli Ten Best Publications: 1. Tripathi R. S. & Khan M. L. 1990. Effect of seed weight and microsite characteristics on germination and seedling fitness in two species of Quercus in a subtropical wet hill forest. Oikos 57: 289-296. (IF=3.94, CI=128) 2. Khan M. L., Menon S. & Bawa K. S. 1997. Effectiveness of protected area network in biodiversity conservation in north-east India: a case study of Meghalaya state. Biodiversity and Conservation, 6: 853-868. (IF=2.274, CI=70) 3. Menon S., Pontius Jr. R. Gil, Rose J., Khan M. L. & Bawa K. S. 2001. Identifying conservation priority areas in the tropics: A land-use change modeling approach. Conservation Biology, 15: 501-512. (IF=5.261, CI=51) 4. Bhuyan P., Khan M. L. and Tripathi R. S. 2003. Tree diversity and population structure in undisturbed and human-impacted stands of tropical wet evergreen forest in Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalayas, India. Biodiversity & Conservation, 12 (8): 1753-1773 (IF=2.274, CI=69) 5. Khan M. L., Rai J. P. N. & Tripathi R. S. 1987. Population structure of some tree species in disturbed and protected subtropical forests of north-east India. Acta Oecologica - Oecologia Applicata 8: 247-255. (IF=1.908, CI=53) 6. Khan M. L., Rai J. P. N. & Tripathi R. S. 1986. Regeneration and survival of tree seedlings and sprouts in tropical deciduous and sub-tropical forest of Meghalaya, India. Forest Ecology and Management, 14: 293-304. (IF=2.633, CI=41) 7. Khumbongmayum A.D., Khan M.L. and Tripathi R.S. 2005. Sacred groves of Manipur, northeast India: Biodiversity value, status and strategies for their conservation. Biodiversity and Conservation, 14:1541-1582. (IF=2.274, CI=30) 8. Khan M. L. & Tripathi R. S. 1986. Tree regeneration in a disturbed sub-tropical wet hill forest of north-east India: effect of stump diameter and height on sprouting of four tree species. Forest Ecology and Management, 17: 199-209. (IF=2.633, CI=25) 9. Barbhuiya A.R., Arunachalam A., Pandey H.N., Arunachalam K., Khan M.L., Nath P.C. 2004. Dynamics of soil microbial biomass C. N. and P. in disturbed and undisturbed stands of a tropical wet-evergreen forest. European Journal of Soil Biology 40(3-4):113-121.ISSN:1164-5563 (IF=2.686, CI=37) 10. Khan M. L. 2004. Effects of seed mass on seedling success in Artocarpus heterophyllus L., a tropical tree species of north-east India. Acta Oecologica 25:103-110 (IF=1.908, CI=32)

[ 70 ]

MESHRAM, SUDHIR UMAJI (b.1955), Vice-Chancellor, North Maharashtra University, P.B. No. 80, Umavinagvar, Jalgaon Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) FOR his very stupendous degree of academic specialization In the areas of Biological "N" Fixation, Biological control of insects, Vectors & Pathogens, Genetic Engineering and Use of Waste Products/Barren Wasteland, Biotechnological application in Environmental, Agricultural & Medical Sciences which enabled him to successfully handle several responsibilities connected with teaching, administration and research. Prof. Sudhir U. Meshram hold Ph.D (Microbiology) from IARI, New Delhi & Post Doctorate from Holland having administrative experience and 30 years an epitome of professional success. As Principal Investigator he completed 5 Major R&D sponsored Projects (DBT, ONES, ICAR & DST) and 2 more are on-going, and aquired 2 patents. He has several R&D publication in National reputed & International Journals. Ably he organized know-how developed low-cost sustainable environmently friendly biotechnology & post-monitoring several R&D Transfer of Technology/ Biotechnology Training Programmes for the benefit of SC/ST/OBC/RurallTribal Farmers and Fishermen both men & women of Vidarbha Region. Successfully he guided 19 Ph.D. aspirants and 06 more are in the offing. For the benefit of PG students he developed new teaching methods like Audio-Visual Aids, CDs, field Demos. Group discussions and so on. Also he periodically revised the PG curriculae in order to keep pace with changing trends. He has established a Rajiv Gandhi Biotechnology Centre in RTM Nagpur University, he is Co-Ordinator of M.Sc (Biotechnology) DBT-RGVBC Support Programme on all India basis sponsored by Min. of Sci. & Tech., Govt. of India, New Delhi. He is associated with a number of professional bodies as a Advisor and Expert (UPSC), Advisor-cum-Expert on Planning Commission of Govt. of India and also Chairman & Member of Expert Committee set up by UGC, NIT's, NBA (AICTE) and Member of "Research Advisory Committee of National Bureau of Agril. Important Microorgahisms" re-constituted by Director General of ICAR, New Delhi, Govt. of India. He was Chairman of Association of Microbiologists of India, is now Chairman & Member of BOS/Exa1'ns in Biotechnology/Microbiology lFaculty of Science of RTM Nagpur University. He was Member of Academic Council, Senate and Vigilance squad for smooth Conducts of Exams. He is fellow member of Maharashtra Academic Sciences, Member of New York Academy Sciences (USA) ID No. #11306897, Member of National Academy of Biological Sciences (NABS) Chennai, India & Member of Global Biotech Forum. At present, he is Sr. Most Professor & HOD of Microbiology and Founder Director of Rajiv Gandhi Biotechnology Centre, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur (M.S.) India. He has organized several National & International wellknown Conferences as a Chairman of organizing committee.

Proposer: Prof. K.V.B.R. Tilak Seconder: Dr. Asha A. Juwarkar Ten Best Publications: 1. S. J. Gaikwad, B. Sen & S.U. Meshram, 1987; Effect of Bottlegourd seed coating with antagonists on seedlings quantum of the pathogen inside the seedlings and population of the soil against Fusarium Oxysporum. Plant & Soil. (IF: 7.8) 2. S. U. Meshram, V. Jambhulkar and V. Tule, 1988; Cultivation of Azotobacter on residual liquid from leaf protein extract. J. Microbiology and Biotechnology. (IF : 6.0) 3. N. Dafale, S.R. Wate, S. U. Meshram & T. Nandy, 2008; Kinetic study approach of remazol black-B use for the development of two-stage anoxic-oxic reactor for decolorizationlbiodegradation of azo dyes by activated bacterial consortium. Journal of Hazardous Materials (USA). (IF: 2.975; C = 421) 4. N. Dafale, N. N. Rao, S. U. Meshram & S. R. Wate, 2008; Decolorization of azo dyes and simulated dye bath wastewater using acclimatized microbial consortium-Biostimulation and halo tolerance. Bioresource Technology Journal USA (BERA) & UK (BABA) - ELSEVIER. (IF: 4.453; CI = 5700) 5. K. N. Sahare, V. Anandharaman, V. G. Meshram, S. U. Meshram. D. Gajalakshmi, K. Goswami & M.v.R. Reddy, 2008; In vitro effect of four herbal plants on the motility of Brugia malayi microfilariae. Indian Journal of Medical Research. (IF: 1.670: CI 1224) 6. N. Dafale, L. Agrawal, A. Kapley, S. U. Meshram, H. Purohit & S. R. Wate, 2010; Selection of indicator bacteria based on screening of 16SrDNA metagenomic library from a two-stage anzoxic-oxic bioreactor system degrading azo dyes expression in rat hippocampal slices subjected to ischemic reperfusion injury. Bioresource Technology Journal USA (BERA) & UK (BABA) - ELSEVIER. (IF: 4.453; CI = 5700) 7. A. Gajbhiye, R. R. Rai, S. U. Meshram & A. B. Dongre, 2010; Isolation evaluation and characterization of Bacillus subtilis from cotton rhizospheric soil with biocontrol activity against Fusarium oxysporum. World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology Vol. 26 pp 1187-1194. (IF: 0.945) 8. N. Dafale, S.R. Wate, S.U. Meshram & N.R. Neti, 2010; Transformation of azo dyes during moist heat sterilization : a potential source of error in microbial decolourisation. Inte. J. Environment and Pollution. (IF: 0.5; CI = 832) 9. N. Dafale, S. Wate, S. U. Meshram & N. R. Neti, 2010; Bioremediation of wastewater containing azo dyes through sequential anaerobic- aerobic bioreactor system and its biodiversity. Environmental Reviews, Canada Vol. 18, pp. 21-36. (IF: 2.795; CI = 442) 10. A. A. Deo, A. S. Kulkarni & S. U. Meshram, 2010; Monocationic surfactant induced ultra structural changes in antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli. Indian Journal Med. Res. Vol. 131, pp. 825-828. (IF: 1.67; CI = 2072)

[ 71 ]

MODAYIL, MOHAN JOSEPH (b.1947), Member, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Ministry of Agriculture- ICAR, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan 1, Pusa, New Delhi. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Professor Mohan Joseph Modayil is a distinguished marine fisheries management scientist with 40 years of experience in research, teaching, development work, administration and research management. He is a Ph.D and D.Sc in Bioscience/Marine Science and an Elected Fellow of Zoological Society of London and Fellow of Linnaean Society of London. He served as Professor for 30 years, 7 years as Director of CMFRI and in 2007 appointed to the position of MEMBER, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet of Govt. of India. His 40 years of work has demonstrated his leadership and vision in diverse areas ranging from marine biology, coastal ecology, fisheries management, development research, coastal mariculture, research guidance, administration and management. He has worked extensively on the reproductive dynamics of marine mollusks and his concepts on reproductive dynamics of marine bivalves are well acknowledged. He organized the extensive 50 year database on marine fish landings in to usable outputs, organized scientific open sea cage culture of fin fishes in India, and developed many fisheries management approaches for the Govt. of India. He pioneered development work in many countries and held responsibilities including member of Senate /Academic Council of several Universities, Chairman / Member 'of numerous committees of the Govt. of India, President /Chairman of the Marine Biological Association of India, Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch, Editor in Chief of the Indian Journal of Fisheries, Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India, and Editorial Board of the Indian Journal of Marine Science.

Proposer: Dr. S.A.H. Abidi Seconder: Dr. B.N. Desai Ten Best Publications: 1. M. Mohan Joseph, 1978. Observations on the larval termatode Bucephalus sp. parasitic in the Oyster Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston)·J. Invert. Pathol, 32: 381-383. (IF: 8.2) 2. M. Mohan Joseph and M.N. Madhyastha, 1982. Gametogensis and somatic versus gonadal growth in the oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston). Indian J. Mar. Sci., 11: 303-310. (IF: 7.3) 3. M. Mohan Joseph and M.N. Madhyastha, 1984. Annual reproductive cycle and sexuality of the oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston). Aquaculture 40 : 223-231. (IF: 8.6) 4. M. Mohan Joseph and P. Santha Joseph, 1985. Age and growth of the oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) in mulki estuary, West Coast of India. Indian J. Mar. Sci., 14(4): 184-186. (IF : 7.3) 5. S. Thippeswamy and M. Mohan Joseph, 1991. Population selection strategies in the wedge clam Donax incarnatus (Gmelin) from the Panambur beach, Mangalore, Indian J. Mar. Sci.20:147-151. (IF: 7.3) 6. S. Thippeswamy and M. Mohan Joseph, 1992. Allometry in the wedge clam Donax incarnatus (Gmelin) from the Panambur beach, Mangalore, Indian J. Mar. Sci. 21: 161-163. (IF: 7.3) 7. M. Mohan Joseph and P. Santha Joseph, 1977. Interstitial euglenoids and diatoms causing colouration of Mangalore beach sand during low tides. Indian J. Mar. Sci., 6(2) 28;30. (IF: 7.3) 8. Mohan Joseph.M 1972. Tidal rhythm in the feeding activity of the intertidal amphipod Hyale hawaiensis (Dana). Proc. Indian Natl Sci. Acad. 38 (5 and 6) : 456-461. (IF: 4.0) 9. K.S.Mohamed and Mohan Joseph Modayil, 2007. Biometric relationship of the Blacklipped Pearl Oyster Pinctada margeretifera (Linnaeus 1758) from the Andaman and Nicobar waters. Indian J.Fish 54(4): 409-417 (IF: 4.0) 10. Kripa.V., K.J.Abraham, C.L. Libini, T.S. Velayudhan, P.Radhakrishnan, K.S.Mohamed and Mohan Joseph Modayil.2008. Production of designer mabe pearls in the Black lipped Pearl Oyster Pirictada margeterifera and the Winged Pearl Oyster Pterie penguin from the Adaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Journal World Aquaculture Society, 39(1): 131-137. (IF: 7.7)

[ 72 ]

PONNUCHAMY, MANIVEL (b 1965), PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, DIRECTORATE OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS RESEARCH, ANAND


Yellow revolution in Tamil Nadu: Dr. P. Manivel and his team released the first castor hybrid TMVCH-1 (1995) at ORS, Tindivanam and it has made the yellow revolution in Tamil Nadu and is popular among castor farmers for the past 19 years. Revolution in the potato processing in India: Manivel, along with his team at Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla has developed three high yielding potato varieties viz., Kufri Chipsona-3 (2007), Kufri Himsona (2008), and Kufri Frysona (2009) which are very popular among potato growers and made a revolution in potato chips and processing industries in India including cottage industries and multinational companies. Groundnut varieties: He was associated in the development of two high yielding groundnut bunch varieties, Girnar-2 (2008) and Girnar-3 (2010) at NRCG (Gujarat) and are extensively grown in Northen India. Germplasm management: He has made greater contribution in enriching the plant genetic resources. The germplasm collection, characterization, evaluation, documentation, and maintenance were done for 2283 accessions of castor, groundnut, potato- wild species, Ashwagandha, Isabgol, Gymnema sylvestre, Asparagus spp. and Desmodium gangeticum. Contribution to basic Science: His contribution in adding knowledge to basic science in the field of genetics of different quantitative and qualitative traits, physiology of drought tolerance and reproductive biology of groundnut/potato/medicinal plants are gets appreciation. He has more than 200 publications (research articles, conference papers, bulletins, book chapters, abstracts, popular articles, etc. Awarded J.P.A. Gold medal for the best research paper and fellow of two national academies/society (NABS,ISGPB, besides life member of more than 10 scientific societies.

Proposer : DR. SK PANDEY, Seconder : DR. V. ARUNACHALAM Ten Best Publications: 1. Mathur, R.K., P. Manivel and M.Y. Samdur. 1999. Girnar 1 nlm - A new chemically induced narrow leaf mutant of groundnut. Indian J. Genet. 59(4): 527-530. (if=0.198, ci=4) 2. Samdur, M.Y, A.L. Singh, R.K. Mathur, P. Manivel, B.M. Chikani, H.K. Gor and M.A. Khan. 2000. Field evaluation of chlorophyll meter for screening groundnut genotypes (Arachis hypogaea L.) tolerant to iron-induced chlorosis. Current Science. 79 (2): 211-214.(if=0.782, ci=35) 3. Manivel, P., R.K. Mathur, A. Bandyopadhyay, M.Y. Samdur, Sudha Desai, and H.K. Gor. 2001. Inheritance of main axis flowering and seed testa colour in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Indian J. Genet. 61(4): 371-372. (if=0.198, ci=2) 4. Samdur, M.Y., P. Manivel, V.K. Jain, B.M. Chikani, H.K. Gor, S. Desai, and J.B. Misra. 2003. Genotypic differences and water-deficit induced enhancement in epicuticular wax load in peanut. Crop Sci. 43: 1294-1299. (if=1.64, ci=44) 5. Manivel P., Vinod Kumar, K.C. Thakur and S.K. Pandey. 2005. Stigma receptivity and pollination success in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Indian J. Genet. 65(2): 149-150. (if=0.198, ci=3) 6. Pandey S.K., Singh, S.V. and Manivel, P. 2005. Yield structure, agronomic performance and stability of new potato hybrids in western Uttar Pradesh. Indian J. Agric. Sci. 75: 417-421. (if=0.18, ci=1) 7. Mathur, R.K., Manivel, P., Pariya, P. and Samdur, M.Y. 2006. Inheritance of lemon yellow leaf colour mutant in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Indian J. Genet. 66(2): 149-150. (if=0.198, ci=1) 8. Pandey, S.K., S.V. Singh, P. Manivel, T.A. Joseph, R.S. Marwaha and Dinesh Kumar. 2009. Performance and stability of indigenous and exotic potato (solanum tuberosum) cultivars for processing. Indian J. Agric. Sci. 79(1): 8-11. (if=0.18, ci=2) 9. Vinay Bhardwaj, P. Manivel and J. Gopal. 2011. Screening potato (Solannum spp) for cold-induced sweetening. Indian J. Agric. Sciences, 81 (1): 20-24. (if=0.18, ci=1) 10. Mahesh Kawale, R. Saravanan, Sandip Ankolia, Prakash Patel, Ashuthosh Srivastava, Narendra Gajbhiye, Sandip K Patel and P. Manivel*. 2012. Pharmacognostic characterization of Desmodium gangeticum L., an Ayurvedic plant. Phytomedicin. International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research. 3(4): 119-126. (if=1.654, ci=11)

[ 73 ]

RAJPUT, THAKUR BHAHADUR SINGH (b 1952), Principal Scientist, Water Technology Centre, IARI, New Delhi. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) I have known Dr. T.B.S. Rajput since 1976 when he joined as Scientist at Water Technology Centre after his selection through first All India competition conducted by Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board. He has been a keen researcher and has studied different aspects of agricultural water management, in detail. His interest in canal irrigation and efficiency of its water usage in agriculture through innovative ideas for canal operation, water distribution and its application in the fields has earned him several awards and recognitions. Currently he is leading Precision Farming Development Centre, sponsored by Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. It is through this project that Dr Rajput directly interacts as an expert in irrigation with Government of India and different State Government Departments for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the progress of Centrally sponsored micro irrigation scheme, besides development of appropriate micro irrigation technologies. Dr. Rajput with his team frequently interacts with the farmers to transfer several innovative and farmers friendly water management options such as laser land leveling, adoption of optimal cropping schedule, use of simple flow control devices and micro irrigation hardware and software which have helped in saving large quantities of irrigation water besides enhancing crop yields. These efforts have earned him farmers’ confidence and appreciation. I have no reservation in nominating him for the coveted NASI Fellowship.

Proposer : Dr. P.B.S. SARMA, Seconder : Dr.P.K. Aggarwal Ten Best Publications:

1. Rajput, T.B.S. and Neelam Patel, 2006, Water and nitrate movement in drip irrigated onion under fertigation and irrigation treatment, Agricultural Water Management, Vol. 79, pp 293-311, (NAAS rating = 7.6). 2. Patel, Neelam & TBS Rajput, 2006, Effect of drip tape placement depth and irrigation level on yield of potato, Agricultural Water Management, Vol. 88, pp 209-223, (NAAS rating = 7.6) 3. Patel, Neelam & TBS Rajput, 2008, Effect of subsurface drip irrigation on onion yield, Irrigation Science, Vol. 27, pp 97-108, (NAAS rating = 7.6) 4. Patel, Neelam & TBS Rajput, 2008, Dynamics and modeling of soil water under subsurface drip irrigation onion, Agricultural Water Management, Vol. 95 (12), pp 1335-1349, (NAAS rating = 7.6) 5. Singh D K and TBS Rajput, 2007, Response of lateral placement of subsurface drip irrigation on okra, International J of plant production, Vol.1 (1); pp 74-84, (NAAS rating = 7.5) 6. Rao, B.K. and TBS Rajput, 2009, Decision Support System for Efficient Water Management in Canal Command Areas, Current Science, Vol. 97, No. 1, pp 90-98, (NAAS rating = 7.4) 7. Panda, R.K. and TBS Rajput, 2004, A water budget technique for the design of open drainage systems, Irrigation and Drainage, Vol. 53 (4), pp 449-460, (NAAS rating = 7.4) 8. Rajput, TBS & Neelam Patel, 2005, Enhancement of field water use efficiency in the Indo-Gangetic plain of India, Irrigation and Drainage, Vol. 54 (2), pp 189-203, (NAAS rating = 7.4) 9. Rajput, TBS and J. Singh, 1981, Effect of X-ray irradiation on germination of rice and wheat at different temperature & pH of water, Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Vol. 51, No. 2, pp 83-85, (NAAS rating = 6.6) 10. Rajput, TBS, 1986, A simple recorder for monitoring irrigation water flow, Agricultural Mechanization in Asia, Africa & L. America, Vo. 17, No. 4, pp 32-34. (NAAS rating = 6.3)

[ 74 ]

ROY, AJOY KUMAR (b 1961), Principal Scientist (GENETICS) & Project coordinator All India Coordinated Research Project on Forage Crops IGFRI (ICAR) Jhansi 284003


Dr. Roy has contributed significantly as team leader/ member in forage crops by developing eight varieties in Berseem, oat, Sehima, Heteropogon, Chryosopogon (identified/ released by CVRC); several novel genetic stocks (20 registered with national germplasm registration committee); new cytotypes in Pennisetum (Range Mgmt and Agroforestry 2003,24:71-73; 1997,18:35-39); ploidy series in Panicum (Plant Breeding,2008,128: 295-303), Genetic stocks in Berseem - self incompatible/compatible lines, pentafoliate, Tetraploid, dark seeded (Plant Breeding,2005,124:171-175), TGMS in Pennisetum (Cytologia,2004,69:409-418); polysomics in Avena; salinity tolerant lines in oats being targeted for pyramiding of salinity genes (NATP, DBT project); interspecific hybrids in Trifolium through embryo rescue [Plant Breeding,2004,123:536-542, Plant Cell Reports,2004,22:605-610, Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture, 2005,83:137-144]; Interspecific hybrids in Pennisetums (P. glaucum x P. squamulatum) Cytologia,2007,72:111-118), (P. glaucum x P. orientale) x (P. glaucum x P. squamulatum) (Euphytica,174: 261-281, 2010); identified facultative sexual lines in apomictic perennial range grasses; aluminium tolerance (Mutation Research Letters,1989,227: 221-226; Botanical Review,1988,54:145-178). Forage genetic resource enriched by 1250 indigenous and 1100 Exotic germplasm procured from UK, ILCA, USDA, Sweden and 14 explorations. 4 evaluation catalogues published on Berseem, Oat, Maize, Stylosanthes. First descriptors developed for Dichanthium-Bothriochloa complex – IGFRI (2009) and Berseem IGFRI (2009); Developed national guidelines for DUS testing in Lucerne and Berseem (Technical bulletins 2006), national guidelines for nucleus and breeder seed production in Berseem and oat (ICAR technical bulletin). His contribution has been recognized by national and international awards such as Fellow NAAS, DBT Overseas associateship2008, ICAR team award 2010, NAIP team award 2012, TCT award, editor-in-chief Journal Range Management and Agroforestry etc.

Proposer : Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Seconder : Dr. T. R. Sharma Ten Best Publications: 1. Sahu PP, Gupta S, Malaviya DR, Roy AK, Kaushal P and Prasad M (2012) Transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes during embryo sac development in apomeiotic non parthenogenetic Interspecific hybrid of Pennisetum glaucum. Molecular Biotechnology 51:262-171 (if=2.26, ci=5) 2. Roy AK, Malaviya DR and Kaushal P (2005) Pollination behaviour in different breeding populations in Egyptian clover Plant Breeding 124(2): 171-175 (if=1.18, ci=9) 3. Roy AK, Malaviya DR, Kaushal P, Kumar B and Tiwari A (2004) Interspecific hybridization of T. alexandrinum with T. constantinopolitanum using embryo rescue. Plant Cell Reports 22: 605-610 (if=2.51, ci=21) 4. Cresswell A, Sackville Hamilton NR, Roy AK, Viegas BMF (2001) Use of AFLP markers to assess genetic diversity of Lolium species from Portugal. Molecular Ecology 10: 229-241. (if=6.28, ci=47) 5. Dhir H, Roy AK and Sharma A (1993) Relative efficiency of Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract and ascorbic acid in modifying lead and aluminium induced sister chromatid exchange in mouse bone marrow cells. Environmental and molecular mutagenesis.21: 229-236(if=3.71, ci=53) 6. Ghosh BB, Sengupta S, Roy AK, Maity S, Ghosh S, Talukder G and Sharma A (1990) Cytogenetic study in human population exposed to gas leak in Bhopal India. Environmental Health Perspectives 86: 323-326. (if=7.26, ci=10) 7. Dhir H, Roy AK, Sharma A and Talukder G (1990) Protection afforded by aqueous extract of Phyllanthus species against cytotoxicity induced by lead and aluminium salts. Phytotherapy Research 4: 172-176. (if=2.07, ci=28) 8. Roy AK, Sharma A and Talukder G (1989) A time course study on effects of aluminium on mitotic cell division in Allium sativum. Mutation Research Letters 227: 221-226. (if=2.22, ci=13) 9. Roy AK, Sharma A and Talukder G (1988) Some aspects of aluminium toxicity in plants Botanical Review. 54: 145-178 (if=1.53, ci=156) 10. Kaushal P, Malaviya DR, Roy AK, Kumar B and Tiwari A (2005) Trifolium alexandrinum x T. resupinatum - interspecific hybrids developed through embryo rescue. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 83: 137-144 (if=3.63, ci=15)

[ 75 ]

SHARMA, A.R. (b.1960), Professor, Agronomy Division, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Member of the NASI :No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) The nominee has made systematic investigations on resource-conserving techniques for improving productivity, profitability, input-use efficiency and soil fertility in diversified cropping systems. The findings suggested that acid infertility of lateritic soils could be overcome by application of locally-available organic materials, such as residues of rice and wheat, farmyard manure, water-hyacinth compost, Azolla, and green manure crops of sunnhemp and dhaincha in rice-based cropping system. Studies on recycling of legume residues grown in intercropping or sole cropping systems led to N economy, improved productivity and soil fertility in maize-wheat cropping system under irrigated as well as rainfed conditions. Summer cultivation of dual-purpose legumes like greengram and cowpea was found to be more economical than Sesbania green manuring and Leucaena green leaf manuring. The outstanding contributions in flood-prone lowlands led to generation of appropriate agro-techniques for minimizing risk and achieving more stable rice productivity. Integrated N management using organic and inorganic sources helped in imparting drought as well as submergence tolerance. Innovative technologies on clonal (vegetative tillers) propagation, mixed cropping of rice varieties, green manuring in direct-sown rice, and foliage pruning were developed. Conservation agriculture technologies, such as live mulching, zero tillage, bed planting and residue management were perfected in cropping systems based on maize, wheat and cotton, which led to increased resource-use efficiency and productivity at lower cost. These technologies have been demonstrated on farmers' fields, resulting in 2-3 fold increase in crop productivity and profitability. The findings have a great applied significance from the standpoint of sustaining productivity over the vast areas of rainfed, irrigated and flood-prone lowland ecosystems of the country.

Proposer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Seconder: Dr. T. R. Sharma Ten Best Publications: 1. Sharma, AR. and Behera, UK 2009. Recycling of legume residues for nitrogen economy and higher productivity in maize {Zea mays)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system. Nutrient Cycling in Cropping Systems 83: 197-210. (IF: 1.282) 2. Sharma, AR. and Behera, U.K. 2009. Nitrogen contribution through Sesbania green manure and dual purpose legumes in maize-wheat cropping system: agronomic and economic considerations. Plant ard Soil 325: 289-304. (IF: 1.998) 3. Behera, UK, Sharma, AR. and Pandey, H.N. 2007. Sustaining productivity of wheat-soybean cropping system through integrated nutrient management practices in the Vertisols of central India. Plant and Soil 297: 185-199. (IF: 1.998; CI: 4) 4. Sharma, AR. and Ghosh, A 2000. Effect of green manuring with Sesbania aculeata and nitrogen fertilization on the performance of direct-seeded flood-prone lowland rice. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 57: 141-153. (IF: 1.282; CI : 5) 5. Sharma, AR. and Ghosh, A 1999. Submergence tolerance and yield performance of lowland rice as affected by different agronomic management practices in eastern India. Field Crops Research 63: 187-198. (IF: 2.032; CI : 9) 6. Sharma, AR. 1995. Direct seeding and transplanting for rice production under flood-prone lowland conditions. Field Crops Research 44: 129-137. (IF: 2.032; CI : 16) 7. Sharma, AR. 1994. Effect of different methods and timings of stand establishment on performance of rainfed lowland rice under 0-50 cm water depth. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science 172: 38-51. (IF: 1.515; CI : 4). 8. Sharma, AR. 1992. Effect of varying seed rate and transplanting clonal tillers on the performance of rice under intermediate deepwater conditions (0-80 cm).-Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Cambridge 119: 171-177. (IF: 1.471; CI : 4) 9. Panda, M.M., Reddy, M.D. and Sharma, AR. 1991. Yield performance of rainfed lowland rice as affected by nursery fertilization under conditions of intermediate deepwater (15-50 cm) and flash floods. Plant and Soil 132: 65-;-71. (IF: 1.998; CI : 8) 10. Sharma, AR. and Mittra, B.N. 1991. Effect of different rates of application of organic and nitrogen fertilizers in a rice-based cropping system. Journal of Agricultural Science, Cambridge 117: 313-318.(IF:1.471;CI:17).

[ 76 ]

SHARMA, PRADEEP (b 1974), Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal


Dr Sharma has mapped domain of Capsid protein encoded by Tomato leaf curl Java virus (ToLCJAV) encompasses NLSs [6KVRRR20, 52RKPR55] and NES signal [245LKIRIY250] responsible for nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Identified four novel posttranscriptional gene silencing suppressors encoded by monopartite begomoviruses associated with their betasatellites. He demonstrated for the first time that ToLCJAV V2 gene product as a gene suppressor and as HR inducer. These results showing that host plant mobilizes a second line of defense when PTGS is suppressed. Documented several new disease records in crops like wheat, Onion, Garlic, Tomato, Pepper, Cucumber, Reddish, Ageratum, Vinca rosea, Honeysuckle and credited with 37 complete viral genome sequences, established genetic variability of several begomoviruses from Asia and Colletotrichum species. He has developed molecular diagnostics for detection of several phytopathogens and identified alternate hosts. He has shown that betasatellites have the Rep binding motif of their helper virus, hence interacts with genomic DNA and causes severe disease symptoms. He edited books on RNAi Technology by CRC PRESS, Emerging Geminiviral diseases and their management by Nova Publishers, Plant virus-host interaction: molecular approaches and viral evolution by Academic Press, Approaches to Plant stress and their management by Springer. Dr Sharma is recipient of NAAS Young Scientist Award (Plant Protection-2005-06), JSPS Fellow (2006-2008), Pran Vohra Award (2008-2009) of ISCA, BRSI Young Scientist Award 2008, Lal Bahadur Shastri Young Scientist award 2009 of ICAR and Fellow Indian Virological Society (2012).

Proposer : Professor H. N. Verma, Seconder : Professor Anupam Varma Ten Best Publications: 1. Kirthi, N.; Priyadarshini, C.G.P.; Sharma, P., Maiya, P.; Hemalatha, V.; Sivaraman, P.; Dhawan, P.; Rishi, N.; and Savithri, H.S. 2004. Genetic variability of begomoviruses associated cotton leaf curl disease originating from India. Archives of Virology 149: 2047-2057 (if=2.030, ci=43) 2. Sharma, P.N.; M, Kaur,; Sharma, O.P.; Sharma, P. and Pathania, A. 2005. Morphological, cultural and molecular analysis of Colletotrichum capsici causing fruit rot of chillies in North West India. Journal of Phytopathology 153 : 232-237. (if=1.17, ci=40) 3. Kon, T. Sharma, P. and Ikegami, M. 2007. Suppressor of RNA silencing encoded by the monopartite Tomato leaf curl Java begomovirus. Archives of Virology 152: 1273-1282 (if=2.030, ci=35) 4. Sharma, P*., Rishi, N. and Malathi, V.G. 2005. Molecular cloning of coat protein gene of an Indian cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV-HS2) isolate and its phylogenetic relationship with other members of Geminiviridae. Virus Genes 30: 85-91. (if=1.769, ci=16) 5. Pathania, A.; Sharma, P.N.; Sharma, O.P.; Chahota, R.K.; Ahmed, B.A. and Sharma, P. 2006. Evaluation of resistance sources and inheritance of resistance in kidney bean to Indian virulences of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Euphytica 149: 97-103. (if=1.643, ci=14) 6. Sharma, P*, and Ikegami, M. 2010. Tomato leaf curl Java virus V2 protein determines the virulence, HR like response and post transcriptional gene silencing. Virology 396 : 85-93. (if=3.367, ci=14) 7. Sharma, P* and Ikegami, M. 2008. Characterization of signals that dictate nuclear/nucleolar and cytoplasmic trafficking of capsid protein of tomato leaf curl Java virus. Virus Research 144: 145-153. (if=2.745, ci=13) 8. Sharma, P*, Ikegami, M. and Kon, T. 2010. Identification of virulence factors and suppressors of RNA silencing encoded by Ageratum yellow vein virus, a monopartite begomovirus Virus Research 149: 19-27 (if=2.745, ci=10) 9. Sharma, P* and Ikegami, M. 2008. RNA silencing suppressors of geminiviruses. Journal of General Plant Pathology 74: 189-202. (if=0.839, ci=17) 10. Sharma, P.N.; Padder, B. A.; Sharma, O.P, Pathania, A. and Sharma, P. 2007. Pathological and molecular diversity in Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (bean anthracnose) across Himachal Pradesh, a north-western Himalayan state of India. Australian Plant Pathology 36: 191-197 (if=1.021, ci=09)

[ 77 ]

SIDDAPURA, RAMACHANDRAPPA NIRANJANA (b 1959), Professor, University of Mysore, Mysore Member of the NASI: NO (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Prof. Niranjana successfully developed mass production technology for Pseudomonas fluorescence by using agricultural waste and also standardize the application stage and the dose of biocontrol agents. Seed and spray treatment with P.fluorescens reduced the blast disease incidence up to 61%, resulting in an increase in the yield 804kg ha-1. He developed B. bassiana as mycopesticide for the management of coffee berry borer, which has received wide acceptance for coffee bean production. The isolate Bb2 of B. bassiana identified and characterized by him reduce coffee berry borer mortality by up to 75.6% under field condition. This novel contribution has been patented in India, Turkey and South Africa. He reported status of mycotoxigenic fungi occurrence in food crops in India and developed novel molecular and biochemical methods for the detection and characterization of toxigenic fungi. More than 500 native rhizoshpere PGPR’s were isolated and characterized by biochemical and molecular method and demonstrate the effect of phosphate solubilizing and chitinolytic rhizobacteria were more suitable for control of major vegetable diseases. He has screened important indigenous medicinal plant and identified the anti-mildew potential compounds from medicinal plants. He has identified sources of resistance for 22 host-pathogens combinations in the breeding lines which has helped the industry in developing disease tolerant varieties and developed novel primers for rapid detection of seed-borne pathogens from important food crops and it has been patented in India. His significant contribution in the emerging areas of agricultural science has resulted in more than 100 publications in peer reviewed National/International journals.

Proposer : H. SHEKAR SHETTY, Seconder : G.A. RAVISHANKAR

Ten Best Publications: 1. P Hariprasad, SR Niranjana. 2013. Isolation and characterization of phosphate solubilizing rhizobacteria to improve plant health of tomato. Plant and Soil 316 (1-2) 13- 24. (if=2.9, ci=61) 2. P Hariprasad, G Venkateswaran, SR Niranjana. 2014. Diversity of cultivable rhizobacteria across tomato growing regions of Karnataka. Biological control (72) 9- 16 (if=2.3) 3. Siddaiah Chandra Nayaka, Arakere C Udaya Shankar, Munagala S Reddy, Siddapura R Niranjana, Harishchandra S Prakash, Hunthrike S Shetty, Carmen N Mortensen. 2009. Control of Fusarium verticillioides, cause of ear rot of maize, by Pseudomonas fluorescens.Pest management science 65 (7) 769-775 (if=2.7, ci=15) 4. Hariprasad, P., Diwakara S.T., and Niranjana, S.R. 2011. Isolation and characterization of chitinolytic rhizobacteria for the management of fusarium wilt in tomato. Crop Protection 30:1606-1612 (if=1.3, ci=11) 5. Chandra Nayaka S., E.G Wulff., Udayashankar, A.C., Niranjana, S.R., Mortensen, N.M. and Prakash, H.S. 2011. Prospects of Molecular markers for Fusarium diversity. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 90:1625–1639. (if=3.8, ci=12) 6. Raju, N. S., Niranjana, S. R., Janardhana, G. R., Prakash, H. S., Shekar Shetty, H. and Mathur, S.B. 1999. Improvement of seed quality and field emergence of Fusarium moniliforme infected sorghum seeds using biological agents. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 79: 206-212. (if=1.7, ci=38) 7. P. Hariprasad, Navya, H. M., Chandranayaka, S. and Niranjana, S. R. 2009. Advantage of using PSIRB over PSRB and IRB to improve plant health of tomato. Biological Control. 50:307-316. (if=2.3, ci=11) 8. Prasanna Kumar, S. P., Hariprasad, P., Brijesh Singh, S., Gowtham, H. G. and Niranjana, S. R. 2013. Structural and functional diversity of rhizobacteria associated with Rauwolfia spp. across the Western Ghat regions of Karnataka, India. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (if=1.3) 9. S. R. Niranjana, S. lalitha and P. Hariprasad. 2009. Mass multiplication and formulations of biocontrol agents against fusarium witl of pigeonpea through seed treatment. International journal of pest management. 55(4), pp. 317-324(8). (if=0.8, ci=08) 10. Udaya Shankar, A.C.., Chandra Nayaka, S., Reddy M.S., Niranjana S.R., Prakash, H.S. and C.N. Mortensen, 2009. Rhizobacteria mediated resistance against Bean common mosaic virus strain blackeye cowpea mosaic in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Pest management Science 65; 1059-1064. (if=2.7, ci=05)

[ 78 ]

SINGH, Duniya.R. (b 1964), Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR), Post Box No. 181, Garacharma (Post), Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) During 20 years of his scientific carrier in the various scientific and managerial capacities, Dr. D.R.Singh has contributed specifically on tapping of rich Island biodiversity of horticultural crops like underutilized fruits (57 sps), underutilized vegetables (57 spp), orchids (67spp), Ferns(40), Medicinal plants (120 spp) and tuber crops (66 spp) for their sustainable use to improve livelihood of poor farming community and as part of conservation these materials has been deposited with National Active Germplasm Site in different National Institutes in India and six (6) of them have been registered at NBPGR New Delhi. Several agro techniques like cultivation of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) protected cultivations for high value vegetables and flowers were developed and disseminated. Through which, he could develop a number of varieties through use of native landraces of different horticultural crops viz. Ground orchid (Eulophia andamanensis (01), Leafy vegetable (Eryngium foetidum (01), Medicinal plant (Morinda citrifolia (04), Dioscoria (01), Cocus nicifera (04) and Sweet potato (02) from the CARI. The significant efforts made during his career are recognized by prestigious national awards namely Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad award (2011), Limca Book of National Record (2013), Gold Medal in floriculture by HIS (), Outstanding Scientist award on Noni by World Noni Research Foundation (2010) and Commendation Cerificate by Lt.Governor of A&N Islands (2008) for extra ordinary contribution in horticulture sector. He has published 85 research papers in various National and International reputed journals.

Proposer : Dr. K.V. Peter, Seconder : Dr. Kirti Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Singh, D.R and Singh, S. 2013. Phytochemicals in plant parts of Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) with special reference to fatty acid profiles of seeds. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India section B: Biological sciences, DOI 10.1007/s 40011-013-0154-1 (online) (if=6.00, ci=P120) 2. Kumar Krishna. Singh, D.R., Amaresan, Natarajan. Madhuri, Kuttum (2012). Isolation and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum spp. Causing anthracnose of Indian mulberry (Morinda citrifolia) in tropical islands of Andaman and Nicobar, India. Phytoparasitica, 40: 485-491. (if=6.72, ci=P058) 3. D.R.Singh, Abhay Kumar Srivastava, Amit Srivastava and R.C.Srivastava. 2012. Genetic Diversity analysis among the indigenous orchids of Bay Isands using RAPD markers. Indian Journal of Biotechnology. 26(1-2): 5-7. (if=6.48, ci=I032) 4. Singh Shrawan, Singh D. R., Salim M. K., Singh, L.B., Srivastava, A. and Srivastava R. C., (2011). Estimation of proximate composition, micronutrients and phytochemical compounds in traditional vegetables from Andaman & Nicobar Islands. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition 62 (7), 765-773. (if=7.26, ci=I142) 5. Singh D. R., Singh Shrawan, Salim M. K. and Srivastava R. C., 2011. Estimation of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of underutilized fruits of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (India). International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition 63(4):446-452. (if=7.26, ci=I142) 6. Singh, Shrawan, Singh D.R., Faseela F., Naresh Kumar V., Damodaran and Srivastava R.C. (2011). Diversity of 21 Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) accessions of Andaman Islands. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution (Published in online). (if=7.59, ci=G010) 7. Singh, D. R., Abhay K. S., Amit S., and Srivastava R. (2011). Genetic diversity among three Morinda species using RAPD and ISSR markers. Indian Journal of Biotechnology, 10: 285-293. (if=6.48, ci=I032) 8. Damodaran, T, Singh, D.R., Kapil Dev, Balakrishnan, A., Kavino, M and Medhi, R.P. (2009). Genetic diversity analysis among the open pollinated clones of mango in A & N Islands using RAPD markers. Indian. J. Hort.66(1):13-17 (if=6.13, ci=I050) 9. Prasad, G.S., Singh, D.R. and Senani, S. (2004). Eco- friendly way to keep away pestiferous giant African Snail, Achatina fulica Bowdich from ornamental nursery. Current Science, 87(12): 1657-1659. (if=6.91, ci=C141) 10. Singh, D.R., Sujatha A. N., and Sharma, T.V.R.S. 2004. Eulophia andamanensis- an orchid from the Andaman Islands. Proceedings of Royal Society of London, (Orchid Review) 12(1256): 93-94. (if=11.68, ci=P114)

[ 79 ]

SINGH, DWIJENDRA (b 1953), Former Chief Scientist (Scientist-G) & Head, Crop Protection Division, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Singh made notable contributions on management of white butterfly larvae by altering sowing time in Indian senna (Singh et al., 1984), pests complex of medicinal and aromatic plants associated with wormwood, opium poppy, and henbanes (Mehta et al., 1996, Singh et al., 1988), synthetic pesticides influence on menthol biosynthesis in mint (Singh et al, 1991) and tropane alkaloids in henbane (Gupta et al., 1985). He developed sampling methods for arthropods of mint species (Singh, 1996), identified fennel as allelopathic plant for aphid management (Singh and Kothari, 1997), screened whitefly resistant mint genotypes (Singh et al., 2004) and developed high yielding pest and disease resistant variety of menthol mint- ‘Himalaya’ which enhanced menthol production in India (US Patent No. 10,935). He evaluated large number of plant natural products and phytochemicals for its bioactivity against various economic pests of agriculture and human health (Singh et al., 1984; Singh et al., 1989, Singh and Singh, 1991, Raguraman, and Singh, 1997). This information led to development of pulse grain protecting tablet to manage adzuki bean beetle for which two Indian Patents have been granted (Singh and Mehta, 2010). He invented anti-insect molecules; himachalol and ß–himachalene (Singh and Agrawal, 1988), tylophorine (Tripathi et al., 1990), α-amyrin acetate & oleanolic acid (Singh et al., 2003). He discovered the interractions of azadirachtin and its commercial biopesticide on head protein profile of H. armigera larvae (Neoliya et al., 2005, 2007) and diverse genotypes of opium poppy for high foraging response of honeybees’ preference (Srivastava and Singh, 2006).

Proposer : Prof. P.K. Seth, Seconder : Prof. Ram Rajasekharan Ten Best Publications: 1. Singh, D., Rao, S.M. and Tripathi, A.K. (1984) Cedar wood oil as a potential insecticidal agent against mosquitoes. Naturwissenschaften 71: 265- 267 (IF=2.278, CI=17) 2. Singh, D. and Agrawal, S.K. (1988) Himachalol and ß-Himachalene: insecticidal principles of Himalayan cedar wood oil. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 14: 1145-1151 (IF=2.657, CI=33) 3. Singh, D., Siddiqui, M.S. and Sharma, S. (1989) Reproduction retardant and fumigant properties in essential oils against rice weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in stored wheat. Journal of Economic Entomology 82: 723-733 (IF=1.699, CI=51) 4. Tripathi, A.K., Singh, D. and Jain, D.C (1990) Persistency of Tylophorine as an insect antifeedant against Spilosoma blique Walker. Phytotherapy Research 4: 144-147 (IF=2.086, CI=13) 5. Raguraman, S. And Singh, D. (1997) Biopotentials of Azadirachta indica and Cedrus deodara oils on Callosabruchus chinensis Linn. Pharmaceutical Biology (Formerly International Journal of Pharmacognosy) 35: 344-348 (IF=0.878, CI=17) 6. Singh, D. and Kothari, S.K. (1997) Intercropping effects on mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenback) population. Crop Science 37:1263-1264 (IF=1.641, CI=06) 7. Singh, Dwijendra, Mehta, S.S., Neoliya, N.K., Shukla, Y.N. and Mishra, M. (2003) New possible insect growth regulators from Catharanthus roseus. Current Science 84 (9): 1184-1186 (IF=0.935, CI=02) 8. Neoliya, N. K., Singh, Dwijendra and Sangawan, R.S. (2005) Azadirachtin influences total head protein content of Helicoverpa armigera Hub. Larvae. Current Science 88 (12): 1889-1890 (IF=0.935, CI=02) 9. Srivastava, H.K. and Singh, Dwijendra (2006) Honeybees foraging response in genetically diversified opium poppy. Bioresource Technology 97: 1578-1581 (IF=4.980, CI=05) 10. Neoliya, N.K., Dwijendra Singh, and R.S. Sangwan (2007) Azadirachtin based insecticides induce alteration in Helicoverpa armigera Hub. head polypeptides. Current Science 92 (1): 94-99 (IF=0.935, CI=10)

[ 80 ]

10. Kumar S, Singh V, Singh M, Rai SK, Kumar S, Rai M and Kalloo G (2007). Genetics and distribution of fertility restoration associated RAPD markers in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Scientia Horticulturae, 111: 197-202. (IF=1.713) (CI= 7)

SINGH, MAJOR (b. 1960) Head, Division of Crop Improvement, Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Science) Developed two hybrids Kashi Sandesh and Kashi Komal, two varieties Kashi Taru and Kashi Prakash in brinjal; one hybrid Kashi Surkh in Chilli; three variety Kashi Anmol, Kashi Sinduri, and Kashi Gaurav in Chilli; two varieties Kashi Shakti, and Kashi Mukti, in pea; one variety Kashi Param in French bean and one hybrid Kashi Abhiman in tomato. These varieties and hybrids were popularized among the farmers field through demonstrations. Developed transgenic lines in brinjal and tomato using Cry1Ac gene construct for resistant to shoot and fruit borer; confirmed the gene integration and expression through PCR, Southern blot and ELISA, and advanced the event up to T5 generation. Developed transgenic lines of tomato using AtDREB1A and BcZAT12 genes for water-deficit and multiple abiotic stress tolerance, respectively; confirmed the gene integration through PCR and Southern blot, and the lines have been advanced to T4 stage. Started marker assisted breeding in tomato for pyramiding of genes Ty1 and Ty2 to develop durable resistant varieties against TyLCV. Developed mapping population in tomato, brinjal and chilli for gene tagging and QTL mapping. Identified molecular markers for genetic purity of hybrids developed by IIVR in tomato, brinjal and chilli. Identified molecular markers for sex identification at seedling stage in pointed gourd; and a RAPD marker linked with fertility restoration gene (Rf) in pepper inbreds. Developed in vitro propagation protocol for pointed gourd and spine gourd.

Propser : Prof. J.S. Singh, Seconder : Prof. L.C. Rai Ten Best Publications : 1. Pranav Pankaj Sahu, Neeraj K Rai, Supriyo Chakraborty, Major Singh, H C Prasanna, B Ramesh, Debasis Chattopadhyay and Manoj Prasad, 2010. Tomato cultivar tolerant to Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus infection induces virus specific siRNA accumulation and associated host plant gene expression. Molecular Plant Pathology, 11(4): 531–544. (IF=3.899) (CI=10) 2. Avinash Chandra Rai, Major Singh and Kavita Shah, 2013. Engineering drought tolerant tomato plants over-expressing BcZAT12 gene encoding a C2H2 zinc finger transcription factor. Phytochemistry, 85: 44–50. (IF=3.527) (CI= Recently published) 3. Avinash Chandra Rai, Major Singh and Kavita Shah, 2012. Effect of water withdrawal on formation of free radical, proline accumulation and activities of antioxidant enzymes in ZAT12-transformed transgenic tomato plants. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 61: 108–114. (IF=3.023) (CI= Recently published) 4. Ram D, Kumar S, Singh M, Rai M and Kalloo G (2006). Inheritance of gynoecism in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.). J. Heredity, 93: 284-285. (IF=2.799) (CI= 13) 5. HC Prasanna, D P Sinha, Ajay Verma, Major Singh, Bijendra Singh, Mathura Rai, Darren P Martin. 2010. The population genomics of begomoviruses: global scale population structure and gene flow. Virology Journal, 7: 220. (IF=2.34) (CI= 7) 6. Pranjali Vishwakarma, Suresh K. Dubey and Major Singh (2009) Changes in mathanotrophic community composition after rice crop harvest in tropical soils. Biology and fertility of soils, 46: 471–479. (IF=2.319) (CI= 4) 7. Rajesh Kumar, Sanjay Kumar, Neeraj Dwivedi, Sanjeet Kumar, Major Singh, DS Yadav and Mathura Rai (2009). Validation of SCAR markers, diversity analysis of male sterile (S-) cytoplasm and isolation of aloplasmic S- cytoplasm in capsicum. Scientia Horticulturae, 120: 167-172. (IF=1.713) (CI= 2) 8. Sudhakar Pandey, Sanjeev Kumar, Upama Mishra, Ashutosh Rai, Major Singh, Mathura Rai (2008). Genetic diversity in Indian ash gourd (Benincasa hispida) accessions as revealed by quantitative traits and RAPD markers. Scientia Horticulturae, 118: 80–86. (IF=1.713) (CI= 4) 9. Kumar S, Kumar S, Singh M, Rai M and Singh AK (2006). Identification of host plant resistance against pepper leaf curl virus in chilli (Capsicum species). Scientia Horticulturae, 97: 294-295. (IF=1.713) (CI= 8)

[ 81 ]

VUDAYAGIRI, RADHAKRISHNAN SASHIDHAR (b. 1951), Professor, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Agricultural Sciences) Dr. Sashidhar is one of the Foremost Field and Green house crop Physiologists in the country. He started his career as a Field Research scientist in 1975. His initial 15-20 yrs work as whole plant crop physiologists in the area of Drought research resulted in extremely important and significant publications in renowned International Journals like Field Crop Research, Experimental Agriculture, J of Agri. Sci (Cambridge) Plant cell and environment), Anns of Applied Biology; to name a few. For example the important paper In J. Of Agri. SCI (Cambridge) made an important comparison between Water Use efficiency (WUE) of Field and container grown plants in Groundnut varieties..The paper in an high impact Journal Like J of Agri. Sci and a few others listed above resulted in a collaboration in this area of Water use Efficiency with CSIRO and QLDP Australia. In this Collaboaration Dr. VRS Visited Australia as a visiting scientist in Australia. Several original concepts in whole plant physiology of Groundnut particularly those related to Synchrony in Flowering of Groudnnut in Field conditions in relation to pod growth finds mention in Monographs on Groundnut. Around this time he also developed a keener interest in Stress Signal Communication in Plants. His Pioneering work showing that it is not Just Abscicisic acid which is a root to shoot communication signal but also Cytokinin as a negative signal which is important have been published in leading Journals. For eg the the work on Hormonal Signals in root to shoot communication under stress has been published in High impact journals Like Annals of Botany, Annals of Applied Biology,Phytochemical analysis. This Pioneering work resulted in an invitation to write a Review in Curr.SCi. More Recently he has moved from Abiotic Stress research at whole plant level to Biotechnological approaches for crop improvement. This has been published in leading International Journals like Transgenic Plant J, Physiol.Mol. Biol. Plants., Genes,Genomes and Genomics. I strongly recommend Dr VRS for the fellowship because of his immense contribution to Crop Improvement for Stressful environments at the whole plant level,and also at the biotechnology level.

Proposer : Prof. C.P. Malik, Seconder : Prof. H.N. Verma Ten Best Publications: 1. Holbrook, N.M., Sashidhar, V.R., James, R.A, and Munns, R. 2002. Stomatal Control in tomato with ABA-deficient roots: Response of grafted plants to soil drying. J.of Expt. Botany (UK). 53: 1503-1514. (IF=5.364, CI= 22) 2. Sashidhar, V.R., Ankegowds, S.J., Kulkarni, M.J., Srinivas, M.N., Prasad, T.G., Nagalakshmi, U and Devendra, R. 2000. Should plants keep their (canopy) ‘cool’ or allow themselves to grow ‘warm’ under stress: It is a Hobson’s choice and plants survive by doing a balancing act.. Curr Sci. 78: 786-789. (Review paper). (IF=0.897, CI=10) 3. Kulkarni, M.J., Prasad, T.G. and Sashidhar, V.R. 2000. Genotypic variation in ‘Early warning signals’ from roots in drying soil: Intrinsic differences in ABA synthesizing capacity rather than root density determines total ABA message in cowpea. Ann. Appl.Biol. (UK). 136: 267-272. (IF= 2.179, CI=2) 4. V.R. Sashidhar, Malathi Chari, T.G. Prasad and M. Udayakumar.1986. A physiological analysis of the branching pattern in sequential types of groundnut in relation to the fruiting nodes and the total mature pods produced. Annals of Botany. 58: 801-807. (IF=3.991, CI= 20) 5. Dinesh Kumar, S.P., Sashidhar., V.R. and Prasad, T.G., Udayakumar,M and Seetharam,A. 1987.Solute accumulation,Solute Potential, germinability, and Seedling vigor of seeds of finger millet raised under rain-fed conditions and under irrigation . Plant Cell and Environment ( UK),10,661-665. (IF=5.215, CI=30) 6. Sashidhar, V.R., Prasad, T.G and Sudharshan, L. 1996. Hormone signals from roots to shoots of sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Moderate soil drying increases delivery of abscisic acid and depresses delivery of cytokinins in xylem sap. Ann. Bot (UK).78: 151-155. (IF= 3.991) 7. Prasad, T.G., Sashidhar,V. R. Malathi Chari, Rama Rao, S. Devendra, R.and M. Udaykumar 1985 . Regulation of water loss under moisture stress in sunflower genotypes : Stomatal sensitivity in relation to stomatal frequency,diffusive resistances,and transpiration rate at diffferent canopy positions . J. Agri. Sci. ( Cambridge,105,673-678 . (IF= 2.041) 8. Hebbar, K.B., Sashidhar, V.R., Udaya Kumar, M., Prasad, T.G., Devendra, R and Nageswara Rao, R.C. 1994. A comparative assessment of water use efficiency in groundnut (Arachis hypogea) grown in containers and in the field under water-limited conditions. J. of Agricultural Sci, Cambridge. 122: 429-434. (IF=2.041) 9. Sashidhar, V.R., Prasad, T.G., Udaya Kumar, M and Krishna Sastry. 1986.Genotypic variation in carbon exchange rate, functional leaf area and productivity in finger millet (Eleusine coracana Gaertn): An approach to identify desirable plant types for higher water use efficiency under rainfed conditions. Field Crops.Res (The Netherlands).13: 113. (IF=2.232) 10. Sashidhar, V.R., Prasad, T.G. and Devendra, R. 1996. Slower chemical signal or faster electrical signaling under stress in plants: Is it the hare and tortoise of a slower signal winning the race? Curr.Sci. 71: 284-289. (Review paper) (IF=0.897)

[ 82 ]

BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOPHYSICS, BIOTECHNOLOGY (Molecular and Cell Biology, Structural and Functional Studies,

Microbiology, Immunology) BORA, TARUN CHANDRA (b. 1955) Chief Scientist & Head Biotechnology Division, Professor AcSIR; CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat-785006, Assam. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including)

Prof. T. C. Bora, Chief Scientist (Scientist G) & Head, Biotechnology Division. CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat and Professor, ACSIR has done pioneering research in the field of Microbiology, especially on exploration and documentation of Microbial diversity of the North East Gene pool. He along with his team isolated more than 5000 microbial strains, and did bioprospecting, bio-profiling and screening for targeted functions. He supplemented novel bacterial genus: Aquimoas voraii and species Microbacterium assamensis, Kocuria assamensis, Paenibacillus assamensis, Aeromonas sharmana, Flavobacter indicum. He isolated a novel antibiotic from indigenous Streptomyces sp 201 from Jorhat, Assam, did molecular modeling on this lead molecule. One of the derivatives isolated by him was more promising than the lead molecule against Mycobaterium tuberculosis Hrv37, in in-vitro assay. Prof. Bora also isolated more than 260 endophytic strains in his stock cultures of which one of the biomolecules exhibited promising activities against prostrate cancer. He was awarded 1. AMI-Luis Pasteur Award (2004); 2. Dr. R. S. Rana Memorial Award (1999); Dr. B. M. Das Memorial Award (2001) awarded by Dr. B. M. Das Memorial Committee, Guwahati, Assam. He has one US Patent, two Indian Patents and three peer review publications based on this novel antibiotic. He is a reviewer of several journals 1. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology; 2. J. Biochem. Biotechnol.; 3. Microbiological Insights Dr. Bora delivered more than 60 popular lectures on Biodiversity Conservation highlighting the endemic plants and animals of North East and on popularization of science in national and international fora.

Proposer : Prof. P. Das, Secondary : Professor G.R. Rout Ten Best Publications: 1. G. Bordoloi, B. Kumari, A. Guha, M.J. Bordoloi, and M.K.Roy and T.C. Bora (2001): Isolation, and Structure Elucidation of a New Antifungal and Antibacterial antibiotic produced by Streptomyces sp. 201: Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. 65(8): 1856-1858, Impact factor of journal 1.32 Citation Index 25 2. J. Boruwa, B. Kalita, N. C. Barua, J. C. Borah, S. Majumder, D. Thakur, D. K. Gogoi and T. C. Bora (2004): Synthesis, absolute stereochemistry and molecular design of the new antifungal and antibacterial antibiotic produced by Streptomyces sp. 201.. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. 14: 3571-3574, Impact factor of journal 2.42 Citation Index 24 3. Abhisek Goswami, Partha P. Saikia, Nabin C.Barua, Manabjyoti Bordoloi, Archana Yadav, Tarun C. Bora, Binod K. Gogoi, Ajit K. Saxena, Nithasa Suri, Madhunika Sharma (2010):Bio-transformation of artemisinin using soil microbe: Direct C-acetoxylation of artemisinin at C-9 by Penicillium simplisimum, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letter, 20 359-361, Impact factor of journal 2.42 Citation Index 10 4. P. Saha, S. Krishnamurthi, S. Mayilraj, G.S. Prasad, T.C. Bora and T. Chakraborti (2005): Aquimonas voraii, gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel gammaproteobacterium isolated from warm spring of Assam, India.: Intl. J. Syst. & Evol. Microbiol. 55,1491-1495, Impact factor of journal 2.24 Citation Index 24 5. Gojen N Bordoloi, Babita Kumari, Arijit Guha, Debajit Thakur, Manabjyoti. Bordoloi, Monoj K Roy and Tarun C. Bora (2002): Potential of a novel antibiotic, 2-methylhepty lisonicotinate as a biocontrol agent against fusarial wilt of crucifers: Pest Manag. Sci. 58:297-302, Impact factor of journal 2.59 Citation Index 13 6. Chandandeep Kaur, Ishwinder Kaur, Revti Raic hand, Tarun Chandra Bora and Sanmugam Mayilraj (2011):Description of a novel actinobacterium Kocuria assamensis, sp.nov., isolated from water s ample collected from the river Brahmaputra, Assam, India. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Journal of Microbiology, 99:721-726, Impact factor of journal 2.07 Citation Index 5 7. R. Saikia, D.K. Gogoi, S. Maz under, A. Yadav, R. K. Sarma, T. C. Bora, B.K. Gogoi (2011): Brevibacillus laterosporus strain BPM3, a potential biocontrol agent isolated from a natural hot water spring of Assam, India, Microbiological Research,166 216-225, Impact factor of journal 2.22 Citation Index 15 8. D. Thakur, T. C. Bora, G.N Bordoloi and S. Maz umder (2009): Expandas e-like activity mediated cell-free conversion of ampic illin to cephalexin by Streptomyces sp. DRS I., Biotechnol. Lett., 31:1059-1064. Impact factor of journal 1.69 Citation Index 25, 9. Aparajita Duarah, Amrit Goswami, Tarun C. Bora, Madhumita Talukdar, Binod K. Gogoi (2013): Enantioc onvergent Biohydrolysis of Racemic Styrene Oxide to R-phenyl-1, 2-ethanediol by a Newly Isolated Filamentous Fungus Aspergillus tubingensis TF 1; Appl Biochem Biotechnol 170:1965-1973, Impact factor of journal 1.80 Citation Index 10. Rajal Debnath, Ratul Saikia, Rupak K.Sarma, Archana Yadav, Tarun C. Bora, Pratap J. Handique (2013): Psychrotolerant antifungal Streptomyces isolated from Tawang, India and the shift in chitinase gene family, Extremophiles, 17(6), 1045-1059, Impact factor of journal 2.9 Citation Index

[ 83 ]

DWIVEDI, VED PRAKASH (b 1984), POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST, NELSON R MANDELA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) It would be my pleasure to nominate Dr. Ved Prakash Dwivedi for the NASI Young Scientist Fellowship. Dr. Dwivedi’s productivity and training in the area of tuberculosis is outstanding. He is studying the development of vaccine for tuberculosis by using bioactive compounds from medicinal plant. His study is to be of considerable interest and expect that these studies will contribute important data to the field of translational research, with many clinical applications to Tuberculosis. Dr Dwivedi received the training in my laboratory in ICGEB, New Delhi and received Ph.D from Department of Biochemistry, University of Calcutta. During his Ph. D.; he has published several papers in international recognized peer reviewed journals. He has gained in depth expertise in studying immunology of tuberculosis. He is presently working as post-doc research fellow in Kwazulu-Natal- Research Institute of Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH), Durban, South Africa. In brief, Dr. Ved Prakash Dwivedi has made significantly intellectual contribution on research related to infectious diseases and reached a scientific maturity and independent and creative thinking that is fully consistent with his own independent funding. This fellowship will certainly help his realize his career aspirations in research and significantly impact TB scientific community. I trust that committee will favorably consider his application.

Proposer : PROF. GOBARDHAN DAS, Seconder : PROF. CHINMOY K MUKHOPADHYAY Ten Best Publications: 1. Durbadal Ojha, Hemanta Mukherjee, Aditya Jena1, Supriya Mondal, Ved Prakash Dwivedi, Keshab C Mondal, Amalesh Samanta, Debprasad Chattopadhyay. In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Odina wodier Roxb, an Indian folk medicine, through inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway. (Accepted with minor revision in PLoS One). (if=3.7, ci=0) 2. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Ved Prakash Dwivedi, Mamoudou Maiga, Mariama Maiga, Luc Van Kaer, William R Bishai & Gobardhan Das. Small molecule-directed immunotherapy against recurrent infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis . J Biol Chem. 2014 Apr 7.(if=4.651, ci=0) 3. Swagata Ghosh, Hanumantha Rao Kongara, Neel Sarovar Bhavesh, Gobardhan Das, Ved Prakash Dwivedi and Asis Datta. N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) inducible gene, GIG2, is a novel component of GlcNAc metabolism in Candida albicans. Eukaryot Cell. 2013 Nov 1. (if=3.586, ci=0) 4. Yogesh Singh, Samit Chatterjee, Vandana Kaul, Sultan Tousif, Ved Prakash Dwivedi, Alka Mehra, Luc Van Kaer, Gobardhan Das. Mycobacterium tuberculosis controls microRNA-99b (miR-99b) expression in infected murine dendritic cells to modulate host immunity. J Biol Chem. 2013. Feb 15;288(7):5056-61. (if=4.651, ci=15) 5. Ved Prakash Dwivedi, Ramesh Chandra Rai, Samit Chatterjee, Durbaka Vijaya Raghava Prasad and Gobardhan Das. Early secretory antigenic target-6 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: enigmatic factor in pathogen-host interactions. Microbes Infect. 2012 Nov;14(13):1220-6. (if=2.920, ci=0) 6. Ved Prakash Dwivedi, Debapriya Bhattacharya, Samit Chatterjee, Luc Van Kaer, Debprasad Chattopadhyay, William R. Bishai, and Gobardhan Das. Mycobacterium tuberculosis directs T helper 2 cell differentiations by inducing interleukin-1beta production in dendritic cells. J Biol Chem. 2012 Sep 28;287(40):33656-63. (if=4.651, ci=5) 7. Ved Prakash Dwivedi, Sultan Tousif, Debapriya Bhattacharya, Durbaka Vijaya Raghava Prasad, Luc Van Kaer, Jyoti Das, and Gobardhan Das. Transforming growth factor-β protein inversely regulates in vivo differentiation of interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. J Biol Chem. 2012 Jan 27;287(5):2943-7. (if=4.651, ci=5) 8. Ved Prakash Dwivedi, Mohd Moin Khan, Samit Chatterjee, Nishant Kumar Pandey, Yogesh Singh, Sultan Tousif, Neel Sarovar Bhavesh, Luc Van Kaer, Jyoti Das, and Gobardhan Das. CD4+T Cell-derived Novel Peptide Thp5 Induces Interleukin-4 Production in CD4+T Cells to Direct T Helper 2 Cell Differentiation. J Biol Chem. 2012 Jan 20: 287(4) 2830–2835. (if=4.651, ci=3) 9. Ved Prakash Dwivedi, Samit Chatterjee, Yogesh Singh, Imran Siddiqui, Pawan Sharma, Luc Van Kaer, Debprasad Chattopadhyay and Gobardhan Das. Early secreted antigen ESAT-6 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis promotes protective T helper 17 cell responses in a toll-like receptor-2-dependent manner. Plos Pathogen. 2011 Nov; 7(11):e1002378. (if=8.136, ci=36) 10. Tarun Kumar Bhatt, Sameena Khan, Ved Prakash Dwivedi, Mudassar Meraj Bandey and Amit Sharma. Malaria parasite tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase secretion triggers pro-inflammatory responses. Nature Communications. 2011 Nov 8;2:530. doi: 10.1038/ncomms 1522. (if=10.015, ci=8)

[ 84 ]

GUPTA, SARITA SHARADCHANDRA (b 1958), Professor & Head, Dept. of Biochemistry, The M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Prof. Sarita Gupta has been working in the area of disease pathogenesis from basic understanding to evidence based clinical studies. Besides establishing the stem cell research lab in the university she has done original research on basal expression of oct, nanog, sox to be sufficient for stemness in NIH3T3. Prof. Gupta demonstrated for the first time an association of cadmium with benign prostatic hyperplasia in Indian population. She has characterized human prostate-derived pluripotent stem cells and established one of the rarest cell lines to be used as a potential tool for research, and successfully developed BPH animal model. In the field of reproductive endocrinology she has demonstrated deleterious effects of endocrine disruptors at subclinical level on HPG axis. She has explored molecular mechanisms using granulosa cells as model system. And currently involved in understanding role of insulin resistance in female infertility. In addition to the establishment of disease pathogenesis Prof. Gupta has also carried out work onEnicostemma littorale for the treatment of diabetes. She established its antidiabetic action both in diabetic animal models and patients. She also proved the efficacy of this herb in amelioration of diabetic complications like nephropathy, neuropathy and cardiomyopathy in various animal models. Exploring further, she isolated active compounds--swertiamarin to act as potent insulin sensitizer and adipogenic inhibitor whereas, another compound swertisin as potent inducer of islet differentiation from stem/progenitors. Thus both these compounds can be developed as excellent therapeutic tool for diabetes.

Proposer : Prof. Alok Dawan, Seconder : Prof. Ramesh Goyal Ten Best Publications: 1. J Maroo, VT Vasu, R Aalinkeel, Sarita Gupta (2002) Glucose lowering effect of aqueous extract of Enicostemma littoraleBlume in diabetes: a possible mechanism of action Journal of ethnopharmacology 81 (3), 317-320 (if=3.32, ci=104) 2. J Maroo, VT Vasu, Sarita Gupta(2003)Dose dependent hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Enicostemma littoraleBlume in alloxan induced diabetic rats Phytomedicine 10 (2), 196-199 (if=3.2, ci=67) 3. A Pillai, L Priya, Sarita Gupta(2003) Effects of combined exposure to lead and cadmium on the hypothalamic–pituitary axis function in proestrous rats Food and chemical toxicology 41 (3), 379-384 (if=3.2, ci=56) 4. R Vijayavargia, M Kumar, Sarita Gupta(2000)Hypoglycemic effect of aqueous extract of Enicostemma littoraleBlume (chhotachirayata) on alloxan induced diabetes mellitus in rats Indian journal of experimental biology 38 (8), 781-784 (if=1.195, ci=55) 5. VT Vasu, H Modi, JV Thaikoottathil, Sarita Gupta(2005)Hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effect of Enicostemma littoraleBlume aqueous extract in cholesterol fed rats Journal of ethnopharmacology 101 (1), 277-282 (if=3.22, ci=50) 6. LP Nampoothiri, Sarita Gupta(2006) Simultaneous effect of lead and cadmium on granulosa cells: a cellular model for ovarian toxicity Reproductive Toxicology 21 (2), 179-185 (if=3.94, ci=36) 7. A Prajapati, S Gupta, R Bhonde, Sarita Gupta(2014)Pluripotent Stem Cell within the Prostate could be Responsible for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia in Human J Stem Cell Res Ther (2014) 4 (164), 2 (if=5.88, ci=------) 8. AN Dadheech, S Soni, A Srivastava, S Dadheech, S Gupta, R Gopurappilly, RR Bhonde and Sarita Gupta (2013)small molecule swertisin from Enicostemma littorale differentiates NIH3T3 cells into Islet-Like clusters and restores normoglycemia upon transplantation in diabetic balb/c mice . Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Article ID: 280392.20 pages (if=4.77, ci=2) 9. N Dadheech, A Srivastava, M Belani, S Gupta, R Pal, RR Bhonde, AS Srivastava, Sarita Gupta (2013)Basal Expression of Pluripotency-Associated Genes Can Contribute to Stemness Property and Differentiation Potential Stem Cells and Development 22 (12), 1802-1817 (if=4.67, ci=-----) 10. TP Patel, S Soni, P Parikh, J Gosai, R Chruvattil, Sarita Gupta. (2013) Swertiamarin: An Active Lead from Enicostemma littorale Regulates Hepatic and Adipose Tissue Gene Expression by Targeting PPAR-γ and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Experimental NIDDM Rat Model Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Article ID:358673, 11 pages. 4.77 (if=4.77, ci=----)

[ 85 ]

KAUR, JAGDEEP (b 1961), Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Prof. Jagdeep Kaur posses unique skills in biochemistry/enzymology/ molecular biology and has made significant contributions in the area of industrial enzymes. In her lab, several genes and enzymes for novel lipases/pectinases/mannanases were characterized from different sources including the metagenomic one[51,55-61]. Using lipase as a model system and directed evolution as a tool, temperature adaptation of the enzyme using error-prone PCR based in-vitro evolution has been studied [11,15,17,29,34]. A mutant lipase showing 144X enhanced thermostability at 60oC[15,patent filed], another with 54X enhanced thermostability with 300X enhanced enzyme activity[8-10], a cold adapted lipase with optimum temperature from 45oC to 15oC were generated. These enzymes were successfully used in trans-esterifications of 1-indanol, naphthyl-ethanol. Besides, she is interested in understanding the relationship between pathogenicity and lipolysis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Lipases play an important role in virulence as mycobacterium grown in-vivo preferred fattyacids as carbon source. Out of 24 genes of Lip gene family present in mycobacterium genome, several have been cloned in her lab and biochemically characterized[3,5,6,44]. The differential expression of lipases under stress conditions and their immuno-modulatory effects suggested the importance of particular lipases in survival of bacterium[3,5], which is being confirmed by knockout studies. A primer based approach has been developed for PCR amplification of genes with high GC-content[1]. Her current research continues to focus on transcriptional regulation of liplytic genes involved in virulence/dormancy in Mtb. Another area of active pursuit in her lab is screening of the leads from natural products for anticancer activity followed by epigenetic regulation of cell cycle genes[2,20,23,25,28,36,46,49].

Proposer : Prof. R. C. Sobti, Seconder : Prof. R. K. Kohli Ten Best Publications: 1. Nawani, N., Dosanjh, N.S. and Kaur, J. (1998). A novel thermostable lipase from a thermostable lipase from a thermophilic Bacillus sp.: Characterization and esterification studies. Biotech. Letts. 20: 997-1000. (if=1.768, ci=68) 2. Nawani,N. and Kaur, J. (2000).Purification, characterization and thermostability of lipase from a thermophilic Bacillus sp. J33. Molec.Cell. Biochem.206: 91-96 (if=2.168, ci=79) 3. Dosanjh NS and Kaur J (2002) Immobilization, stability and esterification studies of a lipase from a Bacillus sp. Biotechnol Appl. Biochem. 36, 7-12. (if=1.879, ci=69) 4. Samriti Dhawan and Jagdeep Kaur (2007) Microbial Mannanases: An Overview of Production and Applications Critical Reviews in Biotechnology, 27:197–216, 2007 (if=5.095, ci=141) 5. Nawani N and Kaur J (2007) Studies on lipolytic isoenzymes from a thermophilic Bacillus sp.: Production, purification and biochemical characterization Enz Microbial Technol 40, 881-887 (if=2.367, ci=28) 6. Sharma P, Capalash N and Kaur J (2007) An improved method for single step purification of metagenomic DNA. Molecular Biotechnology-36, 61-63 (if=2.17, ci=25) 7. Abhimanyu K. Jha, Mohsen Nikbakht, Parashar G, Anju Srivastava, Neena Capalash, Jagdeep Kaur Reversal of hypermethylation and reactivation of RARβ2 gene by natural compounds in cervical cancer cell lines. Folia Biologica (Praha). 2010;56(5):195-200 (if=1.21, ci=28) 8. Singh G, Singh G, Jadeja D, Kaur J (2010) Lipid hydrolizing enzymes in virulence: Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a model system. Critical Rev in Microbiology 2010,;36(3):259-69. (if=5.345, ci=19) 9. Khurana J, Singh R, Kaur J (2011) Engineering of Bacillus lipase by directed evolution for enhanced thermal stability: Effect of isoleucine to threonine mutation at protein surface. Molecular Biology reports38, 5, 2919-2926 (if=2.929, ci=16) 10. Pushpender Kumar Sharma, Owais Mohammad, Ranvir Singh Jagdeep Kaur (2012) Engineering of a metagenome derived lipase towards thermal tolerance: effect of aspargine to lysine mutation on the protein surface. Gene 491 (2012) 264–271 (if=2. 34, ci=13)

[ 86 ]

KHARE, SUNIL KUMAR (b 1960), Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Prof.Khare was trained in the area of applied enzymology and has went on to make several major contributions in the upstream, downstream and application aspects of enzymes from solvent-tolerant and halophilic microorganisms. I would rate him as a leading worker in India in this area whose work is recognised internationally. He has spent some time in Prof. Nakajima’s lab in Japan as an United Nations Kirin awardee and continued exploiting non-aqueous media for biotransformations. He is an honorary member of International Bioencapsulation Research Group, France, since 1996. He is a fellow of Biotech Research Society of India since 2012 and member of NASI from 2008. He has an h-index of 21 at present. For his work providing further understanding of structural and molecular basis of stability of enzymes from halophiles etc. and some noteworthy applications of these enzymes, I am pleased to nominate him for this fellowship.

Proposer : Prof. M.N.Gupta, Seconder : Prof. B.N.Johri Ten Best Publications: 1. Anshu Gupta and S. K. Khare (2008) Production of protease and lipase by solvent tolerant Pseudomonas aeruginosa PseA in solid-state fermentation using Jatropha curcas seed cake as substrate. Bioresour. Technol. 99:1729-35 (if=4.75, ci=137) 2. Anshu Gupta, Ipsita Roy, S. K. Khare and M.N. Gupta (2005). Purification and characterization of a solvent stable protease from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PseA, J. Chromatogr. A, 1069: 155-161. (if=4.61, ci=96) 3. Ruchi Gaur, Hema Pant, Ruchi Jain and S. K. Khare (2006) Galacto-oligosaccharide synthesis by immobilized Aspergillus oryzae β -galactosidase. Food Chem. 97:426-430. (if=3.33, ci=91) 4. Ruchi Gaur, Anshu Gupta and S. K. Khare (2008) Lipase from solvent tolerant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain: Production Optimization by RSM and application. Bioresour. Technol. 99:4796-4802. (if=4.75, ci=76) 5. Anshu Gupta and S. K. Khare (2006) A protease stable in organic solvents from solvent tolerant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bioresour. Technol. 97:1788-1793 (if=4.75, ci=57) 6. S.K. Khare and M. Nakajima, (2000). Immobilization of Rhizopus japonicus lipase on celite and its application for enrichment of docosahexaenoic acid in soybean oil. Food Chem., 68:153-157 (if=3.33, ci=47) 7. Anshu Gupta and S. K. Khare (2009) Enzymes from solvent tolerant microbes: Useful biocatalysts for non-aqueous enzymology. Crit. Rev. Biotechnol. 29:44-54 ( (if=5.095, ci=44) 8. Ruchi Gaur, Anshu Gupta and S. K. Khare (2008) Purification and characterization of lipase from solvent tolerant Pseudomonas aeruginosa PseA. Process Biochem. 43:1040-1046 (if=2.41, ci=44) 9. Anshu Gupta and S. K. Khare (2007) Enhanced production and characterization of solvent stable protease from solvent tolerant Pseudomonas aeruginosa PseA. Enzyme Microb. Technol. 42:1-16 (if=2.59, ci=36) 10. Rajeshwari Sinha, Ram Karan, Arvind Sinha and S. K. Khare (2011) Interaction and Nanotoxic effect of ZnO and Ag nanoparticles on mesophilic and halophilic bacterial cells. Bioresour. Technol. 102:1516–1520 (if=4.75, ci=32)

[ 87 ]

KUNDU, MANIKUNTALA (b 1958), Senior Professor, Bose Institute, Kolkata Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Manikuntala Kundu’s ground-breaking work has centred around understanding the regulation of the stress response in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and relating it with persistence. The highlight has been elucidating the central role of the enzyme polyphosphate kinase 1 (PPK1) as a regulator of the stress response (Microbiology 2013, 159: 2074-2086; Mol. Microbiol. 2007, 65, 261-276). She has also uncovered the mechanism and role of proteolytic degradation of anti-Sigma E (RseA) in surface stress-regulated control of Sigma E in mycobacteria (Mol. Microbiol. 2010, 75, 592-606), again deciphering novel regulatory networks linked to system properties which give mycobacteria a survival advantage in the host (PLoS One, 2008, 3, e1771). The importance of her work was highlighted in two microcommentaries in Molecular Microbiology. She has also contributed significantly towards understanding how the gastric pathogen H. pylori remodels the gastric epithelium focusing on the moonlighting functions of a secreted peptidyl prolyl isomerase, HP0175 in regulating cell signaling in gastric epithelial cells and macrophages. She has shown using exogeneous protein as well as a knockout mutant that this secreted protein regulates proapoptotic and angiogenic signaling by regulating both cell death and the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (J. Biol. Chem. 2008 283, 32369–32376; J. Immunol. 2005 174, 5672-5680), in addition to its ability to regulate the release of the cytokine IL-6 from macrophages (J. Immunol. 2006, 177, 7950-7958). HP0175 also drives a Th17 inflammatory response in gastric adenocarcinoma (Intern. Emerg. Medicine 2014, 9, 303-309; Eur. J. Inflammation 2013, 11, 261-268).

Proposer : Prof. Pinakpani Chakrabarti, Seconder :Prof. Indrani Bose Ten Best Publications: 1. Sanyal, S., Banerjee, S.K., Banerjee, R., Mukhopadhyay, J., and Kundu M.(2013) Polyphosphate kinase 1, a central node in the stress response network of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, connects the two-component systems MprAB and SenX3-RegX3 and the extracytoplasmic function sigma factor, sigma E. Microbiology. 159:2074-2086 9 (if=2.85, ci=1) 2. Amedei, A., Munari, F., Della Bella, C., Niccolai, E., Benagiano, M., Bencini, L., Cianchi, F., Farsi, M., Emmi, G., Zanotti, G., de Bernard, M., Kundu, M., and D'Elios, M. M. (2014) Helicobacter pylori secreted peptidyl prolyl cis,trans-isomerase drives Th17 inflammation in gastric adenocarcinoma. Internal and Emergency Medicine 9, 303-309 (if=2.34, ci=3) 3. Barik, S., Sureka, K., Basu, J., and Kundu, M. (2009) RseA, the SigE specific anti-sigma factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is inactivated by phosphorylation-dependent ClpC1P2 proteolysis. Mol. Microbiol. 75, 592-606 (if=4.96, ci=27) 4. Sureka, K., Sanyal, S., Basu, J. and Kundu, M. (2009) Polyphosphate kinse 2: a modulator of nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity in mycobacteria. Mol. Microbiol. 74, 1187-1197 (if=4.96, ci=13) 5. Sureka, K., Ghosh, B., Dasgupta, A., Basu, J., Kundu, M. and Bose, I. (2008) Positive feedback and noise activate the stringent response regulator Rel in mycobacteria. PLoS One, 3: e1771 (if=3.4, ci=45) 6. Basu, S., Pathak, S.K., Chatterjee, G., Pathak, S., Basu, J., and Kundu, M. (2008) Helicobacter pylori protein HP0175 transactivates EGFR through TLR4 in gastric epithelial cells. J. Biol. Chem. 283, 32369-32376 (if=4.65, ci=19) 7. Sureka, K., Dey, S., Datta, P., Singh, A.K., Dasgupta, A., Rodrigue, S., Basu, J., and Kundu, M. (2007) Polyphosphate kinase is involved in stress-induced mprAB-sigE-rel signalling in mycobacteria. Mol. Microbiol. 65, 261-276 (if=4.96, ci=56) 8. Basak, C., Pathak, S.K., Bhattacharyya, A., Pathak, S., Basu, J. and Kundu, M. (2005) The secreted peptidyl prolyl cis,trans-isomerase HP0175 of Helicobacter pylori induces apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells in a Toll-like receptor 4 and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)-dependent manner. J. Immunol. 174, 5672-5680 (if=5.5, ci=36) 9. Basak, C., Pathak, S., Bhattacharyya, A., Mandal, D., Pathak, S., and Kundu, M. (2005) NF- B- and C/EBP driven interleukin-1 gene expression and PAK1-mediated caspase 1 activation play essential roles in interleukin-1 release from Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. J. Biol. Chem. 280, 4279-4288 (if=4.65, ci=52) 10. Bhattacharyya, A., Pathak, S., Datta, S., Chattopadhyay, S., Basu, J. and Kundu, M. (2002) Mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF- B regulate Helicobacter pylori-mediated interleukin-8 release from macrophages. Biochem. J. 368, 121-129 (if=4.65, ci=75)

[ 88 ]

NANDICOORI, VINAY KUMAR (b 1969), Staff Scientist VI, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Dr. Nandicoori’s research at the National Institute of Immunology is focused on two aspects of cell signaling. His laboratory works towards deciphering kinase-mediated signaling networks in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and investigates the role of phosphorylation events in modulating the functions of nucleoporins. Dr. Nandicoori has a strong background in molecular biology, protein biochemistry and cell biology, and has consistently published his research in peer-reviewed journals of high repute. He initiated his research on serine/threonine kinases of M. tuberculosis after establishing his lab as an independent investigator at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi. Investigations carried out in his laboratory at NII have demonstrated the importance of specific domains of protein kinase G in modulating PknG-mediated regulation of phagosome-lysosome fusion. The biochemical characterization of protein kinase K carried out in his lab showed that PknK-mediated phosphorylation of transcription factor VirS modulates the expression of the genes of the mycobacterial monooxygenase (mymA) operon. His group identified acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GlmU) and enoyl-ACP reductase InhA to be novel substrates of PknA & B in M. tuberculosis, and demonstrated that PknB-mediated phosphorylation of GlmU modulates its acetyltransferase activity. Work in his laboratory has also found that the phosphorylation of InhA, the primary target of the first-line anti-tuberculosis drug isoniazid, impacts mycobacterial growth and survival. Recently, his lab has demonstrated the criticality of PknB for growth of pathogen in vitro and survival within the host. Dr. Nandicoori’s research has provided the framework for the discovery of other downstream targets and further investigations into kinase-mediated signaling pathways.

Proposer : Dr. Chandrima Shaha, Seconder : Dr. R. P. Roy Ten Best Publications: 1. Chawla, Y., Upadhyay, S.K., Khan, S., Nagarajan, S.N., Forti, F. & Nandicoori, V.K. (2014) Protein kinase B (PknB) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is essential for growth of the pathogen in vitro as well as for survival within the host. J. Biol. Chem. Apr 4. [Epub ahead of print]. (if=4.65, ci=None) 2. Parikh, A., Kumar, D., Chawla, Y., Kurthkoti, K., Khan, S., Varshney, U. & Nandicoori, V. K. (2013) Development of new generation of vectors for gene expression, gene replacement, and protein-protein interaction studies in mycobacteria. Appl Environ Microbiol. 79, 1718-1729. (if=3.678, ci=1) 3. Jagtap, P. K. A., Soni, V., Vithani, N., Jhingan, G.D., Bais, V. S., Nandicoori, V. K.* & Prakash, B.* (2012) Substrate bound crystal structure reveals feature unique to Mycobacterium tuberculosis N-acetyl glucosamine-1-phosphate uridyltransferase and a catalytic mechanism for acetyltransfer. J. Biol. Chem. 287, 39524-37. * Corresponding authors (if=4.65, ci=2) 4. Rajanala, K. & Nandicoori, V.K. (2012) Localization of nucleoporin Tpr to the nuclear pore complex is essential for Tpr mediated regulation of the export of unspliced RNA. Plos One 7, e29921. (if=3.73, ci=8) 5. Khan, S., Nagarajan, S. N, Parikh, A., Samantaray, S., Singh, A., Kumar, D., Roy, R.P., Bhatt, A. & Nandicoori, V.K. (2010) Phosphorylation of enoyl-ACP reductase InhA impacts mycobacterial growth and survival. J. Biol. Chem. 285, 37860-37871. (if=4.65, ci=12) 6. Tiwari, D., Singh, R. K., Goswami, K., Verma, S. K., Prakash, B. & Nandicoori, V. K. (2009) Key residues in Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein kinase G play a role in regulating kinase activity and survival in the host. J Biol. Chem. 284, 27467-27479. (if=4.65, ci=24) 7. Kumar, P., Kumar, D., Parikh, A., Rananaware, D., Gupta, M., Singh, Y. & Nandicoori, V. K. (2009) The Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein kinase K modulates activation of transcription from the promoter of mycobacterial monooxygenase operon through phosphorylation of transcriptional regulator VirS. J. Biol. Chem. 284, 11090-11099. (if=4.65, ci=29) 8. Parikh, A., Verma, S.K. Khan,S., Prakash, B.* & Nandicoori, V. K.* (2009) PknB-mediated phosphorylation of novel substrate, N-Acetylglucosamine-1-Phosphate Uridyltransferase, modulates its acetyltransferase activity. J. Mol. Biol. 386, 451-464. *Corresponding authors (if=3.905, ci=44) 9. Sajish, M., Kalayil, S., Verma, S. K., Nandicoori, V. K.* & Prakash, B.* (2009) The significance of ExDD and RxKD motif conservation in Rel proteins. J. Biol. Chem 284, 9115-9123. * Corresponding authors (if=4.65, ci=12) 10. Sajish, M., Tiwari, D., Rananaware, D., Nandicoori, V. K.* and Prakash, B.* (2007) A Charge Reversal Differentiates (p)ppGpp Synthesis by Monofunctional and Bifunctional Rel Proteins. J. Biol. Chem. 282, 34977-83. * Corresponding authors (if=4.65, ci=14)

[ 89 ]

NATARAJAN, KRISHNAMURTHY (b 1960), Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences, JNU, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Precise control of gene regulation is essential as genomes encode several thousand genes. Indeed mutations in transcriptional machinery lead to human diseases and disorders. Research in Dr. Natarajan's laboratory is focused on understanding how transcription factors and coregulators, including chromatin modifying factors, regulate gene transcription in three cellular systems- (1) budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the model eukaryote, (2) Candida albicans, the major human fungal pathogen, and (3) melanocytes, the melanin pigment-making cells in human skin. Dr. Natarajan's laboratory discovered the Cap2-HAP complex, a critical transcriptional regulator for iron homeostasis gene regulation and virulence of C. albicans (Singh et al., 2011), which was commented in mini-reviews . Dr. Natarajan's laboratory has also set up the B16-F1 0 melanoma cell line model to study skin pigmentation. This collaborative work led to identification of novel pathways of transcriptional regulation in melanocytes involving Nrf2, and IFN-g mediated suppression of pigmentation (VTNatarajan et al., 2014; VTNatarajan et al., 2010). The nominee's laboratory has recently published his work on a fundamental problem in transcription- how do the shared subunits contribute to the function of multi-functional regulatory complexes? An evolutionarily conserved domain in the transcriptional coactivator subunit TAF9 is required for promoter occupancy of both SAGA and TFIID, and for transcriptional activation in S. cerevisiae, indicating that nonhistone fold domains also have a broad role in transcription (Saint et al., 2014). Together, Dr. Natarajan's laboratory has made significant and seminal contributions in the field of transcriptional mechanism and gene regulation in S. cerevisiae and C. albicans.

Proposer : Prof. Kasturi Datta, Seconder : Prof.B.N. Mallick Ten Best Publications: 1. Saint, M*, Sawhney, S*, Sinha, I, Singh R.P., Thakur, A., Siddharthan, R. and Natarajan K. (2014). TAF9 C-terminal domain is required for SAGA and TFIID promoter occupancy to promote transcriptional activation. Molecular and cellular Biology 34(9): 1547-63.(if=5.372, ci=0 (new publication)) 2. Natarajan, V.T., Ganju, P., Singh, A., Vijayan, V., Kirty, K., Yadav, S., Puntambekar, S., Bajaj, S., Dani, P., Kar, H.K., Gadgil, C.J., Natarajan, K., Rani, R. and Gokhale, R.S. (2014). IFN-γ signaling maintains skin pigmentation homeostasis through regulation of melanosome. Maturation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA) 111:2301-2306. (if=9.737, ci=0 (new publication)) 3. Hanumantha Rao, K., Ghosh, S., Natarajan, K*. and Datta, A*. (2012) N-acetylglucosamine kinase, HXK1 is involved in morphogenetic transition and metabolic gene expression in Candida albicans. PLoS One 8(1):e53638 * Corresponding Authors.(if=3.730, ci=2 (Scopus; April 11, 2014)) 4. Venkatesh, S., Smolle, M., Li, H., Gogol, M.M., Saint, M.,# Kumar, S.#, Natarajan, K.# and Workman, J.L. (2012) Set2 methylation of histone H3 lysine 36 suppresses histone exchange on transcribed genes. Nature 489, 452-455. #SLS, JNU (if=38.597, ci=39 (Scopus; April 11, 2014)) 5. Singh, R.P., Prasad, H.K., Sinha. I, Agarwal, N. and Natarajan, K. (2011). Cap2-HAP Complex Is a Critical Transcriptional Regulator That Has Dual but Contrasting Roles in Regulation of Iron Homeostasis in Candida albicans. Journal of Biological Chemistry 286, 25154-25170. (if=4.651, ci=16 (Scopus; April 11, 2014)) 6. Natarajan, K., Meyer, M.R., Jackson, B.M., Slade, D., Hinnebusch, A.G. and Marton, M.J. (2001). Transcriptional Profiling Shows that Gcn4p is a Master Regulator of Gene Expression During Amino Acid Starvation in Yeast. Molecular and Cellular Biology 21, 4347-4368. (if=5.372, ci=370 (Scopus; April 11, 2014)) 7. Natarajan, K., Jackson, B.M., Zhou, H., Winston, F. and Hinnebusch, A.G. (1999). Transcriptional Activation by Gcn4p Involves Independent Interactions with SWI/SNF Complex and SRB/Mediator. (if=15.280, ci=113) 8. Natarajan, K., Jackson, B.M., Rhee, E., and Hinnebusch, A.G. (1998). yTAFII61 Has a General Role in RNA Polymerase II Transcription and is Required By Gcn4p to Recruit the SAGA Coactivator Complex. Molecular Cell 2, 683-692. (if=15.280, ci=59) 9. Kumar MJ, Jamaluddin MS, Natarajan K, Kaur D. and Datta, A. (2000). The inducible N-acetylglucosamine catabolic pathway gene cluster in Candida albicans: Discrete N-acetylglucosamine-inducible factors interact at the promoter of NAG1. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA). 97,14218-14223. (if=9.737, ci=26) 10. Natarajan, K. and Datta, A. (1993). Molecular Cloning and Analysis of the NAG1 cDNA Coding for Glucosamine 6-Phosphate Deaminase from Candida albicans. Journal of Biological Chemistry 268, 9206-9214. (if=4.651, ci=28)

[ 90 ]

PADHY, RABINDRA NATH (b 1954), CSIR Emeritus Scientist, Professor and Head, Central Research Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science and Sum Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Professor R. N. Padhy reported antimicrobial activity of a large number of plant species used by tribals against infectious diseases. Through screening of more than 200 species for their antimicrobial activity, he identified 6 species for possible drug development to be used in complementary/supplementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) for control of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria causing urinary tract infection (UTI). He concomitantly studied infection dynamics of 11 species of MDR uro-pathogens in hospitalized and OPD patients to assess the magnitude of the problem. Specifically, MDR strains of 3 notorious bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli were monitored for their infectious shenanigans in the hospital environments. He also reported isolation of a metallo-β-lactamase producing strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae from a neonate causing grievous infection than imagined earlier and could not be controlled with available antibiotics. Professor R. N. Padhy has large number of publications in highly reputed journals including Nature. He is active in research, guiding and mentoring many students in different universities at Doctoral and Post Doctoral levels.

Proposer : Prof. P. Das, Seconder : Prof. Gyana Ranjan Rout Ten Best Publications: 1. Dubey D, S Rath, MC Sahu, Nayak N, NK Debata, RN Padhy (2013). Status of multidrug resistance in tubercle bacillus and phytochemicals for the control. J. Publ. Health, 21:115-119. (Springer). IF: 2.06 (if=2.06) 2. Dubey D, RN Padhy (2013). Antibacterial activity of Lantana camara L. against multidrug resistant pathogens from ICU patients of a teaching hospital. J Herb Med. 3: 65-75. (Elsevier). IF: 0.701 (if=0.701) 3. Sahu MC, S Rath, D Dubey, NK Debata, RN Padhy (2013). Evaluation of two microbiological diagnostic methods for the pulmonary tuberculosis based on Bayes rule. J. Publ. Health, 21:123-130. (Springer).IF 2.06 (if=2.06) 4. Rath S, RN Padhy (2013). Monitoring in vitro antibacterial efficacy of Terminalia alata Heyne ex. Roth, against multidrug resistant enteropathogenic bacteria. J Acute Med: 3; 93-103. (Elsevier). IF: 0.653 (if=0.653) 5. Sahu MC, S Rath, D Dubey, NK Debata, RN Padhy (2012). Multidrug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as known from surveillance of nosocomial and community infections in an Indian teaching hospital. J. Publ. Health, 20: 413-423. (Springer).IF: 2.06(if=2.06) 6. Mishra M, RK Sahu, RN Padhy (2007). Growth, yield, metabolism and elemental status of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in fly ash amended soils. Ecotoxicology 16: 271–278. (Springer). IF: 2.773 (if=2.773) 7. Panigrahi S, SN Padhy, RN Padhy (2003). Toxicity of methyl parathion to cells, heterocysts and akinetes of cyanobacterium Cylindrospermum sp. and probit analysis of toxicity. Ann. Appl. Biol. 143: 195-202. (Wiley, UK). IF: 2.147 (if=2.147) 8. Padhy RN, F Hotat, MM Coene, PP Hoet (1988). Restriction analysis and quantitative estimation of methylated bases of filamentous and unicellular cyanobacterial DNAs. J. Bacteriol. 170: 1934-1939. (ASM, USA). IF: 3.586 (if=3.586) 9. Padhy RN (1985). Agriculture and Environment: Cyanobacteria employed as fertilizers and waste disposers. Nature (London), 317: 475-476. (UK). IF: 38.59 (if=38.59) 10. Padhy RN (1985). Cyanobacteria and pesticides. Residue Rev. 95:1- 44. (Springer). IF: 2.477 (if=2.477)

[ 91 ]

PAL, RAHUL (b 1960), Staff Scientist VI, National Institute of Immunolgy, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) The nominee’s earlier work contributed towards the development of a fertility control vaccine for women. For the first time, the immune system was specifically primed towards human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which induced extended periods of infertility in fertile women (American Journal of Reproductive Immunology 22:124-126, 1990; Fertility and Sterility 76: 332-336, 2001; Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) 91:8532-8436, 1994). Such an approach can have a significant bearing on human health by offering women an alternative method of contraception. Studies the world over have demonstrated the expression of hCG in a wide variety of cancers and its association with poor prognosis. The nominee’s subsequent work has revealed the benefits of anti-hCG immunization in animal models of cancer (PLoS ONE, 7(11): e51125. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0051125, 2012; PLoS ONE, 8(4): e61288. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0061288, 2013), while his current work seeks to enumerate the pathways by which hCG contributes to tumorigenesis. The understanding of the biology of hCG in the context of cancer and the efficient targeting of the molecule (possibly in conjunction with standard chemotherapeutic protocols) offers hope of more efficient treatment of hard-to-treat malignancies. The nominee has also made significant contributions towards the understanding of the biology of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (The Journal of Immunology, 175: 7669-7677, 2005; Cell Death and Differentiation, 13: 1715-1726, 2006; European Journal of Immunology, 38: 3561-3574, 2008; European Journal of Immunology, 41: 537-548, 2011). His current work is focussed on the enumeration of new pathways and targets which contribute to determinant spreading to enhance disease kinetics.

Proposer : Dr. Chandrima Shaha, Seconder : Dr. Sher Ali Ten Best Publications: 1. Pal R, Singh O, Rao LV, Talwar GP 1990. Bioneutralization capacity of the antibodies generated in women by the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin hCG and hCG associated with the alpha subunit of ovine luteinizing hormone linked to carriers. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology 22:124-126. (if=3.3) 2. Talwar GP, Singh O, Pal R, Chatterjee N, Sahai P, Dhall K, Kaur J, Das SK, Suri SK, Buckshee K, Saraya L, Saxena BN 1994. A vaccine that prevents pregnancy in women. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA) 91:8532-8436. (if=9.7) 3. Giri DK, Pal R, Wadhwa SN, Talwar GP 1995. Immunohistochemical localization of transforming growth factor epidermal growth factor receptor and c-erbB-2 protein in hyperplastic human prostates. Carcinogenesis 16:729-733. (if=5.6) 4. Pal R, Singh O 2001. Absence of corpus luteum rescue by chorionic gonadotropin in women immunized with a contraceptive vaccine. Fertility and Sterility 76: 332-336. (if=4.1) 5. Pal R, Deshmukh U, Ohyama Y, Fang Q, Kannapell CC, Gaskin F, Fu SM 2005.Evidence for multiple shared antigenic determinants within Ro60 and other lupus-related ribonucleoprotein autoantigens in human autoimmune responses. The Journal of Immunology, 175: 7669-7677. (if=5.5) 6. Gandhi R, Hussain E, Das J, Handa R, Pal R 2006. Anti-idiotype mediated epitope spreading and diminished phagocytosis by a human monoclonal antibody recognizing late-stage apoptotic cells. Cell Death and Differentiation, 13: 1715-1726. (if=8.3) 7. Das J, Arora P, Gracias D, Praveen A, Raj BPJ, Martin E, Pal R 2008. Endogenous humoral autoreactive immune responses to apoptotic cells: Effects on phagocytic uptake, chemotactic migration and antigenic spread. European Journal of Immunology, 38: 3561-3574. (if=4.9) 8. Bhatnagar H, Kala S, Sharma L, Jain S, Kim KS, Pal R 2011. Serum and organ-associated anti-hemoglobin humoral autoreactivity: Association with anti-Sm responses and inflammation. European Journal of Immunology, 41: 537-548. (if=4.9) 9. Sachdeva R, Bhardwaj N, Huhtaniemi I, Aggrawal U, Jain SK, Zaidi R, Singh O, Pal R 2012. Transgenesis-mediated reproductive dysfunction and tumorigenesis: Effects of immunological neutralization. PLoS ONE, 7(11): e51125. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0051125.(if=4.2) 10. Bose A, Huhtaniemi I, Singh O, Pal R 2013. Synergistic activation of innate and adaptive immune mechanisms in the treatment of gonadotropin-sensitive tumors. PLoS ONE, 8(4): e61288. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0061288. (if=4.2)

[ 92 ]

PATI, UTTAM K (b 1952), Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Uttam Pati is a chemist & Molecular biologist. His PhD thesis in University of New Brunswick includes synthesis of cardiovascular drug without cardio-toxicity (patent: Hoffman La Roche; Pati, Heterocycles 1989; Steroids 1990). During his post-doctoral years at MIT and Yale University of School of medicine, USA, he contributed in to synthesis of cancer drug bruceantin (Ziegler, J Org Chem 1996 & JACS 1995). After switching to molecular biology he was first to clone human RNA polymerase II subunits and hypothesized its assembly (Pati, JBC 1989; JBC 1990, Gene 1994 J. Clin. Invest 1993). As a faculty at JNU he first identified role of paraoxonase gene polymorphism (Pati, Int Jour Cardiology 1998) and role of apo(a) gene in Indian cardiac patients (Pati, Mol Genet Metab 2002&2000; Sarita, Biochem Jour 2004). In 2007 he discovered CHIP, a new chaperone of p53 (Tripathy, JBC 2007) and in 2009-11, he was first to develop p53 chaperone-therapy for hypoxic tumor regression (Sharma PloS One 2009; Gogna JBC 2012). His recent work involves p53-genetic programming for apoptosis and necrosis (Gogna, Antioxidant Redox Signalling 2011), DNA repair in hypoxia (Madan, Biochem Jour 2012), p53-mediated cancer therapy through gallium group of cancer drug (Gogna, British Jour Pharmacol 2012), oxygen Therapy for hypoxic tumor (Gogna, Cell Death & Disease 2012). He has just discovered new gene therapeutics protocol through SCO2 and TIGAR (Madan 2013 Mol Cell Biol; British jour cancer 2012; Oncotarget 2012), p53-mediated oxygen sensing (Gogna, EMBO Mol Med 2013)and p53-mediated calcium signaling (Gogna, PloS One 2013).

Proposer : Prof Rakesh Bhatnagar, Seconder : Dr. Dwipayana Bharadwaj Ten Best Publications: 1. E Madan, R Gogna, P Kuppusamy, M Bhatt, A Ali Mahdi, U Pati.2013, SCO2 Induces p53-Mediated Apoptosis by Thr845 Phosphorylation of ASK-1 and Dissociation of ASK-1-TRX Complex, Mol Cell Biol 33, No 7, 1285-1302 (if=5.85, ci=2) 2. R Gogna, E Madan, M Khan, U Pati, P Kuppusamy. 2013, p53’s choice of myocardial death or survival: Oxygen protects infarct myocardium by recruiting p53 on NOS3 promoter through regulation of p53Lys162acetylation. EMBO Mol Med 5, 1-22 (if=10.3, ci=0) 3. E Madan, R Gogna, U Pati.2012, p53Ser15 Phosphorylation disrupts p53-RPA70 complex and induces RPA70- mediated DNA repair in hypoxia, Biochem Jour, 443 (3) 811-820 (if=4.7, ci=3) 4. R Gogna, E Madan, P Kuppusamy, U Pati.2012, Re-oxygenation causes hypoxic tumor regression through restoration of p53 wild type conformation and post-translational modifications, Cell Death & Disease (Nature), 3, eK; doi:10.1038/cddis.2012 (if=6.0, ci=7) 5. R Gogna, E Madan, P Kuppusamy, U Pati.2012, Chaperoning of Mt p53 by Wt p53 causes hypoxic tumor regression. Jour Biol Chem, 287, No.4, 2907-2914 (if=5.02, ci=8) 6. R Gogna, E Madan, P Kuppusamy, U Pati.2012, Chaperoning of Mt p53 by Wt p53 causes hypoxic tumor regression. Jour Biol Chem, 287, No.4, 2907-2914 (if=7.5, ci=6) 7. .R Gogna, E Madan, B Keppler, U Pati. 2012,Gallium compound GaQ3-induced Ca2+ signaling triggers p53-dependent and independent apoptosis in cancer cells, British Jour Pharmacology,166 617–636 (if=5.1, ci=7) 8. E Madan, R Gogna, P Kuppusamy, M Bhatt, U Pati *, A Ali Mahdi * TIGAR Induces p53-Mediated Cell-Cycle Arrest by Regulation of RB-E2F1 Complex. British Jour Cancer (2012), 1–12 (if=5.1, ci=9) 9. V tripathi, A Ali, R Bhat, U Pati. 2007, CHIP chaperones wild type p53 tumor suppressor protein. Jour Biol Chem, 282, 39, 28441-454(if=5.2, ci=24) 10. S. Negi, S. Singh, N. Pati, V. Handa, R. Chauhan, and U. Pati.2004, A proximal tissue-specific and a distal negative regulatory module control apo(a) gene transcription. Biochem Jour 378, 1-9 (if=4.7, ci=6)

[ 93 ]

POLASA, KALPAGAM (b 1952), Scientist F & Director Incharge, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Dr.Kalpagam Polasa has brilliant academic record and since 33 years has been involved in conducting research in nutrition related to public health. Dr.Polasa’s contribution to food safety studies conducted during the past 10 years have resulted in establishing three important National Databases on the following aspects : 1. a) Knowledge, Attitude, Belief and Practices with respect to food study in India based on which IEC intervention has been initiated by the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). b) Total Diet Study in Andhra Pradesh which was done for first time in India The study revealed the level of human exposure to contaminants (pesticides, toxic metals, fluoride and mycotoxins) present in diet based on actual food intake and were within the provisional tolerable weekly intakes. c) Consumption of processed and non-processed foods in India This report is now the base document to fix the regulatory levels for chemicals in foods. 2. Diet and Cancer Dr.Polasa has made significant contributions to understand and identify several chemopreventors present in diet. These include turmeric/curcumin, alliums/DAS and ginger. 3. Drug Nutrient Interactions Pharmacokinetics of Rifampicin done in undernourished tuberculosis patients have yielded valuable results having therapeutic implications. Dr.Polasa has carried out risk assessment of trans fats exposure to our population through diet and is instrumental for the trans fats regulation by FSSAI. Labelling of packaged foods for TFA has been notified in Gazette recently (July, 2013).

Proposer : Dr.G.Bhanuprakash Reddy, Seconder : Prof.U.C.Srivastava Ten Best Publications: 1. Betsy A, Sudershan Rao V. and Kalpagam Polasa, 2012. Evolution of approaches in conducting total diet studies. Journal of Applied Toxicology 32(10):765-776. (IF – 2.597) (if=2.597, ci=As per enclosure) 2. Sudershan Rao V, Naveen Kumar R. and Kalpagam Polasa, 2012. Food borne diseases in India – A Review. British Food Journal 114 (5): 661-680. (if=0.614, ci=As per enclosure) 3. Rao V. Sudershan, Kumar R. Naveen, L.Kashinath, V. Bhaskar and Kalpagam Polasa 2012. Microbiological Hazard Identification and Exposure Assessment of Poultry Products sold in various localities of Hyderabad, India. The Scientific World Journal Article ID 736040, doi:10, 1100/2012/236040. (if=1.730, ci=As per enclosure) 4. Subba Rao GM, Sudershan Rao V, Pratima Rao, Vishnu Vardhana Rao M. and Kalpagam Polasa 2009. Focus Group studies on Food Safety Knowledge Perceptions and Practices of School going Adolescent Girls in South India. Journal of Nutrition Education & Behaviour 41(5): 340-347 (if=1.549, ci=As per enclosure) 5. Sudershan R.V., G.M. Subba Rao, Pratima Rao, Vishnu Vardhana Rao M. and Kalpagam Polasa 2008. Knowledge and practices of food safety regulators in Southern India. Nutrition and Food Science 38(2): 110-120 (if=Nil, ci=As per enclosure) 6. Sudershan Rao V, Subba Rao GM, Pratima Rao, Vishnu Vardhana Rao M. and Kalpagam Polasa 2008. Food safety related perceptions and practices of mothers – A case study in Hyderabad, India. Food Control 19: 506-513 (if=2.738, ci=As per enclosure) 7. Subba Rao GM, Sudershan Rao V, Pratima Rao, Vishnu Vardhan Rao M. and Kalpagam Polasa 2007. Food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers – Findings from focus group studies in South India. Appetite 49: 441-449 (if=2.541, ci=As per enclosure) 8. Sudershan Rao V, Pratima Rao and Kalpagam Polasa 2009. Food safety research in India : A Review. Asian Journal of Food and Agro-Industry 2(03): 391-412 (IF - Nil). (if=Nil, ci=As per enclosure) 9. Sudershan Rao V, Subba Rao GM and Kalpagam Polasa 2009. Women and Food Safety – Some perspectives from India. WHO Regional Health Forum, WHO, SEARO 13(2): 11-13 (if=Nil, ci=As per enclosure) 10. Sudershan Rao V, Naveen Kumar R, Kashinath L, Bhaskar V. and Kalpagam Polasa 2011. Anti-microbial activity of lactic acid on the growth of selective foodborne pathogens in raw chicken. Intl J Food Safety 13: 124-130 (if=Nil, ci=As per enclosure)

[ 94 ]

ROY, SIB SANKAR (b 1967), Principal Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Dr. Roy’s long term interest is to address the mechanisms of metabolic disorders considering two critical diseases like diabetes and cancer. Ovarian cancer is the second largest gynaecological cancer and its mechanism of pathophysiology is not known and its early diagnosis remains a challenge. He made significant contribution in understanding the mechanisms of proliferation/invasion of ovarian cancer cells. While VEGF’s role is well-known in endothelial cells, for the first time his group demonstrated that VEGF binds to its receptor in ovarian epithelial cancer cell. Through MAPK pathway, VEGF activates Ets-1, which up-regulates MMPs important for cancer cell invasion (JBC-2012). He identified a novel growth factor (FGF-16) that augments proliferation/invasion of ovarian cancer cells and could be a promising future drug-target and detection marker for ovarian cancer (JBC-2014). Dr. Roy works for many years in transcriptional regulation of key genes regulating ovarian structure/function in normal and diseased condition (Endocrinology, 2005; CPB, 2007a). He showed how collagen metabolism is controlled in ovary by PITX2 homeodomain transcription factor (CPB-2007b/c), which regulates the expression of many important genes in ovary that are pertinent to cancer progression. Interestingly, he has established that Wnt signalling pathway and PITX2 interacts in ovarian cancer cells and a positive feedback loop controls the cellular growth and proliferation (JBC-2013). He has contributed extensively on the mechanism of insulin resistance and diabetes type2 and identified carp cell as new source of insulin (Endocrinology-2003). Thus, Dr. Roy has extensively investigated and identified/characterized the factors to understand the mechanism of critical metabolic disorders.

Proposer : Prof Syamal Roy, Seconder : Prof Chitra Dutta Ten Best Publications: 1. Moitri Basu, Satinath Mukhopadhyay, Uttara Chatterjee and Sib Sankar Roy* (2014) FGF16 promotes invasive behavior of SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells through activation of MAPK signaling pathway. J. Biol. Chem. 289:1415-1428 (if=4.65, ci=NA, published recently) 2. Moitri Basu and Sib Sankar Roy* (2013) Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Is Regulated by PITX2 Homeodomain Protein and Thus Contributes to the Proliferation of Human Ovarian Adenocarcinoma Cell, SKOV-3, J. Biol. Chem. 288:4355-4367. (if=4.65, ci=6) 3. Sonali Ghosh, Moitri Basu, and Sib Sankar Roy* (2012) ETS-1 Protein Regulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Expression in Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Line SKOV-3. J. Biol. Chem. 287:15001-15015. (if=4.65, ci=23) 4. Shyam Sundar Nandi, Pamela Ghosh and Sib Sankar Roy* (2011): Expression of PITX2 Homeodomain Transcription Factor during Rat Gonadal Development in a Sexually Dimorphic Manner. Cell Physiol Biochem 27:159-170. (if=3.58, ci=1) 5. Pamela Ghosh, Samir Kumar Saha, Shyam Sundar Nandi, Samir Bhattacharya and Sib Sankar Roy* (2007): Involvement of Pitx2, a homeodomain transcription factor, in hypothyroidism associated reproductive disorders. Cell Physiol Biochem 20:878-898. (if=4.03, ci=3) 6. Ghosh P, Saha SK, Bhattacharya S, Bhattacharya S, Mukherjee S, Roy* SS (2007): Tachykinin family genes and their receptors are differentially expressed in the hypothyroid ovary and pituitary. Cell Physiol Biochem 20:357-368. (if=4.03, ci=3) 7. Samir Kumar Saha, Pamela Ghosh, Samir Bhattacharya and Sib Sankar Roy* (2007) Procollagen synthesis is increased in hypothyroid rat ovary by a parallel and compensatory pathway. Cell Physiology Biochem 19:313-322. (if=4.03, ci=5) 8. Samir Kumar Saha, Pamela Ghosh, Debanjali Mitra, Satinath Mukherjee, Samir Bhattacharya and Sib Sankar Roy* (2007) Localization and thyroid hormone influenced expression of collagen II in ovarian tissue. Cell Physiol Biochem 19:67-76. (if=4.03, ci=3) 9. Samir kumar Saha, Pamela Ghosh, ditya Konar, Samir Bhattacharya and Sib Sankar Roy* (2005) Differential expression of Procollagen Lysine 2-Oxoglutarate 5-Deoxygenase and Matrix Metalloproteinase Isoforms in Hypothyroid Rat Ovary and Disintegration of Extracellular Matrix. Endocrinology 146(7): 2963-2975. (if=5.31, ci=9) 10. Sib Sankar Roy*, Mohua Mukherjee*, Samir Bhattacharya*, C. N. Mandal, L. Ravi Kumar, Subrata Dasgupta, I. Bandyopadhyay, Katsumi Wakabayashi (2003) A New Cell Secreting Insulin. Endocrinology 144:1585-1593. * Three authors contributed equally. (if=5.06, ci=44)

[ 95 ]

SA, GAURISANKAR (b 1960), Senior Professor, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including)

Professor Gaurisankar Sa, whom I have nominated for consideration of Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, has made significant contribution in the field of cancer biology and tumor immunology. His work, for the first time, demonstrated that the critical signaling events for cell cycle progression take place during G1-phase in normal cells and G2-phase in cancer cells. Thus G2-phase plays a critical role in controlling hyper-proliferative status of cancer cell and is susceptible to chemotherapy. His work is unique in establishing the “missing link” between mitogenic and apoptogenic signaling triggered by oncogenic RAS. The Nominee has contributed substantially to understand the mechanisms of cancer-induced immune-dysfunction that includes loss of effector/activated T-cells, type-2 cytokine bias and T-regulatory cell expansion. He identified a novel population of FoxP3-positive IL10-producing T-regulatory cell which contributes to type-2 cytokine biasness in cancer patients. Prof. Sa convincingly established the well-known transcription factor FoxP3 as a co-transcription factor of locus-specific transcription factor STAT3. Prof. Sa’s current interest is to understand micro-RNA-mediated regulation of T-regulatory cell circuit. His findings are highly recognized by various National and International Scientific Communities as is evident from (a) his publications in high-impact journals like Immunity, Oncogene, Cancer Research, J Biological Chemistry etc. (b) receiving various National/International awards, and (c) granting of two patents. In my opinion Prof. Sa has contributed extraordinarily in the field of cancer research and is one of the most productive scientists in the field. I strongly recommend his candidature for Fellowship of the National Academy of Sciences, India.

Proposer : Prof. Parimal C. Sen, Seconder : Dr. Hemanta Majumder Ten Best Publications: 1. Hossain DMS. Panda A, Mohanty S, Bhattacharjee P, Bhattacharyya S, Manna A, Kar RK, Das T, Chatterjee S & Sa G. (2013) Novel function of FoxP3 as a co-transcription factor of STAT3 in tumor-induced Treg cells. Immunity 39: 1-13 (if=21.64, ci=3) 2. Sen GS, Mohanty S, Hossain DM, Bhattacharyya S, Banerjee S, Chakraborty J, Saha S, Ray P, Bhattacharjee P, Mandal D, Bhattacharya A, Chattopadhyay S, Das T, Sa G. (2011) Curcumin enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy by tailoring p65NFκB-p300 cross-talk in favor of p53-p300 in breast cancer. J. Biol. Chem. 286: 42232-42247 (if=5.49, ci=29) 3. Chakraborty J, Banerjee S, Ray P, Hossain DMS, Bhattacharyya S, Adhikary A, Chattopadhyay S, Das T & Sa G. (2010) Gain of cellular adaptation due to prolong p53 impairment leads to functional switch-over from (if=5.49, ci=16) 4. Bhattacharyya S, Hossain D Md. S, Mohanty S, Sen GS, Chattopadhyay S, Banerjee S, Chakraborty J, Das K, Sarkar D, Das T & Sa G. (2010) Curcumin reverses T cell‐mediated adaptive immune dysfunctions in tumor‐bearing host. Cell. Mol. Immunol. 7:306-15(if=3.42, ci=27) 5. 5. Sa G, Das T, Moon C, Hilston CM, Rayman PA, Rini BI, Tannenbaum CS, & Finke JH. (2009) GD3, an Overexpressed Tumor-Derived Ganglioside, Mediates the Apoptosis of Activated but not Resting T Cells. Cancer Research. 69:3095-104 (if=8.65, ci=26) 6. Sa G & Das T. (2008) Anti cancer effects of curcumin: cycle of life and death. Cell Div. 3:14 (if=3.90, ci=115) 7. Bhattacharyya S, Mandal D, Saha B, Sen GS, Das T & Sa G. (2007) Curcumin prevents tumor-induced T cell apoptosis through Stat-5a-mediated Bcl-2 induction. J Biol Chem. 282:15954-64 [Press-released by American Society of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology](if=5.49, ci=60) 8. Bhattacharyya S, Mandal D, Sen GS, Pal S, Banerjee S, Lahiry L, Finke JH, Tannenbum CS, Das T & Sa G. (2007) Tumor-induced oxidative stress perturbs NFkB activity augmenting TNFa-mediated T cell death: Protection by curcumin. Cancer Research. 67:362-70 (Published as Leading Edge Analysis in Cell 130:766-768, 2007) (if=8.65, ci=50) 9. Choudhuri T, Pal S, Das T & Sa G. (2005) Curcumin selectively induces apoptosis in deregu-lated cyclin D1 expressed cells at G2 phase of cell cycle in a p53-dependent manner. J. Biol. Chem. 280:20059-20068, [with front page cover citing the work] (if=5.49, ci=201) 10. Choudhuri T, Pal S, Agwarwal ML, Das T & Sa G. (2002) Curcumin induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells through p53-dependent Bax induction. FEBS Lett 512: 334-340 (if=3.58, ci=288)

[ 96 ]

SAINI, NEERU (b 1971), SENIOR SCIENTIST, CSIR-INSTITUTE OF GENOMICS AND INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY, MALL ROAD, DELHI Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Dr. Neeru Saini has made significant contributions to the current understanding of miRNA mediated regulation of apoptosis, which could lead to novel cancer therapeutics. Defects in control of balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis contributes to a variety of pathological conditions including cancer. Dr Neeru’s laboratory provides evidences for multiple steps of miRNA-mediated regulation of cell fate. Research suggests that p53 is often mutated in cancer cells. Dr Saini presented the first evidence of miR-128 to be a new component joining the p53 network. She found that miR-128 is a novel mitochondria targeted microRNAs, which induces apoptosis in a p53-dependent and -independent manner. Simultaneously, using combined computational and experimental approach she reported several miRNAs that can downregulate BCL2 through direct binding to their respective binding sites in the 3’ UTR. She further demonstrated that over expression of these miRNAs not only caused an increase in apoptosis but also augmented the apoptotic effect of standard chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus as evident from the above, Dr Saini has carried out excellent work during the last decade. What impresses me most is the fact that her work not only belongs to a very high order in terms of intellectual input but is also very relevant in terms of its translational value. The mimics of miRNAs that she has characterized hold a great promise for their use as effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer to fulfill the highest expectation that one can have from a good researcher work i.e, “use for the betterment of human life.”

Proposer : PROF. ANIL KUMAR TYAGI, Seconder : Dr V C KALIA Ten Best Publications: 1. Khanna N, Reddy VG, Tuteja N, Singh N. 2000 Differential gene expression in apoptosis: identification of ribosomal protein S29 as an apoptotic inducer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. Oct 22; 277(2):476-486. (if=3.055, ci=43) 2. Reddy VG, Khanna N, Singh N. 2001. Vitamin C augments chemotherapeutic response of cervical carcinoma HeLa cells by stabilizing P53. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. Mar 30; 282(2):409-415. (if=2.946, ci=74) 3. Khanna N, Sen S, Sharma H, Singh N. 2003 S29 ribosomal protein induces apoptosis in H520 cells and sensitizes them to chemotherapy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. Apr 25; 304(1):26-35. (if=3.000, ci=73) 4. Patnaik S, Aggarwal A, Nimesh S, Goel A, Ganguli M, Saini N, Singh Y, Gupta KC. 2006. PEI-alginate nanocomposites as efficient in vitro gene transfection agents. J Control Release. Sep 12; 114 (3):398-409. Epub 2006 Jun 28. (if=4.012, ci=63) 5. Anita Goel, Ashok K. Prasad, Virinder S. Parmar, Balaram Ghosh, Neeru Saini*. 2007. 7, 8-Dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin induces apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma cells by ROS-independent mitochondrial pathway through partial inhibition of ERK/MAPK signaling. FEBS Letters, Volume 581, Issue 13, 29 May, Pages 2447-2454. (if=3.264, ci=32) 6. Ravindresh Chhabra, Yogita K Adlakha, Hariharan M, Scaria V, Neeru Saini*. 2009 Upregulation of miR-23a~27a~24-2 Cluster Induces Caspase-Dependent and --Independent Apoptosis in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells. PLoS One. Jun 9; 4(6):e5848 (if=4.351, ci=72) 7. Chhabra R, Dubey R, Saini N*. 2010. Cooperative and individualistic functions of the microRNAs in the miR-23a~27a~24-2 cluster and its implication in human diseases. Mol Cancer Sept, 9, 232 (if=3.779, ci=80) 8. Yogita K Adlakha and Neeru Saini* 2011. MicroRNA-128 downregulates bax and induces apoptosis in human embryonic kidney cells. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. Apr 68:1415–1428. (if=6.57, ci=25) 9. Richa Singh and Neeru Saini*. 2012 Downregulation of BCL2 by miRNAs augments drug induced apoptosis: Combined computational and experimental approach. J of Cell Science. Mar 15; 125(Pt 6):1568-78. Epub 2012 Feb 10 (if=6.111, ci=25) 10. Yogita K. Adlakha and Neeru Saini*. miR-128 exerts pro-apoptotic effect in a p53-dependent and -independent manner via PUMA-Bak axis. Cell Death Dis. (NPG). 2013 Mar 14;4:e542. doi: 10.1038/cddis.2013.46. (I.F- 6.04). (if=6.04, ci=4)

[ 97 ]

SEN, ELLORA (b 1969), SCIENTIST V, NATIONAL BRAIN RESEARCH CENTRE, MANESAR 122051 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) The major interest of Dr. Sen’s laboratory is to unravel inflammation regulated transcriptional/signaling network that affect genes associated with resistance to apoptosis in one of the most malignant of human tumors- Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Their studies highlighted for first time that (i) Ras acts as crucial link between inflammation and HIF-1 ; (ii) TNF triggered TLR4-HIF-1α-NFκB feed-back loops act in tandem to sustain self-regulating cycle of inflammatory response and (iii) TNF induced HIF-1 -

catenin axis regulates MHC-I gene activation through chromatin remodeling. By demonstrating that ATM-NF B axis regulates metabolic modelers to overcome pro-survival responses to radio-mimetics, Ellora’s group has suggested mechanisms through which inflammation affect resistance to radiation. With the insight gained from analysis of inflammation driven aberrant signaling pathways that promote glioma survival, she has been able to suggest mechanisms and identify chemotherapeutics for inhibiting the same. Their studies demonstrating efficacy of flavonoid Kaempferol in inducing apoptosis of human glioma cells through modulation of cellular redox balance have been highly cited relative to age. They have elegantly demonstrated that Caesin Kinase 2 (CK2) sensitizes glioma to TNF -induced death through reactivation of wild-type p53 function and SIRT1 inhibition. The ability of bicyclic-triterpenoid¬ Iripallidal to target two aberrantly activated pathways in glioma, has been highly assessed. Keeping a translational aspect in mind, Ellora had filed International patent on “Bicyclic triterpenoid Iripallidal”, as a novel anti-glioma therapy, which has been granted European patent in 2013. Studies from Ellora’s group have contributed significantly towards understanding the crucial role of inflammation in glioma progression.

Proposer : KASTURI DATTA, Seconder : SUDHA BHATTACHARYA Ten Best Publications: 1. Ghosh S, Paul A, Sen E (2013). TNFα induced HIF-1α-β catenin axis regulates MHC class I gene activation through chromatin remodelling. Molecular Cellular Biology; 33(14):2718-31. (IF5.4) (if=5.4) 2. Sinha S, Ghildiyal R, Mehta VS, and Sen E (2013). ATM-NFKB axis driven TIGAR regulates sensitivity of glioma cells to radiomimetics in the presence of TNF Cell Death and Disease. 4:e615. doi: 10.1038/cddis.2013.128 . (if=6.1, ci=2) 3. Dixit D, Ghildiyal R, Anto NP, Ghosh S, Sharma V and Sen E (2013). Guggulsterone sensitizes glioblastoma cells to Sonic hedgehog inhibitor SANT-1 induced apoptosis in a Ras /NF B dependent manner. Cancer Letters. 33: 347-358. (if=4.5) 4. Gupta P, Dixit D and Sen E (2012). Oncrasin targets the JNK-NFkB axis to sensitize glioma cells to TNFa induced apoptosis. Carcinogenesis 2012, 34(2): 388-396. (if=5.6, ci=4) 5. Dixit D, Sharma V, Ghosh S, Mehta, VS and Sen E (2012). Inhibition of Casein Kinase 2 induces p53 dependent cell cycle arrest and sensitizes glioblastoma cells to Tumor Necrosis factor (TNFa) induced apoptosis through SIRT1 inhibition. Cell Death and Disease; Feb 9;3:e271. doi: 10.1038/cddis.2012.10. (if=6.1, ci=29) 6. Tewari R, Roychoudhury S, Ghosh S, Mehta VS and Sen E (2012). Involvement of TNFa induced TLR4-NFkB and TLR4-HIF-1a feed-forward loops in the regulation of inflammatory responses in glioma”. Journal of Molecular Medicine; 90(1):67-80. (if=4.8, ci=14) 7. Sharma V, Dixit D, Koul N, Mehta VS, Sen E (2011). Ras regulates interleukin-1β-induced HIF-1α transcriptional activity in glioblastoma. Journal of Molecular Medicine; 89(2):123-36.. (if=4.8, ci=28) 8. Dixit D, Sharma V, Ghosh S, Koul N, Mishra PK and Sen E (2009). Manumycin inhibits STAT3, telomerase activity and growth of glioma cells by elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species generation. Free Radical in Biology and Medicine. 47(4):364-74. (if=5.4, ci=30) 9. Sharma V, R. Tewari R, Sk UH, Joseph C and Sen E (2008). Ebselen sensitizes glioblastoma cells to Tumor Necrosis factor (TNF ) induced apoptosis through two distinct pathways involving NF B downregulation and Fas mediated formation of death inducing signaling complex (DISC). International Journal of Cancer 123(9):2204-12. (if=6.1, ci=31) 10. Sharma V, Joseph C, Ghosh S, Agarwal A, Mishra MK and Sen E (2007). Kaempferol induces apoptosis in glioblastoma cells through oxidative stress Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 6(9):2544-53. (if=5.6, ci=94)

[ 98 ]

SENGUPTA, SAGAR (b 1968), Staff Scientist, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) The nominee’s research interests broadly involve understanding the molecular basis of the regulation of eukaryotic signal transduction cascades and the process of recombinational DNA repair to correct damage to the DNA molecules and restore the lost information. The members of RecQ helicase family, exemplified by BLM and RECQL4 helicase, play crucial roles in DNA repair, replication and recombination. He has shown that BLM helicase negatively regulates homologous recombination (Tripathi et al., J. Cell Biol. 2007; Tripathi et al., Carcinogenesis 2008) and can also stimulate the ATPase and chromatin remodelling during DNA damage (Srivastava et al., J. Cell Sci. 2009). His research has also revealed the different signaling pathways which regulate the functions of BLM helicase. These include the phosphorylation (Kaur et al., Mol Cancer Res. 2010) and ubiquitylation (Tikoo et al., EMBO J. 2013) cascades, which are required by BLM to function as a DNA damage sensor protein. He has provided evidence that BLM can enhance the degradation of multiple oncoproteins (Chandra et al., J. Cell Sci. 2012), thereby delaying the onset of tumour initiation. Finally, the nominee has discovered how RECQL4 acts as a mitochondrial helicase (De et al., J. Cell Sci. 2012). He has demonstrated that RECQL4 can affect mitochondrial DNA replication by enhancing the polymerization and proof reading activities of the mitochondrial polymerase (Gupta et al., Carcinogenesis 2014). In conclusion, the nominee has made seminal contributions to our understanding of the mechanisms leading to chromosome instability in normal and human cancer cells.

Proposer : Prof. K. Muniyappa, Seconder : Prof. P.N. Rangarajan Ten Best Publications: 1. Gupta S, De S, Srivastava V, Hussain M, Kumari J, Muniyappa K, Sengupta S (2014) RECQL4 and p53 potentiate the activity of polymerase and maintain the integrity of the human mitochondrial genome. Carcinogenesis 35(1): 34-45. (if=5.635, ci=1) 2. Chandra S, Priyadarshini R, Madhavan V, Tikoo S, Hussain M, Mudgal R, Modi P, Srivastava V, Sengupta S (2013) Enhancement of c-Myc degradation by BLM helicase leads to delayed tumor initiation. J Cell Sci. 126(Pt 16): 3882-3795. (if=5.9, ci=0) 3. Tikoo S, Madhavan V, Hussain M, Miller ES, Arora P, Zlatanou A, Modi P, Townsend K, Stewart GS, Sengupta S (2013) Ubiquitin-dependent recruitment of the Bloom Syndrome helicase in response to replication stress is required to suppress homologous recombination. (if=9.822, ci=1) 4. Jadav RS, Chanduri MV, Sengupta S, Bhandari R (2013) Inositol Pyrophosphate Synthesis by Inositol Hexakisphosphate Kinase I is Required for Homologous Recombination Repair. J Biol Chem. 288(5): 3312-3321. (if=4.651, ci=4) 5. De S, Kumari J, Mudgal R, Modi P, Gupta S, Futami K, Goto H, Lindor NM, Furuichi Y, Mohanty D, Sengupta S (2012) RECQL4 is essential for the transport of p53 to mitochondria in normal human cells in the absence of exogenous stress. J Cell Sci. 125(Pt 10): 2509-2522. (if=5.9, ci=16) 6. Kaur S*, Modi P*, Srivastava V*, Mudgal R*, Tikoo S, Arora P, Mohanty D, Sengupta S (2010) Chk1-dependent constitutive phosphorylation of BLM helicase at Serine 646 decreases after DNA damage. Mol Cancer Res. 8(9): 1234-1247 (* signifies equal first authors). (if=4.353, ci=5) 7. Larrieu D, Ythier D, Binet R, Brambilla C, Brambilla E, Sengupta S, Pedeux R (2009) ING2 controls DNA replication forks progression to maintain genome stability. EMBO Rep. 10(10): 1168-1174. (if=7.189, ci=17) 8. Srivastava V*, Modi P*, Tripathi V, Mudgal R, De S, Sengupta S (2009) BLM helicase stimulates the ATPase and chromatin remodeling activities of RAD54. J Cell Sci. 122(Pt 17): 3093-3103 (* signifies equal first authors). (if=5.9, ci=15) 9. Tripathi V, Kaur S, Sengupta S (2008) Phosphorylation-dependent interactions of BLM and 53BP1 are required for their anti-recombinogenic roles during homologous recombination. Carcinogenesis 29(1): 52-61. (if=5.635, ci=19) 10. Tripathi V, Nagarjuna T, Sengupta S (2007) BLM helicase-dependent and independent roles of 53BP1 during replication stress mediated homologous recombination. J. Cell Biol. 178(1): 9-14. (if=10.822, ci=29)

[ 99 ]

SHARMA, YOGENDRA (b 1959), Chief Scientist and Group Leader, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad


The major scientific contribution of Yogendra Sharma is the discovery of a novel calcium-binding motif present in a large set of proteins which are widely prevalent in nature. He has pursued research on the proteins of the human eye lens for over two decades. As a consequence of ground-breaking work in his laboratory, this group of proteins has metamorphosed from a handful of lens proteins to a major superfamily of Ca2+ binding proteins with hundreds of current members. A study by Sharma demonstrated the binding of Ca2+ with lens β-crystallins (J. Biol. Chem. 1989; J. Biol. Chem. 1989), was also observed in bovine γ-crystallin (J. Biol. Chem. 2001) and bacterial proteins (J. Biol. Chem. 2005, Biochemistry, 2007). The distinct motif responsible for Ca2+ binding was identified in βγ-crystallins by his group with the demonstration, in 2009, that the presence of a universal N/DN/DXXS/TS motif in βγ-crystallins was responsible for their Ca2+ binding (Biochemistry 2009, J. Mol. Biol., 2012). This double-clamp N/DN/DXXS/TS motif identified by him appears to be the most abundant Ca2+-binding motif surpassing even the EF-hand (invited for reviews in J. Biol. Chem. 2014, Progress in Biophys and Mol Biol, 2014). The nature of the motif is not uniform in all the organisms, and both the evolutionary significance of degeneracy in lenticular members and the effects of recreating these motifs on domain properties of the protein have been decoded by his group (J. Biol. Chem. 2011; Biochemistry, 2013).

Proposer : Dr Ch Mohan Rao, Seconder : Dr Rajan Sankaranarayanan Ten Best Publications: 1. Rajini, B., Shridas, P., Sundari, C. S., Muralidhar, D., Chandani, S., Thomas, F., Sharma, Y. (2001) Calcium-binding properties of gamma-crystallin: calcium ion binds at the Greek key betagama-crystallin fold. J. Biol. Chem. 276, 38464-38471. (if=4.651, ci=76) 2. Jeromin, A., Muralidhar, D., Parameswaran, M.N., Roder, J., Fairwell, T., Scarlata S., Dowal, L, Mustafi, S.M., Chary, K.V.R., Sharma, Y. (2004) N-terminal myristoylation regulates calcium-induced conformational changes in neuronal calcium sensor-1. J. Biol. Chem. 279, 27158-27167. (if=4.651, ci=38) 3. Jobby, M.K. and Sharma, Y. (2005) Calcium-binding crystallins from Yersinia pestis: Characterization of two single betagamma-crystallin domains of a putative exported protein. J. Biol. Chem. 280, 1209-1216. (if= 4.651, ci=30) 4. Muralidhar, D., Jobby, M. K., Kannan, K., Annapurna, V., Chary, K. V. R., Jeromin, A. and Sharma, Y. (2005) Equilibrium unfolding of neuronal calcium sensor-1: N-terminal myristoylation influences unfolding and reduces the protein stiffening in the presence of calcium. J. Biol. Chem. 280, 15569-15578. (if=4.651, ci=23) 5. Krishnan, K., Kathiresan, T., Raman, R., Rajini, B., Dhople, V.M., Aggrawal, R.K., and Sharma, Y. (2007) Ubiquitous lens α-, β- and γ-crystallins accumulate in anuran cornea as corneal crystallins. J. Biol. Chem. 282, 18953-18959. (if= 4.651, ci=14) 6. Aravind, P., Chandra, K., Reddy, P. P., Jeromin, A., Chary, K. V., and Sharma, Y., (2008) Regulatory and structural EF-hand motifs of neuronal calcium sensor-1: Mg2+ modulates Ca2+ binding, Ca2+-induced conformation and equilibrium unfolding transitions. J. Mol. Biol. 376, 1100-1115. (if=3.905, ci=36) 7. Aravind, P., Mishra, A., Suman, S. K., Jobby, M. K., Sankaranarayanan, R., Sharma, Y. (2009) The βγ-crystallin superfamily contains a universal motif for binding calcium. Biochemistry 48, 12180–12190. (if=3.377, ci=26) 8. Suman, S. K., Mishra, A., Ravindra, D., Yeramala, L., Sharma, Y. (2011) Evolutionary remodelling of the βγ-crystallins for domain stability at the cost of Ca2+-binding. J. Biol. Chem. 286, 43891-43901. (if=4.651, ci=11) 9. Mishra, A., Suman, S.K., Srivastava, S.S., Sankaranarayanan, R., Sharma, Y. (2012) Decoding the molecular design principles underlying Ca2+-binding to βγ-crystallin motifs. J. Mol. Biol., 415, 75-91. 10. 10. Srivastava, S.S., Mishra, A., Krishnan, B., Sharma, Y. (2014) Ca2+-binding motif of βγ-crystallins. J. Biol. Chem. doi:10.1074/jbc.O113.539569. (if=4.651, ci=just published)

[ 100 ]

SIL, PARAMES CHANDRA (b 1959), Senior Professor & Head, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata


Prof. Sil’s research is focused on several major areas of organ pathophysiology. Unraveling the mechanisms of drugs, environmental pollutants and nanostructure induced cell injury and death in multiple vital target organs and exploration of the antitoxic/antioxidant potentials of natural and man-made antioxidants in the prevention and/or amelioration of the organ dysfunction was his major contribution in this field. He made many breakthroughs while studying on natural active compounds like arjunolic acid, taurine, mangiferin, etc. Specifically, Prof. Sil holds a pioneer position in studying the broad spectrum activity of arjunolic acid and that of the non-essential amino acid, taurine. Detail studies on the mechanism of the protective actions of these molecules clearly suggest their excellent hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antidiabetic and renoprotective activities without any detectable side effects and could provide a new promising solution to very serious and potential pathophysiological situations. Prof. Sil has also contributed excellent quality of research on the environmentally exposed nanostructure-induced organ pathophysiology. Applying detail mechanistic approach, he showed that nano copper particles could induce liver and kidney dysfunctions and cellular damage and I think, these findings will help the researchers further to assess the worse impact of these nano materials and also help to find suitable remedies. Prof. Sil’s research has been highly accepted in the scientific community worldwide as evidenced from the high citations (2,919), H-index (34) and i-10-index (85) of his publications (113) in high impact journals (Google Scholar Citation Report).

Proposer : Prof. Kali Pada Das, Seconder : Prof. Parimal C. Sen Ten Best Publications: 1. Manna P, Ghosh M, Das J, Ghosh J, Sil PC (2012) Contribution of nano copper particles to in vivo liver dysfunction and cellular damage: Role of IκBα/NF-κB, MAPKs and mitochondrial signal. Nanotoxicology 6(1):1-21 (if=7.844, ci=10) 2. Das J, Ghosh J, Manna P, Sil PC (2011) Taurine suppresses doxorubicin-triggered oxidative stress and cardiac apoptosis in rat via up-regulation of PI3-K/Akt and inhibition of p53, p38-JNK. Biochem Pharmacol 81(7):891-909 (if=4.576, ci=52) 3. Ghosh J, Das J, Manna P, Sil PC (2011) The protective role of arjunolic acid against doxorubicin induced intracellular ROS dependent JNK-p38 and p53 mediated cardiac apoptosis. Biomaterials 32(21):4857-4866 (if=7.604, ci=25) 4. Manna P, Das J, Ghosh J, Sil PC (2010) Contribution of type 1 diabetes to rat liver dysfunction and cellular damage via activation of NOS, PARP, IκBα/NF-κB, MAPKs, and mitochondria-dependent Prophylactic role of arjunolic acid. Free Radic Biol Med 48:1465-1484(if=5.271, ci=53) 5. Ghosh J, Das J, Manna P, Sil PC (2010) Hepatotoxicity of di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate is attributed to calcium aggravation, ROS-mediated mitochondrial depolarization, and ERK/NF-κB pathway activation. Free Radic Biol Med 49:1779-1791 (if=5.271, ci=20) 6. Ghosh J, Das J, Manna P, Sil PC (2010) Arjunolic acid, a triterpenoid saponin, prevents acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver and hepatocyte injury via the inhibition of APAP bioactivation and JNK-mediated mitochondrial protection. Free Radic Biol Med 48:535-553(if=5.271, ci=36) 7. Das J, Ghosh J, Manna P, Sil PC. (2010) Taurine protects acetaminophen-induced oxidative damage in mice kidney through APAP urinary excretion and CYP2E1 inactivation. Toxicology 269(1):24-34 (if=4.017, ci=47) 8. Ghosh J, Das J, Manna P, Sil PC (2010) Acetaminophen induced renal injury via oxidative stress and TNF-alpha production: Therapeutic potential of arjunolic acid. Toxicology 268:8-18 (if=4.017, ci=47) 9. Ghosh J, Das J, Manna P, Sil PC (2009) Taurine prevents arsenic-induced cardiac oxidative stress and apoptotic damage: Role of NF-kappaB, p38 and JNK MAPK pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 240:73-87 (if=3.97, ci=68) 10. Das J, Ghosh J, Manna P, Sinha M, Sil PC (2009) Taurine protects rat testes against NaAsO2-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via mitochondrial dependent and independent pathways. Toxicol Lett 187:201-210 (if=3.145, ci=75)

[ 101 ]

SINGH, SURYA SATYANARAYANA (b 1960), PROFESSOR AND CHAIRMAN BOARD OF STUDIES, DEPT OF BIOCHEMISTRY, UCS, OSMANIA UNIVERSITY, HYDERABAD


Prof. Surya S. Singh’s work on protein kinase C and PI3-Kinase, important signal transducers involved in variety of cellular functions is well recognized. Some important contributions in this direction are; Prof. Singh is the first to show that PIP3,4,5P3 activates PKC (Biochem. Biophys. Res Common. 195, 104-112) and PI3-Kinase by profilin and gelsolin (Biochemistry 35, 16544-16549). He did extensive study on profilin an actin binding protein involved in PI3-K activation. His contribution in the area of profilin is well cited such as PKC ζ dependent phosphorylation of profilin (Cell Signaling 13, 1-7) and phosphoprofilin exhibiting higher affinity to actin (Cell signaling 16, 589-596). Prof. Singh has demonstrated that tyrosine nitration of profilin affects actin binding (J Biochem 138, 687-695). By exploring bioinformatics tools he has shown that profilin phosphorylation is regulated by oligomerization where tetramers are not phosphorylated due to steric hindrance indicating phosphorylation depended regulation of profilin activities (Internat J Biol Macromolecules 45, 265-273). Apart from this work his contribution in the area of neurolathyrism is worth mentioning: he experimentally proved that toxicity of L-ODAP is due to activation of PKC and HIF1α leading to hypoxic stress (J Neurochem 118, 176-186). This property of L-ODAP is explored for high altitude acclimatization and human performance enhancement and wound healing (patent approved for filing from DRDO). Apart from teaching and very active research he is also actively participated in development of biochemistry curriculum in various universities in Andhra Pradesh and also participated in science awareness programs sponsored by various scientific bodies.

Proposer : DR. G. BHANUPRAKASH REDDY, Seconder : Prof. DAYANANDA SIDDAVATTAM Ten Best Publications: 1. Surya S. Singh, Abha Chauhan, Hans Brockerhoff and Ved P.S. Chauhan (1993). Activation of protein kinase C by phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. Biochem. Biophys. Res Common. 195, 104-112 (if=3.312, ci=72) 2. Noriko Murakami, Marshall Elzinga, Surya S. Singh, and V. Chauhan (1994). Direct binding of myosins II to phospholipid vesicles via tail region and phosphorylation of the heavy chains by protein kinase C J. Biol. Chem, 269, 16082-16090. (if=7.717, ci=48) 3. Surya S Singh., Abha C., Noriko M., Chauhan V.P.S. (1996). Profilin and gelsolin stimulate phsophatidylinositol 3-kinase activity Biochemistry 35, 16544-16549 (if=4.818, ci=73) 4. V. Bhargavi and Surya S. Singh (2001) PKC Isozyme specific phosphorylation of profilin. Cell Signal 13, 1-7 (if=3.4, ci=36) 5. M. Raghuveer Singh, M.P. Prathap Rudhra,S.L.N. Rao and Surya. S. Singh . (2004). In vitro activation of protein kinase C by β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid, the Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin. Neurochemical Research 29 (7), 1343-1348 (if=2.22, ci=7) 6. Sathish. K, Padma. B, Bhargavi. V, Wasia. R, K.V.N. Radhika, Sairam. M and Surya S. Singh. (2004) Phosphorylation of profilin regulates its interaction with actin and poly (L-proline). Cell. Signal. 16 (5), 589-596 (if=4.74, ci=38) 7. K.Satish, R. Wasia, K.V.N.Radhika and Surya S.Singh (2005). Nitration of profilin effects its interaction with poly (L-proline) and actin. Journal of Biochemistry 138 (6), 687-95 (if=2.158, ci=7) 8. Satish Kasina, R.Wasia, Aneesa Fasim, K.V.N.Radhika, Surya S.Singh (2006). Phorbol ester mediated activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase results in platelet profilin nitration. Nitric oxide 14, 65-71 (if=3.127, ci=11) 9. Adhikarla Haritha, Korripally Prem Sagar, Anand Tiwari, Patnala Kiranmayi, Agnes Rodrigue, Pamarthi Maruthi Mohan, and Surya S. Singh (2009). MrdH, a novel metal resistance determinant of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is flanked by metal-inducible mobile genetic elements. J. of Bacteriology 191, pp5976 – 5987 (if=3.94, ci=15) 10. Nalini Jammulamadaka, Sandeepta Burgula, Rajesh Medisetty, Govindan Ilavazhaga, Rao S.L.N and Surya S Singh (2011) L-ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) Regulates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling by Downregulation of Phosphatidylethanolamine Binding Protein 1. J. Neurochem. 118(2):176-86 (if=4.06, ci=3)

[ 102 ]

SONAWANE, AVINASH (b 1976), Associate Professor, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is a major intracellular pathogen of humans that kills about 2 million people annually. The prospects to manage this health crisis have worsened by the emergence of multi-drug resistant mycobacteria and lack of effective vaccine. In view of this, Dr.Sonawane’s work has shown that polypeptide and metallic nanoparticles can be potential alternatives for conventional anti-TB therapeutics. He has shown that host derived antimicrobial peptides(AMPs) alone, or in combination with metallic nanoparticles can kill mycobacteria effectively than conventional anti-TB drugs.(Sonawane et al., 2011,Cellular Microbiology; Jena et al., 2011,Peptides;Jena et 2012, al., PloS One; Mohanty et al., 2013, Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy).To improve the anti-tuberculosis therapeutic efficacy of AMPs and to protect them from proteolytic degradation, novel potent and short anti-TB peptide variants were engineered.These peptides are short(15-mer), stable and several fold more potent as compared to native.He has invented a nanotechnology based device to deliver the anti-TB peptides which could ensure the efficient and sustainable release of peptides and significantly higher intracellular killing of pathogenic mycobacteria.(Mohanty et al., 2012, nanomedicine; Pati et al., 2014, Nanomedicine).Furthermore, using rational protein engineering, he has constructed novel asparaginase (used for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and causes several side effects in cancer patients) variants, which have better therapeutic properties such as high stability in human serum, low immunogenicity, more cytotoxicity against leukemic cells.(Mehta et al., 2014, JBC; Verma et al., 2014, BBA Proteins and Proteomics).

Proposer : Dr. Tapas K. Kundu, Seconder : Prof. Chitra Mandal Ten Best Publications: 1. Ranjit Mehta, Shikha Verma, Mitali Sengupta, Rashmirekha Pati, Biswajit Khatua, Rabindra Kumar Jena, Sudha Sethy, Klaus Rohm, Chitra Mandal and Avinash Sonawane (2014). Mutations in subunit interfaces and B-cell epitopes improve antileukemic activities of Escherichia coli L-asparaginase-II: Evaluation of immunogenicity in mice. J. Biol. Chem 289(6):3555-70. (if= 3.733) 2. Shikha Verma, Ranjit Kumar Mehta, Prasanta Maiti, Klaus-Heinrich Röhm, and Avinash Sonawane (2014). Improvement of stability and enzymatic activity by site-directed mutagenesis of E. coli asparaginase II. BBA Proteins and Proteomics (Accepted). (if=5.328) 3. Pati R, Mehta RK, Mohanty S, Padhi A, Sengupta M, Baskarlingam V, Goswami C and Sonawane A. (2014). Topical application of zinc oxide nanoparticles reduce bacterial skin infection in mice and exhibit antibacterial activity by inducing oxidative strss response and cell membrane disintegration in macrophages. Nanomedicine DOI 10.1016/j.nano201402.012. (if= 6.93) 4. Mohanty S, Jena P, Mehta R, Pati R, Banerjee B, Patil S, and Sonawane A (2013). Cationic antimicrobial peptides and biogenic silver nanoparticles kill mycobacteria without eliciting DNA damage and cytotoxicity in macrophages. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 57(8): 3688-98. (if= 4.565, ci=2) 5. Jena P, Mohanty S, Mohanty T, Kallert S, Morgelin M, Lindstrøm T, Borregaard N, Stenger S, Sonawane A*#, Sørensen OE* # (2012). Azurophil granule proteins constitute the major mycobactericidal proteins in human neutrophils and enhance the intracellular killing of mycobacteria in macrophages. PLoS ONE. 7(12) e50345. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone. 0050345. (*Corresponding authors, # Authors contributed equally). (if=3.73, ci= 4) 6. Soumitra Mohanty, Saswati Mishra, Prajna Jena, Biju Jacob, Biplab Sarkar and Avinash Sonawane (2012). An investigation on the antibacterial, cytotoxic and antibiofilm efficacy of starch-stabilized silver nanoparticles. Nanomedicine. 8(6):916-924 (if=6.93, ci=30) 7. Avinash Sonawane*, José Carlos Santos, Bibhuti B. Mishra, Prajna Jena, Cinzia Progida, Ole E. Sorensen, Richard Gallo, Rui Appelberg, and Gareth Griffiths (2011). Cathelicidin is involved in the intra-cellular killing of mycobacteria in macrophages. Cellular Microbiology. 13(10):1601-1617 (*corresponding author). (if=4.811, ci=32) 8. Jena P, Mishra B, Leippe M, Hasilik A, Griffiths G, and Sonawane A. (2011). Membrane-active antimicrobial peptides and human placental lysosomal extracts are highly active against mycobacteria. Peptides. 32:881-7. (if= 2.922, ci= 9) 9. Sonawane, A. Jeevan, J, Russell, D. and Ramphal, R. (2006). Neutrophil elastase an innate immunity effector molecule repressed flagellin transcription in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Infection Immunity, 74, 6682-6689. (if=4.074, ci=24) 10. Sonawane, A*. Jeevan, J, and Ramphal, R. (2006).Pseudomonas aeruginosa LecB is involved in pilus biogenesis and in protease IV activity but not in adhesion to respiratory mucins. Infection Immunity, 74, 7035-7039. (if= 4.074, ci=20)

[ 103 ]

KAZA, SUGUNA (b 1955), Professor, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Prof. K. Suguna has made outstanding contributions pertaining to the structural biology of microbial pathogens. She is perhaps the only one in the country who has dealt with a parasite, a virus and a bacteria, all highly pathogenic. She has collaborated extensively, but the structural work has been led wholly by her. Her work on proteins involved in P. falciparum fatty acid biosynthes (3,6) led to the charaterization of several inhibitors including those which bind directly to the catalytic residues and inactivation through pH dependent cis to trans flips (4). Her observation, first of its kind, of the plasticity of the nonstructural protein NSP4 of rotavirus (7,9), has been noteworthy. Specific residues involved in substrate regulation and oligomerization in M. tuberculosis adenylyl cyclases (5) have been identified by Prof. Suguna and her colleagues. The identification, for the first time in mycobacteria, of a putative aspartic proteinase domain (10) in M. tuberculosis and studies on it by her group provided an evolutionary link between retroviral and eukaryotic enzymes through a bacterial enzyme. The efforts outlined above provide a platform for drug development. She has also carried out studies on heat shock protein 90 and more extensively on lectins. The work on lectins (1,2,8), which was the main stay of her research during the early phase of her career, included the identification of structural determinants of carbohydrate recognition, blood group specificity and oligomerization and the elucidation of the effect of glycosylation on three-dimensional structure. (Reference numbers as given in 8)

Proposer : Prof. M. Vijayan, Seconder : Prof. M.R.N. Murthy Ten Best Publications: 1. Manoj, N., Srinivas, V. R., Surolia, A., Vijayan, M. & Suguna, K.* (2000) Carbohydrate specificity, salt bridge mediated conformational change and structural basis of change in pI in acidic winged bean agglutinin. J Mol Biol. 302,1129-37. (if=3.888, ci=2) 2. Manoj, N. & Suguna, K.* (2001) Signature of quaternary structure in the sequence of legume lectins. Protein Engg. 14, 735-45.(if=2.59, ci=5) 3. Pidugu, L.S., Kapoor, M., Surolia, N., Surolia, A. & Suguna, K.* (2004) Structural basis for the variation in triclosan affinity to enoyl reductases. J Mol Biol. 343,147-55. (if=3.888, ci=13) 4. Lakshmi Swarna Mukhi, P., Sharma, S. K., Bajaj, P., Surolia, N., Surolia, A. & Suguna, K.* (2006) Crystal structure of dimeric FabZ of Plasmodium falciparum reveals conformational switching to active hexamers by peptide flips.FEBS Letters 580, 2653-60. (if=3.582, ci=10) 5. Ketkar, A. D., Shenoy, A.R., Ramagopal, U.A., Visweswariah, S.S.* & Suguna, K.* (2006) A structural basis for the role of nucleotide specifying residues in regulating the oligomerization of the Rv1625c Adenylyl Cyclase from M. tuberculosis. J Mol Biol. 356, 904-16.(if=3.888, ci=2) 6. Pidugu, L.S., Maity, K., Ramaswamy, K., Surolia, N. & Suguna, K.* (2009) Analysis of proteins with the 'Hot dog' fold: Prediction of function and identification of catalytic residues of hypothetical proteins. BMC Struct Biol. 9, 37. (if=2.10, ci=9) 7. Chacko, A.R., Arifullah, M., Sastri, N.P., Jeyakanthan, J., Ueno, G., Sekar, K., Read, R.J., Dodson, E.J., Rao, C.D.* & Suguna, K.* (2011) Novel pentameric structure of the diarrhea-inducing region of the rotavirus enterotoxigenic protein NSP4. J Virol. 85, 12721-32.(if=5.076, ci=2) 8. Shetty, K.N., Bhat, G.G., Inamdar, S.R., Swamy, B.M. & Suguna, K.* (2012) Glycobiology. 22, 56-69. Crystal structure of a beta-prism II lectin from Remusatia vivipara. (if=3.537, ci=1) 9. Chacko, A.R., Zwart, P.H., Read, R.J., Dodson, E.J., Rao, C.D. & Suguna, K.* (2013) Severe diffraction anisotropy, rotational pseudosymmytry and twinning complicate the refinement of a pentameric coiled-coil structure of NSP4 of rotavirus. Acta Crystallogr D Biol Crystallogr. 68, 1541-8 (if=14.1) 10. Barathy, D.V. & Suguna, K.* (2013) Crystal structure of a putative aspartic proteinase domain of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell surface antigen PE_PGRS16. FEBS Open Bio. 3, 256-62. (if=4.25)

[ 104 ]

SUNDAR, DURAI (b 1973), Asst Professor, IIT Delhi, New Delhi Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) The main theme of Sundar’s studies has been macro-molecular interaction. Among his many contributions to this field, I find particularly impressive his studies on the elucidation of the rules of zinc fingers binding to DNA [Nuc Acids Res 33, 5978 (2005); Comb. Chem. & High Throughput Screen. 9, 301 (2006); BBRC 404, 498 (2005)]. In addition to the protein engineering studies, Sundar has more recently initiated several promising lines of computational biology research, including the structure-function relationships of the existing zinc finger-DNA complexes to predict the probable zinc fingers that could bind to any genomic target (BMC Genomics 10:421, 2009) and an extensive analysis of residue conservation in DNA-protein interfaces [(Genomics, Proteomics & Bioinformatics 8, 122 (2010); Systems and Synthetic Biol. 4, 323 (2010); J. Biosciences 37, 483 (2012)]. Sundar has also probed the pharmacological mode of actions of withanolides using bioinformatic analysis including suppression of NF-kB activation (BMC Genomics 11:25 (2010), inhibition of proteasomes (BMC Genomics 11, 15 (2010) and heat shock proteins (BMC Bioinformatics 12, 30, 2011; BBRC 404, 498, 2011), mortalin targeting for tumour suppression by withanone, targeting of TPX2-Aurora A by withanone (PLoS One 7, e30890 (2012); Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. 44, 496 (2012), Biosci. Reports 33, e00073). He has further explored the metabolic engineering for enhanced synthesis of these metabolites and developed cell lines of Withania somnifera to enhance the inherent in vivo withanolides content by about three- fold compared to that in the parent plant cells [J. Biosci. Bioengg. 115, 680 (2013)].

Proposer : Prof. Narayanaswamy Srinivasan, Seconder : Dr. Garikapati Narahari Sastry Ten Best Publications: 1. Sundar, D., K. Kandavelou, M. Mani, Wu, J., M.H. Porteus and S. Chandrasegaran (2005). Zinc finger nucleases: custom-designed molecular scissors for genome engineering of plant and mammalian cells. Nucleic Acids Research 33(18) 5978-5990. (if=8.278, ci=248) 2. Gowthaman, U., Jayakanthan, M. and Sundar, D (2008). Molecular docking studies of dithionitrobenzoic acid and its related compounds to protein disulfide isomerase: computational screening of inhibitors to HIV-1 entry. BMC Bioinformatics 9 (12):S14. (if=3.02, ci=24) 3. Jayakanthan, M., Muthukumaran, J., Chandrasekar, S., Chawla, K, Punetha, A. and Sundar, D. (2009). Zif-BASE: a database of zinc finger proteins and associated resources. BMC Genomics 10(1): 421. (if=4.40, ci=11) 4. Grover, A., Shandilya, A., Punetha, A., Bisaria, V.S. and Sundar, D. (2010). Inhibition of the NEMO/IKKβ association complex formation, a novel mechanism associated with the NF-κB activation suppression by Withania sominifera’s key metabolite withaferin-A. BMC Genomics 11(4): 25. (if=4.40, ci=27) 5. Grover, A., Shandilya, A., Bisaria, V.S. and Sundar, D. (2010). Probing the anticancer mechanism of prospective herbal drug Withaferin A on mammals: a case study on human and bovine proteasomes. BMC Genomics 11(4): 15. (if=4.40, ci=23) 6. Grover, A., Priyandoko, D., Gao, R., Shandilya, A., Widodo, N., Bisaria, V.S., Kaul, S.C., Wadhwa, R. and Sundar, D. (2012). Withanone binds to mortalin and abrogates mortalin-p53 complex: computational and experimental evidence. International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 44(3): 496-504. (if=4.152, ci=11) 7. Grover, A., Singh, R., Shandilya, A., Priyandoko, D., Agrawal, V., Bisaria, V.S., Wadhwa, R., Kaul, S.C., and Sundar, D. (2012). Ashwagandha-derived withanone targets TPX2-Aurora A complex: computational and experimental evidence to its anticancer activity. PLoS One 7(1): e30890. (if=3.73, ci=07) 8. Grover, A., Shandilya, A., Agrawal, V., Bisaria, V.S. and Sundar, D. (2012). Computational evidence to inhibition of human acetyl cholinesterase by withanolide A for Alzheimer treatment. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics 29(4): 651-662. (if=4.986, ci=11) 9. Grover, A., Katiyar, S.P., Singh, S.K., Dubey, V. and Sundar, D. (2012). A Leishnmaniasis study: structure-based screening and molecular dynamics mechanistic analysis for discovering potent inhibitors of spermidine synthase. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - BBA: Proteins and Proteomics 1824(12): 1476-1483. (if=3.733, ci=03) 10. Roy, S., Dutta, S., Khanna, K., Singla, S. and Sundar, D. (2012). Prediction of DNA-binding specificity in zinc finger proteins. Journal of Biosciences 37(3): 483-491. (if=1.759, ci=02)

[ 105 ]

VENKATASUBRAMANIAN, PADMAVATHY (b 1963), Professor, Institute of Transdisciplinary Health Science and Technology (IHST), Bangalore Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Padmavathy Venkatasubramanian’s work focuses on the low-cost healthcare solutions based on traditional knowledge (TK), authenticating Ayurvedic drugs using modern tools and contemporising both of them for today’s needs. She has devised and tested extensively a low-cost, point of use copper contraption that can kill water borne pathogens in drinking water, which is currently under field study in rural households in India and Kenya under an International collaborative project funded by Grand Challenges Canada. Her research also focuses on low-cost herbal dietary supplements that help in the management of anemia using the principles of Ayurvedic Rasayanas. Through integrating Sastra (TK) and Western Science, for transdisciplinary research, she has legitimised the Abhava Pratinidhi Dravya concept of Ayurveda to suggest valid substitutes for the rare herbs using morphological, histological, histochemical, phytochemical, DNA marker and pharmacological protocols. While resolving the controversy about the identity of an Ayurvedic anthelmintic drug, Vidanga (Embelia ribes), a new Quinone named ‘Kiritiquinone’ has been isolated from Measa indica, which is often used as a substitute for Vidanga and effectively tested it using C.elegans as a model helminth. She does a lot of extension work bridging the laboratory discoveries with practical applications through training programs for the Ayurvedic and herbal industry, small scale manufacturing units, non-government organisations and Gramavaidyas (traditional healers). She has developed 26 herbal products for the industry on consultancy basis and holds a patent for a diagnostic kit to authenticate medicinal plants.

Proposer : Prof. Krishnamurthy, Kulithalai V, Seconder : Prof. Anupam Dixit Ten Best Publications: 1. Seethapathy GS, Balasubramani SP, Venkatasubramanian P. 2014. nrDNA ITS sequence based SCAR marker to authenticate Aconitum heterophyllum and Cyperus rotundus in Ayurvedic raw drug source and prepared herbal products. Food Chem. 145:1015-20.(if=3.334) 2. Adams SJ, Gina R. Kuruvilla, Krishnamurthy K. V, Nagarajan M, Padma V. 2013. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on Ayurvedic drugs Ativisha and Musta. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 23(3): 398-409 (if=0.68) 3. Venkatasubramanian, P., Godbole, A., Vidyashankar, R., Kuruvilla, G. 2013. Evaluation of traditional anthelmintic herbs as substitutes for the endangered Embelia ribes, using Caenorhabditis elegans model. Curr Sci. 105(11), 1593-1598 (if=0.905) 4. Preethi Sudha V.B, Sheeba Ganesan, Pazhani G.P, Ramamurthy T, Nair GB, Venkatasubramanian P. 2012. Storing drinking water in copper pots kills contaminating diarrhoeagenic bacteria. J Health Popul Nutr. 30 (1): 17-21 (if=1.121, ci=2) 5. Preethi Sudha VB, Ojit Singh K, Sasirekha Ramani, Anu Paul, Venkatasubramanian P. 2011. Inactivation of rotavirus in water by copper pot. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development. 1(3): 165-169 6. Balasubramani SP, Venkatasubramanian P, Kumar SK, Patwardhan B. 2011. Plant-Based Rasayana drugs from Ayurveda. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. 17(2): 88 – 94 (if=1.059, ci=14) 7. Devaiah K, Balasubramani SP, Venkatasubramanian P. 2011. Development of RAPD based SCAR marker for identification of Ipomea mauritiana Jacq. (Convolvulaceae). Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/neq023. (if=1.722, ci=5) 8. Balasubramani SP, Murugan R, Ravikumar K, Venkatasubramanian P. 2010. Development of ITS sequence based molecular marker to distinguish, Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) from its adulterants. Fitoterapia. 81(6): 503-508 (if=2.231, ci=12) 9. Sudha VBP, Ojit Singh K, Prasad SR, Venkatasubramanian P. 2009. Killing of Enteric Bacteria by a Copper Device for Use in the Home: Laboratory Evidence. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 103: 819-822 (if=2.162, ci=17) 10. Devaiah K M, Venkatasubramanian P. 2008. Genetic characterization and authentication of Embelia ribes Burm.F (Myrsinaceae) using RAPD - PCR and SCAR marker. Planta Medica. 74:194-196 (if=2.348, ci=22)

[ 106 ]

AGGARWAL, RAMESH K (b 1958), Professor and Chief Scientist (Group Leader), Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CSIR), Taranaka, Hyderabad

Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including)

Dr. Aggarwal’s major research interest has been the ‘development and application of DNA markers/tools’ for wildlife conservation, crop improvement and disease diagnosis. He contributed significantly in the development of first ‘multi-locus DNA fingerprinting’ technology in India, especially in demonstrating its ‘universality’, and potential in population/ phylogenetics studies. His work on wildlife conservation has brought new perspectives to the origin/evolution/phylogeography of wolves, olive ridleys, and anurans in the Indian subcontinent. Most notably, he has shown that the two Indian wolf populations are two ancient species. He has done significant DNA typing work on characterization of primary/secondary genepool of rice, coffee and mulberry. Notably, he described two new genomes of rice, identified rice germplasm sources for nodulin, suggested Gondwanaland origin of Oryza, and genetic uniqueness of traditional Basmati varieties. His pioneering work on coffee and mulberry has resulted in large genomic resources and molecular linkage maps (first tree species maps from India). He is presently coordinating the National effort on Apple genomics. In the area of biomedical research, he established Acanthamoeba as causative protozoan of keratitis in non-contact lens users, developed a simple diagnostic assay for its clinical testing, and identified biomarkers for psoriasis in Indians. His other major interest is to understand the molecular basis of temperature-dependent sex-determination, which is an enigmatic/unsolved problem of vertebrate development. Using Indian mugger as model system, he has created large genomic resources, and his work has led to significant leads that are expected to be seminal in unraveling the TSD.

Proposer : Dr Ch Mohan Rao, Seconder : Dr Amitabha Chattopadhyay Ten Best Publications: 1. Aggarwal R K., D. S. Brar, G. S. Khush (1997). Two new genomes in the Oryza complex identified on the basis of molecular divergence analysis using total genomic DNA hybridization. Molecular and General Genetics, 254: 1-12. [now it has become the text book information) (if=2.88, ci=161) 2. Aggarwal, R. K., K. C. Majumdar, J. W. Lang, L. Singh (1994). Generic affinities among crocodilians: as revealed by DNA fingerprinting using a Bkm-derived probe. Proceedings National Academy of Sciences (USA), 91: 10601-10605 (if=9.73, ci=53) 3. Aggarwal R K., D. S. Brar, S. Nandi, N. Huang, G. S. Khush (1999). Phylogenetic relationships among Oryza species as revealed by high resolution DNA fingerprinting using AFLPs. Theoretical & Applied Genetics, 98: 1320-1328 (if=3.85, ci=200+) 4. Aggarwal, R. K., Toomas Kivisild, Jetty Ramadevi, Lalji Singh (2007) Mitochondrial DNA coding region sequences support the phylogenetic distinction of two Indian wolf species. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. 45(2): 163-172. (in this paper, the status of Indian wolves is revised from sub-species to new Canid species) (if=1.85, ci=22) 5. Shanker K., J. Ramadevi, B. C. Chaudhury, L. Singh, R. K. Aggarwal (2004) Phylogeography of olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) on the east coast of India: implications for conservation theory. Molecular Ecology 13 (7), 1899-1909 (if=6.275, ci=51) 6. Joshi S.P., V. S. Gupta, R. K. Aggarwal, P. K. Ranjekar, D. S. Brar (2000). Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships as revealed by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) polymorphism in the genus Oryza. Theoritical & Applied Genetics, 100 (8): 1311-1320(if=3.85, ci=377) 7. Amit Anand, Minarbha Patel, Albert Lalremruata, Ajeet Pratap Singh, Raman Agrawal, Lalji Singh, Ramesh K. Aggarwal (2008). Multiple alternative splicing of Dmrt1 during gonadogenesis in Indian mugger, a species exhibiting temperature-dependent sex-determination. Gene, 425: 56-63 (if=2.7, ci=17) 8. Aggarwal R. K., P. S. Hendre, R. K. Varshney, P. R. Bhat, V. Krishnakumar and L. Singh (2007) Identification, characterization and utilization of EST-derived genic microsatellite markers for genome analyses of coffee and related species. Theoretical & Applied Genetics, 114:359-372 (if=3.85, ci=125) 9. Savitri, S., G. Pasricha, D. Das, R. K. Aggarwal (2004). Acanthamoeba keratitis in non-contact lens wearers in India: DNA typing based validation and a simple multiplex PCR- assay for diagnosis. Archives of Opthalmology, 122: 1430-1434. (the paper was highlighted on the journal’s cover page paper) (if=3.86, ci=26) 10. Aggarwal, R. K., V. V. Shenoy, J. Ramadevi, R. Rajkumar, L. Singh (2002). Molecular characterization of some Indian Basmati and other elite rice genotypes using fluorescence-AFLP. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 105: 680-690 (if=3.85, ci=53)

[ 107 ]

ASHISH, (b 1971), Senior Scientist, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh - 160036 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Primary contribution of Ashish, to global and Indian science is to extensively practice and promote use of small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data to interpret shape-function relationship of biomolecular complexes, particularly multi domain systems whose structures cannot be studied otherwise. His SAXS data analysis and unique model reconstruction approach revealed a critical intermediate step in the HIV entry mechanism that binding of HIV-1 gp120 induces bi-fold collapse in human receptor CD4 (1,4). Extending on this finding, today his group in IMTECH is using this shape change information to design therapeutic molecules which will block HIV entry in strain independent and non-immunosuppressive manner (5,9). Alongside, his own (and now his group’s) extensive SAXS and molecular modeling studies provided first look into how an important therapeutic protein, plasma gelsolin achieves functionally active shape. The tracking of large scale shape rearrangements has led to rational design of bonsai versions of this protein (3,7). Last year, his group’s SAXS studies provided first structural model of human kidney protein Neph1 and its complex with PDZ ZO-1 (8). Prowess of his scientific approach can be seen in addressing different biologically important problems simultaneously, e.g.: 1) shape change based design of anti-influenza peptides (patent), 2) first structure of commercially relevant glycoprotein, tissue plasminogen activator (9), and 3) how intracellular domain of TLRs relay signals (2, 10). His unique work on integrating biomolecular SAXS with other biochemical and combinatorial/computational chemistry has been recognized as trend-setter.

Proposer : Dr. Girish Sahni, Seconder : Dr. Pradip Chakraborti Ten Best Publications: 1. Ashish, Garg, R., Anguita, J., and Krueger, J. K. (2006) Biophys J 91, L69-L71 (IF=3.65, CI=6) 2. Gautam, J. K., Ashish, Comeau, L. D., Krueger, J. K., and Smith, M. F. (2006) J Biol Chem 281, 30132-30142 (IF=4.77, CI=41) 3. Ashish, Paine, M. S., Perryman, P. B., Yang, L., Yin, H. L., and Krueger, J. K. (2007) J Biol Chem 282, 25884-25892 (IF=4.77, CI=20) 4. Ashish, Juncadella, I. J., Garg, R., Boone, C. D., Anguita, J., and Krueger, J. K. (2008) J Biol Chem 283, 2761-2772 (IF=4.77, CI=10) 5. Ashish*, Solanki, A. K., Boone, C. D., and Krueger, J. K. (2010) Biochem Bioph Res Co 391, 947-951 (IF=2.48, CI=3) 6. Dongre, M., Singh, N. S., Dureja, C., Peddada, N., Solanki, A. K., Ashish*, and Raychaudhuri, S. (2011) J Biol Chem 286, 15043-15049 (IF=4.77, CI=-) 7. Garg, R., Peddada, N., Sagar, A., Nihalani, D., and Ashish*. (2011) J Biol Chem 286, 20387-20397 (IF=4.77, CI=2) 8. Mallik, L., Arif, E., Sharma, P., Rathore, Y. S., Wong, H. N., Holzman, L. B., Ashish*, and Nihalani, D. (2012) J Biol Chem 287, 9441-9453 (IF=4.77, CI=-) 9. Rathore, Y. S., Rehan, M., Pandey, K., Sahni, G., and Ashish*. (2012) The journal of physical chemistry. B 116, 496-502 (IF=3.70, CI=1) 10. Singh, S.; Pandey, K.; Rathore, Y.S.; Sagar, A.; Pattnaik, B.; Ashish* Journal of Biomolecular Structural Dynamics In press(IF=4.98, CI=-)

[ 108 ]

BHADRA, RUPAK KUMAR (b 1960), Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata – 700032 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr. Rupak K. Bhadra is working for a long time in the field of diarrhoeal disease research with special reference to Vibrio cholerae. He has contributed significantly on the molecular aspect of nutritional deficiency related stringent response carried out by the intracellular small signaling molecule ppGpp and functionally characterized several genes involved in the regulation and maintenance of cellular ppGpp level in V. cholerae. His major achievement is the discovery of a gene, designated relV, which codes for a novel ppGpp synthetase in V. cholerae. RelV belongs to Rel_Spo domain family of small proteins and activated under glucose or fatty acid starvation. He has also characterized relA, spoT and cgtA genes through extensive mutational analyses and these genes are necessary for intracellular metabolism of ppGpp of V. cholerae. He has also functionally characterized an RNA polymerase binding unusual transcription factor DksA, which acts as a cofactor for ppGpp action. DksA is also involved in fine-tuning of certain important virulence phenotypes of V. cholerae. He has also contributed substantially to understand rapid evolution of pathogenic V. cholerae strains mediated by cholera toxin genes carrying diverse CTX phage. In fact, he first demonstrated that CTX phage could integrate in the small chromosome of current seventh pandemic strain of V. cholerae of serogroup O1 biotype El Tor and genesis of variants may happen by frequent change of integration either in the large or in the small chromosome of El Tor vibrios by diverse CTX phages.

Proposer : Dr. Hemanta K. Majumder, Seconder : Dr. Pijush K. Das Ten Best Publications: 1. Pal, R. R., Bag, S., Dasgupta, S., Das, B., Bhadra, R. K*. Functional characterization of the stringent response regulatory gene dksA of Vibrio cholerae and its role in modulation of virulence phenotypes. Journal of Bacteriology. 194: 5638-5648, 2012. (IF=3.825, CI=Currently Nil) 2. Halder, K., Das, B., Nair, G. B., Bhadra, R. K*. Molecular evidence favouring step-wise evolution of Mozambique Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor hybrid strain. Microbiology. 156(Pt 1): 99-107, 2010. (IF=3.01, CI=8) 3. Das, B., Pal, R. R., Bag, S. and Bhadra, R. K*. Stringent response in Vibrio cholerae: genetic analysis of spoT gene function and identification of a novel (p)ppGpp synthetase gene. Molecular Microbiology. 72: 380-398, 2009. (IF=5.01, CI=17) 4. Shah, S., Das, B. and Bhadra, R. K*. Functional analysis of the essential GTP-binding protein coding gene cgtA of Vibrio cholerae. Journal of Bacteriology. 190: 4764-4771, 2008. (IF=3.825, CI=9) 5. Das, B. and Bhadra R. K*. Molecular characterization of Vibrio cholerae relA spoT double mutants. Archives of Microbiology. 189: 227-238, 2008. (IF=1.43, CI=12) 6. Maiti, D., Das, B., Saha, A., Nandy, R. K., Nair, G. B. and Bhadra, R. K*. Genetic organization of pre-CTX and CTX prophages in the genome of an environmental Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-O139 strain. Microbiology. 152: 3633-3641, 2006. (IF=3.01, CI=28) 7. Datta, P. P. and Bhadra, R. K*. Cold shock response and major cold shock proteins of Vibrio cholerae. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 69: 6361-6369, 2003. (IF=3.829, CI=31) 8. Haralalka, S., Nandi, S. and B-hadra, R. K*. Mutation in the relA gene of Vibrio cholerae affects in vitro and in vivo expression of virulence factors. Journal of Bacteriology. 185: 4672-4682, 2003. (IF=3.825, CI=68) 9. Nandi, S., Maiti, D., Saha, A. and Bhadra, R. K*. Genesis of variants of Vibrio cholerae O1 biotype El Tor: role of the CTX array and its position in the genome. Microbiology. 149: 89-97, 2003. (IF=3.01, CI=31) 10. Chakraborty, S., Mukhopadhyay, A. K., Bhadra, R. K., Ghosh, A. N., Mitra, R., Shimada, T. Yamasaki, S. S. M. Faruque, Takeda, Y., Colwell, R. R., and Nair, G. B. Virulence genes in environmental strains of Vibrio cholerae. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 66: 4022-4028, 2000. (IF=3.829, CI=136)

[ 109 ]

DHAWAN, DEVINDER KUMAR (b 1955), Professor, Dept.of Biophysics and Coordinator, Centre for Nuclear Medicine, Panjab University, Chandigarh Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) I am pleased to nominate Prof D. K. Dhawan for the election of a fellow of The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI). He has contributed immensely in understanding the metabolic role of Zinc and published many papers only on Zinc, which are widely cited. His research work has highlighted the prophylactic role of this essential dietary element in containing different diseased conditions. One such condition is toxicity inflicted by organophosphates (OPs), which are extensively used as pesticides by the farmers. His work has shown that hepatotoxicity caused by OPs can be effectively contained if the diet is supplemented with Zinc. His research work unraveled the molecular basis of Zinc as a hepatoprotective, radioprotective and neuroprotective agent under various adverse conditions. Further, his key contribution is in understanding the mechanistic role of Zinc in delaying the onset of molecular events leading to colon carcinogenesis. He has also developed 99mTc labeled albumin cisplatin radiopharmaceutical for the early detection of cancer and the patent has been filed by the DST. Recently, he has initiated research work to explore the role of Zinc in containing the onset of Alzheimer’s like conditions in experimental animals. He has also been instrumental in starting a new course at the Master’s level in Nuclear Medicine at Panjab University and this course is generating Human Resource to run Nuclear Medicine centers across India. Based on the significant contribution of Prof Dhawan in science, I strongly recommend his candidature for the Fellowship of The National Academy of Sciences, India.

Proposer : Dr G.P.S Raghava, Seconder : Prof. R.K. Kohli Ten Best Publications: 1. Dhawan D, Singh B, Chand B, Singh N. Mangal P.C. and Trehan P.N. (1995) X-ray fluorescence in the assessment of inter element interactions in rat liver following lead treatment. Biometals 8,105-110 (IF=2.82, CI=15) 2. Dhawan D. and Goel A. (1995). Further evidence of zinc as a hepatoprotective agent in rat liver toxicity Exp. Mol. Pathol. 63, 110-117(IF=2.99, CI=38) 3. Sidhu Pardeep,.Garg M.L and.Dhawan D.K (2004). Protective role of zinc in nickel induced hepatotoxicity in rats: Chemico-Biological Interactions 150, 199-209 (IF=3.06, CI=64) 4. Goel A, Dani V, and Dhawan D.K. (2005). Protective effects of Zinc on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes and hepatic histoarchitecture in chlorpyrifos induced toxicity. Chemico-Biological Interactions; Vol. 156, pp131-140 (IF=3.06, CI=147) 5. Goel A,Dani,V and Dhawan D.K.( 2007).Zinc mediates normalization of hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes in chlorpyrifos induced toxicity. Toxicology Letters 169(1)26-33. (IF=3.23, CI=15) 6. Dani V, Bhalla P, and Dhawan D.K. (2008) Zinc modulates lithium-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Liver International;28(4):558-65(IF=3.82, CI=8) 7. Dani V, Goel A, Vaiphe K, and Dhawan D.K. (2007) Chemopreventive potential of zinc in experimentally induced colon carcinogenesis. Toxicology Letters; 171(1-2):10-18. (IF=3.23, CI=32) 8. Chadha V and Dhawan D. K. (2011) Regulatory role of zinc on the biokinetics and biodistribution of 65Zn during the initiation of experimentally induced colon cancer. Nutrition and Cancer; 63, 212-217 (IF=2.8, CI=3) 9. Fereshteh G, Malhotra A, Abdollah R and D.K Dhawan. Modulation of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and total sialic acid (TSA) levels by selenium during 1,2 dimethylhydrazine induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Nutrition and cancer 2013, 65(1) 92-98(IF=2.8) 10. Singla N and Dhawan DK.(2013) Zinc, neuroprotective agent against Aluminium induced oxidative DNA injury. Molecular Neurobiology [ pp.1-12, Epub ahead of print] (IF=5.74)

[ 110 ]

DUDEJA, SURJIT SINGH (b 1953), Professor, Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar - 125004 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Prof Dudeja has outstanding research contribution in the field of Microbiology for the past 36 years. He has served as HOD of Microbiology and is PI of AICRP Chickpea Microbiology group. He is Senior Editor of four internationally reputed Journals including Basic J Microbiology. He has served Association of Microbiologists of India (AMI) as Joint Secretary and Treasurer at National level. Dr Dudeja has attended about 50 National/International conferences including four in Germany & Czeck Republic and was member of National advisory committee of more than 10 conferences. Dr Dudeja is recipient of several awards and is Fellow of AMI and Indian Society of Pulses Research & Developments. He is member of selection/promotion committees of several universities. Dr Dudeja has been external examiner for several M. Sc, M. Phil and PhD students of Microbiology and Biotechnology. He has published more than 100 papers in National and International journals. His contributions in plant – microbe interactions are of high practical importance. He has done pioneering work in the area of enhancing nodule occupancy by selecting molecularly predominant rhizobia. He has developed 23 biofertilizers strains being used for mass scale production. He developed a non destructive method for assessing N2 fixation in chickpea. He has molecularly characterized rhizobia infecting chickpea, fieldpea, mungbean, pigeonpea; root and nodule endophytes. Changes in microbial communities (cultureable as well as noncultureable) in chickpea and wheat were assessed using DGGE after inoculation with gfp tagged rhizobia. He assigned reasons for poor nodulation of pigeonpea, and attempted to improve nodulation

Proposer : Prof B.L. Jalali, Seconder : Prof Tapan Adhya Ten Best Publications: 1. Khurana, A.L. and Dudeja, S.S.1982. Cicer-Rhizobium interaction with different chickpea culitvars under field conditions. Microbiol.Res. (Zbl. Microbiol) 137: 207-213. (IF=2.534, CI=6) 2. Dudeja, S.S. and Khurana, A.L. 1988. Survival and competitiveness of Bradyrhizobim spp. in the rhizosphere of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan). Biol. Fertil. Soils. 7: 63-67 (IF=2.32, CI=5) 3. Dudeja, S.S. and Khurana, A.L. 1989. The pigeonpea-Rhizobium symbiosis as affected by high root temperature. Effect on nodule formation. J. Exptl. Bot. 40: 469-472 (IF=5.36, CI=9) 4. Dudeja, S.S. and Khurana, A.L. 1989. Persistence of Bradyrhizobium sp. (Cajanus) in a sandy loam. Soil Biol. Biochem. 21: 709-713. (IF=4.024, CI=32) 5. Khurana, A.L., Sharma, P.K. and Dudeja, S.S.1991. Influence of host, moisture and native rhizobial population on nodule occupancy in chickpea (Cicer arietinum). Microbiol.Res. (Zbl. Microbiol) 146: 137-142. (IF=2.534, CI=6) 6. Raghuwanshi, A. Dudeja, S.S. and Khurana, A.L. 1994. Effect of temperature on flavonoid production in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in relation to nodulation. Biol. Fertil. Soil. 17: 314-316. (IF=2.32, CI=7) 7. Sheoran, A. Khurana, A.L. and Dudeja, S.S. 1997. Nodulation competitiveness in the Rhizobium-chickpea nodulation variants symbiosis. Microbiol. Res.152:407-417. (IF=2.534, CI=5) 8. Chaudhary, Poonam, Dudeja, S.S. and Kapoor, K.K.2004. Effectivity of host-Rhizobium leguminosarum symbiosis in soils receiving sewage water containing heavy metals. Microbiol. Res. 159:121-127 (IF=2.534, CI=12) 9. Kumar, R, Bhatia, R, Kukreja,K., Behl, R.K., Dudeja, S.S. and Narula, N. 2007. Establishment of Azotobacter on plant roots: Chemotactic response, development and analysis of root exudates of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). J Basic Microbiol 47: 436-439. (IF=1.27, CI=12) 10. Dudeja, S.S., Giri, R., Saini, R., Suneja-Madan, P. and Kothe E. 2012. Interaction of endophytic microbes with legumes. J. Basic Microbiol. 52, 248–260. (IF=1.27, CI=5)

[ 111 ]

GHOSH, SANJAY (b 1967), Associate Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry. University of Calcutta, Kolkata Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Dr. Sanjay Ghosh shares the global vision of extending research on Nitric Oxide biology in cellular systems because of its immense physiological and pathological roles. His work on the detailed characterization of mammalian Nitric Oxide Synthases (NOS) and Drosophila NOS contributed to the understanding of their function to the evolution of NOS in vertebrates and invertebrates (JBC, 1998, 1999, Biochemistry 2007 a, b). Excess or deregulated production of nitric oxide yields various reactive nitrogen species (RNS) which in turn modify cellular proteins, alter cellular redox status and redox active enzymes. For evaluating the effect of nitrosative stress created by RNS, Dr. Ghosh has established yeast as a precious tool for determining the exact mechanism that protects cells against the deleterious effects (BBRC 2003, 2009 a, b, FRBM 2006, 2012, ABB 2010). He showed a novel role of catalase in peroxynitrite detoxification in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (BBRC 2009). His investigations on Schizosaccharomyces pombe first time indicated the inactivation of glutathione reductase through protein nitration and the involvement of transcription factor Pap1 against nitrosative stress (FRBM 2006). He also showed that exposure to an NO donor results in mitotic delay through G2/M checkpoint activation, S-nitrosylation of Cdc25 and initiates rereplication which is a novel molecular mechanism of cell cycle control in S. pombe (FRBM 2012). Dr. Ghosh also demonstrated first time towards understanding the functional significance of nitric oxide in compatible plant pathogen interaction (Plant signaling and Behavior, 2010, 2011) and S-nitrosothiol formation in functional nodules of crack entry legume (PLoS ONE, 2012).

Proposer : Prof. D.J. Chattopadhyay, Seconder : Dr. Hemanta K. Majumdar Ten Best Publications: 1. Sanjay Ghosh, R. Gachhui, C. Crooks, C. Wu, M. P. Lisanti, and Dennis J. Stuehr (1998) Interaction between Caveolin–1 and the Reductase Domain of Endothelial Nitric Oxide synthase: Consequences for Catalysis. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 273, 35, 22267-22271. (if=Impact Factor: 5.8, ci=Citation Index: 132.) 2. Sanjay Ghosh, D. Wolan, S. Adak, B. R. Crane, N. S. Kwon, J. A. Tainer, E. Getzoff and Dennis J. Stuehr (1999) Mutational Analysis of the Tetrahydrobiopterin-binding Site in Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 274, 34, 24100-24112. (if=Impact Factor: 5.8, ci=Citation Index: 56.) 3. R. Sahoo, T. Dutta, A. Das, S. Sinha Ray, R. Sengupta, Sanjay Ghosh (2006) Effect of nitrosative stress on S. pombe: Inactivation of GR by peroxynitrite. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 40(4), 625-631. (if=Impact factor-5.423, ci=Citation Index: 22.) 4. Sougata Sinha Ray, Rajib Sengupta, Mauro Tiso, Mohammad MahfuzulHaque, Rupam Sahoo, David W. Konas, KulwantAulak, Michael Regulski, Tim Tully, Dennis J. Stuehr*, and Sanjay Ghosh*(2007). The Reductase Domain of Drosophila melanogaster Nitric-Oxide Synthase: Redox Transformations, Regulation, and Similarity to Mammalian Homologs. Biochemistry. Oct 23;46(42):11865-73. Epub 2007 Sep 27. * Corresponding Authors. (if=Impact Factor-3.422., ci=Citation Index: 4.) 5. Rupam Sahoo, Arindam Bhattacharjee, Uddalak Majumdar, Sougata Sinha Ray, Tanmay Dutta, and Sanjay Ghosh (2009)A novel role of catalase in detoxification of peroxynitrite in S. cerevisiae yhb1- and sfa1- mutants. Biochem Biophys Res Commun.(BBRC) Aug 7;385(4):507-11. Epub 2009 May 20.5 year Impact factor-2.484 Citation Index: 11 (if=5 year Impact factor-2.484, ci=Citation Index: 11) 6. Arindam Bhattacharjee, Uddalak Majumdar, Debasis Maity, Tuhin Subhra Sarkar, Achintya Mohan Goswami, Rupam Sahoo, Sanjay Ghosh (2009) In vivo protein tyrosine nitration in S. cerevisiae: Identification of tyrosine-nitrated proteins in mitochondria. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. (BBRC) Oct 23;388(3):612-7. Epub 2009 Aug 18. (if=5 year Impact factor-2.484. Citation Index: 12, ci=Citation Index: 15) 7. Arindam Bhattacharjee, Uddalak Majumdar, Debasis Maity, Tuhin Subhra Sarkar, Achintya Mohan Goswami, Rupam Sahoo, and Sanjay Ghosh (2010)Characterizing the effect of nitrosative stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics (ABB) 496, 109-116. doi:10.1016/j.abb.2010.02.003 (PMID: 20153714) (if=Impact Factor-2.935., ci=Citation Index: 2) 8. Tuhin Subhra Sarkar, Uddalak Majumdar, Anirban Roy, Debasis Maiti, Achintya Mohan Goswamy, Arindam Bhattacharjee, Subrata Kumar Ghosh and Sanjay Ghosh (2010) Production of Nitric Oxide in host-virus interaction: A case study with a compatible Begomovirus-Kenaf host-pathosystem.Plant Signaling and Behavior. Plant Signal Behav. Dec 2;5(6):668-76.Epub 2010 Jun 1.PMID: 20215875 (if=H Index 12., ci=Citation Index: 2) 9. Uddalak Majumdar, Pranjal Biswas, Tuhin Subhra Sarkar, Debasis Maiti, Sanjay Ghosh (2012) Regulation of cell cycle and stress responses under nitrosative stress in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. PMID:22561704 Free Radical Biology and Medicine Jun 1-15; 52(11-12):2186-200. doi:10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2012.03.026. Epub 2012 Apr 17. (if=Impact factor-5.423, 5 year Impact Factor 5.773.) 10. Debasis Maiti, Tuhin Subhra Sarkar and Sanjay Ghosh (2012) Detection of S-nitrosothiol and nitrosylated proteins in Arachis hypogaea functional nodule: Response of the nitrogen fixing symbiont PLOS ONE DOI No. 10.1371/journal.pone.0045526 September 7 (9) e45526 (if=Impact Factor 4.092.)

[ 112 ]

KHAN, ASAD ULLAH (b 1972), Associate Professor and Coordinator, AMU, Aligarh


Hence, Dr Khan’ lab is actively engaged in designing new inhibitors against NDM-1 and CTX-M “superbug”. These enzymes have been cloned and expressed for kinetics and structural studied in order to map the target site of newly identified lead molecules. A good number of inhibitor molecules have been so far screened and tested against these purified enzymes. These inhibitors have already proved to be potential drug candidates against multi-drug resistant bacteria. This is truly an original contribution to the medical science since not much antibiotics are left to treat infection caused by NDM-1 producing bacteria. He has explored mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria with specific reference to betalactamases. New resistant markers on plasmids were characterized in his lab and also detected novel variants of NDM-1. He is first time reported NDM-4 from Indian hospital environment. Moreover, he has also shown that these resistant markers are mobile and accessible to susceptible strains of bacteria through Horizontal Gene Transfer. His group has also elucidated mode of action of natural and synthetic molecules including, several Nano-composite preparations against infections in general and dental caries in particular which is a predominant cause of tooth decay and endocardiatis, a serious heart problem. Dr. Khan has explored the area of Yeast Genetics and Transcription Biology and studied genetic interaction between transcription initiation and mRNA 3’processing machinery. He has also identified role of drugs on Basal Transcription Machinery with special reference to anti-cancer drugs and a hypothesis was proposed whether anticancer drugs interact transcriptional machinery via interfering with histone modulation.

Proposer : Prof Yagya Dutta Sharma, Seconder : Prof. Mohammad Shamim Jairajpuri Ten Best Publications: 1. Danishuddin, M, Khan, A, Faheem, F, Kalaiarasan, P, Baig, MH, Subbara,N, and Khan AU “Structure based screening of inhibitors against KPC-2: Designing potential drug candidates against multi-drug resistant bacteria” J Biomol Structure and Dynamics (2013) in press PMID:23600675 (if=(IF: 4.9)) 2. Fahim M, Rehman MT, Danishuddin, M and Khan AU. “Biochemical characterization of CTX-M-15 from Enterobacter cloacae and designing a novel non-beta-lactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor” PloS ONE (2013) 8(2):e56926. . (if=(IF: 4)) 3. Khan, S, Alam F, Azam A, and Khan AU. “Gold nanoparticles enhance methylene blue induced photodynamic therapy: A novel therapeutic approach to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm” International Journal of Nanomedicine ( 2012) 7:3245-57. . (if=(IF: 4.4), ci=2) 4. Khan, SN, Danishuddin, M, Varshney, B, Lal, SK and Khan, AU “Inhibition of N-terminal lysines acetylation and transcription factor assembly by epirubicin induced deranged cell homeostasis” PloS ONE (2012) 7(12): e51850. (if=(IF: 4.3).) 5. Hasan S, Danishuddin M, Adil M, Singh K, Verma PK, Khan AU.Efficacy of E. officinalis on the Cariogenic Properties of Streptococcus mutans: A Novel and Alternative Approach to Suppress Quorum-Sensing Mechanism. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e40319. (if= (IF: 4.3)., ci=10) 6. Khan SN, Islam B, Yennamalli R, Sultan A, Subbarao N, Khan AU. Interaction of mitoxantrone with human serum albumin: spectroscopic and molecular modeling studies. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2008 Dec 18;35(5):371-82. (if=(IF: 3.5), ci=60) 7. Raffaele Zarrilli, Domenico Vitale, Anna Di Popolo, Maria Bagattini, Ziad Daoud, Asad U. Khan, and Maria Triassi “A plasmid-borne blaOXA-58 gene confers imipenem resistance to Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from a Lebanese hospital” Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (2008) 52: 4115-4120 (if=(I F: 4.8), ci=47) 8. Barira Islam, Shahper N. Khan, Irfanul Haque, M. Alam, M. Mushfiq and Asad U. Khan* ”Novel anti-adherence activity of Mulberry Leaves: Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans Biofilm by 1-Deoxynojirimycin isolated from Morus alba” Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2008) 62: 751-757 (if=(IP: 5.0) ., ci=45) 9. Akram M, Shahid M, Khan AU. Etiology and antibiotic resistance patterns of community-acquired urinary tract infections in J N M C Hospital Aligarh, India. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2007 Mar 23;6:4 (if=(IF: 1.7), ci= 238) 10. Xiaoyuan He, Asad U Khan, Hailing Cheng,, Donald Papas, Michael Hampsey, and Clair moore “ Functional Interaction between the Transcription and mRNA 3’-end Processing Machineries mediated by Ssu72 and Sub1” Genes & Development (2003) 17: 1030-1042. (if=(IF: 15.0), ci=108)

[ 113 ]

KHANNA, MADHU (b 1964), Associate Professor, Department of Virology, V.P. Chest Institute,University of Delhi, Delhi - 110007 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr Madhu Khanna has extensively worked on various post-transcriptional gene silencing strategies that has shown the successful down regulation of vital genes of influenza A viruses. siRNA strategy has been well established by her laboratory with proven results and awards. She has also designed a wild-type (wt) chimeric construct, that consisted of siRNA joined by a short intracellular cleavable linker to a known hammerhead ribozyme (Rz), both targeted against M1 genome segment of influenza A virus which gave an impressive (>80%) protection against the virus challenge ex vivo. The study based on such chimerical constructs was done for the first time by her with successful results. Recently she has used DNAzymes in combination of several antisense DNA molecules to achieve post transcriptional gene silencing in influenza viruses. She also gave the first results on the effect of a flavonoid, Quercetin, on the lung antioxidants after IAV infection in mice. DNA vaccine is yet another strategy developed by her using single matrix epitope to generate immune response against influenza A viruses. Her laboratory has extensively been working on influenza surveillance, under her guidance, and has provided rapid diagnostic services, in concern to public health, to thousands of patients infected with pandemic influenza viruses during the recent 2009 influenza pandemic. She has published several research articles in national and international journals of repute. She has also received awards and honor’s at international level.

Proposer : Prof. B.C. Das, Seconder : Prof. U. C. Chaturvedi Ten Best Publications: 1. Rajput R, Khanna M, Kumar P, Kumar B, Sharma S, Gupta N, Saxena L.(2012) siRNA targeting the nonstructural gene (NS1) transcript inhibits influenza A virus replication in experimental mice. Nucleic Acid Ther. 22(6):414-22. (IF=2.7, CI=1 (Manuscript will be online soon)) 2. Kumar P, Khanna M, Kumar B, Rajput R, Banerjea A.C (2012).A conserved matrix epitope based DNA vaccine protects mice against influenza A virus challenge. Antiviral Res. 93:78-85 (IF=4.3, CI=1 (Manuscript will be online soon)) 3. Kumar B, Khanna M, Kumar P, Sood V, Vyas R, Banerjea A.C(2012). Nucleic Acid Mediated Cleavage of M1 Gene of Influenza A Virus Is Significantly Augmented by Antisense Molecules Targeted to Hybridize Close to the Cleavage Site. Mol. Biotechnol, 51:27-36(IF=2.17, CI=1) 4. Kumar P, Vyas R, Sood V, Gupta N, Banerjea A & Khanna M (2010). Potent inhibition of influenza virus replication with novel siRNA-chimeric-ribozyme constructs. Antiviral Res. 87: 104-112. (IF=4.3, CI=7) 5. V. Srivastava, S. Rawall, V.K. Vijayan & M. Khanna.(2009) Influenza A virus induced apoptosis: Inhibition of DNA laddering & caspase 3 activity by zinc supplementation in cultured HeLa cells IJMR 129, pp 115-122. (IF=1.84, CI=6) 6. Kumar P, Khanna M, Tyagi Y.K, Srivastava V, Ravi K & Raj H.G. (2005) Effect of Quercetin supplementation on antioxidant of lung after experimental influenza virus infection. Exp. Lung Res. 31 (5) (IF=1.2, CI=20) 7. Kumar P, Khanna M, Sharma S and Raj HG. (2003). Effect of Quercetin on lipid peroxidation and changes in lung morphology in experimental influenza virus infection. Int. J. Exp. Path. 84; 1-7 (IF=2.57, CI=34) 8. Khanna M, Chaturvedi UC and Mathur A. (1989b). Proteinase like activity in the cytotoxic factor produced by T cells during dengue virus infection. Immunology. 62; 32-37 (IF=3.32, CI=9) 9. Khanna M, Chaturvedi UC and Mathur A. (1990). Increased capillary permeability mediated by dengue virus-induced cytokine. Immunology. 69; 449-453 (IF=3.32, CI= -) 10. Khanna M, Chaturvedi UC, Dhawan R, Tekwani BL and Pandey VC. (1991). Presence of calcium is obligatory for the cytotoxic activity of dengue virus-induced cytotoxic factor. Immunology. 72; 73-78. (IF=3.32, CI=12)

[ 114 ]

KHUSHU, SUBASH (b 1958), Scientist-'G' & Associate Director, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences(INMAS), Delhi( Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Dr Subash Khushu has contributed significantly towards the development and application of NMR based techniques to study the effect of mental and environmental stressors (like High Altitude, Anxiety,Radiation, isolation and thermal stress) on the metabolism, structure and cognitive functions in armed force personnel. These stressors pose a serious problem on their physical and mental health leading to degradation in their performance and quality of life. His major contributions in the field are development and optimization of techniques like functional MRI, VBM, DTI,resting fMRI and Dynamic causal modeling (DCM) and their applications in Thyroid disorders ( Journal of Biosciences, 2006, Journal of Biosciences, 2001, Journal of Neuroendocrinology 2013), Alcoholism ( European Journal of Radiology, 2009), Meditation (Biomedicine, 2005), Camouflage detection and anxiety ( Behavioural Brain Research 2012). He has also established NMR based metabonomics and developed experimental models for Radiation, thermal, chemical and CMS model of depression for identification of metabolic finger prints/biomarkers for these stressors and has obtained important leads towards development of metabolic/imaging fingerprints of radiation stress in animal model for development of high throughput bio-dosimeter to assess radiation injuries. (Metabolomics 2011, Int. J. Radiation Biology 2011, Journal of Neuroscience Research 2012) and heavy metal toxicity (Journal of Applied Toxicology 2011,, Metabolomics 2012,, J. of Applied Toxicology 2013) Besides Demonstrating the restorative and mitigation action of Adaptogenic herb Tinospora Cordifloia against cold stress in animal model.( Metabolomics 2011). The quality and number of publications is significantly increasing year by year, which is a testimony of his recognition of his research work in the fields of NMR imaging and spectroscopy.

Proposer : Prof. N R Jaganaathan, Seconder : Prof. T P Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. A Dutta, N Kambi, P Raghunathan, S Khushu (2013): Large-scale reorganization of the somatosensory cortex of adult macaque monkeys revealed by fMRI, Brain Structure and Function (if=7.837, ci=Recently published) 2. S Singh, S Modi, D Bagga, P Kaur, LR Shankar, S Khushu (2013) : Voxel-based morphometric analysis in hypothyroidism using DARTEL approach, Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 25: 235-243 (if=4.65, ci=03 (Recently Published)) 3. S Koundal, S Gandhi, T Kaur, S Khushu (2014):Neurometabolic & sturctural alterations in rat brain due to acute hypobaric hypoxia: An in vivo 1H MR Spectroscopy at 7T, NMR in Biomedicine, DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3068 (if=3.446, ci=Recently published) 4. BSH Kumar, SK Mishra, P Rana, S Singh, S Khushu. (2012): Neurodegenerative evidences during early onset of depression in CMS rats as detected by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 7 Tesla, Behavioural Brain Research, 232: 53-59 (if=3.22, ci=06) 5. AR Khan, P Rana, R Tyagi, IP Kumar, M Devi, S Javed, RP Tripathi, S Khushu. (2011): NMR Spectroscopy Based Metabolic Profiling of Urine and Serum for investigation of Physiological Perturbations during Radiation Sickness, Metabolomics, 7: 583-92 (if=4.50, ci=06) 6. S Khushu, P Rana, T Sekhri, G Sripathy, RP Tripathi.(2010): Bio-Energetic Impairment in Human Calf Muscle in Thyroid Disorders: A 31P NMR Spectroscopy Study, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 28: 683-9. (if=2.03, ci=16) 7. AR Khan, P Rana, M Devi, S Chaturvedi, S Javed, RP Tripathi, S Khushu (2011): Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy-based metabonomic investigation of biochemical effects in serum of γ-irradiated mice, International Journal of Radiation Biology, 87(1): 91-7,(if=2.12, ci=13) 8. S Khushu, SS Kumaran, RP Tripathi, A Gupta, PC Jain, V Jain. (2001):Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Primary motor Cortex in humans: Response to increased functional demands, Journal of Biosciences, 26(2):205-15. (if=1.8, ci=33) 9. A Jena, PC Sanchetee, RK Gupta, S Khushu, R Chandra, N Lakshmipathi (1988): Cysticercosis of the Brain shown by Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Clinical Radiology, 39(5): 542-6 (if=1.952, ci=47) 10. RK Gupta, A Jena, A Sharma, DK Guha, S Khushu, A Gupta.(1988) : MR Imaging of Intracranial Tuberculomas, Journal of Computed Assisted Tomography, 12(2): 280-5 (if=1.383, ci=153)

[ 115 ]

KRISHNASWAMY, SANKARAN (b.1959) Professor, Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai - 625021 Member of NASI: No (2013 Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) The nominee and his group at Madurai Kararaj University have been working on structural biology and bioinformatics of membrane proteins-specifically porins from S. typhi, proteins from prophages and protein aggregation. In membrane protein work, he has developed a method to purify the integral membrane protein OmpC from S. typhi and for the first time in the country crystallized a membrane protein. Subsequently, through a series of trials he has obtained the structure of OmpF 0f S. typhi, at 2.79A resolution, which showed for the first time the asymmetric pore occupancy in such porins. He developed a functional assay system for S. typhi OmpC as a general method for characterization of outer membrane proteins. He has also obtained at low resolution the crystal structure of a loop deletion mutant of S. typhi OmpC and a structure of the full length S. tyjphi OmpC. These structures can pave the way for structure based functional understanding of the role of these porins. These are the only membrane protein structures, so far, from India. He has also made contributions to the computational identification and analysis of beta barrel membrane proteins. In the area of prophages, he has done the first annotation of the lambdoid prophage e14 element in E.coli, He also devised methods to detect prophages in genomes and initiated a prophage database and structural genomics initiative with a group in Israel. The initiative led to the identification of a biological and biochemical role for the prophage encoded YagE protein from the DLP12 prophage.

Proposer : Prof. K. Dharmalingam Seconder : Prof. K. Veluthambi

Ten Best Publications : 1. D. Balasubramaniam, Arulandu Arockiasamy, P.D. Kumar, Amit Sharma, S. Krishnaswamy (2012). Asmmetric pore occupancy in crystal structure of OmpF porin from Salmonella typhi. Journal of Structural Biology. 178:233-244. (IF:3.805,citations 2) 2. Anne-LaureTodeschini, Aurelie Dipietromaria, David L’Hote, Fatima Zohr Boucham, Adrien B.Georges, P.J. Eswari Pandaranayaka, S. Krishnaswamy, Isabelle Rivals, Claude Bazin, Reiner A. Veitia (2011). Mutational probing of the forkhead domain of the transcription factor FOXL2 provides insights into the pathogenicity of naturally occurring mutations. Human Molecular Genetics, 20: 3376-3385, (IF:7.636, citations 4) 3. K V Srividhya, V. Alaguraj, G.Poornima, Dinesh Kumar, G.P. Singh, L Raghavenderan, A V S K Mohan Katta, Preeti Mehta and S. Krishnawamy (2007). Identification of prophages in bacterial genomes by dinucleotide relative abundance difference. PLoS ONE 2: e1193. Doi:10.1371/ journal.pone.0001193. (IF:4.092, citations 21) 4. A. Arockiasamy, G.S.Murthy, M.R. Rukmini, N.Sundara Baalaji, Umesh Chandra Katapally and S.Krishnaswamy (2004). Conformational epitope mapping of OmpC, a major cell surface antigen from salmonella typhi. J. Struct. Biol. 148: 22-33. (IF:3.805, citations 16) 5. T.V. Ganasekaran, Suraj Peri, A. Arockiasamy and S. Krishnaswamy (2000). Profiles from structure based sequence alignment of porins can identify beta stranded integral membrane proteins. Bioinformatics. 16,839-842. (IF:5.468, citations 38) 6. A. Arockiasamy and S. Krishnaswamy (1999). Crystallisation of the immunologically important Outer membrane protein OmpC; the first protein crystals from the human pathogen S. typhi FEBS Lett 453, 380-382, (IF:3.538, citations 20) 7. G.Felcy Fabiola, S. Krishnaswamy, V. Nagaraj and Vasantha Pattabhi (1997).An analysis of C-H.O hydrogen bonds in beta sheets. Acta Cryst D 53:316-320.(IF:12.619, citations 111) 8. R. McKenna, Di Xia, P. Willingmann, L.L. Ilag, S. Krishnaswamy, M.G. Rossmann, N.H.Olson, T.S. Baker, and N.L. Incardona (1992) The atomic structure of the single stranded DNA Bacteriophage Phix 174 and its functional implications. Nature 355, 137-143. (IF:36.28 citations 7) 9. M. Ruff, S. Krishnaswamy, M. Boeglin, A.Poterszman, A. Mitschler, A. Podjarny , B.Rees, J.C. Thierry, D. Moras (!991) Class II Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases: Crystal structure of the complex tRNNAAsp Aspartyl tRNA synthetase from yeast Science 252, 1682-1718. (IF:31.201 citations 586) 10. S. Krishnawamy and M.G. Rossmann (1990) Refinement and structural analysis of Mengo virus J. Mol. Biol.211, 803-844 (IF:3.981 citations 55)

[ 116 ]

PARIDA, MANMOHAN (b 1967), Scientist ‘F’ Joint Director, Head, Department of Virology Defence R & D Establishment, DRDE, DRDO, Min of Defence Jhansi Road, Gwalior - 474002, M. P., India. Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Dr Manmohan Parida, is working in the field of advanced molecular diagnostics and molecular epidemiology of emerging viruses for the last 20 years. He has contributed significantly for the rapid and real time detection of emerging viruses viz; Dengue, JE, West Nile, Chikungunya, SARS, Swine Flu etc through RTPCR/ Multiplex PCR/Real-Time PCR and the most advanced innovative RT-LAMP technology. He is one of the LAMP experts in India and has indigenized the LAMP technology for field application as a point of care testing without requirement of any expensive equipment. He has also made significant contributions in Chikungunya R & D in the form of comprehensive diagnostics (IgM ELISA, Antigen ELISA, Duplex RTPCR and RTLAMP), vaccine (Formalin inactivated and recombinant subunit) and antiviral drugs (Chloroquine and Mycophenolic acid, SiRNA). He has also established a permissive mouse model for Chikungunya induced arthritis and encephalopathy and studied the mechanism of pathogenesis through differential proteome analysis. His publications and products for Chikungunya virus are the testimony of the hard work put for the R & D solutions.He has published all his research papers in peer reviewed journals with very high impact factors and has filed nine patents to his credit.The sincere efforts put by Dr. Parida have been appreciated by researchers in the field in the country as well as abroad. Keeping these facts in view, I strongly recommended his candidature for the Fellow of National Academy of Sciences.

Proposer : Prof. U. C. Chaturvedi, Seconder : Dr Sudhanshu Vrati Ten Best Publications: 1. M. M. Parida*, Guillermo Posadas, Shingo Inoue, Futoshi Hasebe, and Kouichi Morita. 2004. Real-time Reverse Transcription Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) for Rapid Detection of West Nile Virus. J. Clinical Microbiology. 42(1): 257-263. (if= 4.1, ci= 269) 2. Hong Thi Cam Thai, Mai Quynh Le, Cuong Duc Vuong, M. M. Parida, Harumi Minekawa, Tsugunori Notomi, Futoshi Hasebe and Kouichi Morita. 2004 Development and Evaluation of a novel Loop mediated Isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for rapid detection of SARS Corona virus. J. Clinical Microbiology. 42 (5) : 1956-1961 (if= 4.1, ci= 251) 3. M.M.Parida*, P. K. Dash, N. K. Tripathi, Ambuj, P. Saxena, S. R. Santhosh,, S. Agarwal, A. K. Sahni, R. Bhargava, A. Abhyankar, S. K. Verma, P. V. L. Rao and K. Sekhar. 2006. Japanese Encephalitis Outbreak, India, 2005. Emerging Infectious Disease. Vol-12, No- 9, September, 2006: 1427-1430. (if= 6.8, ci= 78) 4. M. M. Parida*, S. R. Santhosh, P. K. Dash, N. K. Tripathi, V. Lakshmi, N. Mamidi, Ambuj1, N. Gupta, P. Saxena, P. V. Lakshmana Rao and Kouichi Morita. 2007. Rapid and real-time detection of chikungunya virus by RTLAMP. J. Clin. Microbiol. 45 (2) : 351-357 (if= 4.1, ci= 104) 5. Lakshmi, V., Neeraja, M., Subbalaxmi, M. V. S., Parida, M. M., Dash, P. K., Santhosh, S. R., P. V. L. 2008. Clinical Features & Molecular Diagnosis of Chikungunya Fever from South India. Clinical Infect Dis. 46 (1 May) : 1436- 1442 (if= 8.1, ci= 54) 6. M. M. Parida*, S. R. Santhosh, P. K. Dash, P. V. Lakshmana Rao and Kouichi Morita. 2008. Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP): A New generation of Innovative Gene Amplification Technique; Perspectives in Clinical Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases. Reviews in Medical Virology. 18: 407- 421. (if= 5.6, ci= 135) 7. Rekha Dhanwani, Mohsin Khan, S.I. Alam, P.V. L Rao, M. M. Parida*. 2011. Differential proteome analysis of Chikungunya virus infected mice tissues reveals implication of stress, Inflammatory and Apoptotic pathways in disease pathogenesis. Proteomics. 11:1936-1951. (if= 4.8, ci= 9) 8. Nga P., Carmie P, Lauber, c., Parida M M, Itami K, Fuxun, Yu, Thuy, N, Inoue, S, Snidjer E. j., Morita K. 2011. Discovery of First Insect Nidovirus, a missing evolutionary link in the emergence of the largest RNA virus genome. PLOS Pathogen. 7(9): e1002215. doi: 10.1371 /journal. ppat.1002215. (if= 8.6, ci= 22) 9. Shashi Sharma, Gaurav Joshi, P.K. Dash, Maria Thomas,T.N. Athmaram,Jyoti S Kumar, Anita Desai, V. Ravi, I.K. Patro, P.V.Lakshmana Rao and M. M. Parida*. 2013. Molecular epidemiology and complete genome characterization of H1N1pdm virus from India. PLOS ONE.): e56364. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0056364 (if= 4.4, ci= 2) 10. M. M. Parida*, Jyoti Shukla, Shashi Sharma,Sanna Ranghia Santhosh, Vasanthapuram Ravi, Rita Mani, Maria Thomas, Shasi Khare,Arvind Rai, Radha Kant Ratho, Sujit Pujari, Bijayanti Mishra, Putcha Venkata Lakshmana Rao and Rajagopalan Vijayaraghavan. 2011. Development and Evaluation of Reverse Transcription Loop Mediated Isothermal Gene Amplification (RTLAMP) Assay for Rapid and Real-Time Detection of Swine origin influenza A H1N1 Virus (S-OIV). J Mol Diagnostics. 13 (1): 100-107. (if= 4.2, ci= 2)

[ 117 ]

PATRA, SAMIR KUMAR (b 1966), Associate Professor, National Institute of Technology Rourkela Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) During the past sixteen years Dr Patra has been working in the areas of Biochemistry, Epigenetics, Cell Signaling and Cancer Biology. His most significant innovative contributions are: (i) the existence of bilirubin as liquid crystal in circulation during jaundice (Patra and Pal, 1997, Patra et al. 1999). (ii) Dynamic nano-domains made of sphingolipids and cholesterol in membrane is proven essential for cell-signalling, chaperoning cell-division, and organising cell movement. Stability of these nano-domains largely depends on fattyacyl-chain length and hydrogen bonding between cholesterol and sphingomyelin (Patra et al. 1998, 1999). (iii) From the analyses of lipid constituents along with raft proteome from various tumors, tissues, and cell lines, and model rafts Dr Patra’s work has revealed two types of membrane domains (rafts), Cholestrol-rafts and Ceramide-rafts (Patra SK, 2008a). The concept of specialized domains (lipid rafts) in cell membrane, that are characterized more mosaic than fluid, will appear soon in the text books. (iv) Discovery of over expression and role for DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B), histone-deacetylases (HDAC1 and HDAC2) and MBD proteins in human prostate cancer. (v) Characterization of MBD1 and Bcl2 function and over-expression in prostate cancer metastasis, and (vi) proposition of the mechanism of Michael retrogression type DNA demethylation reaction important for gene expression regulation in ageing, cancer and during normal development ((Patra SK, 2008b; Patra et al. 2001, 2002, 2008, 2009). He explored the epigenetics of stem cell and developmental biology with a special emphasis on DNA demethylation (Patra and colleagues 2011, 2012 and 2014).

Proposer : Prof (Dr.) D. Chattopadhyay, Seconder : Prof (Dr.) D. Chatterji Ten Best Publications: 1. Kar S, Parbin S, Deb M, Shilpi A, Sengupta D, Rath SK, Rakshit M, Patra A and Patra SK (2014) Epigenetic Choreography of Stem Cells: the DNA demethylation episode of development. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (CMLS). 71(6): 1017- 1032. (if=5.615) 2. Deb M, Sengupta D and Patra SK (2012) Integrin-Epigenetics: A system with imperative impact on cancer. Cancer Metast. Rev. 31:221–234. (if=7.787, ci=12) 3. Patra A, Deb M, Dahiya R and Patra SK (2011) 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine stress response and apoptosis in prostate cancer. Clin Epigenet, 2: 339-348 (if=awaited, ci=11) 4. Patra SK and Bettuzzi S (2009) Epigenetic DNA-(Cytosine-5-Carbon) Modifications: 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine and DNA-Demethylation. Biochemistry (Moscow), 74 (6): 613-619. (if=1.57, ci=30) 5. 5. Patra SK (2008a) Dissecting lipid raft facilitated cell signaling pathways in cancer. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. Rev on Cancer 1785:182-206. (if=10.118, ci=133) 6. Patra SK (2008) Ras regulation of DNA-methylation and cancer. Exp Cell Res 314(6): 1193-1201. (if=3.6, ci=44) 7. Patra SK, Patra A, Zhao H, Carrol P and Dahiya R (2003) Methyl-CpG-DNA binding proteins in human prostate cancer: expression of CXXC sequence containing MBD1 and repression of MBD2 and MeCP2. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 302: 759-66 (if=2.5, ci=34) 8. Patra SK, Patra A, Zhao H and Dahiya R (2002) DNA methyltransferase and demethylase in human prostate cancer. Molecular Carcinogenesis, 33(3): 163-171 (if=4.269, ci=89) 9. Patra SK, Patra A and Dahiya R (2001) Histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase in human prostate cancer. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 287: 705-713. (if=2.5, ci=103) 10. Patra SK, Alonso A and Goni FM . (1998) Detergent solubilisation of phospholipid bilayer in the gel state: the role of polar and hydrophobic forces. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. (Biomembrane) 1373: 112-118. (if=3.919, ci=55)

[ 118 ]

PHALE, PRASHANT SITAKANT (b 1965), Professor, Indian Institute of Technology-Bomaby, Mumbai


Dr. Phale has made significant contributions in the area of microbial metabolism of alternate carbons, especially the aromatic compounds. He initiated this work while was pursuing his doctoral studies under the tutelage of Prof. Vaidyanathan, IISc,Bangalore. Dr. Phale got fascinated with this area of research and continued to work on these aspects even after completing his doctoral and post-doctoral studies and assuming a faculty position at IIT-Bombay. During two decades long academic journey he made significant contributions in the field of ‘Microbial degradation of aromatics and metabolic engineering’ with respect to preferential utilization of aromatics over glucose1; discovered ABC-glucose transporter1-5, enzymes- 1-naphthol-2-hydroxyalse6,7 and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid hydroxylase8, carbon-source dependent modulation of GDH9,10. He has isolated several robust microbes capable of degrading aromatic pollutants and pesticides at a higher concentrations, elucidated catabolic pathways and regulatory mechanisms governing these unusual properties. The major bottleneck in the bioremediation is repression of the catabolic pathways in presence of preferred carbon source. Dr. Phale’s research leads to the discovery of a novel regulatory mechanism, where he has shown aromatics repressing outer membrane protein, periplasmic glucose-binding protein and ABC-glucose transporter1-5. This discovery means degradation of aromatics even in the presence of preferred carbon source, a gateway towards successful implementation of bioremediation technologies for cleaning the environment polluted with aromatics. His publication record and citation index stands as testimony of his original contributions. Considering his pioneering contributions to the field of environmental microbiology, I strongly nominate his candidature for the fellowship of National Academy of Sciences India.

Proposer : Prof. S. Dayananda, Seconder : Professor AS Raghavendra Ten Best Publications: 1. Modak A, Bhaumik P & Phale PS (2014) Periplasmic glucose binding protein from Pseudomonas putida CSV86: Identification of the glucose binding pocket by homology-model-guided site-specific mutagenesis. FFEBS J 281:365-375. (IF 4.7, citation 0) (if=IF 4.7, ci=-) 2. Shrivastava R, Basu B, Godbole A, Mathew MK, Apte SK & Phale PS (2011) Repression of glucose inducible outer membrane protein, OprB, during utilization of aromatic compounds and organic acids in Pseudomonas putida CSV86. Microbiology 157:1531-1540. (IF 3.068, citation 5) (if=IF 3.068, ci=5) 3. Deveryshetty J, & Phale PS (2009) Biodegradation of phenanthrene by Pseudomonas sp., strain PPD: purification and characterization of 1-hydroxy 2-naphthoic acid dioxygenase. Microbiology 155:3083-3091. (IF 3.068, citation 4) (if=IF 3.068, ci=4) 4. Vamsee-Krishna C & Phale PS (2008) Carbon source dependent modulation of NADP-glutamate dehydrogenases in isophthalate degrading Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PP4, Pseudomonas strain PPD and Acinetobacter lwoffii strain ISP4. Microbiology 154:3329-3337. (IF 3.061, citation 2) (if=IF 3.061, ci=2) 5. Basu A, Shrivastava R, Basu B, Apte SK & Phale PS (2007) Modulation of glucose transport causes preferential utilization of aromatic compounds in Pseudomonas putida CSV86. J Bacteriol 189:7556-7562. (IF 3.825, citation 8) (if=IF 3.825, ci=8) 6. Swetha VP, Basu A & Phale PS (2007) Purification and characterization of 1-naphthol-2-hydroxylase from carbaryl degrading Pseudomonas strain C4. J Bacteriol 189:2660-2666. (IF 3.825, citation 10) (if=IF 3.825, ci=10) 7. Basu A & Phale PS (2006) Inducible uptake and metabolism of glucose by the phosphorylative pathway in Pseudomonas putida CSV86. FEMS Microbiol Lett 259:311-316. (IF 1.92, citation 12) (if=IF 1.92, ci=12) 8. Basu A, Apte SK & Phale PS (2006) Preferential utilization of aromatic compounds over glucose by Pseudomonas putida CSV86. Appl Environ Microbiol 72:2226-2230. (IF 3.829, citation 27) (if=IF 3.829,, ci=27) 9. Swetha VP & Phale PS (2005) The metabolism of carbaryl via 1,2-dihydroxy naphthalene by soil isolates, Pseudomonas sp. strain C4, C5 and C6. Appl Environ Microbiol 71:5951-5956. (IF 3.83, citation 19) (if=IF 3.83, ci=19) 10. Prabhu Y & Phale PS (2003) Biodegradation of phenanthrene by Pseudomonas sp. strain PP2: novel metabolic pathway, role of biosurfactant and cell surface hydrophobicity in hydrocarbon assimilation. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 61:342-351. (IF 3.245, citation 102)(if=IF 3.245, ci=102)

[ 119 ]

PONNURAJ, KARTHE (b 1967), PROFESSOR, CENTRE OF ADVANCED STUDY IN CRYSTALLOGRAPHY AND BIOPHYSICS, UNIVERSITY OF MADRAS, CHENNAI


Professor Karthe is a structural biologist working at Madras University, Chennai. I have known him ever since he was a graduate student at the Crystallography and Biophysics Department of the same University. I have followed his academic progress as a student, post doctoral fellow and now as an independent investigator. Karthe is already one of the most successful young crystallographers of the country. His initial training in the famous department established by late Prof. G.N. Ramachandran has turned him into an accomplished crystallographer and computational biologist. He has initiated and successfully completed several novel structural projects. His elucidation of the structure of a plant urease was a remarkable achievement as its structure had eluded its secrets for nearly a century. He has been remarkably successful in elucidating the structures and understanding the binding properties of bacterial adhesins. His projects on adhesins are comprehensive and have provided insights on the interactions with host proteins such as fibrinogen, laminin and collagen. Karthe has demonstrated his independence as an original scientist in the choice of research projects he has selected. They are novel in the field of host-microbe interaction. The accomplishments of Prof. Karthe during the short period he has been working as an independent investigator and the promise of several more exciting discoveries that would certainly be made by him in the future has been the motivation for me to nominate him for the fellowship of the Academy. I would be delighted if the fellowship committee finds my nomination worthy of support.

Proposer : PROF.M.R.N MURTHY, Seconder : PROF.N. SRINIVASAN Ten Best Publications: 1. Ponnuraj Karthe, Bowden, G., Davis, S. L., Gurusiddappa, S., Moore, Choe, D., Xu, Y., Hook, M. & Narayana, S. V. L. (2003). A "dock, lock and latch" structural model for a staphylococcal adhesin binding to fibrinogen. Cell 115, 217-228. (if=31.95, ci=125) 2. Ponnuraj Karthe, Xu, Y., Macon, K., Moore, D., Volanakis, J. E. & Narayana, S. V. L. (2004). Structure analysis of engineered Bb fragment of complement factor B: Insights into the activation mechanism of the alternative pathway C3-convertase. Mol. Cell. 14, 17-28.(if=15.28, ci=52) 3. Ponnuraj Karthe, & Jedrzejas, M. J. (2000). Mechanism of hyaluronan binding and degradation: Structure of Streptococcus pneumoniae hyaluronate lyase in complex with hyaluronic acid disaccharide at 1.7 Å resolution. J. Mol. Biol. 299, 885-895. (if=3.89, ci=76) 4. Anuradha Balasubramanian and Karthe Ponnuraj. (2010). Crystal structure of the first plant urease from jack bean: 83 years of journey from its first crystal to molecular structure. J. Mol. Biol. 400, 274-283. (if=3.89, ci=72) 5. Preethi Ragunathan, Barbara Spellerberg and Karthe Ponnuraj. (2009). Crystal structure of laminin-binding adhesin (Lmb) of Streptococcus agalactiae. Acta Crystallographica D65, 1262-1269. (if=14.10, ci=13) 6. Devi AS, Ogawa Y, Shimoji Y, Balakumar S, Ponnuraj, Karthe. (2012). Collagen adhesin-nanoparticle interaction impairs adhesin's ligand binding mechanism. Biochim Biophys Acta - General subjects, 1820, 819-828. (if=3.84, ci=2) 7. Liu Q, Ponnuraj Karthe, Xu Y, Ganesh VK, Sillanpää J, Murray BE, Narayana SV, Höök M. (2007). The Enterococcus faecalis MSCRAMM ACE binds its ligand by the Collagen Hug model. J. Biol. Chem. 282, 19629-19637. (if=4.65, ci=39) 8. Preethi Ragunathan, Divya Sridaran, Anja Weigel, Sarah Shabayek, Barbara Spellerberg and Karthe Ponnuraj (2013). Metal binding is critical for the folding and function of laminin binding protein, Lmb of Streptococcus agalactiae – PLoS ONE - Jun 24;8(6):e67517. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067517. (if=3.73, ci=-) 9. M. Gabriela Bowden, Alejandro P. Heuck, Karthe Ponnuraj, Elena Kolosova, Damon Choe, S. Gurusiddappa, S. V. L. Narayana, Arthur E. Johnson and Magnus Höök. (2008). Evidence for the “Dock, Lock and Latch” ligand Binding Mechanism of the Staphylococcal MSCRAMM SDRG. J. Biol. Chem. 283, 638-647. (if=4.65, ci=41) 10. Beulin DS, Yamaguchi M, Kawabata S and Karthe Ponnuraj. (2014). Crystal structure of PfbA, a surface adhesin of Streptococcus pneumoniae, provides hints into its interaction with fibronectin. Int J Biol Macromol. 64,168-173. (if=2.59, ci=-)

[ 120 ]

SAMUDRALA, GOURINATH (b 1972), Associate Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) S. Gourinath initiated his scientific career at AIIMS by studying the structural and functional aspects of novel bi-functional trypsin/amylase inhibitor (Acta Cryst D, 2000; Biochemistry 2001). During his post-doctoral studies at Brandeis University, he illustrated the myosin motor mechanism and domain movement in it’s contractile cycle (PNAS 2001, Structure 2003; PNAS 2004; Structure 2007). He joined School of Life Sciences at JNU in 2003 and established his own research group with focus on investigating the structural aspects of significant critical pathways important for pathogenesis of gastric infectious microorganisms. His group has reported the structure of Calcium binding protein with novel arrangement of EF-hand motifs (Proteins, 2007), involved in endocytosis of E.histolytica. They also showed that one domain can do almost all functions of the protein and it exists in equilibrium between monomeric-trimeric state (PLos ONE, 2009; Biophy J, 2010). His group also reported the structures of crucial cysteine biosynthetic pathway enzymes explaining how the regulation in this pathway is different in E. histolytica compared to all known organisms and plants (Proteins, 2008; J. Biol. Chem, 2011; Acta Crys D, 2012, BBA, 2013). They have also identified inhibitors for this pathway (PLoS ONE, 2012). His group is also involved in exploring the domain structure of H. pylori helicase, explored the helicase-primase interactions in eubacteria, where sequences are highly diverse. (Nucleic Acid Research, 2007; PLoS ONE, 2009; J. Bact. 2013). These original contributions from Gourinath’s laboratory may lead to finding new targets and guide the development of new drugs against these parasites.

Proposer : Prof. T. P. Singh, Seconder : Prof. Rajendra Prasad Ten Best Publications: 1. Rehman, S. A. A., Verma, A., Mazumder, M., Dhar, S. K., Gourinath, S. (2013) Crystal structure and mode of helicase binding of the C-terminal domain of primase from Helicobacter pylori. J. Bacteriology, 195(12):2826-38. (if=3.6, ci=0) 2. Isha Raj, Sudhir Kumar and Gourinath, S. (2012). The narrow active site cleft of O-acetyl serine sulfhydrylase from Leishmania donovani allows complex formation with serine acetyl transferases having a range of C-terminal sequences. Acta. Crystallogr. D68, 909-19. (if=14.1, ci=4) 3. Sudhir Kumar, Isha Raj, Isha Nagpal, N. Subbarao and S. Gourinath (2011). Structural and biochemical studies of Serine Acetyltransferase reveal why the parasite Entamoeba histolytica cannot form Cysteine Synthase complex. J. Biol. Chem. 286 (14), 12533-41. (if=4.7, ci=9) 4. Shivesh Kumar, Ejaz Ahmad, M. Shahid Mansuri, Sanjeev Kumar, Ruchi Jain, Rizwan Hasan Khan, S. Gourinath (2010). Crystal structure and trimer-monomer transition of N-terminal domain of EhCaBP1 from Entamoeba histolytica. Biophys. J. (98). 2933-2942. (if=3.63, ci=4) 5. Kashav, T., Nitharwal, R., Abdulrehman, S.A., Gabdoulkhakov, A., Saenger, W., Dhar, S.K. Gourinath, S (2009). Three-dimensional structure of N-terminal domain of DnaB Helicase and Helicase-Primase interactions in Helicobacter pylori. PLoS ONE. (10):e7515 (if=3.7, ci=7) 6. Krishna Ch, Kumar M, Kumar S, Jain S, Alam N, Gourinath S. (2008) Crystal structure of native O-acetyl-serine sulfhydrylase from Entamoeba histolytica and its complex with cysteine: Structural evidence for cysteine binding and lack of interactions with Serine acetyl transferase. Proteins.72,1222-1232. (if=3.3, ci=15) 7. Kumar, S., Pradhan, N., Alam, N., and Gourinath S. (2007) Crystal structure of Calcium binding protein-1 from Entamoeba histolytica: novel arrangement of EF hand motifs. Proteins. 68, 990-998. (if=3.3, ci=7) 8. Ranjan, R., Ahmed, A., Gourinath, S., Sharma, P. (2009). Dissection of mechanisms involved in the regulation of plasmodium falciparum calcium dependent protein kinase 4 (PfCDPK4). J. Biol. Chem. 284(22):15267-76. (if=4.7, ci=39) 9. Gourinath, S#., Yuting, Y., Kovács M, Nyitray L, Reutzel R, Himmel DM, O'Neall-Hennessey E, Reshetnikova L, Szent-Györgyi AG, Brown JH, Cohen C. (2007) Rigor-like states in muscle myosins reveal key mechanical elements in the transduction pathways of this allosteric motor. Structure, 15, 553 – 564. (# equally contributing first author). Appeared on cover page with a preview on this article. (if=6, ci=72) 10. Gourinath S#, Risal D., Himmel, D. M., Szent-Gyorgyi, A. G. & Cohen, C. (2004) Myosin subfragment1 structures reveal a partially bound nucleotide and a complex salt bridge that helps couple nucleotide and actin binding. Porc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 101, 8930-8935. (# equally contributing first author) (if=9.7, ci=32)

[ 121 ]

SANYAL, KAUSTUV (b 1969), Associate Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) The long term objective of Kaustuv Sanyal’s research is to understand structure-function relation of centromeres/kinetochores. Cancers and genetic defects due to chromosome imbalances are often associated with improper chromosome segregation. His group demonstrated that centromeres of two human pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans (Sanyal et al., PNAS, 2004) and Candida dubliniensis have similar properties but rapidly diverging in sequence (Padmanbhan et al., PNAS, 2008). Strikingly, centromeres are found to be the most rapidly evolving genomic loci in these two organisms (reviewed in Sanyal, PLoS Pathogens, 2012; Roy and Sanyal, Eukaryotic Cell, 2011) and can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify species in patient samples (Sanyal et al., PCT approved, Indian and US patent pending). Recently, his group established that the physical chromosomal location, rather than the DNA sequence per se, plays a determining role in centromere identity in Candida (Thakur and Sanyal, Genome Research, 2013). The kinetochore, forms on the centromere, is the chromosomal attachment site of spindle microtubules (reviewed in Roy et al., FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2013). Dr. Sanyal’s group cloned and characterized Mis12/Mtw1 (Roy et al., Mol. Microbiol., 2011), and the Dam1 complex (Thakur and Sanyal, Eukaryot. Cell, 2011) in C. albicans and demonstrated that a coordinated interdependent circuitry of several kinetochore proteins ensures integrity of the whole kinetochore and protects the centromere-specific histone CENP-A (Thakur & Sanyal, 2012, PLoS Genetics). Since the fungal-specific Dam1 complex is essential for viability in C. albicans (Thakur and Sanyal, Eukaryot. Cell, 2011), it can serve as an attractive drug target.

Proposer : Prof. M.R.S. Rao, Seconder : Prof. Dipankar Chatterji Ten Best Publications: 1. Lukasz Kozubowski*, Vikas Yadav*, Gautam Chatterjee, Shreyas Sridhar, Masashi Yamaguchi, Susumo Kawamoto, Indrani Bose, Joseph Heitman, Kaustuv Sanyal (2013) Ordered kinetochore assembly in human-pathogenic basidiomycetous yeast Cryptococcus neoformans mBio, 4, e00614-613 (if=5.6, ci=1) 2. Uttara Chakraborty, Aiyaz Mohamed, Pallavi Kakade, Raja C Mugasimangalam, Parag P Sadhale, Kaustuv Sanyal (2013) A stable hybrid containing haploid genomes of two obigate diploid Candida species. Eukaryotic Cell, 12, 1061 – 1071 (if=3.6, ci=0) 3. Jitendra Thakur and Kaustuv Sanyal (2013) Efficient neocentromere formation is suppressed by gene conversion to maintain centromere function at native physical chromosomal loci in Candida albicans. Genome Research (April 2013) 23, 638 – 652. (if=13.6, ci=5) 4. Jitendra Thakur, and Kaustuv Sanyal (2012) A coordinated interdependent protein circuitry stabilizes the kinetochore ensemble to protect CENP-A in the human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. PLoS Genetics 8, e1002661 (if=9.5, ci=6) 5. Kaustuv Sanyal (2011) How do microbial pathogens make CENs? PLoS Pathogens 8: e1002463 (if=9.1, ci=3) 6. Jitendra Thakur, and Kaustuv Sanyal (2011) The essentiality of the fungus-Specific Dam1 complex is correlated with a one-kinetochore-one-microtubule interaction present throughout the cell cycle, independent of the nature of a centromere. Eukaryotic Cell 10, 1384 – 1395. (if=3.8, ci=9) 7. Babhrubahan Roy, Laura S. Burrack, Museer A. Lone, Judith Berman and Kaustuv Sanyal (2011) CaMtw1, a member of the evolutionarily conserved Mis12 kinetochore protein family, is required for efficient inner kinetochore assembly in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. Molecular Microbiology 80, 14 – 32. (if=5.4, ci=9) 8. Sreedevi Padmanabhan*, Jitendra Thakur*, Rahul Siddharthan and Kaustuv Sanyal (2008) Rapid evolution of Cse4p-rich centromeric DNA sequences in closely-related pathogenic yeasts, Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 105, 19797 – 19802 (if=9.6, ci=23) 9. Mary Baum*, Kaustuv Sanyal*, Prashant Kumar Mishra, Nathan Thaler and John Carbon (2006) Formation of functional centromeric chromatin is specified epigenetically in Candida albicans. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, (2006) 103, 14877 – 14882 (if=10.2, ci=52) 10. Kaustuv Sanyal, Mary Baum and John Carbon (2004) Centromeric DNA sequences in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans are all different and unique. Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 101, 11374 – 11379. (if=10.2, ci=78)

[ 122 ]

SHARMA, RAKESH KUMAR (b 1958 ), Scientist ‘G’, Additional Director, Head of Division of CBRN Defence, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), Defence Research & Development Organisation, Brig. S.K. Mazumdar Marg, Delhi-110054


Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma has immensely contributed in drug design/development, new drug delivery systems (NDDS), and product development/formulation of drugs. He developed pharmascintigraphic techniques for evaluation of NDDS. His earlier discovery of N,N’-Diethylphenylacetamide, a cost-effective multi-insect repellent, has been introduced in defence services and technology transferred to private sector. His other notable contributions in the area of CBRN defence include development of ‘Sudhika’, a skin radioactive decontamination kit (technology transferred to M/s Raksha Polycoats, Pune); an integrated protective suit for the Quick Reaction Radiation Emergency Team using a specially developed breathable synthetic polymer coated material that is impervious to water (technology transferred to M/s Bengal Waterproof Ltd., Kolkata); a patented technology of synthesis of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a differential radiomodifier (transferred to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Hyderabad) and novel multi-dentate ligands based self-usable radio-decontamination formulations (ToT under progress). He has conceptualized creation of a Centre for CBRN Mitigation, Training and Research. He is spearheading a programme on evaluation of radioprotective and biothreat mitigation efficacy of bioactivity guided fractionated extracts of promising plants. He developed a cell perfusion technique for MRS as a simple biophysical model of tumor for rapid screening wherein the number of systematic invasive experimentation on animals could be minimized without compromising the pharmacological relevance. Two microbes for the bulk production of radiprotective drugs have also been discovered during these studies. Dr. Sharma has advanced the understanding of mechanism of action of new radioprotectors by carrying out basic studies in Biochemistry, Biophysics and, Biotechnology at cellular and molecular level.

Proposer: Prof. Dr. NR Jagannathan, Seconder:Prof. Dr. TP Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Rajesh Arora Damodar Gupta, Raman Chawla, Ravinder Sagar, Ashok Sharma, Raj Kumar, Jagdish Prasad, Surinder Singh, Namita Samanta, and Rakesh Kumar Sharma (2005). Radioprotection by Plant Products: Present status and Future Prospects. Phytotherapy Research 19(1), 1-22. (if=2.086, ci=227) 2. Tanima Banerjee, Susmita Mitra, Ajay Kumar Singh, Rakesh Kumar Sharma and Amarnath Maitra (2002). Preparation, characterization and biodistribution of ultrafine chitosan nanoparticles. International J Pharmaceutics, 243(1-2), 93-105. (if=3.458, ci=224) 3. L. Harivardhan Reddy, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, A.K. Mishra, K.Chuttani and R.S.R. Murthy (2005). Influence of administration route on the uptake and biodistribution of etoposide loaded tripalmitin nanoparticles in Dalton’s Lymphoma tumor bearing mice. J Controlled Release 105(3), 185-198. (if=7.633, ci=129) 4. Tushar K Vyas, A K Babbar, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Shashi Singh, Ambikanandan Misra (2006). Intranasal Mucoadhesive Microemulsions of Clonazepam: Preliminary studies on Brain Targetting. J Pharm Sci 95(3), 570-580 (if=3.130, ci=121) 5. J. Ali, S. Arora, A. Ahuja, A.K. Babbar, Rakesh Kumar Sharma R. K. Khar and S Baboota (2007). Formulation and development of hydrodynamically balanced system for metformin: In vitro and in vivo evaluation. Euro J Pharmaceutics Biopharmaceutics, 67(1), 196-201. (if=3.826, ci=91) 6. Satish Chandra Puri, Asiya Nazir, Raman Chawla,Rajesh Arora, S. Riyaz-ul-Hasan, Touseef Amna, Bilal Ahmed, Vijeshwar Verma, Shikha Singh, Ravinder Sagar, Ashok Sharma, Raj Kumar, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Qazi (2006). The endophytic fungus Trametes ccurri as a novel alternative source of podophyllotoxin and related aryl tetralin lignans. J Biotech 122(4), 494-510. (if=3.183, ci=90) 7. Tushar K. Vyas, A. K. Babbar, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Shashi Singh, Ambikanandan Misra (2006). Preliminary Brain Targeting Studies on Intranasal Mucoadhesive Microemulsions of Sumatriptan. The AAPS PharmSciTech 7(1), 49-57 (if=1.584, ci=82) 8. L. Harivardhan Reddy, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, A.K. Mishra, K.Chuttani and R.S.R. Murthy. (2004). Etoposide incorporated Tripalmatin Nanoparticles with different surface charge: Formulation, Characterization and Biodistribution studies. AAPS Journal. Oct 7, 6 (3), 55-64. (if=4.386, ci=77) 9. G.U. Gangenahalli, V.K. Singh, Y.K. Verma, P. Gupta, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, R. Chandra, and PM Luthra (2006). Hematopoietic stem cell antigen CD34: role in adhesion or homing. Stem Cells Dev 15(3), 305-313. (if=4.670, ci=63) 10. Hetal Thakkar, Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Anil Kumar Mishra, Krishna Chuttani and Rayasa Ramchandra Murthy (2005). Albumin microspheres as carriers for the antiarthritic drug celecoxib. The AAPS PharmSciTech 6(1), E65-73. (if=1.584, ci=52)

[ 123 ]

SHOUCHE, YOGESH (b 1960), Scientist F, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Pune – 411007 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr. Yogesh Shouche is known for his contributions to Microbial Diversity, Ecology and Taxonomy. He has been actively working on the use DNA sequences for practical applications1. He developed a novel technique for authentication and detection of cross contamination in insect cell lines that was based on sequence variation in mitochondrial 12S rRNA sequences2. Dr. Shouche was the first one to use 16S rRNA based approach to understand the microbial community structure of mosquitoes3. He has recently started looking at the microbial communities in human gut and their variation in relation to diet, age, ethnicity, disease and environmental factors4,. All this work has been published in journals of international repute. It would be appropriate to state that he is one of the first scientists contributing extensively on human microbiome studies in India. His work has underlined the fact that gut microbiome in Indians is different from the Western population. He is known for his description of several new microbial taxa from diverse ecosystems5,6,7. In the recognition for his contributions to this field he was invited to contribute a chapter to Bergey’s Manual which is a “reference” for microbial taxonomists8. His work on ecology of Lonar lake has led to the understanding of metabolism of single carbon compounds in the hyper-saline and hyper-alkaline environment of the only meteor impact crater in basalt rock in the world9,10. Considering the impact of his contributions to these areas, I strongly recommend Dr. Shouche for the fellowship of The National Academy of Sciences, India.

Proposer : Dr. Shekhar Mande, Seconder : Dr. Surendra A. Ghaskadbi Ten Best Publications: 1. Nachiket Marathe, Sudarshan Shetty, Vikram Lanjekar, Dilip Ranade and Shouche YS. Changes in Human gut flora with age: An Indian Familial study. BMC MICROBIOLOGY 12: 222- 230 (IF=3.04) 2. Salunke, BK; Salunkhe, RC; Dhotre, DP; Walujkar, SA; Khandagale, AB; Chaudhari, R; Chandode, RK; Ghate, HV; Patole, MS; Werren, JH; Shouche, YS. (2012). Determination of Wolbachia Diversity in Butterflies from Western Ghats, India, by a Multigene Approach. APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY 78(12):4458-4467 (IF=4.453) 3. Parikh, RY; Ramanathan, R; Coloe, PJ; Bhargava, SK; Patole, MS; Shouche, YS; Bansal, V. (2011). Genus-Wide Physicochemical Evidence of Extracellular Crystalline Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesis by Morganella sp. PLOS ONE 6(6) doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021401. I (IF=4.411) 4. Antony, CP; Kumaresan, D; Ferrando, L; Boden, R; Moussard, H; Scavino, AF; Shouche, YS; Murrell, JC. (2010). Active methylotrophs in the sediments of Lonar Lake, a saline and alkaline ecosystem formed by meteor impact. ISME JOURNAL 4(11):1470-1480 (IF=7.735) 5. Parikh, RY; Singh, S; Prasad, BLV; Patole, MS; Sastry, M; Shouche, YS. (2008). Extracellular synthesis of crystalline silver nanoparticles and molecular evidence of silver resistance from Morganella sp.: Towards understanding biochemical synthesis mechanism. CHEMBIOCHEM 9(9):1415-1422 (IF=3.3944, CI=53) 6. Wani, AA; Surakasi, VP; Siddharth, J; Raghavan, RG; Patole, MS; Ranade, D; Shouche, YS. (2006). Molecular analyses of microbial diversity associated with the Lonar soda lake in India: An impact crater in a basalt area. RESEARCH IN MICROBIOLOGY 157(10):928-937 (IF=2.865, CI=32) 7. Pidiyar, VJ; Jangid, K; Patole, MS; Shouche, YS. (2004). Studies on cultured and uncultured microbiota of wild Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito midgut based on 16s ribosomal RNA gene analysis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 70(6):597-603 (IF=2.59, CI=74) 8. Pidiyar, VJ; Jangid, K; Dayananda, KM; Kaznowski, A; Gonzalez, JM; Patole, MS; Shouche, YS. (2003). Phylogenetic affiliation of Aeromonas culicicola MTCC 3249(T) based on gyrB gene sequence and PCR-Amplicon Sequence Analysis of cytolytic enterotoxin gene. SYSTEMATIC AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 26(2):197-202: 3.590 (IF=3.590, CI=24) 9. Pidiyar, V; Kaznowski, A; Narayan, NB; Patole, M; Shouche, YS. (2002). Aeromonas culicicola sp nov., from the midgut of Culex quinquefasciatus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY 52():1723-1728 (IF=3.250, CI=94) 10. Rastogi, G; Ranade, DR; Yeole, TY; Patole, MS; Shouche, YS. (2008). Investigation of methanogen population structure in biogas reactor by molecular characterization of methyl-coenzyme M reductase A (mcrA) genes. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 99(13):5317-5326 (IF=5.352, CI=34)

[ 124 ]

AHMED, NIYAZ (b 1971), Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad – 500046 Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr Ahmed’s group has significantly contributed towards unraveling the population genetic structure, evolution and virulence potentials of the two major human pathogens, Helicobacter pylori and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. His work based on adaptive evolution of single H. pylori strains inhabiting individual stomachs has given wheels to the new field of ‘chronological evolution’ (Prouzet-Mauleon et al., 2005, J Clin Microbiol; Alvi et al., 2007, J Clin Microbiol; Avsthi et al., 2011, J Bacteriol). Recently, Dr Ahmed’s group completed whole genome sequences of H. pylori isolates hierarchically obtained from a single patient (Devi et al., 2010 J Bacteriol; Avasthi et al., 2011 J Bacteriol). The H. pylori research community is very enthusiastic about this novel contribution which will strengthen the new discipline of ‘replicative genomics’ of pathogens in single patients (Ahmed N, 2010 Gut Pathogens). This work has translational value for genetic stability testing of live bacterial vaccines (vehicles). Another work, demonstrating population structure of M. tuberculosis in India (Ahmed et al., 2004 J Clin Microbiol) and that the ancestral strains of M. tuberculosis are predominant in India (Gutierrez+Ahmed et al., 2006 Emerg Infect Dis) has led to the hypothesis that these strains could be more responsive to antitubercular therapy because of their possible adaptive evolution. In appreciation of this and also in the light of the favorable treatment success rates in India (WHO Report on TB, 2010), the DBT (Government of India) has setup a program, Centre of Excellence on Tuberculosis, in Hyderabad, wherein Dr Ahmed’s studies form an important component.

Proposer : Prof. Seyed E Hasnain, Seconder : Prof. S. Dayananda Ten Best Publications: 1. Ahmed N, Dobrindt U, Hacker J and Hasnain SE (2008) Genomic fluidity and pathogenic bacteria: applications in diagnostics, epidemiology and intervention. NATURE Rev Microbiol 6:387-394. (IF=21.18, CI=Cited in 80 publications; source Google Scholar) 2. Hasnain SE and Ahmed N (2004). Reflection and Reaction: Leptospirosis. LANCET Infectious Dis 4: 543. (IF=17.39, CI=Cited in 25 publications; source Google Scholar) 3. Sechi LA, Paccagnini D, Salza S, Pacifico A, Ahmed N and Zanetti S (2008) Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis bacteremia in type 1 diabetes mellitus: an infectious trigger? Clin Infect Dis 46:148-149. (IF=9.15, CI=Cited in 25publications; source Google Scholar) 4. Gutierrez MC, Ahmed N (joint first authors), Willery E, Narayanan S, Hasnain SE, Chauhan DS, Katoch VM, Vincent V, Locht C and Supply P (2006) Predominance of ancestral lineages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in India suggests an ancient focus of tuberculosis in South Asia. Emerging Infectious Dis 12: 367-374 (IF=6.16, CI=Cited in 49 publications; source Google Scholar) 5. Nalam K, Ahmed A, Devi SM, Francalacci P, Baig M, Sechi LA, Hartskeerl RA and Ahmed N (2010). Genetic affinities within a large global collection of pathogenic Leptospira: implications for strain identification and molecular epidemiology. PLoS ONE 5: e12637 (IF=4.4, CI=Cited in 12 publications; source Google Scholar) 6. Rizwan M, Alvi A and Ahmed N (2008). Novel protein antigen (JHP940) from the genomic plasticity region of Helicobacter pylori induces tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-8 secretion by human macrophages. J Bacteriol. 190:1146-1151. (IF=3.82, CI=Cited in 13 publications; source Google Scholar) 7. Devi SM, Ahmed I, Francalacci P, Hussain MA, Alvi A, Sechi LA, Megraud F and Ahmed N (2007). Ancestral European Origins of Helicobacter pylori in India. BMC Genomics 8:184. (IF=4.073, CI=Cited in 36 publications; source Google Scholar) 8. Devi SM, Ahmed I, Khan AA, Rahman SA, Alvi A, Sechi LA and Ahmed N (2006). Genomes of Helicobacter pylori from native Peruvians suggest admixture of ancestral and modern lineages and reveal a western type cag-pathogenicity island. BMC Genomics 7:191. (IF=4.073, CI=Cited in 33 publications; source Google Scholar) 9. Prouzet-Mauleon V, Hussain MA, Lamouliatte H, Kauser F, Megraud F and Ahmed N. (2005). Pathogen evolution in vivo: genome dynamics of two isolates obtained nine years apart from a duodenal ulcer patient infected with a single Helicobacter pylori strain. J Clin Microbiol. 43:4237-4241. (IF=4.153, CI=Cited in 30 publications; source Google Scholar) 10. Avasthi TS, Devi SH, Taylor TD, Kumar N, Baddam R, Kondo S, Suzuki Y, Lamouliatte H, Mégraud F, Ahmed N (2011). Genomes of the two chronological isolates (Helicobacter pylori 2017 and 2018) of the West African Helicobacter pylori strain 908, obtained from a single patient. J Bacteriol. 193:3385-3386. (IF=3.82, CI=Cited in 12 publications; source Google Scholar)

[ 125 ]

BHATTACHARYYA, NITAI PADA (b 1954), Senior Professor, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata – 700064 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Professor Nitai Bhattacharyya is an internationally renowned researcher on neurodegenerative diseases caused by expansion of triplet repeats in the DNA. In India, he has pioneered this field of research. His own contributions, and those of other subsequent researchers, have provided very useful insights into the genetics of these diseases and on the biology of triplet expansions in causing these diseases. He has made sustained contributions on understanding genetics of Myotonic Dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease (HD), various Spinocerebellar Ataxia subtypes, Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy and Friedreich's Ataxia. He provided leadership and developed a formidable network with neurologists throughout India. His genomic work on these diseases have provided useful genetic epidemiological information on the origins of the genomic alterations causing these diseases and reliable estimates of their prevalence in India, which have been published in high-impact journals. Subsequently, to understand the biology of triplet repeat expansions in HD, Professor Bhattacharyya discovered the transcription regulator HIPPI, transported by HIP1 to the nucleus, and binds (R393) with the upstream motif AAAGA[CG]A[TAC][GT] of many genes. Functional analysis revealed that HIPPI-HIP1 regulated genes participate in HD pathology. He also discovered that HYPK, a HTT interacting protein, is intrinsically unstructured, possesses chaperone like activity and reduces the aggregates of mutant HTT. He identified the contribution of gene deregulation by altered micro RNA (miRNA) expressions in models of HD. The important observation that miRNAs target the HTT gene, whose mutation causes HD, alter aggregates of mutant HTT, toxicity and BDNF expression have opened the possibility of targeting the HTT for therapy.

Proposer : Prof. Partha Pratim Majumder, Seconder : Prof. M. Vijayan Ten Best Publications: 1. Bhattacharyya NP, Basu P., Das M., Pramanik S., Banerjee S., Roy B. Roychoudhury S. and Majumder P. P. ( 1999) Negligible male gene-flow across ethnic boundaries in India, revealed by analysis of Y-chromosomal DNA polymorphisms. Genome Research, 9, 711 – 719 (IF=13.608, CI=41) 2. Basu P., Chattopadhyay B., Gangopadhaya P.K Mukherjee S.C., Sinha K.K., Das.S.K., Roychoudhury S. and Majumder P. P. and Bhattacharyya N.P. (2000) Analysis of CAG repeats in SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7 and DRPLA loci among spinocerebellar ataxia patients and distribution of CAG repeats at the SCA2 and SCA6 loci in nine ethnic populations of eastern India, Human Genetics, 106, 597-604 (IF=5.069, CI=40) 3. Pramanik S. Basu P., Gangopadhaya P.K., Sinha K. K., Jha D.K., Sinha S., Das S.K., Maiti B. K., Mukherjee S.C., Roychoudhury S. and Majumder P. P. and Bhattacharyya N.P. (2000) Analysis of CAG and CCG repeats in Huntingtin gene among HD patients and normal populations of India, European Journal of Human Genetics, 8, 678-682 (IF=4.4, CI=17) 4. Chattopadhyay, B., Gangopadhyay, PK, Das SK, Roy T, Sinha SK, Jha DK, Mukherjee SC, Chakraborty, A, Singhal BS, Bhattacharya, AK and Bhattacharyya N.P. (2003) Modulation of age of onset in Huntington’s disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 patients originated from eastern India, Neuroscience Letters, 345, 93-96 (IF=2.268, CI=27) 5. Majumder P, Chattopadhyay B, Mazumder A, Das P, Bhattacharyya NP (2006), Induction of apoptosis in cells expressing exogenous Hippi, a molecular partner of huntingtin-interacting protein Hip1.Neurobiol Dis. 22, 242-56. (IF=5.271, CI=20) 6. Bhattacharyya NP, Banerjee M, Majumder P (2008) Huntington's disease: roles of huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP-1) and its molecular partner HIPPI in the regulation of apoptosis and transcription, FEBS J, 275, 4271-4279 (IF=3.79, CI=12) 7. Raychaudhuri S, Sinha M, Mukhopadhyay D, Bhattacharyya NP (2008) HYPK, a Huntingtin interacting protein, reduces aggregates and apoptosis induced by N-terminal Huntingtin with 40 glutamines in Neuro2a cells and exhibits chaperone-like activity, Hum Mol Genet. 17, 240-255. (IF=7.636, CI=14) 8. Banerjee M, Datta M, Majumder P, Mukhopadhyay D, Bhattacharyya NP (2010) Transcription regulation of caspase-1 by R393 of HIPPI and its molecular partner HIP-1, Nucleic Acids Res. 38, 878-892 (IF=8.026, CI=3) 9. Ghosh U, Bhattacharyya NP (2005) Benzamide and 4-amino 1,8 naphthalimide treatment inhibit telomerase activity by down-regulating the expression of telomerase associated protein and inhibiting the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of telomerase reverse transcriptase in cultured cells. FEBS J. 272 4237-4248. (IF=3.79, CI=13) 10. Sinha M, Ghose J and Bhattacharyya NP (2011) Micro RNA -214,-150,-146a and-125b target Huntingtin gene, RNA Biology, 8, 1005-1021 (IF=5.6, CI=2)

[ 126 ]

CAMEOTRA, SWARANJIT SINGH (b 1959), Professor Acsir & Senior Principal Scientist, IMTECH, Chandigarh, Sector 39A, Chandigarh-160036 Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Dr. Swaranjit worked in the field of Environmental Biotechnology, Biodiversity, Culture Collection and Biosurfactants. He demonstrated the potential applications of microbial biosurfactants in Biomedical, biological and immunological fields. Using inexpensive substrates Biosurfactant synthesis in thermophilic, mesophilic and psychrophilic conditions was reported. He delivered lectures to students of Schools and Colleges and interacts with them to popularize science. Many interesting popular articles appeared in newspapers and websites. Dr. Swaranjit is Organizing Committee Member of many National/International Conferences. Hydrocarbon uptake by Pseudomonas aeruginosa by pinocytosis was demonstrated for the first time. A field study was successfully carried out on the degradation of crude oil sludge by use of a bacterial consortium. It was found that addition of a Rhamnolipids enhanced the degradation of oil sludge and Endosulfan/Uron degradation. Three novel species from the coal fields of Asansol have been reported. Nanoparticles of Se and the biotransformation/biosorption of the metalloid were reported in MCF IF 4.54. The synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Novel 2-Cyclopropylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]-thiadiazole Derivatives was reported in Eur. J. Med. Chem. (IF 3.2) Synthesis of silver nanoparticles and evaluation of its synergistic potential in combination with antimicrobial agents was published (IF 5.0). Two of his publications were included in the 70 best CSIR papers on the 70th Foundation Day of CSIR basing on his high Citation Index (h index is 24, CI 3530). He was a Judge in the DST INTEL-IRIS International selections in 2011, 2012 & 2013. One Book chapter on Hydrocarbons and Metal bioremediation was downloaded more than 4050 times.

Proposer : Dr. Girish Sahni, Seconder : Dr. Javed Agrewala, Ten Best Publications: 1. Potential applications of Microbial Surfactants in Biomedical Sciences. Pooja Singh and Swaranjit Singh Cameotra. Trends Biotechnol. 22(3): 142 – 146, 2004. {IF: 9.660} (Citation: 307) (if=9.660, ci=307) 2. Recent applications of biosurfactants as biological and immunological molecules. Swaranjit Singh Cameotra and Randhir S. Makkar. Current Opinion in Microbiology, 7(3): 262-266, 2004. {IF: 8.230} (Citation: 235) (if=8.230, ci=235) 3. Biosurfactant enhanced bioremediation of Polycyclic aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH). Swaranjit Singh Cameotra and J.M. Bollag. CRC Rev. Environ. Sc. Technol., 30, 111-126, 2003. {IF: 3.383} (Citation: 73) (if=3.383, ci=73) 4. Aerobic biogenesis of selenium nanospheres by Bacillus cereus isolated from coalmine soil. Soniya Dhanjal and Swaranjit Singh Cameotra. Microb. Cell Fact. 9(1): 52, (2010). {IF: 3.31} (Citation: 24) (if=3.31, ci=24) 5. Enhanced production of biosurfactant through cloning of three genes and role of esterase in biosurfactant production. Kamaljeet Kaur Sekhon, Sunil Khanna, Swaranjit Singh Cameotra. Microb. Cell Fact. 10 (1):1-10. 2011. {IF: 3.31} (Citation: 11) (if=3.31, ci=11) 6. Synthesis of Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant and mode of Hexadecane Uptake by a Pseudomonas sp. Cameotra, Swaranjit Singh and Singh, Pooja. Microb. Cell Fact. 8:16, 2009. {IF: 3.31} (Citation: 32) (if=3.31, ci=32) 7. Potential commercial applications of microbial surfactants. I.M. Banat, Randhir S. Makkar, and Swaranjit S. Cameotra. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 53:495-508, 2001. {IF: 3.689}(Citation: 905) (if=3.689, ci=905) 8. Synthesis of biosurfactants in extreme conditions. Cameotra SS, Makkar RS. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 1998 Nov; 50(5):520-9. (IF: 3.689}(Citation: 225) (if=3.689, ci=225) 9. An Update on the use of unconventional substrates for the Biosurfactant production and their new applications. Randhir S. Makkar and Swaranjit S. Cameotra. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 58: 428-434, 2002. {IF: 3.689}(Citation:281) (if=3.689, ci=281) 10. Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of lipopeptide biosurfactants in whole cells and culture filtrates of Bacillus subtilis C-1 Isolated from Petroleum Sludge. Joachim Vater, Bärbel Kablitz, Christopher Wilde, Peter Franke, Neena Mehta, and Swaranjit Singh Cameotra. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 68(12): 6210-6219, 2002. {IF: 3.678} (Citation: 156) (if= 3.678, ci=156)

[ 127 ]

CHAKRABARTI, TAPAN (b 1949), Chair Professor Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur


Considering bioreactor as a single dynamic system, the nominee demonstrated that a multi-substrate matrix (eg.wastewater) composed of biodegradable compounds (substituted aromatic and phenolics), induces qualitative shock load (QSL) leading to malfunctioning of the wastewater treatment plant. He established the role of cyclic AMP in reducing the lag period in a diauxic response with m-nitrobenzene sulphonic acid and catechol and explained that the sequential and preferential substrate utilization are governed by the growth kinetics of substrates present. These observations justifies use of sequential batch reactors where QSL is conspicuous. He has also successfully demonstrated endosulphan biodegradation. The nominee extensively worked on waste to wealth projects extracting polyhydroxide butyrate, cellulase bioethanol and algal biofuels and is now in the process of scaling-up with a distillery. His research on algal carbon dioxide sequestration is documented in a number of peer reviewed journals and book chapters. The nominee’s contribution to technology transfer pertaining to full scale ecorestoration of acrylonitrile, arsenic and mercury contaminated sites is noteworthy. He established a battery of protocols for molecular toxicity evaluation and extrapolation of these to test the efficacy of remediation, studied vitellogenin emergence in fish challenged with environmental endocrine disruptive chemicals and established exposure, effect and susceptible biomarkers for manganese and polyaromatic hydrocarbon exposed human population. The genotype frequency of detoxifying genes such as GSTM1, GSTT1 and NQO1 were evaluated by the nominee in Maharashtrian population and showed their distinct nature from other Asian and Caucasian population. All have been published in peer reviewed international journals.

Proposer : Dr. P. K. Seth, Seconder : Dr. V. P. Kamboj Ten Best Publications: 1. Raju R.Yadav, Kanan Krishnamurthi, Ajam Y.Shekh, Sandeep N. Mudliar, Saravana S.Devi, Tapan Chakrabatir1 (2014) Activity enhancement of carbonic anhydrase in Chlamydomonas sp. for effective CO2 sequestration Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (available online) (if=5 year impact factor 1.86, ci=Not yet received) 2. S Banerjee, S Mudliar, R Sen, B Giri, D Satpute, T Chakrabarti, RA Pandey(2009) Commercializing lignocellulosic bioethanol: technology bottlenecks and possible remediesBiofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining 4 (1), 77-93 (if=Impact Factor 4.885, ci=Cited by 73) 3. AA Khardenavis, M Suresh Kumar, SN Mudliar, T Chakrabarti (2007) Biotechnological conversion of agro-industrial wastewaters into biodegradable plastic, poly β-hydroxybutyrate Bioresource Technology 98 (18), 3579-3584 (if=5 Year Impact Factor: 4.901, ci=Cited by 56) 4. MP Raut, SPM Prince William, JK Bhattacharyya, T Chakrabarti, S Devotta(2007) Microbial dynamics and enzyme activities during rapid composting of municipal solid waste–a compost maturity analysis perspectiveBioresource technology 99 (14), 6512-6519 (if=5 Year Impact Factor: 4.901, ci=Cited by 40) 5. K Kumar, S Saravana Devi, K Krishnamurthi, S Gampawar, N Mishra, GH Pandya, T.Chakrabarti (2006) Decolorisation, biodegradation and detoxification of benzidine based azo dye Bioresource technology 97 (3), 407-413 (if=5 Year Impact Factor: 4.901, ci=Cited by 47) 6. M Suresh Kumar, SN Mudliar, KMK Reddy, T Chakrabarti (2004) Production of biodegradable plastics from activated sludge generated from a food processing industrial wastewater treatment plant Bioresource technology 95 (3), 327-330 (if=5 Year Impact Factor: 4.901, ci=Cited by 47) 7. S Godbole, S Gote, M Latkar, T Chakrabarti (2003) Preparation and characterization of biodegradable poly-3-hydroxybutyrate–starch blend films Bioresource technology 86 (1), 33-37 (if=5 Year Impact Factor: 4.901, ci=Cited by 116) 8. EI Atuanya, HJ Purohit, T Chakrabarti (2000) Anaerobic and aerobic biodegradation of chlorophenols using UASB and ASG bioreactors World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 16 (1), 95-98 (if=Impact factor 2.37, ci=Cited by 69) 9. A Kapley, HJ Purohit, S Chhatre, R Shanker, T Chakrabarti, P Khanna (1999) Osmotolerance and hydrocarbon degradation by a genetically engineered microbial consortium Bioresource technology 67 (3), 241-245 (if=5 Year Impact Factor: 4.901, ci=Cited by 41) 10. NJ Gadgil, HF Daginawala, T Chakrabarti, P Khanna (1995) Enhanced cellulase production by a mutant of Trichoderma reesei Enzyme and Microbial Technology 17 (10), 942-946 (if=5 year impact factor 3.040, ci=Impact Factor : 2.367)

[ 128 ]

COUTINHO, EVANS CLIFTON (b 1961), Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai Member of the NASI: No

(YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including)

Professor Evans Coutinho is a distinguished Pharmaceutical Scientist who has made significant contributions in molecular modeling and drug design over the past three decades. His outstanding contributions are in the area of 3D-QSAR. Some of the pioneering methodologies in 3D-QSAR such as Comparative Residue Interaction Analysis (CoRIA) and its variants, rCoRIA and mCoRIA. The highlights of the method are that by including the thermodynamics of binding in the QSAR formalism one can identify important energetic components responsible for modulating activity. This would help optimizing molecules for activity.The other significant technique name LISA (Local indices for Similarity Analysis) is a formalism that addresses local similarity in the context of QSAR. This approach can fine tune molecules at the local level to improve activity. HomoSAR, the third technique, addresses issues related to QSAR of peptides, which is a daunting proposition. The method uses an integrated approach of homology modeling and QSAR and simplifies the problem by moving from 3D to 1D space. By this method it is comparatively easy to predict and design new peptide sequences with improved activity. The technique eQSAR developed by Coutinho and his group, is an attempt to tackle the dogma of one chemical-one structure-one parameter value in QSAR. The use of ensembles in 3D-QSAR has shown to improve the robustness as well as the prediction capability of 3D-QSAR models. Finally fragment based QSAR named CoOAn has been designed to partner with methods in structure-based drug design.

Proposer : Prof. R. V. Hosur, Seconder : Prof. S. K. Kulkarni Ten Best Publications: 1. Mahesh R Borkar, Raghuvir R. S. Pissurlenkar and Evans C Coutinho, 2013, HomoSAR: Bridging Comparative Protein Modeling with Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship to design new peptides. J. Comput Chem. Vol. 34, pg. 2635. (if=3.835, ci=ISSN: 0192-8651) 2. Richa Bhatia, Jitender Madan, Raghuvir Pissurlenkar, Evans Coutinho, 2014, Telmisartan complex augments solubility, dissolution and drug delivery in prostate cancer cells CarboPol (In Press). (if=3.479, ci=ISSN: 0975-8585) 3. Raghuvir Pissurlenkar, Vijay Khedkar, Radhakrishnan Iyer and Evans Coutinho, 2011, Ensemble QSAR (eQSAR): A QSAR method based on conformational ensembles and metric descriptors. J. Comput Chem. Vol. 32, pg. 2204. (if=3.835, ci=ISSN: 0192-8651) 4. Verma Jitender, Malde Alpeshkumar, Khedkar Santosh, Iyer Radhakrishnan, Coutinho Evans, 2009, Local Indices for Similarity Analysis (LISA) – a 3D-QSAR formalism based on local molecular similarity J. Chem. Inf. Model. 49, 2695. (if=4.304, ci=ISSN: 1549-9596) 5. Charlotte D'Souza, Meena Kanyalkar, Mamata Joshi, Evans Coutinho and Sudha Srivastava, 2009, Probing molecular level interaction of oseltamivir with H5N1-NA and model membranes by molecular docking, multinuclear NMR and DSC methods BBA – Biomembranes Vol. 1788, pg.484. (if=3.389, ci=ISSN: 0005-2736) 6. Jitender Verma, Vijay Khedkar, Santosh Khedkar, Alpeshkumar Malde, Arati Prabhu and Evans Coutinho, 2008, A Comprehensive Analysis of the Thermodynamic Events involved in Ligand-Receptor Binding using CoRIA and its variants J. Comput Aided Mol. Des. 22, 91. (if=3.172, ci=ISSN: 0920-654X) 7. Alpeshkumar Malde, Santosh Khedkar and Evans Coutinho, 2007, The B(OH)-NH Analog is a Surrogate for the Amide Bond (CO-NH) in Peptides: An Ab Initio Study J. Chem. Theory Comput. 3, 619. (if=5.389, ci=ISSN:1549-9618) 8. Alpeshkumar Malde, Santosh Khedkar and Evans Coutinho, 2006, Stationary points on the PES of N-methoxy Peptides and their Boron Isosteres: An Ab Initio Study J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2, 1664. (if=5.389, ci=ISSN:1549-9618) 9. Meena Kanyalkar, Sudha Srivastava, and Evans Coutinho, 2001, Conformation of a model peptide of the tandem repeat decapeptide in mussel adhesive protein by NMR and MD Simulations Biomaterials 23, 389. (if=7.604, ci=ISSN:0142-9612) 10. Shantaram Kamath, Evans Coutinho and Prashant Desai, 1999, Calculation of Relative Binding Free Energy Difference of DHFR Inhibitors by a Finite Difference Thermodynamic Integration (FDTI) Approach. J. Biomol. Str. Dyn. 16, 1239. (if=4.99, ci= ISSN 0739-1102)

[ 129 ]

DEOBAGKAR, DEEPTI DILEEP (b 1957), Director and Professor, University of Pune, Pune Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including)

Dr. Deepti Dileep Deobagkar has made significant contributions in the area of molecular genetics and epigenetics by designing novel high throughput approach for detection of genome wide methylation levels. Her innovative and original approach utilises existing microarray technology to identify the methylation and gene expression profile using a single platform and leads to identification of modulators of methylation with speed, sensitivity and specificity. She has generated methylome map of 19,500 genes in human and extensively analysed the phenomenon of X chromosome inactivation in the context of evolution, sequence composition and activity states. Her contributions have led to identification of motifs/sequences as way stations involved in spread of inactivation and postulation of a novel role for microRNA in establishing epigenetic states. The genetic and epigenetic components involved in responses of mouse to Low dose radiation and exposure to stress have also been established and makes important contribution to therapeutics .This proof of concept approach makes important contribution in identifying candidate genes and biomarkers and provides insights into the molecular genetic mechanisms governing genotype – Turners syndrome and many life style diseaes. The idea that misregulation of methylation and her approach to design inhibitors would lead to a new therapeutic strategy. She has also designed and developed photo-acoustic spectroscopy and surface acoustic wave biosensor and nanoparticle based approach for detection for microbes (pathogens) and determination of potability of water and real time quantitation of biomolecules such as TNT, antigens and antibodies. Her important innovations have found many fundamental and practical applications.

Proposer : Prof. Kasturi Datta, Seconder : Prof.Sudha Bhattacharya Ten Best Publications: 1. A novel method to assess the full genome methylation profile using monoclonal antibody combined with the high throughput based microarray approach. Kelkar A, Deobagkar D. Epigenetics. (2009) 4 :415-420. (if=4.36, ci=11) 2. Evidence of epigenetic alterations in Turners syndrome opens up feasibility of new pharmaceutical interventions. Rajpathak S, Deobagkar DD. Current Pharmaceutical Design 2014; (In Press). (if=3,86) 3. Optical detection of antibody using silica-silver core-shell particles. Kalele SA, Ashtaputre SS, Hebalkar N Y, Gosavi S W, Deobagkar D N, Deobagkar D D Kulkarni S K (2005) Chemical Physics Letters 404 : 136 –141 (maximum downloaded in 6 months after publication 312 times) (if=2.3, ci=66) 4. Characterisation of inactivation domains and evolutionary strata in human X chromosome through Markov segmentation. Kelkar A,Thakur V,Ramaswamy R, Deobagkar D. PLoS ONE. (2009) 4(11):e7885.PMID:19946363 (if=4.65, ci=5) 5. Rapid Detection of Escherichia coli by Using Antibody-Conjugated Silver Nanoshells. Suchita A. Kalele, Anita A. Kundu, Suresh W. Gosavi, Dileep N. Deobagkar, Deepti D. Deobagkar, Sulabha K. Kulkarni. Small (2006) Volume 2, Issue 3, 335-338 (if=7.333, ci=56) 6. Hemimethylation of DNA prevents chromatin expression. Deobagkar D D, Graessmann M, and Graessmann A. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA. (1990) 87: 1691-1695 (if=9.771, ci=18) 7. Methylation profile of genes on the human X chromosome. Kelkar A and Deobagkar D. Epigenetics. (2010) 5(7) 612-618. (if=4.56, ci=4) 8. An immunochemical method for detection and analysis of changes in methylome Deobagkar DD, Panikar C, Rajpathak S N, Shaiwale N.S, Mukherjee S. Methods.(special issue Immunoaffinity methods and related methods) (2012) 56 260-267 (if=4,85, ci=4) 9. Acoustic wave immunosensing of Escherichia coli in water. Deobagkar D.D., Limaye V, Sinha s and Yadav RDS (2004) Sensors and Actuators B. 104 : 85 – 89. (if=3.339, ci=20) 10. Potential application of protease isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PD100 MF Najafi, D Deobagkar, D Deobagkar Electronic journal of biotechnology 8 (2), (2005)79-85 (if=3.601, ci=111)

[ 130 ]

GHOSH, ANANTA KUMAR (b 1957), Professor, Dept of Biotechnology, Indian institute of Technology Kharagpur,


Dr. Ghosh has been working on the molecular characterization of cypovirus infecting tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta. His group has purified the virus, examined its structure by electron microscopy and showed by molecular analysis that it is a cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus belongs to Reoviridae family containing eleven (S1-S11) double stranded segmented RNA in its genome (Acta Virol, 2000). Functional analysis of these genome segments has been done by cloning, sequencing and expression in E. coli and insect cells to understand their role in viral replication and pathogenesis. It has been shown that S10 encodes polyhedrin to form polyhedra (BBRC, 2005), S9 encodes a non-structural protein having RNA binding property to help viral packaging (JGV, 2002), S8 and S7 encodes viral structural proteins (Virus Genes, 2007), S6 encodes a protein having ATP binding and ATPase activity (Virology, 2008), S5 encodes guanylyltransferase (VJ 2014) and S4 methyl transferase for capping 5’ end each genome segments, S2 encodes viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase (Virology, 2010), S1 and S3 encodes viral minor and major capsid proteins (VJ, 2010). They have also established an EST database of this silkworm for functional analysis of genes involved in silk gland development (CFG, 2010). In addition, they have purified a fungal protease inhibitor from this silkworm, cloned, characterized it molecularly and determined its structure by X-ray crystallography (IBMB, 2002; JSB, 2009; ABB, 2012), and Identified of RAPD and SCAR markers associated with yield components of this silkworm (GMB, 2012) for the improvement of tasar sericulture in India.

Proposer : Prof. Debi P. Sarkar, Seconder : Prof. Prahlad C. Ghosh Ten Best Publications: 1. Qanungo, K.R., Kundu, S.C., Mullins J.I and Ghosh, A.K. 2002. Molecular cloning and characterization of Antheraea mylitta cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus genome segment 9. Journal of General Virology, 83: 1483-1491 (if=3.35, ci= 12) 2. Shrivastava, B. and Ghosh, A. K. 2003. Protein purification, cDNA cloning and characterization of a novel protease inhibitor from the Indian tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 33: 1025-1033. : (if=3.84, ci= 12) 3. Sinha-Datta, U., Venkata Ramana Murthy Chavali, and Ghosh, A.K. 2005. Molecular cloning and characterization of Antheraea mylitta cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus polyhedrin gene and its variant forms. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communication. 332:710-718 (if=2.5, ci= 7) 4. Chavali V.R.M. and Ghosh A. K. 2007. Molecular cloning, sequence analysis and expression of genome segment 7 (S7) of Antheraea mylitta cypovirus (AmCPV) that encodes a viral structural protein. Virus Genes, 35, 433-441 (if=1.7, ci=3) 5. Chavali, V.R.M., Madhurantakam, C., Ghorai, S., Roy, S., Das, A. K., and Ghosh, A.K. (2008). Genome segment 6 of Antheraea mylitta cypovirus encodes a structural protein with ATPase activity. Virology, 377, 7-18 (if=3.29, ci=3) 6. Roy, S., Arvind, P., Madhurantakam, C., Ghosh, A.K., Sankaranarayanan, R. and Das, A. K. (2009). Crystal structure of silkworm protease inhibitor reveals the structural determinants of its inhibition. Journal of Structural Biology, 166, 79-87 (if=4.1, ci=1) 7. Ghorai, S., Chakrabarti, M., Roy, S., Chavali V. R. M., Bagchi, A., and Ghosh A. K. (2010) Molecular characterization of genome segment 2 encoding RNA dependent RNA polymerase of Antheraea mylitta cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus. Virology, 404, 21-31.(if=3.29, ci=4) 8. Chakrabarti, M., Ghorai, S., Mani, S.K.K. and Ghosh A.K. (2010) Molecular characterization of genome segments 1 and 3 encoding two capsid proteins of Antheraea mylitta cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus. Virology Journal, 7:181-192. (if=2.55, ci=2) 9. Roy, S., Ravipati, V. R., Ghorai, S., Chakrabarti, M., Das, A. K. and Ghosh, A. K. (2012) Kinetic analysis, expression pattern and production of a recombinant fungal protease inhibitor of tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 168: 1076-1085. (if=1.94, ci=0) 10. Biswas P., Kundu, A and Ghosh A.K (2014). Genome segment 5 of Antheraea mylitta cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus encodes a bona fide guanylyltransferase. Virology Journal. (In Press) (if=2.55, ci=0)

[ 131 ]

GUPTA, PAWAN (b 1975), Scientist E1 (CSIR), Assistant Professor (AcSIR), Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR), Chandigarh – 160036 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology)

Dr. Pawan Gupta has been investigating host-pathogen (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) interaction with a bottom up approach, where in he has being trying to look for the possibility of host Lipid Sensing Nuclear Receptor (LSNRs) in playing combat and cohorts to M. tuberculosis survival. He has recently reported (Journal of Immunology 2012 PMID: 22544925) that M. tuberculosis lipids can interact with host LSNRs: PPAR and TR4 to ensure survival of the pathogen by modulating macrophage function: foamy niche, phagolysosomal maturation block; alternative polarization of the macrophages etc. His work suggests M. tuberculosis lipids as possible heterologus ligands for PPAR and TR4. He has also been able to identify LXR and Rev-erb as combats that ameliorates M. tuberculosis clearance (Journal of Immunology 2012 PMID: 22544925; Journal of Biological Chemistry 2013 PMID: 23449984). While LXR antimicrobial activities are primarily attributed to its role as a reactive oxygen specie generator; Rev-erb binds to the proximal promoter of IL-10, a cytokine that blocks phago-lysosome maturation and represses its expression and as such impedes M. tuberculosis in human macrophages. Thus so far his group has been able to identify two cohorts and two combats host factors to M. tuberculosis. Considering prevailing tuberculosis (TB) threats because of emerging MDR and XDR TB, identifying new host factors amenable to pharmacological modulation as therapeutic target is next generation and progressive. Dr. Pawan Gupta has also made significant scientific contributions in addressing structure & function of a phytotherapeutical protein bromelain (IJBCB 2010 PMID: 20156582; ABB 2010 PMID: 20494823; IJBM 2011 PMID: 21736896).

Proposer : Dr. Girish Sahni, Seconder : Dr. Javed N. Agrewala Ten Best Publications: 1. Chandra, V., Mahajan, S., Saini, A., Dkhar, H.K., Nanduri, R., Raj, E.B., Kumar, A., Gupta P* (2013). Human IL10 repression by Reverb alpha ameliorates Mycobacterium tuberculosis clearance. Journal of Biological Chemistry (Impact factor 4.77) Feb 28. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 23449984. * Corresponding Author (IF=4.77) 2. Bhat, S.A., Singh, N., Trivedi, A., Kansal, P., Gupta, P., Kumar, A. (2012) The mechanism of redox sensing in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Free Radic Biol Med. (Impact factor 6.0). 53(8); 1625-1641. Cited by: 1. (IF=6.0, CI=1) 3. Mahajan, S., Dkhar H.K., Chandra, V., Dave, S., Nanduri, R., Janmeja, A.K., Agrewala, J.N., Gupta P.* (2012). M. tuberculosis modulate macrophage lipid-sensing nuclear receptors PPARγ and TR4 for survival. Journal of Immunology (Impact factor 5.75). 188 (11) 5593-5603. Cited by: 5. * Corresponding Author (IF=5.75, CI=5) 4. Trivedi, A., Singh, N., Bhat, S.A., Gupta, P., Kumar, A. (2012) Redox biology of tuberculosis pathogenesis. Advances in Microbial Physiology (Impact factor 9.86). 60C 263-324. Cited by: 4. (IF=9.86, CI=4) 5. Mahajan, S., Chandra, V., Dave, S., Nanduri, R., Gupta, P*. (2012). Stem Bromelain-induced macrophage apoptosis and activation curtail M. tuberculosis persistence. Journal of Infectious Disease (Impact factor 6.4). 206(3):366-76. * Corresponding Author (IF=6.4) 6. Gupta, P., Ho, P.C., Ha, S., Lin Y.W., Wei, L.N. (2009) HDAC3 as a molecular chaperone for shuttling phosphorylated TR2 to PML: A novel deacetylase activity-independent function of HDAC3. PLoS One (Impact factor 4.4). 4 (2); e4363. Cited by:8 (IF=4.4, CI=8) 7. Dave, S., Dkhar, H.K., Singh, M.P., Gupta, G., Chandra, V., Mahajan S., Gupta, P*. (2010) Hexafluoroisopropanol-induced nonnative conformation of stem bromelain: correlation to function. International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (Impact factor 4.8). 42; 938-947. Cited by: 4. * Corresponding Author (IF=4.8, CI=4) 8. Dave, S., Mahajan S., Chandra, V., Dkhar, H.K., Sambhavi, Gupta, P*. (2010) Specific molten globule conformation of stem bromelain at alkaline pH. Archives Biochemistry Biophysics (Impact factor 3.02). 499 (1-2); 26-31. Cited by: 1. * Corresponding Author(IF=3.02, CI=1) 9. Dave, S., Mahajan S., Chandra, V., Gupta, P*. (2011) Trifluoroethanol stabilizes the molten globule state and induces non-amyloidic turbidity in stem bromelain near its isoelectric point. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (Impact factor 2.6). 49 (4); 536-542. Cited by: 1. * Corresponding Author (IF=2.6, CI=1) 10. Ho, P.C., Lin, Y.W., Tsui, Y.C., Gupta, P., Wei, L.N. (2009) A negative regulatory pathway of GLUT4 trafficking in adipocytes: new function of RIP140 in the cytoplasm via AS160. Cell Metabolism (Impact factor 20). 10 (6); 516-523. Cited by: 23 (IF=20, CI=23)

[ 132 ]

IRSHAD, MOHAMMAD (b 1954), Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi – 110029 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) I am pleased to propose the name of Dr. M. Irshad, Professor in Laboratory Medicine, AIIMS as the candidate for election to fellowship of National Academy of Sciences (India)(FNASc). Based on my personal knowledge about his professional competence, I may assure that Prof. M. Irshad has an excellent academic career with more than 135 scientific publications in indexed medical journals, several abstracts published in proceedings of international conferences and a long teaching and research experience. He could make a significant contribution in medical sciences by conducting several research projects, guiding more than 45 MD/Ph.D. thesis in various capacities and writing chapters in some books. He is a member of board of advisers in UPSC, board of reviewers for several journals and reviewer of projects submitted to ICMR and DBT. He also attended and organized international scientific conferences on several occasions. For his contribution in viral hepatitis, he was honored with national orations award by ICMR in 1990, Rashtriya Gaurav Award by India International Friendship Society (IIFS) in 2010 and Best Citizen of India award by International Publishing House (IPH) in 2011. Besides, he has several other achievements to his credit including his biography inducted in several reputed directories of the world. Therefore, I find him to be a competent candidate and strongly recommend his candidature for the election of fellow of National Academy of Medical Sciences (FNASc).

Proposer : Prof. Jaya S. Tyagi, Seconder : Prof. N.K. Mehra Ten Best Publications: 1. Irshad M, Sharma CB.Purification and properties of an alpha-amylase protein-inhibitor from Arachis hypogaea seeds. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. (1981) ; 659 : 326 - 333. (IF=2.773, CI=10) 2. Irshad M, Gandhi BM, Acharya SK, Joshi YK, Tandon BN. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of IgG and IgM anti-idiotypes directed against anti-HBs molecules. Journal of Immunological Methods. (1987) ; 96 : 211 - 217. (IF=2.34, CI=2) 3. Irshad M, Gandhi BM, Chawla TC, Acharya SK, Joshi YK, Tandon BN. Studies on HBsAg binding with polymerised human serum albumin by ELISA. Journal of Virological Methods. (1987) ; 16 : 75 - 85. (IF=2.139, CI=5) 4. Irshad M, Acharya SK, Joshi YK, Tandon BN. Role of fibronectin and complement in immunopathogenesis of acute and subacute hepatic failure. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. (1994) ; 9 : 355 – 360. (IF=2.41, CI=6) 5. Irshad M, Acharya SK. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection in severe forms of liver diseases in north India. Europ J Gastroenterol Hepatology. (1996) ; 8 : 995 - 998. (IF=1.598, CI=8) 6. Irshad M, Agarwal SK. HCV infection in Delhi, India. Hepatology Research. (1998) ; 11 : 129 - 132. (IF=1.857, CI=2) 7. Irshad M. Hepatitis E Virus : An update on its molecular, clinical, and epidemiological characteristics. Intervirology. (1999) ; 42 : 252 - 262. (IF=1.756, CI=35) 8. Irshad M, Sharma Y, Dhar I, Singh J, Joshi YK. Transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) association with hepatitis A-E viral infections in various forms of liver diseases in India. World J Gastroenterology (2006); 12 : 2432 - 2436 (IF=2.092, CI=13) 9. Irshad M, Joshi YK, Sharma Y, Dhar I. Transfusion transmitted virus (TTV) : A review on its molecular characteristics and role in medicine. World J Gastroenterology. (2006) ; 12 : 5122 – 5134. (IF=2.092, CI=30) 10. Irshad M, I Khushboo, Singh Shiwani, S Sukhbir. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) : Review of Immunological Aspects. International Reviews of Immunology. (2008) ; 27 : 497 - 517. (IF=4.935, CI=20)

[ 133 ]

KASBEKAR, DURGADAS PRABHAKAR (b 1956), Haldane Chair, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500 001


At CDFD, Durgadas Kasbekar is introgressing translocations from Neurospora crassa into N. tetrasperma to establish whether "nucleus-limited" genes exist. Evidence for putative nucleus-limited genotypes dates back >42 years, but no genes with a nucleus-limited effect have as yet been reported. The logic of his novel approach is described elsewhere (forthcoming article for June 2014 J. Biosci.). Previously, in CCMB, Kasbekar studied the RIP genome-defense process that targets G:C to A:T mutation in repeated DNA during a sexual cross. He demonstrated that N. crassa contains sufficient RIP machinery to alter ~300 kb of duplicated DNA. This finding could explain why the retrotransposon Tad has survived in only a single wild-isolated strain (Adiopodoume), whereas all of > 1000 other strains examined contained only RIP-inactived Tad relics. The Adiopodoume strain contains ~40 copies of Tad, each ~7 kb, and this ~280 kbp duplicated DNA presumably titrates out the RIP machinery to confer a dominant RIP-suppressor phenotype, and allow Tad to remain unscathed. Kasbekar mapped the mutations fmf-1 and dow, and identified their wild-type alleles. He discovered that RNAi-based meiotic gene silencing can be epigenetically modulated. Kasbekar discovered sterol biosynthetic activity of LBR, a vertebrate nuclear membrane protein that tethers chromatin to the nuclear lamina, and identified its essential residues by site-directed mutagenesis. He studied the response of dictyostelids (free-living soil amoebae that feed on bacteria) to antimicrobial isoflavonoids, and proposed a novel plant-microbe interaction wherein leguminous plants make isoflavonoids to recruit dictyostelids to remove bacteria from the vicinity of root lesions.

Proposer : Prof. Amitabha Chattopadhyay, Seconder : Dr. R. Nagaraj Ten Best Publications: 1. Kasbekar, D.P. and Papavinasasundaram, K.G. (1992) An inducible, nondegradative phytoalexin-resistance mechanism in Dictyostelium discoideum is suppressed by mutations that alter membrane sterol composition. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 58: 2071-2074.(if=3.678, ci=11) 2. Prakash, A., Sengupta S., Aparna, K., and Kasbekar, D.P. (1999) The erg-3 (sterol ï „14,15-reductase) gene of Neurospora crassa: generation of null mutants by repeat-induced point mutation and complementation by proteins chimeric for human lamin B receptor sequences. Microbiology 145: 1443-1451. (if=2.852, ci=35) 3. Bhat, A. and Kasbekar, D.P. (2001) Escape from repeat-induced point mutation of a gene-sized duplication in Neurospora crassa crosses that are heterozygous for a larger chromosome segment duplication. Genetics 157: 1581-1590. (if=4.389, ci=24) 4. Prakash A. and Kasbekar, D.P. (2002). The sterol C-14 reductase encoded by the Neurospora crassa erg-3 gene : Essential charged and polar residue identified by site-specific mutagenesis. Mol. Genet. Genomics 266 : 787-795. (if=2.881, ci=5) 5. Bhat, A., Noubissi, F. K., Vyas, M. and Kasbekar, D. P. (2003). Genetic analysis of wild-isolated Neurospora crassa strains identified as dominant suppressors of repeat-induced point mutation (RIP). Genetics 164: 947-961. (if=4.389, ci=15) 6. Bhat, A., Tamuli, R. and Kasbekar, D. P. (2004) Genetic transformation of Neurospora tetrasperma, demonstration of repeat-induced point mutation (RIP) in self-crosses, and a screen for recessive RIP-defective mutants. Genetics 167: 1155-1164. (if=4.389, ci=12) 7. Vyas, M., Ravindran, C. and Kasbekar, D. P. (2006) Chromosome segment duplications in Neurospora crassa and their effects on repeat-induced point mutation (RIP) and meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA. Genetics 172: 1511-1519. (if=4.389, ci=11) 8. Kasbekar, D. P., Singh, P. K., Ramakrishnan, M. and Kranthi Raj, B. (2011) Carrefour Mme. Gras: A wild-isolated Neurospora crassa strain that suppresses meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA and uncovers a novel ascospore stability defect. Fungal Genet. Biol. 48: 612-620. (if=3.263, ci=5) 9. Ramakrishnan, M., Nagasowjanya, T., Kranthi Raj, B. and Kasbekar, D. P. (2011) Meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA is expressed more strongly in the early than the late perithecia of crosses involving most wild-isolated Neurospora crassa strains and in self-crosses of N. tetrasperma. Fungal Genet. Biol. 48: 1146-1152. (if=3.263, ci=2) 10. Nagasowjanya, T., Kranthi Raj, B., K. Sreethi Reddy, and Kasbekar, D. P. (2013) An apparent increase in meiotic silencing strength in crosses involving inbred Neurospora crassa strains. Fungal Genet. Biol. 56: 158-162 (if=3.263, ci=yet to be cited)

[ 134 ]

KUHAD, RAMESH CHANDER (b 1955), Professor, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delih


• Prof. R.C. Kuhad has made pioneering contribution in the field of microbial conversion of lignocellulosic materials, using microorganisms and their enzymes (xylanase, laccase, cellulase and pectinase) into value added products. • He has developed processes for production of xylanase (Patent No. IN984/DEL/2008) and laccase, which have been evaluated in bleaching of paper pulp at pilot scale. Process for bleaching of paper pulp has been patented (Patent No. IN2447/DEL/2013). • He has developed process for production of a high level of alkaline pectinase for application in bioretting of plant fibers. • Prof. Kuhad after a long effort of more than two decades could succeed in developing process for bioconversion of wheat straw in nutritionally rich and digestible animal feed by solid-state fermentation. The fermented feed produced has been evaluated both in vitro and in vivo (trial in calves) conditions. The evaluation of the feed revealed that the fermented feed was able to replace almost 50% of the concentrate and resulted in higher body weight gain (Patent No. IN4039/DEL/2012). • For last more than a decade, his laboratory has also been concentrating on bioconversion of plant materials (lignocellulosics) into bioethanol. Among several interventions during the development of the bioethanol production process, the important one is the generation of high concentration sugar syrup. Using the designed process, his group was able to increase the sugar concentration upto 5 folds (Patent No. IN1348/DEL/2011). • In view of his accomplishments, I strongly recommend his candidature for the fellowship of National Academy of Sciences, India.

Proposer : Prof. Bhavdish Narayana Johri, Seconder : Prof. Jitender P Khurana Ten Best Publications: 1. Kuhad, R.C., Singh, A. (1993). Lignocellulose biotechnology. Current and future prospects. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology. 13:151-172 (if=5.095, ci=163(scopus)&247(Google)) 2. Mishra, S., Jyot, J., Kuhad, R. C. and Lal, B. (2001). Evaluation of Inoculum addition to stimulated In situ Bioremediation of oily-sludge- contaminated soil. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 67:1675-1681 (if=3.678, ci=148(scopus)&263(Google)) 3. Dhawan, S., Kuhad, R.C. (2002). Effect of amino acids and vitamins on laccase production by the bird's nest fungus Cyathus bulleri. Bioresource Technology. 84:35-38 (if=4.750, ci=44(scopus)&51(Google)) 4. Chandel A.K. Singh A., and Kuhad, R. C. (2007). Detoxification of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate improves ethanol production by Candida shehatae NCIM 3501. Bioresource Technology. 98(10): 1947-1950. (if=4.750, ci=114(scopus)&164(Google)) 5. Gupta, R., Sharma, K. K. and Kuhad, R. C. (2009). Separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) of Prosopis juliflora, a woody substrate, for the production of cellulosic ethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia stipitis-NCIM 3498. Bioresource Technology. 100(3):1214-20. (if=4.750, ci=69(scopus)&94(Google)) 6. Kidwai, M., Poddar, R., Diwanian S. and Kuhad, R. C. (2009). Laccase from basidiomycetous fungus catalyzed synthesis of substituted 5-deaza-10-oxaflavin via Domino reaction. Advance Synthesis and Catalysis. 351:589-595. (if=5.535, ci=25(scopus)&23(Google)) 7. Kuhad, R.C., Mehta, G., Gupta, R., and Sharma, K.K. (2010). Fed batch enzymatic saccharification of newspaper cellulosics improves the sugar content in the hydrolysates and eventually the ethanol fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biomass and Bioenergy 34: 1189-1194. (if=2.975, ci=16(scopus)&27(Google)) 8. Kuhad, R.C., Gupta, R., Khasa Y.P. and Singh A. (2010). Bioethanol production from Lantana camara (red sage): Pretreatment, saccharification and fermentation. Bioresource technology. 101: 8348-8354. (if=4.750, ci=33(scopus)&46(Google)) 9. Kuhad R.C., Gupta R., Khasa Y.P. and Singh A. (2011). Bioethanol production from pentose sugars: Current and Future prospects. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 15:4950-4962 (if=5.627, ci=22(scopus)&36(Google)) 10. Gupta R, Kumar S., Gomes J. and Kuhad R.C. (2012). Kinetic study of batch and fed-batch enzymatic saccharification of pretreated substrate and their subsequent fermentation to ethanol. Biotechnology for Biofuels. 5:16 (if=5.55, ci=6(scopus)&7(Google))

[ 135 ]

KUMAR, ANIL (b 1962), Professor & Head, Department of Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar


Dr. Anil Kumar has worked extensively for more than two decades in the area of plant molecular biology and immunology. He has made significant contributions towards (i) developing various immunological lab-scale formats for quick detection of infection and infestations of KB teliospores in wheat samples. (ii) understanding the biochemical and molecular basis of resistance and pathogenicity of Karnal bunt pathogen. (iii) generation of disease resistant Brassica lines over expressing Osmotin and Annexin genes that showed considerable resistance to pathogens. (iv) understanding biochemical and molecular basis of plant nitrogen use efficiency by taking finger millet as model system. (v) understanding the roles of the master regulator Dof1 transcription factor in conferring high NUE and protein content under low nitrogen conditions respectively. (vi) understanding the roles of PBF-Dof gene in regulating the expression of seed storage protein genes (vii) use of HNRT2 gene as a biomarker for quick screening of finger millet genotypes for nitrogen responsiveness. (viii) understanding the molecular basis of high calcium accumulation in grains of finger millet. (ix) identification of Novel NBS-LRR and EST-SSR markers for identification of new specificities conferring blast resistance to finger millet genotypes (x) development of useful bioinformatics tools and databases. He has guided 37 students for their PhD, MSc and MVSc degree program in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology who are now well placed in various national and international institutes. It gives me immense pleasure to recommend Dr. Anil Kumar for NASI fellowship. In short, I give Dr. Kumar my highest recommendation, and very much hope that the committee judges his application favorably.

Proposer : Dr. P.K. Gupta, Seconder : Dr. Shelly Praveen Ten Best Publications: 1. Anil Kumar, Pooja Kanwal, Alok Kumar Gupta, B. R. Singh and Vikram Singh Gaur (2013). A Full-Length Dof1 Transcription Factor of Finger Millet and its Response to a Circadian Cycle. Plant Mol Biol Rep. 32:419-427. (if=5.32) 2. Sadhna Singh, Atul Kumar Gupta, Supriya Gupta, Sanjay Gupta and Anil Kumar (2014) Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and cyclic voltametery based immunosensor for determination of teliosporic antigen and diagnosis of Karnal Bunt of wheat using anti-teliosporic antibody. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical. 191:866-873. (if=3.54) 3. Alok Kumar Gupta, Vikram Singh Gaur, Sanjay Gupta and Anil Kumar (2013). Nitrate signals determine the sensing of nitrogen through differential expression of genes involved in nitrogen uptake and assimilation in finger millet. Functional and Integrative Genomics. 13:179-190. (if=3.3) 4. Anshita Goel, Vikram Singh Gaur, Sandeep Arora, Sanjay Gupta, and Anil Kumar (2012) In Silico analysis of expression data for identification of genes involved in spatial accumulation of Calcium in developing seeds of Rice. OMICS A Journal of Integrative Biology. 16(7&8):1-12. (if=2.73) 5. Shalini Purwar, U.S. Singh, Soma S. Marla and Anil Kumar (2010) Basal expression studies of cystatins during specific growth stages of wheat spikes for defining their possible role in differential and stage dependent immunity against Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica). Molecular Biology Reports, 37(3): 1377-1389. (if=2.51) 6. Vikram Singh Gaur, U.S. Singh, Alok K. Gupta and Anil Kumar (2012) Influence of different nitrogen inputs on the members of ammonium transporter and glutamine synthetase genes in two rice genotypes having differential responsiveness to nitrogen. Molecular Biology Reports. 39(8): 8035-8044. (if=2.51) 7. Anil Kumar, Netrapal Sharma, Preety Panwar, Arun Kumar Gupta (2012). Use of SSR, RAPD markers and protein profiles based analysis to differentiate Eleusine coracana genotypes differing in their protein content. Molecular Biology Reports. 39 (4): 4949-4960.(if=2.51) 8. Vikram Singh Gaur, U.S. Singh, Atul K. Gupta and Anil Kumar (2011) Understanding the differential nitrogen sensing mechanism in rice genotypes through expression analysis of high and low affinity ammonium transporter genes (Part 1). Molecular Biology Reports, 39 (3): 2233-2241 (if=2.51) 9. P. Kannan, Dinesh Pandey, A.K.Gupta, H.Punetha, Gohar Taj and Anil Kumar (2011) Expression analysis of MAP 2K 9 and MAP K 6 during pathogenesis of Alternaria blight in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotype Columbia. Molecular Biology Reports. 39(4): 4439-4444. (if=2.51) 10. Nidhi Gupta, Atul K. Gupta and Anil Kumar (2011) Spatial distribution of Dof1 transcription factor in different tissues of three finger millet genotypes differing in grain colour, yield, protein content and photosynthetic efficiency. Molecular Biology Reports, 39:2089-2095.(if=2.51)

[ 136 ]

MANGAMOORI, LAKSHMI NARASU (b 1957), Professor, Centre for Biotechnology Institute of Science and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, Kukatpally Campus, Hyderabad – 500085, Andhra Pradesh Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr.M.Lakshminarasu is a Ph.D.degree holder from the IISc, Bangalore. After a brief stint at CCMB, she had joined the Centre for Biotechnology as an Asst.Prof. at JNTUH. After establishing the basic laboratory facilities for the students, she had initiated research. Her scientific contributions cover the areas of applied microbiology, plant biotechnology, cancer biology and genetics. Her contribution to applied microbiology includes her work in larvicidal protein and other important industrial enzymes. Apart from this she also worked on cloning and production of hormones and important bio-pharmaceuticals. She has also developed a process for L-Arginine production for an industry with Sponsorship form DST TIFAC. Her contribution to plant biotechnology includes studies of Artemisinin Biosynthesis which is an important antimalarial and invitro production of secondary metabolites and work on crop plants like rice and groundnut. Her contributions in the areas of human diseases, cancer biology and genetics include mechanisms of cataractogenesis, studies on stem cell nature and properties of prostate cancer derived cells CD 133+ MDR1+ cells. Most importantly she has carried out in depth studies on modulation of gene activity by dietary phytochemicals that could be used in chemo-prevention. Studies from her lab have thrown new light on the role of phytochemicals in prevention of carcinogenesis. This will enable doctors to combine dietary modifications along with chemotherapy for effective cancer treatment in future. She has shown association between 102 T/C polymorphism of serotonin receptor gene and Schizophrenia among South Indians and also Micro-satellite mutation in the maternally/paternally transmitted D18S51 locus leading to allele mismatch in the offspring.

Proposer : Prof. Kalluri Subba Rao, Seconder : Prof. P. B. Kavi Kishor Ten Best Publications: 1. Lakshmi Narasu. M and Gopinathan K.P., (1986) “Purification of larvicidal protein from B.sphaericus 1593”. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 141, 756-760 (IF=2.548, CI=54) 2. Sharma Y, Rao Ch, Lakshmi Narasu. M, Rao SC, Somasundaram T, Gopalakrishna A & Balasubramanian D., (1989). "Calcium ion binding to and crystallins the presence of "EF-HAND" motif in crystallin that aids in Calcium ion binding". J. Biol. Chem. 264, 12794-12799 and “ (IF=5.3, CI=40) 3. Vikas Dhingra and M. Lakshmi Narasu, (2001) Purification and characterization of enzyme involved in biochemical transformation of arteannuin B to artemisinin from Artemisia annua. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 281, 558-561 (IF=2.4, CI=18) 4. Udayshankar.A and Lakshmi Narasu. M., (2002) Association between the 102 T/C polymorphism of Serotonin –2A Receptor gene and Schizophrenia among South Indians, Molecular Psychiatry 7 (6), 540-541. (IF=15, CI=9) 5. Kiran Kumar Doddapaneni, Radhika Tatineni, Ravi Nagaraj Vellanki, Bharat Gandu, Nagender Reddy Panyala, Balumaddileti Chakali, Lakshmi Narasu Mangamoori “Purification and characterization of two novel extra cellular proteases from Serratia rubidaea” Process Biochemistry, 42, 1229-1236, 2007 (IF=3.4, CI=11) 6. Venkanna Narkuti, Ravi N Vellanki, Gandhi Kpc; Kiran K Doddapaneni; Pramila D Y; Lakshmi narasu Mangamoori, (2007) “Microsatellite mutation in the maternally/paternally transmitted D18S51 locus: Two cases of allele mismatch in the child”. Clinica Chimica Acta, Volume 381, Issue 2, June 2007, Pages 171-175. (IF=2.5, CI=5) 7. Beevi SS, Mangamoori LN, Subatra M, Edula JR (2010) Hexane Extract of Raphanus sativus L., Root Inhibits Cell Proliferation and induces apoptosis in human cancer cells by modulating genes related to apoptotic pathway. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition DOI 10.1007/s11130-010-0178-0 (IF=2.4, CI=4) 8. Vengaldas Rajaram, Thirunavukkarasu Nepolean, Senapathy Senthilvel, Rajeev K Varshney, Vincent Vadez, Rakesh K Srivastava, Trushar M Shah, Ambawat Supriya, Sushil Kumar, Basava Ramana Kumari, Amindala Bhanuprakash, Mangamoori Lakshmi Narasu, Oscar Riera-Lizarazu and Charles Thomas Hash. “Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] consensus linkage map constructed using four RIL mapping populations and newly developed EST-SSRs” BMC Genomics 2013, 14:159 doi:10.1186/1471-2164-14-159(IF=4.07, CI=-) 9. Sathish K, Sriraman R, Subramanian BM, Rao NH, Balaji K, Narasu ML, Srinivasan VA, Plant expressed EtMIC2 is an effective immunogen in conferring protection against chicken coccidiosis, Vaccine. 2011 Nov 15;29(49):9201-8 (IF=3.5, CI=4) 10. M.Madanmohan, S.B.Nagendrakumar, M.Lakshmi Narasu and V.A.Srinivasan (2009) “Effect of FMD vaccine antigen payload on protection, sub-clinical infection and persistence following needle challenge in sheep” Comparitive Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 2009 Feb;100(3):1214-20. (IF=3.6, CI=-)

[ 137 ]

MISRA, HARI SHARAN (b 1962), Head, Molecular Genetics Section, Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-85


Dr. H. S. Misra has made outstanding contributions in the area of molecular genetics of bacterial response to DNA damage. He identified a novel antioxidant and a radioprotector pyrroloquinoline-quinone, and demonstrated its role in radiation resistance and DSB repair, through activation of a eukaryotic type Ser/Thr protein (eSTPK) kinase in Deinococcus radiodurans. For the first time, he has reported the involvement of eSTPKs in radiation resistance and DSB repair in a prokaryote. His group has characterized a number of proteins including six hypothetical proteins, assigned new functions and ascertained their roles in radioresistance and DSB repair in Deinococcus. More recently, they have characterized chromosome I partitioning system for the multipartite genome of this bacterium and elaborated molecular mechanism through which a pleiotropic protein contributes to radioresistance by having its role in genome maintenance through modulation of topoisomerase functions in vivo. Dr. Misra has made genetic constructs and provided to other laboratories in India and abroad under materials transfer agreements. He has delivered invited lectures and co-chaired scientific sessions in several international and national meetings. Since 2009, he has published 29 papers with aggregate IF of ~86.532. Dr. Misra is recipient of important awards including Sarma Memorial Award (SBCI), DAE Scientific and Technical Excellence Award and INS Young Scientist Award. He is an elected member of Guha Research Conference and Fulbright-Nehru Senior Fellow. For his excellent contributions to scientific, research and human resource development, Dr. Misra is strongly recommended for election to the Fellowship to National Academy of Sciences India, Allahabad.

Proposer : Dr S. K. Apte, Seconder : Dr K. B. Sainis Ten Best Publications: 1. Kharinar NP, Kamble VA and Misra HS* (2008) RecBC enzyme overproduction affects UV and gamma radiation survival of Deinococcus radiodurans. DNA Repair 7: 40-47. (if=5.095 (2008), ci=24) 2. Rajpurohit YS, Gopalakrishnan R and Misra HS* (2008) Involvement of protein kinase activity inducer in DNA double strand break repair and radioresistance of Deinococcus radiodurans. J. Bact. 190: 3948-3954. (if=3.636 (2008), ci=23) 3. Khairnar NP, Kamble VA, Mangoli, SH, Apte SK and Misra HS* (2007) Involvement of a periplasmic protein kinase in DNA strand break repair and homologous recombination in Escherichia coli. Mol. Microbiol. 65:294–304. (if=5.460 (2007), ci=16) 4. Misra HS*, Khairnar NP, Kota S, Shrivastava S, Joshi VP and Apte SK (2006) An Exonuclease I sensitive DNA repair pathway in Deinococcus radiodurans: a major determinant of radiation resistance. Mol. Microbiol. 59:1308-1316. (if=5.634, ci=38) 5. Kota S and Misra HS* (2006) PprA: a protein implicated in radioresistance of Deinococcus radiodurans stimulates catalase activity in Escherichia coli, Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 72:790-796. (if=2.441 (2006), ci=21) 6. Misra HS*, Khairnar NP, Barik A, Priyadarsini KI, Mohan H and Apte SK (2004) Pyrroloquinoline- quinone: a reactive oxygen species scavenger in bacteria. FEBS Letters, 578:26-30. (if=3.843 (2004), ci=49) 7. Khairnar NP, Misra HS* and Apte SK (2003) Pyrroloquinoline-quinone synthesized in Escherichia coli by pyrroloquinoline-quinone synthase of Deinococcus radiodurans plays a role beyond mineral phosphate solubilization. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 312: 303-308. (if=2.836 (2003), ci=26) 8. Harris D, Lee R, Misra HS, Pandey PK and Pandey VN* (1998) The p51 subunit of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase is essential in loading the p66 subunit on the template primer. Biochemistry 37: 5903-5908 (if=4.628 (1998), ci=39) 9. Misra HS, Pandey PK and Pandey VN* (1998) An enzymatically active chimeric HIV -1 RT with RNaseH domain of MuLV RT exist as a monomer. J. Biol. Chem. 273: 9785- 9789 (if=7.199 (1998), ci=26) 10. Misra HS, Pandey PK, Modak MJ, Vinayak R and Pandey VN* (1998) Poly-amide nucleic Acid- DNA chimera lacking the phosphate backbone are novel primer for polymerase reactions catalysed by DNA polymerases. Biochemistry. 37: 1917-1925. (if=4.628 (1998))

[ 138 ]

PAL, SAMIR KUMAR (b 1970), Associate Professor, S. N. Bose National Centre for basic Sciences, Kolkata - 700098 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr. Samir Kumar Pal has made significant contribution in the exploration of key ultrafast molecular processes in the molecular level, which has immense importance in the biological sciences as well as material science. His seminal work on the dynamics of hydration in the close vicinity of biological macromolecules (proteins and DNA) and their relevance in the physiological functionality has tremendous importance and has been appreciated in the field of contemporary biological physics. Investigation of key ultrafast time scales in the protein-drug, protein-protein, and protein-DNA interactions are recognized to be very relevant and important in the field. His recent research activity in the field of light-harvesting toward “green energy” through dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and environment-friendly photocatalysis for “clean water” are also heavily appreciated by materials and device scientists as the key fundamental role of ultrafast processes including electron transfer in the dye-semiconductor hybrid structure. The role of hybrid materials in the photo-catalysis for the decontamination of drinking water has been from his group. A detailed structural characterization of the quantum cluster of various metals/semiconductors and their potential application including detection of toxic materials in water should have deep impact in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Proposer: Prof. Arup Kumar Raychaudhuri, Seconder : Prof. Jayanta Kumar Bhattacharjee Ten Best Publications: 1. T. Udayabhaskararao, N. Goswami, S. K. Pal, K. Balasubramanian and T. Pradeep, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2011) (press) (IF=12.73, CI=0) 2. O. F. Mohammed, D. S. Yang, S. K. Pal and A. H. Zewail, J. Am. Chem. Soc. (Communication) 133 (2011) 7708. (IF=9.023, CI=3) 3. N. Goswami, A. Giri, M. S. Bootharaju, P. L. Xavier, T. Pradeep and S. K. Pal, Anal. Chem. 83 (2011) 9676. (IF=5.88, CI=2) 4. P. K. Verma, R. Saha, R. K. Mitra and S. K. Pal, Soft Matter 6 (2010) 5971. (IF=3, CI=4.87) 5. P. K. Verma, A. Giri, N. TK, Thanh, L. D. Tung, O. Mondal, M. Pal, S. K. Pal, J. Material Chemistry 20 (2010) 3722. (IF=5.1, CI=3) 6. R. K. Mitra, et. al, Chem. Phys. Chem. 11 (2010) 389 (Cover article). (IF=3.339, CI=3) 7. A. Makhal, H. Yan, P. Lemmens and S. K. Pal, J. Phys. Chem. C 114 (2010) 627. (IF=4.52, CI=10) 8. A. K. Shaw and S. K. Pal, J. Phys. Chem. B 111 (2007) 4189. (IF=3.603, CI=28) 9. D. Banerjee and S. K. Pal, J. Phys. Chem. B 111 (2007) 10833 (Cover Article). (IF=3.603, CI=10) 10. S. K. Pal and A. H. Zewail, Chemical Reviews 104 (2004) 2099. (IF=33.033, CI=291)

[ 139 ]

PARNAIK, VEENA KRISHNAJI (b 1953), Chief Scientist, Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad - 500007 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr. Veena K Parnaik has made outstanding contributions towards understanding the functional role of the nuclear lamina, an essential component of nuclear architecture in metazoan cells. In pioneering studies, she has identified lamin domains that colocalize with RNA splicing factor compartments (JCS, 1999) and are involved in the spatial organization of transcription and pre-mRNA splicing (JCB, 2002). Her demonstration that rearrangements in the internal lamina are mediated by cyclin D3 and pRb and occur specifically during muscle differentiation (JCS, 2001; MBC, 2005) has significant implications for understanding why most mutations in the human lamin A gene cause muscular dystrophies. Her studies have established that lamin A mutations impair DNA repair pathways (JCS, 2006) and upregulate specific proteasomal degradation pathways (PLoS ONE, 2010), and have given important insights into the cellular basis of laminopathies. She was invited to write a review on lamins in a prestigious series (IRCMB, 2008). She has earlier identified novel nuclear pore proteins involved in transport (MCB, 1990; BBA, 1991; ECR 1994), and shown that protein phosphorylation is essential for nuclear transport (ECR, 1995). She has analysed the key determinants of lamin A promoter activity (DNA CB, 1998; EJB, 2001). Her papers have received over 1000 citations. She is a fellow of the Indian National Science Academy and Indian Academy of Sciences, and Sir JC Bose national fellow. She has received the Prof SP Ray-Chaudhuri award of the Indian Society of Cell Biology, and is currently President of the Indian Society of Cell Biology.

Proposer: Dr Ch Mohan Rao, Seconder : Dr Ramesh V. Sonti Ten Best Publications: 1. V K Parnaik and P K Kennady, Mol. Cell. Biol. 10, 1287-1292 (1990). (IF=6.19, CI=16) 2. S Pandey and V K Parnaik, Biochim. Biophys. Acta (Biomembranes)1063, 81-89 (1991). (IF=4.65, CI=19) 3. K Mishra and V K Parnaik, Exp. Cell Res. 216, 124-134 (1995). (IF=3.61, CI=23) 4. G Jagatheesan, S Thanumalayan, Bh Muralikrishna, N Rangaraj, A A Karande and V K Parnaik, J. Cell Sci. 112, 4651-4661 (1999).(IF=6.30, CI=104) 5. Bh Muralikrishna, J Dhawan, N Rangaraj and VK Parnaik , J. Cell Sci. 114, 4001-4011 (2001). (IF=6.30, CI=37) 6. RI Kumaran, Bh Muralikrishna and VK Parnaik,J. Cell Biol. 159, 783-793 (2002). (IF=9.92, CI=83) 7. I Mariappan and VK Parnaik, Mol. Biol. Cell 16, 1948-1960 (2005) (IF=5.86, CI=45) 8. K Manju, Bh Muralikrishna, VK Parnaik, J. Cell Sci. 119, 2704-2714 (2006). (IF=6.30, CI=58) 9. VK Parnaik, Int. Rev. Cell Mol. Biol. 266, 157-206 (2008). (IF=4.95, CI=29) 10. P Chaturvedi, VK Parnaik, PLoS ONE 5(5) e10620 (2010) (IF=4.41, CI=4)

[ 140 ]

RAHA, SANGHAMITRA (b 1952), Professor, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Sanghamitra Raha took strong steps to emphasize and establish the main focus of her research in ‘Stress Biology’ which encompass the investigation of the myriad signaling pathways through which stress controls survival, adaptation, and death of eukaryotic cells. She ventured into diverse systems (Goswami et al. 2010, Ghosh et al.2010, Sen et al. 2005, Chakraborty et al. 2008a) and probed deeply into molecular mechanisms to successfully bring about a clear perception of the stress response in eukaryotes. One part of her research involves the study of adaptation, survival, and death under stress of the unicellular pathogen-Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of Amoebic dysentery. Elucidation of cell death mechanisms for eukaryotic and amitochondriate pathogens has been most recent and her work is definitely among the first few in this area. Her group has provided significant information on the mechanisms underlying the survival advantage of mammalian cells subjected to chronic low-grade stress of different forms emphasizing the commonality of signaling pathways which is a relatively novel concept. Studies on the reversal of the chronic stress effects through inhibition of the chronic stress induced gene expression by natural products such as EGCG and Resveratrol are also significant and hold great potential. After studying the chemopreventive role of natural products, she extended the studies to decipher the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis-inducing role of Resveratrol in cancer cells. The efforts of her group in this direction, yielded substantial information on the chemotherapeutic role of Resveratrol.(Chakraborty et al. 2008b,Banerjee Mustafi et al. 2010).

Proposer: Prof. Samir Bhattacharya, Seconder : Prof. Saumen K. Maitra Ten Best Publications: 1. Ghosh et al. PLoS One 5(10):e13291 (2010) (IF=4.411, CI=1) 2. Banerjee Mustafi et al. PLoS One 5(1):e8719 (2010) (IF=4.411, CI=7) 3. Chakraborty et al. Cancer Sci. 99(6):1109-16 (2008). (IF=3.846, CI=24) 4. Banerjee Mustafi et al. Cell Stress Chaperones 14(6): 579-89 (2009) (IF=3.16, CI=7) 5. MookerjeeBasu, et al. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 50(5): 1788-1797 (2006) (IF=4.672, CI=41) 6. Sen et al. FEBS Lett. 579: 4402-4406 (2005). (IF=3.6, CI=19) 7. Sen et al. Mol. Cell. Biochem. 253(1-2): 241-246 (2003) (IF=2.168, CI=46) 8. Gear et al. Blood 97: 937-945 (2001) (IF=10.558, CI=45) 9. Raha et al. Biochem. J. 292: 643 (1993) (IF=5.016, CI=30) 10. Raha et al. Blood 72: 172 (1988) (IF=10.558, CI=17)

[ 141 ]

SANKARARAMAKRISHNAN, RAMASUBBU (b 1964), Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur


Dr. R. Sankararamakrishnan’s lab at IIT-Kanpur has been investigating several basic biology problems using diverse computational techniques. His lab is focusing on three main projects. Sankar’s lab is investigating the protein-protein interactions among the pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family of proteins. His lab has carried out comparative molecular dynamics simulations of Bcl-XL and its complexes with pro-apoptotic peptides. Their study showed that the helix containing the BH3 domain is destabilized during the simulations. This observation is linked to the formation of homo/heterodimers and plasticity of the hydrophobic groove. Recently, their lab compared the dynamic features of human Bcl-2 homologs with that of C. elegans and explained the factors responsible for mammalian anti-apoptotic protein’s ability to bind multiple pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 partners. Dr. Sankar’s group has identified a large number of major intrinsic proteins (MIPs), a superfamily of aquaporins, from genomes of diverse organisms. They have identified a new subfamily of aquaporins in plants which is also shared by fungi. They characterized them and proposed how this new subfamily could have evolved. Recently, they have constructed a database (MIPModDB) of more than 1000 aquaporins identified from the genomes of diverse organisms. Dr. Sankar’s group has analyzed high-resolution protein structures to investigate some of the novel non-covalent interactions involving aromatic residues and oxygen atoms (lone pair…π). His lab has been pursuing on understanding alternative initiation in translation, metal binding motifs in biomolecules and protein aggregation. Sankar’s lab is also interested in standardizing the lipid bilayer force fields and membrane simulation protocol.

Proposer : Professor Saraswathi Vishveshwara, Seconder : Professor M.R.N. Murthy Ten Best Publications: 1. R. Sankararamakrishnan and S. Vishveshwara (1992) . Geometry of proline-containing alpha-helices. Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 39, 356-363 (if=2.469 (now published as Chem. Biol. Drug Des.), ci=78) 2. . R. Sankararamakrishnan, C. Adcock and M.S.P. Sansom (1996) The pore domain of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: Molecular modeling, pore dimensions and electrostatics. Biophys. J. 71, 1659-1671 (if=3.668, ci=67) 3. R. Sankararamakrishnan and H. Weinstein (2000) Molecular dynamics simulations predict a tilted orientation for the helical region of dynorphin A(1-17) in dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers. Biophys. J. 79, 2331 - 2344 (if=3.668, ci=43) 4. A. Bansal and R. Sankararamakrishnan* (2007) Homology modeling of major intrinsic proteins in rice, maize and Arabidopsis: comparative analysis of transmembrane helix association and aromatic/arginine selectivity filters. BMC Struct. Biol. 7, Art. no. 27 (17 pages). (if=2.099, ci=52) 5. A. Jain, C. S. Purohit, S. Verma and R. Sankararamakrishnan* (2007) Close contacts between carbonyl oxygen atoms and aromatic centers in protein structures: pi-pi or lone-pair-pi interactions? J. Phys. Chem. B 111, 8680-8683 (if=3.607, ci=39) 6. . D. Lama and R. Sankararamakrishnan* (2008) Anti-apoptotic Bcl-XL protein in complex with BH3 peptides of pro-apoptotic Bak, Bad and Bim proteins: Comparative molecular dynamics simulations. Proteins: Struct. Func. Bioinf. 73, 492-514 (if=3.337, ci=34) 7. A. Jain, V. Ramanathan and R. Sankararamakrishnan* (2009) Lone pair ... pi interactions between water oxygens and aromatic residues: Quantum chemical studies based on high-resolution protein structures and model compounds. Protein Science 18, 595-605(if=2.735, ci=42) 8. T. S. Ghosh, S. K. Chaitanya and R. Sankararamakrishnan* (2009) End-to-end and end-to-middle inter-helical interactions: New classes of interacting helix pairs in protein structures. Acta Cryst. D Biological Crystallography D65, 1032-1041 (if=14.103, ci=1) 9. A. B. Gupta and R. Sankararamakrishnan (2009) Genome-wide analysis of major intrinsic proteins in the tree plant Populus trichocarpa: Characterization of XIP subfamily of aquaporins from evolutionary perspective. BMC Plant Biol. 9, Art. no. 134 (28 pages).(if=4.354, ci=62) 10. A. B. Gupta, R. K. Verma, V. Agarwal, M. Vajpai, V. Bansal and R. Sankararamakrishnan* (2012) MIPModDB: A central resource for the superfamily of major intrinsic proteins. Nucleic Acids Res. 40, D362-D369 (if=8.278, ci=11)

[ 142 ]

SESHADRI, VASUDEVAN (b 1968), Scientist E, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Rapid, regulated synthesis of insulin in response to increased glucose concentration is necessary for maintaining the glucose levels in a narrow physiological range. Alterations to this process lead to impaired glucose homeostasis resulting in metabolic disorders including diabetes. The initial response to glucose includes an increase in translation and secretion with nominal alterations in the mRNA levels of insulin gene. Research done at Dr. Seshadri’s laboratory has shown that the 5’UTR of insulin mRNA plays an important role in glucose stimulated insulin biosynthesis. They show that specific factors in the β-islets bind to the insulin 5’UTR and regulate its translation. A minimal 29-nucleotide element in the 5’UTR of insulin mRNA was identified that is sufficient to confer glucose mediated translation and activation (Muralidharan et al. 2007). The importance of the insulin 5’UTR was also highlighted by the identification of insulin mRNA splice variants with altered 5’UTR resulting in altered efficiency of translation and glucose responsiveness (Panda et al. 2010). They further characterized the mechanism of the regulation by identifying Protein disulfide isomerase and Poly A binding protein as the proteins that associate with the 5’UTR of insulin mRNA and elucidated the oxido-reductive switch mechanism that controls the insulin biosynthesis (Kulkarni et al. 2011). Although it has been known for several decades that glucose activates insulin synthesis this is the first successful attempt to characterize the molecular mechanism of insulin biosynthesis. Identification of the players involved in this regulation has resulted in better understanding of diabetes and its correlation with cellular stress.

Proposer : Dr. Shekhar Mande, Seconder : Prof. J. K. Pal Ten Best Publications: 1. Venkatesan V, Madhira SL, Malakapalli VM, Chalasani M, Shaik SN, Seshadri V, Kodavalla V, Bhonde RR, Nappanveettil G., (2013) Obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome: a study in WNIN/Ob rats from a pancreatic perspective. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:617569. doi: 10.1155/2013/617569. PMID: 24455710 (if=2.880, ci=new) 2. Mitnala Sasikala, Guduru Venkat Rao, Venkateshan Vijayalakshmi, Rebala Pradeep, Suresh Pothani, Pondugala Pavan Kumar, Radhika Gaddipati, Ganneru Sirisha, Ramji Cheemalakonda, Manu Tandan, Chivukula Subramanyam, Seshadri Vasudevan, and D. Nageshwar Reddy (2013) Long-Term Functions of Encapsulated Islets Grafted in Nonhuman Primates Without Immunosuppression Transplantation 96(7):624-632 (if=3.781, ci=new) 3. Sangeeta Chatterjee, Amaresh C. Panda, Sunil K. Berwal, Sreejith, R.K, Charu Ritvika, Vasudevan Seshadri and Jayanta K. Pal (2013) Vimentin is a component of complex that binds to the 5′-UTR of human heme-regulated eIF2α kinase mRNA and regulates its translation. FEBS Lett. 587(5):474-80 (if=4.25, ci=new) 4. Pabitra K. Sahoo, Prayag Murawala, Pravin T. Sawale, Manas R. Sahoo, Mukesh M. Tripathi, Swati R. Gaikwad, Vasudevan Seshadri and Jomon Joseph (2012) Wnt signalling antagonizes stress granule assembly through a Dishevelled-dependent mechanism. Biology Open 1(2):109-19. (if=new Journal, ci=-) 5. Shardul D. Kulkarni*, Bhavana Muralidharan*, Amaresh C. Panda, Baskar Bakthavachalu, Arya Vindu and Vasudevan Seshadri (2011) Glucose-stimulated Translation Regulation of Insulin by the 5′ UTR-binding Proteins. J. Biol. Chem. 286: 14146-14156 (if=4.651, ci=11) 6. Amaresh C. Panda, Shardul D. Kulkarni, Bhavana Muralidharan, Baskar Bakthavachalu and Vasudevan Seshadri (2010) Novel splice variant of mouse insulin2 mRNA: Implications for insulin expression. FEBS Lett. 584: 1169–1173 (if=4.25, ci=3) 7. Baskar B, Sarmishtha Kalanke, Sanjeev Galande, Ramanamurthy B., Kalidas Kohale and Vasudevan Seshadri (2010) Dense Cataract and Microphthalmia (dcm) in BALB/c Mice is caused by mutations in the GJA8 locus. J. Genetics 89: (2) 147-154 (if=0.876, ci=2) 8. Muralidharan B, Bakthavachalu B, Pathak A, Vasudevan Seshadri. (2007) A minimal element in 5'UTR of insulin mRNA mediates its translational regulation by glucose. FEBS Lett.; 581(21): 4103-8 (if=4.25, ci=12) 9. Sampath P, Mazumder B, Vasudevan Seshadri, Gerber CA, Chavatte L, Kinter M, Ting SM, Dignam JD, Kim S, Driscoll DM, Fox PL. (2004) Noncanonical Function of Glutamyl-Prolyl-tRNA Synthetase; Gene-Specific Silencing of Translation. Cell 119: (2) 195-208(if=31.957, ci=125) 10. Barsanjit Mazumder, Prabha Sampath, Vasudevan Seshadri, Ratan K. Maitra, Paul E DiCorleto and Paul L. Fox, (2003) Regulated Release of L13a from 60S Ribosomal subunit: Mechanism of transcript-specific translational control. Cell 115: (2) 187-198 (if=31.957, ci=169)

[ 143 ]

SHARMA, RAKESH (b 1970), Principal Scientist, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi - 110007 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr. Rakesh Sharma is known to me for almost a decade as a young and very enthusiastic microbiologist always eager to use modern technologies to unravel bacterial diversities of contaminated habitats and also understand the molecular basis of survival of life forms under conditions not conducive for the survival. His most significant contributions are with respect to role of microorganisms in conversion of arsenate to arsenite. Genes involved in this process have been characterized and a novel arsenic resistant gene has been identified. His contributions to microbiology also involve bioremediation studies using fungal strains, characterization of bacterial enzymes of biotechnological potential, metagenome analysis of various contaminated sites and identification of heavy metal resistance genes. More recently, he was the first from the country to report genome sequence of two bacteria Idiomarina sp. and Rheinheimera sp. from Pangong Lake, India. The above credentials make him highly suitable to be elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India.

Proposer: Dr S Shivaji, Seconder : Dr. Dwaipayan Bharadwaj

Ten Best Publications: 1. Gupta HK, Singh A, Sharma R. 2011. Genome Sequence of Idiomarina sp. Strain A28L, Isolated from Pangong Lake, India. J. Bacteriol. 193(20):5875-5876. (IF=3.723, CI=0) 2. Gupta HK, Gupta RD, Singh A, Chauhan NS, Sharma R. 2011. Genome Sequence of Rheinheimera sp. Strain A13L, Isolated from Pangong Lake, India. J. Bacteriol. 193(20):5873-4. (IF=3.723, CI=0) 3. Singh A., Chauhan NS, Thulasiram HV, Taneja V, Sharma R. 2010. Identification of two flavin monooxygenases from an effluent treatment plant sludge metagenomic library, Bioresource Technology, 101(21):8481-8484. (IF=4.25, CI=5) 4. Kapardar R.K., Ranjan R., Grover A., Puri M., Sharma R. 2010. Identification and characterization of genes conferring salt tolerance to Escherichia coli from pond water metagenome. Bioresour. Technol. 101: 3917-3924. (IF=4.25, CI=1) 5. Chauhan NS, Ranjan R, Purohit HJ, Kalia VC and Sharma R 2009. Identification of Genes Conferring Arsenic Resistance to Escherichia coli from an Effluent Treatment Plant Sludge Metagenomic Library, FEMS Microbiol. Ecol. 67: 130-139. (IF=3.598, CI=7) 6. Rawal P, Veera BRK, Jinoy R, Kumar N, Halder K, Sharma R, Mukerji M, Das SK and Chowdhury S. 2006. Genome-wide Prediction of G4 DNA as Regulatory Motifs: Role in Escherichia coli Global Regulation, Genome Research. 16: 644-655. (IF=10.256, CI=66) 7. Ranjan R, Grover A, Kapardar RK and Sharma R. 2005. Isolation of novel lipolytic genes from uncultured bacteria of pond water, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 335: 57-65. (IF=3.0, CI=35) 8. Mitra B and Sharma R. 2001. The cysteine-rich amino-terminal domain of ZntA, a Pb(II)/Zn(II)/Cd(II)-translocating ATPase from Escherichia coli, is not essential for its function, Biochemistry, 40(25): 7694-7699. (IF=4.114, CI=59) 9. Sharma R, Rensing C, Rosen BP and Mitra B. 2000. The ATP hydrolytic activity of purified ZntA, a Pb(II)/Cd(II)/Zn(II)-translocating ATPase from Escherichia coli, J. Biol. Chem. 275(6): 3873-3878. (IF=7.368, CI=95) 10. Rensing C, Fan B, Sharma R, Mitra B and Rosen BP. 2000. CopA: an Escherichia coli Cu(I)-translocating P-type ATPase, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 97(2): 652-656. (IF=10.789, CI=184)

[ 144 ]

SIDDAVARAM, NAGINI (b 1958), Professor & Head, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar


The research group led by the nominee has made significant contributions in the areas of comparative oncology and cancer chemoprevention. Comparative evaluation of human cancer and experimentally induced tumors in animal models has served to unravel the molecular pathogenesis of cancer and enabled development of chemointervention strategies to modulate aberrant signaling pathways. Their work has provided insights into the intricate chain of events including carcinogen activation, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis as well as epigenetic modifications that eventually culminate in neoplastic transformation. Over the past two decades, Nagini’s group has established chemoprevention systems based on medicinal plants and dietary phytochemicals. In particular, activity-guided fractionation and phytochemical identification have convincingly demonstrated the chemopreventive efficacy of neem, a medicinal treasure of the Indian subcontinent. They have used a wide range of techniques and approaches to screen putative chemopreventive agents including in silico bioinformatics tools, cell-based in vitro assays, in vivo studies, whole-genome expression microarrays, and validation of gene expression profile to identify key molecular targets. Their work has revealed that phytochemicals that target transcription factor driven oncogenic signaling pathways and upstream kinases abrogate are promising chemopreventive agents. Besides teaching and mentoring, Nagini is an Editorial Board member of two international journals and referee for various international journals and funding agencies. She has written text books and chapters in edited research volumes. She has successfully completed several research projects and is currently the Coordinator for the Indian side of the Indo-EU Collaborative Project under the 7th Framework programme on FUNCFOOD.

Proposer : Dr. K. Dharmalingam, Seconder : Dr. G. Marimuthu Ten Best Publications: 1. Nunn J, Scholes AG, Liloglou T, Nagini S, Jones AS, Vaughan ED, Gosney JR, Rogers S, Fear S, Field JK. (1999) Fractional allele loss indicates distinct genetic populations in the development of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Carcinogenesis. 20:2219-2228. (if=5.702, ci=37) 2. Kumaraguruparan R, Subapriya R, Viswanathan P, Nagini S. (2002) Tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in patients with adenocarcinoma of the breast. Clin Chim Acta. 325:165-170. (if=2.535, ci=98) 3. Nunn J, Nagini S, Risk JM, Prime W, Maloney P, Liloglou T, Jones AS, Rogers SR, Gosney JR, Woolgar J, Field JK. (2003) Allelic imbalance at the DNA mismatch repair loci, hMSH2, hMLH1, hPMS1, hPMS2 and hMSH3, in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Oral Oncol. 39:115-129. (if=3.278, ci=37) 4. Subapriya R, Nagini S. (2005) Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review. Curr Med Chem Anticancer Agents. 5:149-146. (if=2.13, ci=70) 5. Chandra Mohan KVP, Devaraj H, Prathiba D, Hara Y, Nagini S. (2006) Antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing effect of lactoferrin and black tea polyphenol combination on hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1760:1536-1544. (if=5, ci=41) 6. Chandra Mohan KVP, Devaraj H, Prathiba D, Hara Y, Nagini S. (2006) Antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing effect of lactoferrin and black tea polyphenol combination on hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1760:1536-1544. (if=2.13, ci=70) 7. Vidya Priyadarsini R, Senthil Murugan S, Maitreyi S, Ramalingam K, Karunagaran D, Nagini S. (2010) The flavonoid quercetin induces cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells through p53 induction and NF- B inhibition. Eur J Pharm 649: 84-91 (if=2.778, ci=84) 8. Manikandan P, Ramalingam SM, Vinothini G, Ramamurthi VP, Singh IP, Anandan R, Gopalakrishnan M, Nagini S. (2012) Investigation of the chemopreventive potential of neem leaf subfractions in the hamster buccal pouch model and phytochemical characterization. Eur J Med Chem. 56:271-281. (if=3.346, ci=5) 9. Vidya Priyadarsini R, Neeraj Kumar, Imran Khan, Thiyagarajan, P, Kondaiah, P, Nagini S. (2012) Gene expression signature of DMBA-induced hamster buccal carcinomas: Modulation by chlorophyllin and ellagic acid. PLoS One 7:e34628. (if=4.41, ci=5) 10. Kavitha K, Kowshik J, Kranthi Kiran Kishore T, Baba AB, Nagini S. (2013) Astaxanthin inhibits NF- B and Wnt/ -catenin signaling pathways via inactivation of Erk/MAPK and PI3K/Akt to induce intrinsic apoptosis in a hamster model of oral cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta 1830:4433-4444. (if=4.204, ci=5)

[ 145 ]

SIKDAR, SUJIT KUMAR (b 1957), Professor, Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Medical & Forensic Sciences) Sujit Sikdar successfully pioneered the establishment of the electrophysiological technique of patch-clamp, and related methodologies in India. His contriibutions are in the biophysics, physiology and pharmacology of ion channels, exocytosis, cellular neurophysiology and biophysics, and live neuronal networks. He characterized the detailed biophysical properties of the brain voltage gated Na channels heterologously expressed in CHO cells and showed that increasing the duration of a conditioning depolarization induces pseudo-periodic oscillation in the channel kinetics at the whole-cell and single channel level with a periodicity that matches the theta rhythm in the brain. Further, voltage gated ion channel targets for 3 conopeptides isolated from the Indian cone snails were discovered. Modulation of neuron-astrocyte and astrocyte-neuron communication by the steroid hormone 17 estradiol was demonstrated. Caffeine, theophylline, chloral hydrate (used clinically as a sedative), and its active breakdown product, trichloroethanol were shown to target human brain TREK1 channels that maintain the neuronal resting membrane potential. Agonist (trichloroethanol) induced ‘dynamic disorder’ was demonstrated by extracting the time series of ion transport events from single hTREK1 channel recordings. Using autocorrelation analysis the possible existence of molecular memory was suggested in voltage gated Na and leak K channel. In an in vitro model of epileptogenesis, a protective mechanism through a Ca extrusion mechanism in the distal dendrites of subicular pyramidal neurons was discovered that might protect dendrites from pruning. Loss of ‘small world’ network property in cultured hippocampal neuronal networks on a multielectrode array was also demonstrated in vitro using a glutamate injury model of epilepsy.

Proposer: Prof. M. Vijayan, Seconder: Prof. M.R.N. Murthy Ten Best Publications: 1. Nayak, T.K., Harinath, S., Nama, S., Somasundaram, K. and Sikdar, S.K. Inhibition of human two-pore domain K+ channel TREK1 by local anesthetic lidocaine: negative cooperativity and half-of-the-sites saturation kinetics. Mol. Pharmacol. 76: 903-917, 2009. (IF=4.725, CI = 3) 2. Srinivas, K.V., Jain, R., Saurav, S. and Sikdar, S.K. Small-world network topology of hippocampal neuronal network is lost, in an in vitro glutamate injury model of epilepsy. Eur J Neurosci. 25: 3276-3286, 2007. (IF=3.658, CI = 27) 3. Nayak, T.K. and Sikdar, S.K. Time dependent molecular memory in single voltage gated sodium channel. J. Membrane Biol. 219: 19-36, 2007. (IF=1.653, CI = 5) 4. Rao, S.P. and Sikdar, S.K. Acute treatment with 17-estradiol attenuates astrocyte-astrocyte and astrocyte-neuron communication. Glia 55: 1680-1689, 2007. (IF=5.186, CI = 5) 5. Rao, S.P. and Sikdar, S.K. Astrocytes in 17-estradiol treated mixed hippocampal cultures show attenuated calcium response to neuronal activity. Glia 53:817-26, 2006. (IF=5.186, CI = 10) 6. Padmashri, R., Ganguly, A., Mondal, P.P., Rajan, K. and Sikdar, S.K. Kynurenate treatment of autaptic hippocampal microcultures affect localized voltage-dependent calcium diffusion in the dendrites. Cell Calcium, 39: 247-58, 2006. (IF=3.553, CI = 4) 7. Harinath, S. and Sikdar, S.K. Trichloroethanol enhances the activity of recombinant human TREK-1 and TRAAK channels. Neuropharmacology 46: 750-760, 2004. (IF = 3.901, CI = 12) 8. Tiwari, J.K. and Sikdar, S.K. Temperature dependent conformational changes in a voltage gated potassium channel. Eur. Biophys. Jl. 28: 338-345, 1999. (IF=2.387, CI = 13) 9. Sikdar, S.K., Kreft, M. and Zorec, R. Modulation of the unitary exocytic event amplitude by cAMP in rat melanotrophs. Journal of Physiology 511: 851-859, 1998 (IF=5.139, CI= 13) 10. Sarkar, S.N., Adhikari, A. and Sikdar, S.K. Kinetic characterization of rat brain type IIA sodium channel alpha-subunit stably expressed in a somatic cell line. Journal of Physiology 488: 633-645, 1995. (IF=5.139, CI= 24)

[ 146 ]

VEGESNA, RADHA (b 1958), Chief Scientist, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007


The thrust of Dr. Radha’s research has been in identifying & understanding functions of regulatory molecules that signal to cytoskeletal remodeling, differentiation and survival. Results showing that the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, C3G can regulate differentiation and inhibit migration, have provided leads to understanding embryonic development, and to reverse the malignant phenotype of some human cancers. A novel mechanism of actin bundling dependent c-Abl kinase regulation was identified, impacting a highly competitive area of oncology research. A caspase-1 activator, Ipaf, was shown to activate caspase-8, providing evidence for cross talk in apoptotic signaling pathways. Results showing that the tyrosine phosphatase, TC45 induces cell death dependent on p53, led to the discovery of caspase-1 as a transcriptional target of p53 and provided a direct link between an anti-oncogene and cell death. Identification of DNA binding and chromatin association of TC45, its role in cell cycle control, and p73 (a p53 family member), as a substrate of Src family kinases, are some of Dr. Radha's earlier contributions. When all signaling events were thought to take place in the cytoplasm, her unique observations on the presence of a tyrosine kinase and tyrosine phosphatase in the nucleus, opened up investigations into signal transduction in the nucleus. Of significance is her ability to build hypotheses based on derivative thinking and test them to understand how cellular functions are regulated at the molecular level. Dr. Radha's research has contributed to understanding physiologically relevant signaling pathways and how their deregulation causes disease.

Proposer : Prof. Amitabha Chattopadhyay, Seconder : Dr. S. Shivaji Ten Best Publications: 1. Mitra A, Sasikumar K, Parthasaradhi BV and Radha V*. (2013). The tyrosine phosphatase TC48 interacts with and inactivates the oncogenic fusion protein BCR-Abl but not cellular Abl. Biochim Biophys Acta. Mol.Basis of Dis. 1832: 275-284. (if=4.9, ci=3) 2. Sirohi, K., Chalasani, M.L.S., Sudhakar, Ch., Kumari, A., Radha, V*. and Swarup, G. (2013). M98K-optineurin induces transferrin receptor degradation and Rab12-mediated autophagic death in retinal ganglion cells. Autophagy 9: 510-527 . (if=12.04, ci=3) 3. Dayma, K., Ramadhas, A., Sasikumar, K. and Radha, V*. (2013). Reciprocal negative regulation between the guanine nucleotide exchange factor C3G and β-catenin. Genes & Cancer doi: 10.1177/1947601912471189 . (if=nog assigned (new journal)) 4. Mitra A, Kalayarasan S, Gupta V, and Radha V*. (2011). TC-PTP dephosphorylates the guanine nucleotide exchange factor C3G (RapGEF1) and negatively regulates differentiation of human neuroblastoma cells. PLoS One 6: e23681. (if=3.7, ci=6) 5. Dayma K, and Radha V*. (2011). Cytoskeletal remodeling by C3G to induce neurite-like extensions and inhibit motility in highly invasive breast carcinoma cells. Biochim Biophys Acta. Mol. Cell Res. 1813:456-465. (if=4.8, ci=1) 6. Mitra, A. and V. Radha* (2010). F-actin binding domain of c-Abl regarding localized phosphorylation of C3G: Role of C3G in c-Abl mediated cell death. Oncogene 29: 4528-4542. (if=7.4, ci=14) 7. Kumar, Y., V. Radha and G. Swarup (2010). Interaction with Sug1 enables Ipaf ubiquitination leading to caspase-8 activation and cell death. Biochem. J. 427: 91-104. (if=4.65, ci=6) 8. Radha, V*., Rajanna A, Gupta RK, Dayma K, and Raman T. (2008). The guanine nucleotide exchange factor, C3G regulates differentiation and survival of human neuroblastoma cells. J. Neurochem. 107: 1424-35. (if=3.97, ci=16) 9. Radha, V*., Rajanna, A., Mitra, A., Rangaraj, N. and Swarup, G. (2007). C3G is required for c-Abl induced filopodia and its overexpression promotes filopodia formation. Exp. Cell Res 313: 2476-2492. (if=3.6, ci=27) 10. Subhash, T., Subhashini, S., Radha, V*. and Swarup, G. (2006). Involvement of caspase-1 and its activator Ipaf upstream of mitochondrial events in apoptosis. FEBS J. 273: 2766-2778. (if=4.25, ci=12)

[ 147 ]

DATTA, SALIL C (b 1947), Adjunct Professor, Deptt. of Biotechnology, West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata - 700064 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr Salil C. Datta, former Deputy Director of Indian Institute of Chemical Biology is presently an Adjunct Professor at West Bengal University of Technology, Kolkata. He was also awarded Emeritus Scientistship. Dr Datta has conducted research of innovative ideas. His major research interest points mainly to search for new chemotherapeutics against visceral leishmaniasis. Some of his pioneering contribution in the area of neurochemistry is also worth mentioning. He has published sizable number of good papers and book chapters. Some of the notable contributions provided by Dr Datta in the area of his major research interest are summarized below. 1. Dr Datta has devised a novel method to purify glycosome, a unique organelle present in Leishmania spp. He has shown for the first time that glycosome contains key enzymes of oxidative burst system and also calcium to mediate cellular function of the parasite. He has provided evidences to propose Leishmania glycosomes as a good chemotherapeutic target. 2. He has envisioned that host peroxisome plays a major role during host-parasite interaction. This organelle is a reservoir of calcium and plays an important role in calcium homeostasis. He has also shown that peroxisomal properties are impaired in leishmania infection. Its normal function can not be retrieved with existing drugs and may have direct impact to cause Post Kala-azar dermal Leishmaniasis. 3. Dr Datta has patented Momordicatin purified from Momordica charatia (Karela) and established its mode of action to act against kiala-azar. I strongly recommend Dr Datta for the award of NASI Fellowship.

Proposer: Dr. Mukul K. Basu, Seconder : Dr. Gopal C. Majumdar Ten Best Publications: 1. Raychaudhury B., Gupta S, Banerjee S., Datta S. C.. (2006) Peroxisome is a reservoir of calcium. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1760, 989-92 (IF=2.5, CI=2) 2. Dey R. and Datta, S. C. (1994) Leishmanial glycosome contain superoxide dismutase. Biochem. J. 301, 317-19. (IF=4.1, CI=15) 3. Bhattacharya R., Dey R and Datta, S. C. (1993) Calcium dependent thiol protease caldononoipain and its specific endogenous inhibitor in Leishmania donovani. Mol. Cell. Biochem. 126, 9-16 (IF=2, CI=9) 4. Datta S. C., Ghosh, M. K. and Hazra, A. K. (1990) Purification and properties of acyl/alkyl dihydroxyacetone phosphate reductase from guineapig liver peroxisome. J. Biol. Chem. 265. 8268 – 74 (IF=5.5, CI=30) 5. Roychaudhury, B., Banerjee, S., Gupta, S., Singh,R.V. and Datta, S. C. (2005) Antiparasitic activity of a triphenyl tin complex against Leishmania donovani. Acta Trop. 94, 1-8. (IF=2, CI=6) 6. Raychaudhury B, Banerjee S, Datta S. C. (2003) Peroxisomal function is altered during Leishmania infection. Med. Sci. Monit. 125 – 9. (IF=1.5, CI=3) 7. Gupta, S., Roychaudhury, B. and Datta, S. C. (2009) Host peroxisomal properties are not restored to normal after treatment of visceral Leishmaniasis with sodium antimony gluconate. Exp. Parasitol. 123, 140-145. (IF=1.8) 8. Datta S. C. (1988) Reevaluation of taurine levels and distribution of cysteic acid decarboxylase in developing human fetal brain regions. J. Nerochem. 50, 999-1002. (IF=4.5, CI=4) 9. Raychaudhury B., Gupta S., Banerjee S., Das B. and Datta S. C. (2004) Isolation of Leishmania glycosomes by a rapid method. Anal. Biochem. 332, 404-8. (IF=1.8) 10. Gupta, S., Roychaudhury, B., Banerjee, S., Das, S., Mukhopadhaya, S. and Datta, S. C. (2010) Momordicatin purified from fruits of Momordica charantia is effective to act as a potent antileishmania agent. Parasitol. Int. 59, 192-197. (IF=2.0)

[ 148 ]

DUBEY, VIKASH KUMAR (b 1975), Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati


Using integrated computational and biochemical approaches, Dr. Dubey has provided fundamental insight into redox metabolism of the pathogen. He has identified novel lead drug candidates that disrupt redox homeostasis of the parsite. His studies have also provided better understanding of miltefosine resistance in Leishmania. Dr. Dubey has likewise made cutting edge contributions to the general knowledge of the scientific community regarding protein folding and the role of turn sequences in the stabilization of proteins. Similar, his work towards understanding of protein amyloid is appreciated. He has been aggressively investigating- can it be possible to develop a common mode of therapy for all amyloid forming diseases? Equally important, his research proved to be of great practical value in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Dubey provided stunning new insights in the development of a stable mutant form of human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) for developing a new treatment for patients suffering from degenerative heart disease. Dr. Dubey, has made scientific advances that at last offer hope to these patients (US patents numbers: 8119776; 7,659,379; 7595296; 7696171 ; 7776825; 8119776 and 8153770). Dr. Dubey has published approx. 82 publications with cumulative impact factor ~200 in several peer-reviewed journals; He has completed/ongoing seventeen research grants. He has delivered/guiding good number of PhD students. He has been awarded by several reputed awards and editorial board member of few journals. webpage: www.iitg.ernet.in/vdubey

Proposer : Prof. Arvind M. Kayastha, Seconder : Prof. S.N. Upadhyay Ten Best Publications: 1. Saudagar Prakash Pipas Saha, Anil K. Saikia and Vikash Kumar Dubey*. Molecular mechanism underlying antileishmanial effect of oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanones: Inhibition of key redox enzymes of the pathogen. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics. 2013, 85(3 Pt A):569-77 (if=4.69 (five year), ci=82 (H index of Journal)) 2. Mousumi Das, Saudagar Prakash, Shuam Sundar and Vikash Kumar Dubey*. Miltefosine-unresponsive Leishmania donovani has a greater ability than miltefosine-responsive L. donovani to resist reactive oxygen species.. FEBS Journal, 2013, 280, 4807–4815 (if=4.25, ci=139 (H index of Journal)) 3. Anil K Shukla, Sanjukta Patra and Vikash Kumar Dubey*. Iridoid glucosides from Nyctanthes arbortristis results in increased Reactive Oxygen Species and cellular redox homeostasis imbalance in Leishmania parasite. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2012, 54,49-58 (if=3.85 (five years), ci=75 (H index of Journal)) 4. Nandini Sarkar; Manjeet Kumar; Vikash Kumar Dubey*. Rottlerin dissolves pre-formed protein amyloid: A study on hen egg white lysozyme. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta-General Subjects, 2011,1810, 809-814 (if=4.205 (five years, ci=91 (H index of Journal)) 5. Nandini Sarkar, Manjeet Kumar and Vikash Kumar Dubey*. Effect of sodium tetrathionate on amyloid fibril: Insight in to the role of disulfide bond in amyloid progression. Biochimie, 2011, 2011. 93, 962-968 (if=IF: 3.555 (five years, ci=89 (H index of Journal)) 6. Anil K Shukla, Sanjukta Patra and Vikash Kumar Dubey*. Evaluation of selected antitumor agents as subversive substrate and potential inhibitor of trypanothione reductase: An alternative approach for chemotherapy of Leishmaniasis. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 2011, 352, 261-70 (if=2.329, ci=85 (H index of Journal)) 7. Anil K Shukla, Sanjukta Patra and Vikash Kumar Dubey*. Deciphering molecular mechanism underlying antileishmanial activity of Nyctanthes arbortristis, an Indian medicinal plant. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2011, 134, 996-998 (if=.322 (five years), ci=102 (H index of Journal)) 8. Santhosh Kannan, Anil Kumar Shukla and Vikash Kumar Dubey*. Molecular docking studies of selected tricyclic and quinone derivatives on trypanothione reductase of Leishmania infantum. Journal of Computational Chemistry, 2010, 31, 2463-2472 (if=3.835, ci=122 (H index of Journal)) 9. Vikash Kumar Dubey, Jihun Lee, Thayumana Somasundaram, Sachiko Blaber and Michael Blaber. Spackling the crack: stabilizing human fibroblast growth factor-1 by targeting the N- and C-termini b-strand interactions. Journal of Molecular Biology, 2007, 371, 256-268(if=3.905, ci=198 (H index of Journal)) 10. Vikash K. Dubey, Jihun Lee, and Michael Blaber. Redesigning Symmetry-Related "Mini-Core" Regions of FGF-1 to Increase Primary Structure Symmetry: Thermodynamic and Functional Consequences of Structural Symmetry. Protein Science, 2005, 14, 2315-2323.(if=2.735, ci=125 (H index of Journal))

[ 149 ]

FULEKAR MADHUSUDAN (b.1954), Professor, Department of Life Sciences, University of Mumbai, Santacruz (E), Mumbai - 400098 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr. Madhusudan H. Fulekar has done M.Sc. (Chemistry) from Nagpur University and M.Phii & Ph.D in Environmental Sciences from J.N.U. He has submitted the proposal for registration of D.Sc. in Microbial Technology from Amity Uhiversity. Since 2002, He is working as Professor, Environmental Biotechnology in Department of Life Sciences, University of Mumbai. He has completed 7 Industrial projects and R&D projects funded by UGC [2006-2009]; DAE-BRNS [2007-2010]; CSIR [2006-2009] and presently working on the research projects funded by UGC -SAP [2009-2014]; UGC [2010-2013] and DBT [2011-2014]. He has developed his expertise in environmental biotechnology with special reference to Phytoremediation/ Bioremediation of hazardous industrial waste. He has in credit 7 Ph.D awarded, 10 Ph.D students working, Post Doctoral Fellows-2 and Research Associate-1. He has carried out 37 Environmental Studies on chemical industries/ pesticides/Thermal power plants and published the research work in peer reviewed journals. He has developed Bioremediation Technology for remediation of Hazardous Wastes in designed and developed Bioreactors. He has to his credit 150 numbers of research papers and articles published in international and national journals of repute. He is author of nine Books. He has achieved the inclusion of his Biography in "The Marquis Who's Who" in Science and Engineering USA in 1998; and "2000 outstanding Scientist of the 20th Century" in 2000, International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England, UK. He is also a member of New York Academy of Sciences, USA. He is well known nationally and internationally for his work on environment sciences / life sciences/ environmental biotechnology.

Proposer: Prof. R. V. Hosur, Seconder: Prof. S. M. Chitre Ten Best Publications: 1. S. Sharma, M.H.Fulekar and C.P.Jayalakshmi "Fly-Ash Dynamics in Soil-Water System;' CRC Critical Reviews in Environmental Control (U.S.A.) 19 (3), pp: 251-275, (1989). (IF: 7.02). 2. M.H. Fulekar, and J.M. Dave "Heavy Metals Release from Ash-Pond to Soil-Water Environment: A Simulated Technique" Environment International (U.S.A.), 18,pp: 283-295, (1992). (IF: 4.79). 3. Dipty Singh and M.H.Fulekar, Benzene bioremediation using cow dung microflora in two phase partitioning bioreactor, Journal of Hazardous Material. 175: 336-343,2010. (IF: 4.14). 4. Deepali Korade and M.H.Fulekar, Rhizosphere Remediation of Chlorpyrifos in Mycorhizospheric soil using Ryegrass, Journal of Hazardous Material, 172: 1344-1350,2009. (IF: 4.14). 5. Anjali Janbandhu, M.H. Fulekar. Biodegradation of phenanthrene using adapted microbial consortium isolated from petrochemical contaminated environment, Journal of Hazardous Material, Pages 333-140, 2011. (IF: 4.14). 6. Dipty Singh and M.H.Fulekar, Bioremediation of phenol by Novel partitioning Bioreactor using Cow dung microbial consortium. Biotechnology Journal, Wiley, 4: 423-431,2009. (IF: 2.1). 7. M. H. Fulekar "Occupational Exposure to Dust in Quartz Manufacturing Industry". Annals of Occupational Hygiene, (U.K.) VoI47 No4 pp: 269-273,1999. (IF: 1.93). 8. M.H. Fulekar and M.M.Alamkhan "Occupational Exposure to Dust in Slate Pencil Manufacture". The Annals of Occupational Hygiene (UK), 39(1), pp: 107-114 (1995). (IF: 1.93). 9. Dipty Singh and M. H Fulekar. Biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by Pseudomonas putida strain MHF 7109 isolated from cow dung microbial consortium. Clean Soil, Air, Water, 38 (8)1781- 786,2010.(IF:1.412). 10. Anamika Singh and M.H.Fulekar, Phytoremediation techniques for remediation of radiostrntium (90Sr) and radiocesium (137Cs) in aquatic environment by Catharanthus roseus (L.) G Don, Environment Engineering and Management Journal, Romania, 8 (3): 527-532,2009. (IF: 1).

[ 150 ]

GAUTAM, SANT PRASAD (b 1956), Chairman, Central Pollution Control Board Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) PPrrooff.. SS.. PP.. GGaauuttaamm M.Sc., Ph.D., F.I.B.S., N.P.D.R.F. (USA), B.O.A. (USA), I.I.T.C. (Portugal) an awardee of Pitambar Pant National Environment Fellowship award 2008 and Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award 2010,successfully completed more than two dozen of research Projects worth Rs.200 crores and submitted final technical reports. MMaaiinn Contribution of PPrrooff.. GGaauuttaamm are as follows: - Biodegradation of diazonium compounds of dyes by mutant yeasts, - Bioremediation of gelatin effluents by yeasts - Ameliorated the tailing dams of Hindustan Copper Ltd; Malazkhand and NCL mine over dumps applying mycorrhiza & nitrogen fixing bacteria in Singraoli M.P. - In situ Bioremediation of sewage Khandari drain bacteria before confluence of river Narmada in Jabalpur M.P. - Use of bacteriophage in sewage treatment plant by reducing microbial activity and thus pollution load of tanneries effluent. - Co-processing of spent wash from distilleries in cement kilns to achieve zero effluent discharge. - Zero discharge paradigm in pulp and paper industry. - Developed comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index with IIT’s and 29 premier institutions. - Source apportionment studies done on pollutants speciation. - Given scientific input for pollution control in 45 committees of 17 Ministries, Govt. of India. Prof. Gautam served R.D. University, Jabalpur in various capacities. As Dean Faculty of Life Sciences he improved the curricula in Microbiology, Biotechnology and other subjects falling in preview and ensured implementation of the syllabus as Rector and Vice Chancellor. Recently the book entitled "Ramcharitmanas, Ocean of Science" has been published by Ayodhya Research Institute through Lokbharti Publication,vide ISBN Number 978-81-8031-741-5. The book entitled"Vande Vishudha Vigyanam, Ramcharimanas" in hindi in under publication.

Proposer : Prof. Asis Dutta, Seconder : Prof. Krishna Misra Ten Best Publications: 1. Production and properties of alpha and beta amylases from Phaffia rhodozyma and Brettanomyces naardensis. Indian J. Microbiology, 31(4), 431-434, 1991. (CI=5) 2. Production of raw starch digestive amylases by Pichia anomala & Pichia holestii. Biomedical Lett., 47, 61-66, 1992 (CI=4) 3. Extracellular and mycelial amylases of the thermophilic fungus Malbranchea sulfurea. Mycopath, 119(2), 77-82, 1992 (CI=2) 4. Production of extracellular amylases by thermophilic and thermotolerant fungi. Crypt. Bot., 3, 303-306, 1993 (CI=4) 5. Hybrid construction by fusion of protoplasts of Endomycopsis fibuligera & Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cytobios, 73, 183-188, 1993(CI=4) 6. Impact of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi on growth of Dendrocalamus strictus. Mycorrhizae : Biofertilizers for the future, Published by Tata Energy Research Institute, New Delhi 400-402. 1995. (CI=1) 7. Effect of a detergent Triton X-100 on growth, alpha and alpha-glucosidase production by the thermophilic fungus Malbranchea sulfurea. Microbios, 84: 127-130, 1995 (CI=1) 8. Improvement in the medicinal plants through VAM fungi.J. Phytol.Res., 9: 135-37. 1996. 9. The D1/D2 domain of the large-submit rDNA of the yeast species Clavispora luistainiae is unusually polymorphic. FEMS Yeast Research 151-156, 2003 (CI=21) 10. Therapeutic Efficacty of Chloroquine and Sequence Variation in Pfcrt Gene among patients with Falciparum Malaria in Central India. Trop. Medicine & Int. Health 15(I) 33-40. 2010.

[ 151 ]

GOSWAMI, ARUNAVA (b 1966), Associate Professor and Indian Statistical Institute, 203, B.T. Road, Kolkata. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Agricultural Sciences) It gives me immense pleasure to write about the scientific achievements of Dr. Arunava Goswami. I have known Dr. Goswami since his undergrad days, and my appraisal of his character and intellectual ability has increased exponentially with my familiarity with him as a person and a scholar. After judging the excellent scientific contribution of Dr. Goswami in last five years, I have decided to nominate the candidature of Dr. Goswami as a fellow in NASI. Dr. Goswami pioneered the study of Agricultural Nanobiotechnology and development of nanocides in particular in our country since 2004 and has already made significant contribution in this area in the last five years. This is evident from his patents and publications in the peer reviewed journals so far. Dr. Goswami’s research outputs have clearly demonstrated that nanocides could be used as cheaper and effective alternatives to toxic chemical pesticides. He concentrated on use of nanosilica, nanosulfur, nanoacephate, nanohexaconazole, nanozinc oxide, nanosilver in Agriculture and Veterinary sciences. Dr. Goswami has shown that intelligently designed nanoparticles can be effectively used as antidotes against stored grain pests. For a country like India, Dr. Goswami’s contribution will be a major boost for economy. During the last year, Arunava’s laboratory has generated a number of bioimaging materials and their work has been highlighted in the Nature India. Finally, I was always impressed to see that Arunava always has kept Indian agro- and veterinary industries’ need at the forefront and at the same time has done excellent work in basic sciences.

Proposer: Prof. Tapas Kumar Kundu, Seconder: Prof. Amitabh Joshi Ten Best Publications: 1. Mitra, S., Chandra, S., Patra, P., Pramanik, P., and Goswami, A. (2011) Novel fluorescent matrix embedded carbon quantum dots for the production of stable gold and silver hydrosols. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 21: 17638-17641. DOI:10.1039/c1jm13858h. (IF=5.099, CI=N/A) 2. Choudhury, S. R., Ghosh, M., Mandal, A., Chakravorty, D., Pal, M., Pradhan, S., Goswami, A. (2011) Surface-modified sulfur nanoparticles: an effective antifungal agent against Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 90(2):733-743.(IF=3.583, CI=02) 3. Mitra S., Chandra S., Laha D., Patra P., Debnath N., Pramanik A., Pramanik P., Goswami A.(2012) Unique chemical grafting of carbon nanoparticle on fabricated ZnO nanorod: Antibacterial and bioimaging property, Materials Research Bulletin, doi:10.1016/j.materresbull.2011.12.036 (IF=2.145, CI=N/A) 4. Rahman, A., Seth, D.,, SK., Brahmachary, RL., Ulrichs, C., Goswami, A. (2009) Surface functionalized amorphous nanosilica and microsilica with nanopores as promising tools in biomedicine. Naturwissenschaften. 96(1):31-8. (IF=2.317, CI=09) 5. Debnath, N., Mitra, S., Das, S., Goswami, A.(2012) Synthesis of surface functionalized silica nanoparticles and their use as entomotoxic nanocides. Powder Technology, 221: 252–256. doi: 10.1016/j.powtec.2012.01.009 (IF=1.887, CI=N/A) 6. Chandra, S., Mitra, S., Laha, D., Bag, S., Das, P., Goswami, A. and Pramanik, P. (2012) Fabrication of multi-structure nanocarbons from carbon xerogel: a unique scaffold towards bio-imaging. Chem. Commun., 47: 8587-8589. DOI: 10.1039/C1CC11848J (IF=5.78, CI=03) 7. Roy Choudhury, S., Roy, S., Goswami, A., Basu, S. (2012) Polyethylene glycol-stabilized sulphur nanoparticles: an effective antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, doi:10.1093/jac/dkr591 (IF=4.659, CI=02) 8. Goswami, A., Roy, I., Sengupta, S., Debnatha, N. (2010) Novel applications of solid and liquid formulations of nanoparticles against insect pests and pathogens. Thin Solid Films 519(3):1252-1257. (IF=2.02, CI=02) 9. Debnath, N., Das, S., Seth, D., Chandra, R., Bhattacharya, S., Goswami, A. (2011) Entomotoxic effect of silica nanoparticles against Sitophilus oryzae (L.). Journal of pest science 84(1):99-105. (IF=0.998, CI=04) 10. Seth, D., Choudhury, SR., Pradhan, S., Gupta, S., Palit, D., Das, S., Debnath, N., Goswami, A. (2011) Nature-inspired novel drug design paradigm using nanosilver: efficacy on multi-drug-resistant clinical isolates of tuberculosis. Curr Microbiol. 62(3):715-26. (IF=1.51, CI=N/A)

[ 152 ]

GUPTA, UMESH DATTA (b 1956), Scientist E , NJIL&OMD, Tajganj, Agra-282001

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology)

Dr.Umesh Gupta , Scientist E at National JALMA Institute for Leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases , Agra has been undertaking various studies related to use of different animal models in leprosy & tuberculosis. The work carried by him and his collaborators /Co-Workers has shown that viable M.leprae persist in the body for a long time after therapy which can be detected by normal mouse foot pad.the work has shown that this method is comparatively less sensitive than many modern molecular techniques and bioluminescent techniques. The information is thus clinically relevant. He has contributed significantly on assessing the effect of different types of new & conventional regimens designed for treatment of leprosy on viability of lepra bacillus.During recent years he and his group has been active in understanding the growth kinetics of drug sensitive as well as drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in animals ,specially with treatment with various chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The work of his group has shown that MRD strains of tuberculosis have normal growth kinetics in experimental animals, suggesting their capability to cause disease with same potential as drug sensitive organisms. His work is highly cited and also awarded by agencies like ICMR. Keeping his achievements of Dr Gupta , I am nominating him for Fellowship of National academy of Sciences(India),Allahabad.

Proposer: Dr.V.M.Katoch, Seconder : Dr Javed N Agrewala Ten Best Publications: 1. Katoch K, Katoch VM, Natrajan M, Sreevatsa, Gupta UD, Sharma VD, Shivanavar CT (2004). 10-12 years follow-up of highly bacillated BL/ LL leprosy patients on combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Vaccine 22 (27-28): 3649-57. (IF=3.3, CI=3) 2. Singh P, Wesley C, Jadaun GP, Malonia SK, Das R, Upadhyay P, Faujdar J, Sharma P, Gupta P, Mishra AK, Singh K, Chauhan DS, Sharma VD, Gupta UD, Venkatesan K, Katoch VM (2007). Comparative evaluation of Lowenstein-Jensen proportion method, BacT/ALERT 3D system, and enzymatic pyrazinamidase assay for pyrazinamide susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Clin Microbiol 45(1):76-80. (IF=3.945, CI=4) 3. Jain, R , Dey B, Dhar N, Rao V, Singh R, Gupta UD, Katoch VM, Ramanathan VD, Tyagi AK. (2008) Modulation of cytokine milieu in lungs by recombinant BCG over expressing Ag85C confers enhanced and long lasting protection against tuberculosis. PLoS One. 3(12): 1-11 (IF=4.0, CI=7) 4. Gupta A, Mol N, Mani J, Upadhyay P, Katoch VM, Natrajan M, Gupta UD, Bhaskar S. (2009). Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of M.w against M.tuberculosis in mice immunized with live M.w by aerosol or parenteral route and compared with killed M.w. Infect. Immun 77: 223-231 (IF=4.0, CI=2) 5. Saraogi GK, Gupta P, Gupta UD, Jain NK, Agrawal GP. (2009) Gelatin nano-carriers as potential vectors for effective management of tuberculosis. Int J Pharmaceutics 385(1-2): 143-149 (IF=3.061, CI=1) 6. Dey B, Jain R, Khera A, Rao V, Dhar N, Gupta UD, Katoch VM, Ramanathan VD and Tyagi AK (2010). Boosting with a DNA vaccine expressing ESAT-6 obliterates the protection imparted by recombinant BCG against aerosol Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in guinea pigs. Vaccine 28: 63-70 (IF=3.3) 7. Singh V, Gowthaman U, Jain S, Parihar P, Banskar B, Gupta P, Gupta UD and Agrewala JN. (2010). Coadministration of Interleukins 7 and 15 with Bacille Calmette-Gue´rin Mounts Enduring T Cell Memory Response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Infect Dis 202 (1 August) Early Online• 000 (IF=6.0) 8. Singh V, Jain S, Gowthaman U, Parihar P, Gupta P, Gupta UD and Agrewala JN. (2011). Co-administration of IL-1+IL-6+TNF-α with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infected macrophages Vaccine Induces Better Protective T cell Memory than BCG. PLoS One; 6(1): e16097 (1-12 (IF=4.1) 9. Gowthaman U, Singh V, Zeng W, Jain S, Siddiqui KF, Gurram R, Sathibabu C, Parihar P,Gupta P, Gupta UD, Jackson DC, Agrewala JN.(2011). Promiscuous peptide of 16 kDa antigen linked to Pam2Cys protects against M.tuberculosis by evoking enduring memory T cells response. J Infect Dis 204(9):1328-38 (IF=6.288) 10. Dey B, Jain R, Khera A, Gupta UD, Katoch VM, Ramanathan VD, Tyagi AK (2011). Latency Antigen α-crystalline based vaccination imparts a robust protection against TB by modulating the dynamics of pulmonary cytokines. PLoS ONE April 2011 |Volume 6 | Issue 4 | e18773 (IF=4.414, CI=NIL)

[ 153 ]

HABIB, SAMAN (b 1968), Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Molecular & Structural Biology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow – 226001 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Habib’s early work as an independent researcher helped understand activation of DNA replication ori in the baculovirus AcMNPV (J. Virol, 2000). At CDRI, she investigated housekeeping and metabolic functions of an intriguing organelle, the plastid (apicoplast) of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The apicoplast is essential for parasite survival and offers avenues for exploration of proteins and pathways for drug intervention against malaria. Her group has made very significant contributions to understanding apicoplast function. Dissection of the mechanism of DNA replication and organization of the apicoplast genome by her group led to the identification of specific ori elements, ori-binding proteins and gyrase subunits as well as establishment of the latter as drug targets (Mol. Biochem. Parasitol., 2003, 2005, 2007; Nucleic Acids Res., 2008; Mol. Microbiol., 2010). Her group established that the apicoplast is translationally active thus providing rationale for the use of prokaryotic translation inhibitors against malaria (Mol. Microbiol., 2005) and investigated molecular interactions between apicoplast translation factors and inhibitors (Int. J. Parasitol., 2011a; Trends Parasitol., 2011). Recent work from her lab has provided evidence for the existence of a unique SUF pathway for [Fe-S] cluster biogenesis in the apicoplast (Int. J. Parasitol., 2011b). In addition, comparative profiling of Indian populations and case-control studies under Habib’s leadership have helped understand the role of human genetic variation in host molecules involved in immune regulation, adhesion and rosetting of the malaria parasite in susceptibility/resistance to falciparum malaria in India (Malar J, 2008a, 2008b; Hum. Immunol., 2009, Evolution, 2011; Infect. Genet. Evol., 2011).

Proposer : Dr. C. M. Gupta, Seconder : Dr. Tushar K. Chakraborty Ten Best Publications: 1. Jha P, Sinha S, Kanchan K, Qidwai T, Narang A, Singh PK, Pati SS3, Mohanty D, Mishra SK, Sharma S, Awasthi S, Venkatesh V, Jain S, Basu A, Xu S, Indian Genome Variation Consortium, Mukerji M*, Habib S* (2012). Deletion of the APOBEC3B gene strongly impacts susceptibility to falciparum malaria. Infection, Genetics & Evolution 12:142-148. (IF=3.128, CI= 2) 2. Penman B, Habib S, Kanchan K, Gupta S (2011) Negative epistasis between + thalassaemia and sickle cell trait can explain inter population variation in South Asia. Evolution 65-12: 3625-3632. (IF= 5.146, CI=4) 3. Kumar B, Chaubey S, Shah P, Tanveer A, Charan M, Siddiqi MI and Habib S* (2011) Interaction between SufB and SufC: evidence for an iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis pathway in the apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum. International Journal for Parasitology 41: 991-999.(IF=3.393, CI=4) 4. Biswas S, Lim EE, Gupta A, Saqib U, Mir SS, Siddiqi MI, Ralph SA and Habib S* (2011) Interaction of apicoplast-encoded elongation factor (EF) EF-Tu with nuclear-encoded EF-Ts mediates translation in the Plasmodium falciparum plastid. International Journal for Parasitology 41: 417-427. (IF=3.393, CI=4) 5. Ambrish Kumar, Aiman Tanveer, Subir Biswas, EVS Raghu Ram, Ankit Gupta, Bijay Kumar and Habib S* (2010) Nuclear-encoded DnaJ homolog of Plasmodium falciparum interacts with replication ori of the apicoplast genome. Molecular Microbiology 75(4): 942-956.(IF=5.01, CI=9) 6. Raghu Ram EVS, Naik R, Ganguli M and Habib S* (2008) DNA organization by the apicoplast-targeted bacterial histone-like protein of Plasmodium falciparum. Nucleic Acids Research 36 (15): 5061-5073. (IF=8.026, CI=15) 7. Sinha S, Mishra SK, Sharma S, Patibandla PK, Mallick PK, Sharma SK, Mohanty S, Pati SS, Mishra SK, Ramteke BK, Bhatt RM, Joshi H, Dash AP, Ahuja RC, Awasthi S, Indian Genome Variation Consortium, Venkatesh V and Habib S* (2008) Polymorphisms of TNF-enhancer and gene for FcγRIIa correlate with the severity of falciparum malaria in the ethnically diverse Indian population. Malaria Journal 7:13. (IF=3.19, CI=35) 8. Raghu Ram EVS, Kumar A, Biswas S, Kumar A, Chaubey S, Siddiqi MI & Habib S* (2007) Nuclear gyrB encodes a functional subunit of the Plasmodium falciparum gyrase that is involved in apicoplast DNA replication. Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 154:30-39. (IF=2.551, CI=23) 9. Chaubey S, Kumar A, Singh D and Habib S* (2005) The apicoplast of Plasmodium falciparum is translationally active. Molecular Microbiology 56(1): 81-89. (IF=5.01, CI=33) 10. Habib S* and Hasnain SE (2000) Differential activity of two non-hr origins during replication of the baculovirus AcMNPV genome. Journal of Virology (2000) 74:5182-5189. (IF=5.402, CI=23)

[ 154 ]

KOMATH, SNEHA SUDHA (b 1968), ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, JAWAHARLAL NEHRU UNIVERSITY, NEW DELHI


Dr. Komath’s has contributed significantly to the area of glycobiology. Of her 42 research publications, 22 were published after she set up her independent lab at the School of Life Sciences, JNU (17 as corresponding author). Her lab’s major focus is GPI anchor biosynthesis in human pathogens. Besides demonstrating transcriptional co-regulation between two subunits of the multi-subunit enzyme complex involved in the first step of GPI anchor biosynthesis, her group demonstrated that this step is mutually regulated with ergosterol biosynthesis in Candida albicans. They also demonstrated a close link between GPI biosynthesis and hyphal-morphogenesis/ Ras signaling in the organism. These studies have important ramifications for controlling Candida infection and countering its drug-resistance. Her lab is also exploring the catalytic mechanism of the second step of the pathway, comparing it with enzymes from other organisms. They demonstrated a novel metal-independent general acid-base pair mechanism for the de-N-acetylase from Entamoeba histolytica. Dr. Komath continues her interest in lectins and adhesins. Her lab demonstrated that GPI anchor signal sequence of Als5 adhesin in C. albicans works not only as a flag for GPI attachment but also controls the functionality of the precursor protein. She has also gone on to demonstrate how this conformational change is effected in a protein such as Als5 which has a tendency to form amyloids. She also has productive collaborations with several research groups, using her expertise for exploring the mechanism of ATP hydrolysis in DNA-dependent ATPases and fungal multidrug-pumps. She was awarded the National Women Bioscientist Award, 2010.

Proposer : Prof. DEBI P. SARKAR, Seconder : Prof. BIRENDRA NATH MALLICK Ten Best Publications: 1. Yadav B, Bhatnagar S, Ahmad MF, Jain P, Pratyusha VA, Kumar P, Komath S.S. * 2014. First step of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis cross-talks with ergosterol biosynthesis and Ras signaling in Candida albicans. J Biol Chem. 289(6):3365-82. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M113.528802. Epub 2013 Dec 19 (if=5.1, ci=-) 2. Ashraf M, Sreejith P., Yadav U. and Komath S. S. *. 2013 Catalysis by N-acetyl-D-glucosaminylphosphatidylinositol de-N-acetylase (PIG-L) from Entamoeba histolytica: New roles for conserved residues. 2013. J. Biol. Chem. 288:7590-7595. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M112.427245. Epub 2013 Jan 22. (if=5.1) 3. Ashraf M., Yadav B., Sreejith, Kumar K. S., Vats D., Muthuswami R. and Komath S. S.*. 2011. The N-Acetyl-D-glucosaminyl phosphatidylinositol de-N-acetylase from Entamoeba histolytica: Metal alters catalytic rates but not substrate affinity. J. Biol. Chem. 286: 2543-2549. doi: 10.1074/jbc.C110.178343. (if=5.1, ci=2) 4. Victoria G.S., Yadav B., Hauhnar L., Jain P., Bhatnagar S.and Komath S.S.*. 2012. Mutual Co-Regulation Between GPI-N-acetylglucosaminyl Transferase and Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Candida albicans. Biochem. J. 443(3):619-25. (Identified by the Target Selection Group of Global Medical Discovery as a paper of particular interest for drug discovery: http://globalmedicaldiscovery.com/key-scientific-articles) (if=4.7, ci=2) 5. Ahmad M. F., Yadav B., Kumar P., Puri A., Mazumder M., Ali A., Samudrala S., Muthuswami R., and Komath S. S. *. 2012. The GPI anchor signal sequence dictates the folding and functionality of the ALS5 adhesin from Candida albicans. PLoS One 7(4):e35305.(if=4.54, ci=3) 6. Komath S. S.*, Kavitha M., Swamy M. J.* 2006. Beyond carbohydrate binding: New directions in plant lectin research. Org Biomol Chem. 4(6):973-88. (Review article; Most downloaded paper of the month in the journal) (if=3.65, ci=58) 7. Victoria G. S., Kumar P.and Komath S. S. *. 2010. The Candida albicans homolog of PIG-P: Gene dosage and role in growth and filamentation. Microbiology. 156, 3041-3051. (if=3.3, ci=5) 8. Oswal N, Sahni NS, Bhattacharya A, Komath S.S.*, Muthuswami R.* 2008. Unique motifs identify PIG-A proteins from glycosyltransferases of the GT4 family. BMC Evol Biol. Jun 4;8:168. (if=4.6, ci=1) 9. Nongkhlaw, M., Jha, D. K., Hockensmith, J.W., Komath, S.S.* and Muthuswami, R.* 2009. Elucidating the mechanism of DNA-dependent ATP hydrolysis mediated by DNA-dependent ATPase A, a member of the SWI2/SNF2 protein family. Nucleic Acid Research. 37(10):3332-41. Epub 2009 Mar 26. (if=7.4, ci=3) 10. Rai V, Gaur M, Kumar A, Shukla S, Komath S.S.* and Prasad R.* 2008. A novel catalytic mechanism for ATP hydrolysis employed by the N-terminal nucleotide-binding domain of Cdr1p, a multidrug ABC transporter of Candida albicans. Biochim Biophys Acta. (Biomembranes) 1778(10):2143-53. (if=4.1, ci=7)

[ 155 ]

KUKRETI, SHRIKANT (b.1963), Professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi -110007 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) The nominee, Dr Kukreti is an established investigator in the field of Nucleic acid Structural Biology. He has established that palindromic/quasipalindromic sequences, and tracts of polypurine/polypyrimidine sequences which often occur at genomic regulatory regions, exhibit structural polymorphism. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site present in a quasipalindromic sequence of -globin locus control region (LCR), containing G allele associated with occurrence of -thallessemia, exhibited a hairpin-duplex equilibrium. This possibility facilitates an architectural switching at quasipalindromic region between linear duplex to a cruciform structure. Such DNA structural variations are likely to be found in the mechanics of molecular recognition and manipulation by transcription factors/proteins possibly playing a role in gene regulation. Further, study at the polypurine stretch of human c-jun proto-oncogene has shown that near physiological pH and with a delicate balance of Na+ / K+ with Mg++ the duplex is destabilized/disproportionated, resulting in strand mediated structural transitions to the C- and G quadruplex species. One of the alternate DNA conformations known as triple helix provides sequence specific recognition of double helix DNA by oligonucleotides. Candidate has extensively worked on the stabilization feature of these exotic DNA structures and contributed to the development of triplex specific ligands. Reporting for the first time the structure of 3'-overhang of telomere DNA, he demonstrated the capacity of double repeat of human telomere sequence, to form G-quartet dependent antiparallel G quartet structures involving four telomeric ends.

Proposer: Prof. K. Muralidhar, Seconder: Prof. S. C. Bhatla Ten Best Publications: 1. Presence of divalent cation is not mandatory for the formation of intramolecular purine-motif triplex containing human c-jun protooncogene target. S. Kaushik, M. Kaushik, F. Svinarchuk, C. Malvy, S. Fermandjian, S. Kukreti ., Biochemistry (2011), Mar 7. In Press. (IF: 3.226). 2. Structural Diversity and Specific Recognition of four stranded G-quadruplex DNA. M. Kaushik, S. Kaushik, A. Bansal, S. Saxena, and S. Kukreti ., Current Molecular Medicine (2011), In Press. (IF: 5.096). 3. Structural polymorphism at LCR and its role in beta-globin gene regulation. S. Kukreti, H. Kaur, M. Kaushik, A. Bansal, S. Saxena, S. Kaushik, R. Kukreti., Biochimie, (2010), 92, 1199-206. (IF: 3.489; CI : 05). 4. Structural polymorphism exhibited by a homopurine.homopyrimidine sequence found at the right end of human c-jun protooncogene. S. Saxena, A. BansetS. Kukreti ., Arch Biochem Biophys. (2008),47,95-108. (IF: 3.046). 5. Possibility of an Antiparallel (Tetramer) Quadruplex Exhibited by the Double Repeat of the Human Telomere. M. Kaushik, A. Bansal, S. Saxena, S. Kukreti., Biochemistry. (2007),46,7119-7131. (IF : 3.226; CI : 12). 6. Structural polymorphism exhibited by a quasipalindrome present in the locus control region (LCR) of the human D-globin gene cluster. M. Kaushik and S. Kukreti., Nucleic Acids Research (2006), 34, 3511-3522. (IF; 7.479; CI : 7.479). 7. 'Hairpin-Duplex equilibrium reflected in AOB transition in an undecamer quasi-palindrome present in locus control region (LCR) of Human O-globin gene cluster. M. Kaushik, R. Kukreti, D. Grover, S. K. Brahmachari, and S. Kukreti ., Nucleic Acids Research (2003),31,6904-6915. (IF: 7.479; CI : 13). 8. Rational design of a triple helix specific intercalating ligand. C. Escude, C. Nguyen, S. Kukreti, J. S. Sun, E. Bisagni, T. Garestier and C. Helene. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA (1998), 95, 3591-3596. (IF: 9.432; CI: 33). 9. Triple helices formed at oligopyrimidine oligopurine sequences with base pair inversions: effect of a triplex-specific ligand on stability and selectivity. S. Kukreti, J.S.Sun, 'D.Loakes, D.M. Brown, C.H.Nguyen, E.Bisagni, T.Garestier, C. Helene. Nucleic Acids Res. (1998), 26, 2179-83. (IF: 7.479; CI : 23). 10. Extension of the range of DNA sequences available for triple helix formation: Stabilization of mismatched jriplexes by Acridine-containing oligonucleotides. S. Kukreti, J. S. Sun, T. Garestier and C. Helene. Nucleic Acid Research (1997), 25, 4264-4270. (IF: 7.497; CI: 32).

[ 156 ]

MANDE, SHARMILA SHEKHAR (b 1962), Principal Scientist and Head, Bio-Sciences R&D Division, Innovation Labs, Tata Consultancy Services Limited Pune Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) • Her recently published work on analysis of antibiotic resistance genes in the gut microflora of individuals has revealed interesting findings. The results have indicated not only geography/country-specific patterns, but also four distinct clusters of individuals (referred to as ‘Resistotypes’) that exhibited similarities in their antibiotic resistance profiles in their gut microbiota. • Her work on gut microbiome of Indian malnourished children has indicated an abundance of enteric pathogens which are known to cause intestinal inflammation. The study also suggests a few functional sub-systems from these pathogens which probably impact the overall metabolic capabilities of the malnourished child gut. • She has done an extensive computational analysis on the bacterial Type VI (T6SS) and VII (T7SS) secretion systems. The analysis for the first time was able to assign functional roles to most of the T6SS components. She could also propose a functional model of the T6SS. Her work on T7SS in M. tuberculosis has thrown lights on the probable novel functions of some of its components, including the role of a few proteins in the initial activation and formation of mycomembrane translocon. Based on this study, she was able to propose a working model of T7SS involving ESX-1 secretion pathway. • She has developed, published and patented a number of algorithms for analyzing metagenomic data. A number of research groups worldwide not only have used these methods as benchmark for validating their algorithms, but also utilized the same for analyzing their own metagenomic datasets.

Proposer : Dr J Gowrishankar, Seconder : Dr J Nagaraju (late) Ten Best Publications: 1. Tarini Shankar Ghosh, Sourav Sen Gupta, G Balkrish Nair and Sharmila S Mande* (2013) "In silico analysis of antibiotic resistance genes in the gut microflora of individuals from diverse geographies and age-groups." PLoS ONE, 8:e83823. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083823 (2013) (if=3.73) 2. Chandrani Das, Anirban Dutta, Hannah Rajasingh and Sharmila S Mande* (2013) Understanding the sequential activation of Type III and Type VI Secretion Systems in Salmonella typhimurium using Boolean modeling Gut Pathogen 5 (28), (2013) (if=2.74) 3. Sharmila S Mande*, Monzoorul Haque Mohammed, Tarini Shankar Ghosh (2012) “Classification of Metagenomic Sequences: Methods and Challenges.” Briefings in Bioinformatics. September 8, PMID: 22962338 (2012) (if=5.29, ci=9) 4. Monzoorul Haque Mohammed, Anirban Dutta, Tungadri Bose, Sudha Chadaram and Sharmila S Mande* (2012) “DELIMINATE – A fast and efficient method for loss-less compression of genomic sequences.” Bioinformatics 8 (19), 2527-2529 (2012) (if=5.32, ci=4) 5. Sourav Sen Gupta, Monzoorul Haque Mohammed, Tarini Shankar Ghosh, Suman Kanungo, G. Balakrish Nair and Sharmila S. Mande* (2011) “Metagenome of the gut of a malnourished child.” Gut Pathogen 3 (7), (2011) (if=2.74, ci=25) 6. Monzoorul Haque M, Tarini Shankar Ghosh, Nitin Kumar Singh and Sharmila S Mande* (2011) “SPHINX- An algorithm for taxonomic binning of metagenomic sequences.” Bioinformatics 27 (1), 22-30 (2011) (if=5.32, ci=27) 7. Chandrani Das, Tarini Shankar Ghosh and Sharmila S. Mande* (2011) Computational Analysis of the ESX-1 Region of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Insights into the Mechanism of Type VII Secretion System. PLoS ONE 6 (11): e27980 (2011) (if=3.73, ci=10) 8. Monzoorul Haque M, Tarini Shankar Ghosh, Dinakar Komanduri and Sharmila S Mande* (2009) “SOrt-ITEMS : Sequence Orthology based approach for Improved Taxonomic Estimation of Metagenomic Sequences.” Bioinformatics 25 (14), 1722-1730 (2009) (if=5.32, ci=75) 9. Sakshi Shrivastava and Sharmila S Mande* (2008) “Identification and functional characterization of gene components of Type VI Secretion System in bacterial genomes.” (if=3.73, ci=74) 10. Sharmila S Mande, Steve H Sarfaty, Mark Allen, Richard N Perham and Wim G J Hol (1996) Protein-protein interactions in the pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex: dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase complexed with the binding domain of dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase. Structure 4, 277-286 (1996) (if=6.347, ci=107)

[ 157 ]

NAIR, SUDHA (b.1959), Senior Director, JRD Ecotechnology Centre, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, 3rd Cross St, Taramani Industrial Area, Chennai - 600032 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) She heads a team, which is one of the Nationally and Internationally recognized groups, which probes the microbial diversity of the rhizosphere organisms especially PGPR's tolerant to stressed conditions like increased salinity and drought - the areas of concerns with climate change implications. The research results have been taken to the field and have been adopted in the INM and IPM practices. The technology thus developed has been de mystified and Self Help Group members have set small-scale units to manufacture and deliver them at the farmer's fields. Seven such units have been established. She has several publications in peer-reviewed journals. As the head of the JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre she leads a multidisciplinary team in coordinating action research and capacity building programmes at grass roots (farmers/women and youth) under the "Biovtaqe" (people centered paradigm of sustainable development) programme to strengthen livelihoods and works with more than 10,000 women and 8,000 farmers. This approach has been scaled to a watershed level through the Bio-industrial Watershed approach. She set up the first Women's Biotechnology Park in -Chennai for Women Entrepreneurs. Post Tsunami she also coordinated the setting up of the Fish for All training Centre at Poompuhar in 2009, a coastal village, to help in the value chain approach for strengthening the livelihoods of the fishing communities with a special focus on women. She works at the Policy level to improve the visibility of women in science and science for women both at the National and International level.

Proposer: Prof. M. S. Swaminathan, Seconder: Prof. Ajay Parida Ten Best Publications: 1. Chinnaswamy Appunu, Vaiyapuri Ramalingam Prabavathy and Sudha Nair 2010. Phylogenetic diversity of rhizobia associated with horsegram [Macrotyloma uniflorurn (Lam.) Verdc.] grown in South India based on glnll, recA and 16S-23S intergenic sequence analyses, Current Microbiology 2011,62,1230--1238. (IF :7.5). 2. N. Rameshkumar, Elke Lang and Sudha Nair 2010. Mangrovibacter plantisponsor gen., nov., sp. nov., a novel diazotrophic bacterium associated with wild rice (Porteresia coarctata Tateoka). Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol.Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 60 , 179-186. (IF: 2.113). 3. N. Rameshkumar and Sudha Nair. 2009. Isolation and molecular characterization of antagonistic diazotrophic red-pigmented vibrios from different mangrove rhizospheres FEMS Microbiol Ecol. 67: 455-467. (IF: 3.598). 4. Chinnaswamy Appunu, Narayanasamy Sasirekha, Vaiyapuri Ramalingam Prabavathy and Sudha Nair, 2009. A significant proportion of indigenous rhizobia from India associated with soybean (Glycine max L.) distinctly belong to Bradyrhizobium and Ensifer genera. Biology and Fertility of Soils BioI. Fertil. Soils 46: 57-63. (IF: 1.757). 5. Rameshkumar, N., Youhei Fukui, Tomoo Sawabe, and Sudha Nair. 2008. Vibrio porteresiae sp. Nov., a Novel Diazotrophic Bacterium isolated from a Mangrove Associated Wild Rice (Porteresia coarctata Tateoka). International Journal of Systematic Evolutionary Microbiology 58:1608-1615. (IF: 2.113). 6. Diby Paul and Sudha Nair. 2008. Stress adaptations in plant growth promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR) with increasing salinity in the coastal agricultural soils. Journal of Basic microbiology. 48: (5); 378-384. (IF: 1.32). 7. Bharath Kumar, S., Diby Paul and Sudha Nair. 2008. Microbial Diversity of Culturable Heterotrophs in the Rhizosphere of Salt Marsh Grass, Porteresia Coarctata. Journal of Basic Microbiology. 48: 10-18. (IF: 1.32). 8. Bharath Kumar, S., N. Rameshkumar, Diby Paul, V. R. Prabavathy and Sudha Nair. 2008. Characterisation of the Predominant Bacterial Population of Different Mangrove Rhiozsphere Soils Using 16S rRNA Gene-based Single-Stranded Confirmation Polymorphism (SSCP). World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 24: 387-394. (IF: 1.08). 9. Rameshkumar, N., Sudha Nair, Stefan Langer, Hans-Jurgen Busse and P. Kampfer. 2008. Altererythrobacter indicus sp. nov., Isolated from Wild Rice (Porteresia coarctata Tateoka). International Journal of Systematic Evolutionary Microbiology. 58: 839-844. (IF: 2.113). 10. Rameshkumar, N. and Sudha Nair. 2007. Vibrio rhizosphaerae sp. nov., a Red-pigmented Bacterium that Antagonizes Phytopathogenic Bacteria. Intemational Journal of Systematic Evolutionary Microbiology. 57: 2241-2246. (IF=: 2.113).

[ 158 ]

PANCHANADHAM, SACHDANANDAM (b 1952), Professor, Dept. of Medical Biochemistry, Dr ALM P.G IBMS, University of Madras,Sekkizhar Valaaham, Taramani, Chennai – 600 113 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and most costly, yet they are the most preventable. Professor Dr P. Sachdanandam, has been working on these issues by treating chronic diseases with the use of Siddha drugs. Herbal formulations prepared in his laboratory and also on the role of supplementary drugs, thereby lending scientific credentials for the use of such drugs. He has carried out extensive research in the field of Cancer, Arthritis and Diabetes and through his meticulous research work he has proved the anti cancer, anti diabetic and anti arthritic potential of these drugs which have helped him bring about 114 publications to his credit. He has written a chapter with the title “Various pharmacological effects of Kalpaamruthaa” in an International book entitled " Phyllanthus species: Scientific Evaluation and Medicinal Applications" published by CRC Press, USA - Edited by Dr. Roland Hardman, University of Bath, UK. He has also worked on supplemental therapy of Coenzyme Q10, Riboflavin and Niacin (CoRN) and Selenium supplementation thereby nullifying the deleterious consequences of prolonged use of Tamoxifen. It is a pleasure to mention that his constant search and contribution for research has gained him recognition from Tamil Nadu Academy of Science and Technology in the form of TANSA AWARD for Basic Medical Sciences for the year 2011, conferred on him. Presently he is working in the field of Type 2 Diabetes mellitus induced cardiovascular complications

Proposer: Prof. S. P. Thyagarajan, Seconder : Prof. M. Santappa Ten Best Publications: 1. Umarani M, Shanthi P, Sachdanandam P. Antioxidant activity of Kalpamruthaa might mediate its anticancer effects. Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 5, 238-239 May 2008 (IF=4.520, CI=5) 2. Yuvaraj S, Premkumar V G, Shanthi P, Vijayasarathy K, Gangadaran S G, Sachdanandam P. Effect of Coenzyme Q10, Riboflavin and Niacin on Tamoxifen treated postmenopausal breast cancer women with special reference to Blood chemistry profiles. Breast Cancer Res Treat, 2008 Apr 22: 377-84 (IF=4.859 , CI= 7) 3. Premkumar V.G, Yuvaraj S, Shanthi P, Sachdanandam P. CoenzymeQ10, riboflavin and niacin supplementation on alteration of DNA repair enzyme and DNA methylation in breast cancer patients undergoing tamoxifen therapy. Br J Nutr 2008 Apr 1:1-4. (IF=3.072, CI=6) 4. Mythilypriya, R., Shanthi, P., Sachdanandam, P. Efficacy of Siddha formulation Kalpaamruthaa in ameliorating joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis in rats. Chem Biol Interact, 2008 Aug 3:176:243-251. (IF=2.832, CI= 4) 5. Yuvaraj S, Premkumar VG, Vijayasarathy K, Gangadaran SG, Sachdanandam P. Augmented antioxidant status in Tamoxifen treated postmenopausal women with breast cancer on co-administration with Coenzyme Q10, Niacin and Riboflavin. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2008 May; 61(6):933-41 (IF=2.759, CI=4) 6. Thangaraju, M., Ramesh Babu, J., Vasavi, H., Illanchezhian, S., Vinitha, R. and Sachdanandam, P. The salubrious effect of tamoxifen on serum marker enzymes glycoprotein and lysosomal enzymes level in Breast cancer women. Mol Cell Biochem. 1998;185:85-94. (IF=2.168, CI=4) 7. Babu, J.R., Sundaravel,S., Arumugam, G., Renuka, R., Deepa, N. and Sachdanandam, P. Salubrious effect of vitamin C and vitamin E on tamoxifen treated women in breast cancer with reference to plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels. Cancer letters 2000;151: 1-5(IF=4.864, CI=8) 8. Thangaraju, M., Kumar, K., Gandhirajan, R. and Sachdanandam, P. Effect of Tamoxifen on Plasma Lipids and Lipoproteins in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer. Cancer1994; 73: 659-663. (IF=2.88, CI=4) 9. Ramprasath VR, Shanthi P, Sachdanandam P. Therapeutic effects of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut milk extract on the changes associated with collagen and glycosaminoglycan metabolism in adjuvant arthritic Wistar rats. Chem Biol Interact. 2006 Jul 25;162(1):43-52 (IF=2.832, CI=5) 10. Arulkumaran S, Ramprasath VR, Shanthi P, Sachdanandam P. Restorative effect of Kalpaamruthaa, an indigenous preparation, on oxidative damage in mammary gland mitochondrial fraction in experimental mammary carcinoma. Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Oct; 291(1-2):77-82. (IF=2.168, CI=5)

[ 159 ]

RAYCHAUDHURI, SAUMYA (b 1967), Principal Scientist and CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh


Dr. Saumya is known to me for almost 13 years. He joined IMTECH way back in 2001 after completing his three years (1997-2000) in two different US labs. In US, he got an exposure in the field of RNA biology and Gene therapy with Late Prof. James (Jim) Ofengand and Richard L Hurwitz respectively. After joining IMTECH, he started working in the field of molecular microbiology using Vibrio cholerae as a model organism. His first project was to examine the outcome of an interaction between a protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) and Vibrio cholerae (Vc). While doing the interactive project on Eh and Vc, he got interested in a fundamental phenomenon of microbial world known as quorum sensing. Currently, his lab focuses on the structural and functional evaluation of quorum sensing regulatory proteins and their natural variants. In addition, his lab also focuses on the development and utilization of Sacchromyces cerevisiae, the budding yeast a model system to gain functional insight of known virulence factors and use this system to define and identify new virulence determinants from Vibrios and other pathogenic bacteria. Recently, he has developed an interest in understanding the biology of commesal E.coli with respect to gut microbiome. Collectively, he has initiated many new areas in Imtech to understand the biology of commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Until now, he has published 19 publications in reputed peer reviewed international journals. The 10 best research publications are included here covering various areas of his work.

Proposer : Dr. Pradip K Chakraborti, Seconder : Dr. Girish Sahni Ten Best Publications: 1. Raychaudhuri S, Conrad J, Hall BG, Ofengand J. A pseudouridine synthase required for the formation of two universally conserved pseudouridines in ribosomal RNA is essential for normal growth of Escherichia coli. RNA. 1998 Nov; 4(11): 1407-17. (if=6.05, ci=117) 2. Raychaudhuri S, Niu L, Conrad J, Lane BG, Ofengand J. Functional effect of deletion and mutation of the Escherichia coli ribosomal RNA and tRNA pseudouridine synthase RluA. J Biol Chem. 1999 Jul; 274(27): 18880-6. (if=7.66, ci=80) 3. Gutgsell NS, Del Campo MD, Raychaudhuri S, Ofengand J. A second function for pseudouridine synthases: A point mutant of RluD unable to form pseudouridines 1911, 1915, and 1917 in Escherichia coli 23S ribosomal RNA restores normal growth to an RluD-minus strain. RNA. 2001 Jul; 7(7): 990-8. (if=4.50, ci=60) 4. Saumya Ray Chaudhuri, Joshua N Mallam, Patricia Chévez-Barrios, Lalita Wadhwa1,Philip Ng, Mary Y. Hurwitz, and Richard L. Hurwitz: Modulation of Adenoviral Transduction In Vitro and In Vivo by Hyaluronan and its receptor CD44. Molecular Therapy 2007 Mar;15(3):566-70. (if=5.64, ci=8) 5. Saumya Raychaudhuri*, Vibhu Jain and Mitesh Dongre: Identification of a constitutively active variant of LuxO that affects production of HA/protease and biofilm development in a non-O1, non- O139 Vibrio cholerae O110. Gene, 2006 Mar 15; 369:126-33.(if=2.72, ci=22) 6. Ranjana Tripathi, Chetna Dureja, Swati Haldar, Alok K Mondal, and Saumya Raychaudhuri*. VopF, a type III effector protein from a non-O1, non-O139 V. cholerae strain demonstrates toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. J Med Microbiol 2010 Jan; 59(Pt 1):17-24. (if=2.38, ci=5) 7. Dongre M, Singh NS, Dureja C, Pedda N, Solanki AK, Ashish, Raychaudhuri S*. Evidence on how a conserved glycine in the hinge region of HapR regulates its DNA binding ability: lessons from a natural variant. J Biol Chem. 2011 Apr 29; 286 (17):15043-9.(if=4.77, ci=1) 8. Khatri N, Khatri I, Subramanian S, Raychaudhuri S*. Ethanolamine utilization in Vibrio alginolyticus. Biol Direct. 2012 Dec 12; 7 (1):45. [Epub ahead of print] (if=4.017, ci=1) 9. Singh R, Rathore YS, Singh NS, Peddada N, Ashish, Raychaudhuri S*. Substitution of Glutamate Residue by Lysine in the Dimerization Domain Affects DNA Binding Ability of HapR by Inducing Structural Deformity in the DNA Binding Domain. PLoS One. 2013 Oct 14;8(10):e76033. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076033. (if=4.0) 10. Tripathi R, Kaithwas V, Dureja C, Raychaudhuri S*. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis of WH2 domains of VopF reveals residues important for conferring lethality in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. Gene. 2013 Aug 1; 525(1):116-23. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.04.071. Epub 2013 May 13. (if=2.37, ci=1)

[ 160 ]

RISHI, PRAVEEN (b 1958), Professor, Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh


ln view of the emerging drug resistance in the pathogens as well as difficulty in keeping pace with the discovery of newer antibiotics, Prof. (Mrs). Praveen Rishi has been working in the field of various biotherapeutics. These include the agents both from prokaryotic (mainly probiotics) and eukaryotic origin (Paneth cell cryptdin-2; a novel therapeutic agent) to combat Salmonellosis (J Antimicrob Chemother,2010, PloS Neg Trop Dis 2011, Antimicrob Agents Chemother,2011), in addition to various polyphenolic compounds to ameliorate endotoxin mediated liver damage (Immunobiol, 2009; Innate Immun, 20l2:PloS One,2011). Since the in-vivo use of nisin and EDTA combination against Gram negative organisms is questionable, her recent work has also shown that (i) nisin adds value to the efficacy of conventional antibiotics (PloS One, 2013: I.F-3.67, JAC 2014: I.F-5.3) and hence can be used as one of the strategies to combat various Gram negative infections. (ii) In collaboration with IMTECH, Chandigarh, she has developed a gold nano based immunobiosensor to detect typhoid fever for which the patent has been filed and the inventors are in the process of transferring technology to the industry. She has several completed/ongoing research projects funded by various agencies. Dr. Rishi has 96 research publications to her credit. She has been the Fellow of Association of Microbiologists of India (FAMI- 2009) and Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists (FABMS-2011). In view of her consistent outstanding work in the field of Microbiology, recently Prof. Rishi has been conferred Dr. Y.S Narayana Rao Oration Award by Indian Council of Medical research (ICMR).

Proposer : Dr. Javed N. Agrewala, Seconder : Prof. K.K. Bhasin Ten Best Publications: 1. Rishi P, Singh A, Arora S, Garg N, Kaur IP. (2013).Revisting anti-infective eukaryotic biotherapeutics. Critical. Rev Micro. DOI : 10.3109/1040841X.2012.749210. (if=6.27) 2. Rishi P, Preet S, Bharrhan S & Verma I (2011) In vitro and in vivo synergy of cryptdin-2 and ampicillin against Salmonella. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 55(9):4176-4182. (if=4.67, ci=7) 3. Bharrhan S, Koul A, Chopra K & Rishi P (2011) Catechin suppresses an array of signalling molecules and modulates alcohol-induced endotoxin mediated liver injury in a rat model. PLoS One 6(6): e20635. (if=4.41, ci=21) 4. Preet S., Verma, I. & Rishi, P. (2010) Cryptdin-2: a novel therapeutic agent for experimental Salmonella infection. J. Antimicrob Chemother 65 (5): 991-994, (if=4.35, ci=13) 5. Rishi, P., Mavi, S.K., Bharrhan S, Shukla, G., Tewari, R. (2009) Protective efficacy of probiotic alone or in conjunction with prebiotic in Salmonella-induced liver damage. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 69(2): 222-230, (if=3.59, ci=33) 6. Gupta, A., Vij, G., Sharma, S., Tirkey, N., Rishi, P., Chopra, K. (2009) Curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant, attenuates chronic fatigue syndrome in murine water immersion stress model. Immunobiology. 214(1): 33-39. (if=4.11, ci=26) 7. Chanana, V., Majumdar, S., Rishi, P (2007). Involvement of caspase-3, lipid peroxidation and TNF- in causing apoptosis of macrophages by coordinately expressed Salmonella phenotype under stress conditions. Mol. Immunol. 44: 1551-1558, (if=3.20, ci=13) 8. Chanana, V., Ray, P., Rishi, D.B. and Rishi, P. (2007) Reactive nitrogen intermediates and monokines induce caspase-3 mediated macrophage apoptosis by anaerobically stressed Salmonella typhi. Clin. Exp. Immunol. 150 (2): 368-374. (if=3.00, ci=13) 9. Kaur, G., Tirkey, N., Bharrhan, S., Chanana, V., Rishi, P. and Chopra, K. (2006) Inhibition of oxidative stress and cytokine activity by Curcumin in amelioration of Endotoxin-induced experimental hepatotoxicity in rodents. Clin. Exp. Immunol. 145(2): 313-321, (if=3.00, ci=73) 10. Tabaraie, B., Sharma, B.K., nee Sharma P.R., Seghal, R., and Ganguly, NK (1994). Evaluation of Salmonella porins as a broad spectrum vaccine candidate. Microbiol. Immunol. 38(7) 553–559, (if=1.56, ci=46)

[ 161 ]

SARKAR, DIBYENDU (b 1968), Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR- Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh


It is my pleasure to propose Dr. Dibyendu Sarkar as a nominee for the fellow of National Academy of Science India (NASI, Allahabad). During past eight years Dr. Sarkar and his group has been studying function of PhoP-PhoR system of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which regulates unknown virulence determinants in human and mouse macrophages or in mice. They showed residue-specific phosphotransfer between PhoP and PhoR proteins, identified genetic determinants recognized by PhoP (Gupta et al., 2006), and established a relatively unusual head-to-head orientation of two PhoP protomers on the target DNA site (Gupta et al., 2009). While their work also showed that a single amino acid of PhoP and a single base-pair of the target DNA as primary determinants of sequence-specific PhoP-DNA interactions (Das et al., 2010), their finding that phosphorylation switch the transactivation domain to a different conformation, raised the possibility that PhoP, may be capable of adopting different orientations as it binds to a vast array of genes to activate or repress transcription (Sinha et al., 2008). Consistent with this view, they established dual mode of promoter recognition by PhoP (Pathak et al., 2010), a concept which is central to understanding how PhoP functions as a global regulator of M. tuberculosis and regulates complex lipid biosynthesis to contribute to the cell shape and morphology of the tubercle bacilli (Goyal et al., 2011). Together, his work has generated potentially significant body of work which provides mechanistic insights into how PhoP contributes as a global regulator of M. tuberculosis.

Proposer : Dr. Girish Sahni, Seconder : Dr. Pradip Chakraborti Ten Best Publications: 1. Sarkar, D., Radman-Livaja, M. and Landy, A. (2001) The small DNA binding domain of Integrase is a context-sensitive modulator of recombinase functions. EMBO Journal 20, 1203-1212 (if=10.08, ci=51) 2. *Wojciak,J.M., *Sarkar, D., Landy,A. and Clubb, R.T. (2002) Arm-site binding by λ-Integrase: Solution structure and functional characterization of its amino-terminal domain. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 99, 3434-3439 (* both contributed equally) (if=9, ci=58) 3. Sarkar, D., Azaro, M.A., Aihara, H., Papagiannis, C., Tirumalai, R., Nunes-Duby, S.E., Johnson, R.C., Ellenberger, T., and Landy, A. (2002) Differential affinity and cooperatives functions of the amino-terminal 70 residues of λ Integrase. J Mol Biol 324, 775-789 (if=4.89, ci=29) 4. Gupta, S., Sinha, A. and Sarkar, D. (2006) Transcriptional autoregulation by Mycobacterium tuberculosis PhoP involves recognition of novel direct repeat sequences in the regulatory region of the promoter. FEBS Letters 580, 5328-5338 (if=3.372, ci=33) 5. Sinha, A., Gupta, S., Bhutani, S., Pathak, A., and Sarkar, D. (2008) PhoP-PhoP Interaction at Adjacent PhoP Binding Sites Is Influenced by Protein Phosphorylation. J Bacteriol 190, 1317-1328 (if=3.68, ci=13) 6. Gupta, S., Pathak, A., Sinha, A., and Sarkar, D. (2009) Mycobacterium tuberculosis PhoP recognizes two adjacent direct-repeat sequences to form head-to-head dimers. J Bacteriol 191, 7466-7576 (if=3.94, ci=6) 7. Das, A., Pathak, A., Sinha, A., Datt, M., Singh, B., Karthikeyan, S., and Sarkar, D. (2010) A single amino acid substitution in the C terminus of PhoP determines DNA-binding specificity of the virulence-associated response regulator from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Mol Biol 398, 647-656 (if=3.871, ci=4) 8. Pathak, A., Goyal, R., Sinha, A. and Sarkar, D. (2010) Domain structure of virulence-associated response regulator PhoP of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: role of the linker region on regulator-promoter interaction(s). J Biol Chem 285, 34309-34318 (if=5.328, ci=2) 9. Goyal, R., Das, A. K., Singh, R., Singh, P. K., Korpole, S., and Sarkar, D. (2011) Phosphorylation of PhoP protein plays direct regulatory role in lipid biosynthesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J Biol Chem 286, 45197-45208 (if=5.328, ci=3) 10. Das, A. K., Anil Kumar, V., Sevalkar, R. R., Bansal, R. and Sarkar, D. (2013) Unique N-terminal arm of Mycobacterium tuberculosis PhoP plays an unusual role in its regulatory function. J Biol Chem 288, 29182-29192. (if=5.328, ci=0)

[ 162 ]

MAYIL RAJ, SHANMUGAM (b 1966), Principal Scientist, MTCC, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh


It gives me great pleasure in writing this recommendation letter testifying to the capabilities and potential of Dr. S. Mayilraj who is an applicant for Election of Fellows of The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI). I know him for the past twenty years since he joined as a Scientist at Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC). His strong foundations in theoretical and practical aspects of bacteriology and microbiology supported his keenness in microbial diversity related work and so for his PhD he selected the research group of Dr. Tapan Chakrabarti at IMTECH, Chandigarh, who was pursuing study of bacterial diversity from various niches of India and Prof. Harvinder Singh Saini of GNDU, Amritsar. In his tenure as a PhD student the focus was “Polyphasic approaches to study bacterial diversity of cold Himalayan desert”. For the past twelve years his group has been studying the bacterial diversity of the Lahaul-Spiti valley, marine niches and described lot of novel bacterial taxa. His group also having collaboration with NASA and described few novel bacteria isolated from a clean room where the Phoenix spacecraft was assembled; So far he has proposed more than 60 novel bacterial taxa of Indian origin. Recently he has started working on comparative genomic analysis of novel taxa and completed eighteen whole genome sequencing and analysis and papers has been published in Genome announcement, Genomics data and Standards in genomic sciences. For his contributions he has been awarded the following awards: • MIRCEN-UNESCO Fellow (1998); • DFG-INSA Fellow (2005); • NASA Technical Brief Award (2008); • Raman Research Fellow (2009); • CSIR-DAAD Fellow (2012); • JSPS Fellow (2012)

Proposer : Dr. Javed N Agrewala, Seconder : Dr. G P S Raghava Ten Best Publications: 1. Praveen Kaul, Anirban Banerjee, S.Mayilraj & Uttam C. Banerjee* (2004). Screening for enantioselective nitrilases: kinetic resolution of racemic mandelonitrile to (R) – (-)-mandelic acid by new bacterial isolates. Tetrahedran: Asymmetry, 15, 207- 211. (if=2.143, ci=83) 2. Parag Vaishampayan, Alexander Probst, Srinivasan Krishnamurthi, Sudeshna Ghosh, Shariff Osman, Alasdair McDowall, Arunachalam Ruckmani, Shanmugam Mayilraj & Kasthuri Venkateswaran* (2010). Bacillus horneckiae sp. nov., isolated from a clean room where the Phoenix spacecraft was assembled. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol, 60: 1031-1037. (if=2.1, ci=24) 3. Land, M.; Lapidus, A.; Mayilraj, S.; Chen, F.; Copeland, A.; Del Rio, T.G.; Nolan, M.; Lucas, S.; Tice, H.; Cheng, J.; Chertkov, O; Bruce, D; Goodwin, L; Pitluck, S.; Rohde, M.; Göker, M; Pati, A.; Ivanova, N.; Mavromatis, K; Chen, A; Palaniappan, K.; Hauser, L.; Chang, Y.; Jeffries, C.C.; Brettin, T.; Detter, G.C.; Han, C.; Chain, P.; Tindall, B.J.; Bristow, J.; Eisen, J.A.; Markowitz, V.; Hugenholtz, P.; Kyrpides, N.C. & Hans-Peter Klenk (2009). Complete genome sequence of Actinosynnema mirum type strain (101T). Standards in Genomic Sciences, 1: 46-53. (if=2.01, ci=20) 4. Bajaj, Abhay; Pathak, Ashutosh; Mudiam, Mohankrishna; Mayilraj, Shanmugam; Manickam,Natesan (2010). Isolation and characterization of a Pseudomonas sp. strain IITR01 capable of degrading α-endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate. Journal of Applied Microbiology; 109: 2135–2143. (if=2.1, ci=13) 5. Pankaj Kumar Arora, Archana Chauhan, Bhawana Pant, Suresh Korpole, Shanmugam Mayilraj and Rakesh Kumar Jain (2011). Description of Chryseomicrobium imtechense gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Planococcaceae. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 61: 1859-1864 (if=2.1, ci=2.1) 6. Revti Raichand., Siddhika Pareek., Nitin Kumar Singh and Shanmugam Mayilraj* (2012). Exiguobacterium aquaticum sp. nov., a new member of the genus Exiguobacterium. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol; 62: 2150-2155 (if=2.1, ci=7) 7. Kurt LaButti, Shanmugam Mayilraj, Alicia Clum, Susan Lucas, Tijana Glavina Del Rio, Matt Nolan, Hope Tice, Jan-Fang Cheng, Sam Pitluck, Konstantinos Liolios, Natalia Ivanova, Konstantinos Mavromatis, Natalia Mikhailova, Galina Ovchinnikova, Amrita Pati, Lynne Goodwin, Amy Chen, Krishna Palaniappan, Miriam Land, Loren Hauser, Yun-Juan Chang, Cynthia D. Jeffries, Manfred Rohde, Stefan Spring, Markus Göker, Tanja Woyke, James Bristow, Jonathan A. Eisen, Victor Markowitz, Philip Hugenholtz, Nikos C. Kyrpides, Hans-Peter Klenk* & Alla Lapidus (2010). Permanent draft genome

[ 163 ]

sequence of Dethiosulfovibrio peptidovorans type strain (SEBR 4207T). Standards in Genomic Sciences, 3: 85-92. (if=2.01, ci=7) 8. Soniya Dhanjal, Ishwinder Kaur, Suresh Korpole, Peter Schumann, Swaranjit Singh Cameotra, Rüdiger Pukall, Hans-Peter Klenk and Shanmugam Mayilraj* (2011). Agrococcus carbonis sp. nov., a novel species of the genus Agrococcus isolated from coal mine soil sample. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol; 61: 1253-1258. (if=2.1, ci=6) 9. Hope Tice, Shanmugam Mayilraj, David Sims, Alla Lapidus, Matt Nolan, Susan Lucas, Tijana Glavina Del Rio, Alex Copeland, Jan-Fang Cheng, Linda Meincke, David Bruce, Lynne Goodwin, Sam Pitluck, Natalia Ivanova, Konstantinos Mavromatis, Galina Ovchinikova, Amrita Pati, Amy Chen, Krishna Palaniappan, Miriam Land, Loren Hauser, Yun-Juan Chang, Cynthia D. Jeffries, John C. Detter, Thomas Brettin, Manfred Rohde, Markus Göker, Jim Bristow, Jonathan A. Eisen, Victor Markowitz, Philip Hugenholtz, Nikos Kyrpides, Hans-Peter Klenk* and Feng Chen (2010). Complete genome sequence of Nakamurella multipartita type strain (Y-104 T). Standards in Genomic Sciences, 2: 168-175. (if=2.01, ci=6) 10. Shanmugam Mayilraj, Anna H. Kaksonen, Ralf Cord-Ruwisch, Peter Schumann, Cathrin Spröer, Brian J. Tindall & Stefan Spring* (2009). Desulfonauticus autotrophicus sp. nov., a novel thermophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium isolated from oil-production water and emended description of the genus Desulfonauticus. Extremophiles. 13 (2), 247-255. (if=2.2, ci=6)

[ 164 ]

SINGH, RAMA KANT (b.1957), Senior Assistant Director, Division of Toxicology, Central Drug Research Institute, Chattar Manzil Palace, Lucknow - 226001 Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) A new simple occlusive and non-invasive male contraceptive method has been developed. It is first method which is developed by Dr. Singh in India i.e. RISUG. RISUG composed of styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) which is injected in vas deferens of male for attain a contraceptive effect. Before a new drug is released, clinical trials in humans the sub acute and chronic safety evaluation studies are done' in at least two species of rodents and one species of non-rodents i.e. monkeys. Dr. Singh did the sub acute and chronic safety evaluation studies in rats and rhesus monkeys. Male mediated teratogenic potential of SMA was conducted in rats and rabbits. A new contraceptive, SMA was selected for study;' being in contact with water the acid anhydride component was hydrolyzed. The time required for hydrolysis in experimental studies was one week. The polymer after injection with cellular secretion and forms a stable precipitate within the lumen and makes the environment such that the spermatozoa passing through were killed. SMA a temporary means of contraception to be used with either the percutaneous or non-scalped techniques uses the new polymer styrene maleic anhydride, When injected into the Vas deferens this polymer lowers the pH of the vas deferens enough SMA was injected to coat the vas but riot block it. The polymer immediately attaches itself to the walls of the vas in a thin film and then kills the sperm passing by 'it instead of blocking all sperm passage. This method not occlusive and keeps the vas in an essentially undamaged and natural state. In subacute and chronic toxicity studies, RISUG was safe. No male mediated teratogenic potential was seen in animals. He also evaluated for carcinogenic and Multigeneration teratogenic potential of RISUG and no such potential was proved in his studies. Even at molecular toxicity level, no adverse effect was found (R K. Singh, 2009; '2010 a, b). On the basis of his conclusions, clinical trials on RISUG were successfully completed and it is likely to come very soon in the GLOBAL MARKET FOR HUMAN USE. " ON THE BASIS OF RESEARCH WORK ON "RISUG", DR R K. SINGH DESERVES FOR THE NOMINATION FOR ELECTION AS FELLOW OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, INDIA, ALLAHABAD.

Proposer: Dr. Vinod Bhakuni, Seconder: Dr. Tushar Kanti Chakraborty Ten Best Publications: 1. N. Sethi, R K. Srivastava and R K. Singh, 1998, Safety evaluation of a male injectable antifertility agent, styrene maleic anhydride in rats. Contraception, 39:217-226. 2. N. Sethi, R K. Srivastava, R K. Singh and D. Nath, 1990, Long-term toxicity studies of styrene maleic anhydride in rats. Biomed Environ Sci, 3:452-457, 3. N. Sethi, R K. Srivastava and R K. Singh, 1990, Histological changes in the vas deferens of rats after injection of a new male antifertility agent "SMA" and its reversibility. Contraception, 41 :333- 339. 4. N. Sethi, R K. Srivastava and R K. Singh, 1990, Male mediated teratogenic potential evaluation of new antifertility compound SMA in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Contraception, 42:215-223. 5. N. Sethi, R K. Srivastava, R K. Singh, G. S. Bhatia and N. Sinha, 1990,Chronic toxicity of styrene maleic anhydride, a male contraceptive, in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Contraception, 42:337-347. 6. N. Sethi, R K. Srivastava, D. Nath and R K. Singh, 1992, Teratological evaluation of an injectable male antifertility agent, styrene maleic anhydride in rats. Int J Fertil, 37: 183-188. 7. N. Sethi, R K. Srivastava, R K. Singh and S. Srivastava, 1990, Safety evaluation of a potent tetanus vaccine (250 Lf) in guinea pigs (Cavia procellus), Biomed Environ Sci, 3:1-8. 8. N. Sethi, R K. Srivastava and R K. Singh, 1991, Teratological evaluation of a new potent vaccine (250 Lf) in Charles Foster rats. Pharmacol Toxicol, 68:226-227. 9. N. Sethi, R K. Srivastava and R K. Singh, 1991, Teratogenicity studies of a new potent tetanus vaccine in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Biomed Environ Sci, 4:327-331. 10. N. Sethi, K. Agarwal, R K. Singh and V. K. Bajpai, 1988, Effect of 24 mm levonorgestrel IUD on uterine endometrium of female rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatta. Contraception, 37:99-108.

[ 165 ]

SURI, CHANDER RAMAN, (b. 1958), Sr Scientist, Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh - 160036

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology)

Dr. C. Raman Suri is Chief Scientist and head of the Nanobiotechnology group at Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh. He was awarded PhD in Biotechnology from Panjab University, Chandigarh. His research aims to be the driving force for bioanalysis oriented applications of current nanobiotechnology science. His work focused mainly on the development of bioreceptor molecules, integration of these molecules into nanostructures, and developing ultra-sensitive biosensing platforms for various applications in clinical and environmental sciences. He has made a significant contribution in this frontier area, and has developed successfully a few immunosensing techniques (Optical, BIOMEMS, and Electrochemical) for ultra-sensitive detection of different analytes of interest. Rapid immunochromatographic based biosensors for pesticides, drugs and pathogens are the products of this integration with great interest for several applications that aim at a significant improvement of the quality of citizen’s life. He has recently published many refereed papers in reputed international journals having high impact factor. One of his very recent work “Enhancing electrochemical detection on graphene oxide-CNT nanostructured electrodes using magneto-nanobioprobes” has been published in Nature Scientific Report. Following of his work, a low cost LASER ablated immunosensor kit for pesticide analysis (patent filed), has got wide publicity in all leading newspapers and magazines, and has conferred many nominations to his team (DST-Lockhead award 2013, MIT TR35 award-2013). Dr. Suri has been member of project task forces of DBT (Bioengineering) and DST (Mol. Electronics/Biosensors), member-editorial board of a few national and International journals, and also visiting fellow/scientist in several European and USA universities/Institutes.

Proposer : Dr Javed Agrewala, Seconder : Dr G P S Raghav 1. K V S Singh, Jasdeep Kaur, Grish C Varshney, Manoj Raje and C Raman Suri. Synthesis and characterization of hapten-protein conjugates for antibody production against small molecules, Bioconjug. Chem. (2004) 377, 220-224. (IF=4.93, CI=107) 2. Jasdeep Kaur, K V S Singh, Robin Boro Grish C Varshney, Manoj Raje and C Raman Suri, Immunochromatographic Dipstick Assay Format using Gold Nanoparticles Labeled Protein-Hapten Conjugate for the Detection of Atrazine, Environ. Science & Technology (2007) 41 (14), 5028 –5036. (IF=5.228, CI=52) 3. C Raman Suri*, Y. Nangia, S. Gandhi, P. Sharma, N Wangoo and G S Shekhawat. Immunoanalytical techniques for analyzing pesticides in the environment, Trends in Anal. Chem. (2009) 28, 29- 39. (IF=6.27, CI=40) 4. Nishima Wangoo, K. K. Bhasin, Robin Boro and C. Raman Suri*. Facile synthesis and functionalization of water-soluble gold nanoparticles for a bioprobes, Anal. Chim. Acta, 610 (2008), 142-148. (IF=4.55, CI=25) 5. Nishima Wangoo, K K Bhasin and C. Raman Suri*. Synthesis and capping of water-dispersed gold nanoparticles by an amino acid: Bioconjugation and binding studies, J Collidal & Inter. Sci. (2008) 323, 247-254 (IF=3.07, CI=55) 6. Sonu Gandhi, Neena Caplash, Prince Sharma, C. Raman Suri*. Strip-based immunochromatographic assay using specific egg yolk antibodies for rapid detection of morphine in urine samples, Biosensor & Bioelectronics (2009) 25, 502–505. (IF=5.609, CI=21) 7. Nishima wangoo, Jyotsna Kaushal, K K Bhasin and C Raman Suri*. Zeta potential based colorimetric immunoassay for the direct detection of diabetic marker HbA1c using gold nanoprobes, Chem. Comm. (2010) 46, 5755 - 5757. (IF=5.718, CI=12) 8. Priyanka Sharma, Kavita, S., V Bhalla and C Raman Suri, A novel disposable electrochemical immunosensor for phenyl urea herbicide diuron, Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2011) 4209-4212. (IF=5.609, CI=10) 9. Priyanka Sharma and C Raman Suri*. Biotransformation and biomonitoring of phenylurea herbicide diuron. Bioresource Technology (2011) 102, 3119–3125 (IF=4.98, CI=5) 10. Priyanka Sharma, V. Bhalla, V. Dravid, G. Shekhawat, Jinsong-Wu, E. Senthil Prasad and C. Raman Suri. Enhancing electrochemical detection on graphene oxide-CNT nanostructured electrodes using magneto-nanobioprobes, Scientific Reports (Nature Publication) 2012, 2, 877. doi:10.1038/srep00877

[ 166 ]

AMIRTHANAYAGAM, HANNAH RACHEL VASANTHI (b 1971), Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry India Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including) Dr. Hannah Vasanthi has been actively engaged in teaching and research activities for the past two decades. She received the BOYSCAST Fellowship from DST in 2007 to enrich her research in the field of New Drug Development followed by the Tamilnadu Young Women Scientist Award in Medical Sciences and Native Medicine. In 2009, she was awarded the Fellow Title of the Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists (FABMS) for her contribution to Biomedical Sciences followed by the Agasthiyar award in 2013. She has 60 papers in reputed journals and some book chapters to her credit. She has presented in more than 85 conferences/seminars. She established the Herbal & Indian Medicine Research Laboratory at Sri-Ramachandra University conducting research and also offered consultancy services. She has handled major funding projects in the scientific validation of few polyherbal formulations under the Industry- Institutional Partnership programme. One such study has bloomed as a patent and the technology has been transferred to Arvind Remedies Ltd. She has hands on experience in sophisticated analytical equipments. As a teacher and Ph. D guide she has inculcated research aptitude in students and is capable of capacity building of good researchers. Presently owing to her credentials she is placed at the Dept of Biotechnology, Pondicherry University, since Sept 2010 till date working on Drug Development and Medicinal Chemistry. Off-late her expertise in animal experimentation and biomedical research has been utilised as an expert member in research advisory committees and the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of research institutes and medical colleges.

Proposer : Prof. S.P.Thyagarajan, Seconder : Dr. N. Gautham Ten Best Publications: 1. In vitro antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of crude polysaccharide from Turbinaria ornata (brown alga) Food and Chemical Toxicology. (2010); 48 : 187 – 192. (if=3.010, ci=57) 2. Potential health benefits of broccoli - A chemico-biological overview Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry. (2009); 9 : 749-759(if=2.622, ci=35) 3. Antilipoperoxidative and membrane stabilizing effect of diosgenin, in experimentally induced myocardial infarction. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. (2009); 327 : 203-210 (if=2.329, ci=22) 4. Phytochemicals from plants to combat cardiovascular disease Current Medicinal Chemistry. (2012); 19 : 2242-2251 (if=4.07, ci=17) 5. Potential role of Borreria hispida in ameliorating cardiovascular risk factors. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology. (2009); 53 : 499-506 (if=2.383, ci=10) 6. Development and validation of an HPTLC method for simultaneous estimation of excitatory neurotransmitters in rat brain. Journal of Liquid Chromatography and Related Technologies. (2007); 30 : 2891-2902 (if=0.953, ci=10) 7. Tinospora cordifolia attenuates oxidative stress and distorted carbohydrate metabolism in experimentally induced type 2 diabetes in rats. Journal of Natural Medicines. (2011); 65 : 544-550 (if=1.516, ci=6) 8. Dynamic action of carotenoids in cardioprotection and maintenance of cardiac health. Molecules. (2012); 17 : 4755-4769 (if=2.428, ci=5) 9. Anti-ulcer role of herbomineral siddha drug - Thamira parpam on experimentally induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. Human and Experimental Toxicology. (2010); 29 : 161-173. (if=1.453, ci=5) 10. Anomalous behavior of pentacoordinate copper complexes of dimethylphenanthroline and derivatives of terpyridine ligands: Studies on DNA binding, cleavage and apoptotic activity. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. (2011); 46 : 608-617. (if=3.499, ci=24)

[ 167 ]

BALARAM, HEMALATHA (b. 1956) Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre of Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore - 560064

Member of the NASI : No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology)

Main focus of study in the nominee’s laboratory has been on protein structure and molecular enzymology with particular reference to enzymes of the malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Detailed kinetic and mechanistic investigations have provided significant insight into the catalytic functions of the enzymes involved in purine nucleotide metabolism leading to the characterization of new drug targets. The specific enzymes of the pathway that the group has been examining are hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase1,2, adenylosuccinate synthetase3-5, adenylosuccinate lyase6,7, guanosine monophosphate synthetase8-10 and 5’ purine nucleotidase11. The group has also worked towards the understanding of catalysis by P. falciparum Sir2, an NAD dependent deacetylase12-15 and triosephosphate isomerase16. In addition, the laboratory has been examining the cross-talk between purine nucleotide metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. These studies have led to the identification of a novel pathway, operative in the intraerythrocytic stages of the parasite that recycles of fumarate to aspartic acid17. 1. Raman J et al., (2005) FEBS J. 272,1900-11. 2. Gayathri P et al., (2008) PROTEINS 73,1010-20. 3. Isai E., et al., (2004) J.Mol.Biol. 335, 1251-64. 4. Mehrotra S, Balaram H. (2007) Biochemistry 46,12821-32. 5. Mehrotra S, Balaram H. (2008) Biochim Biophys Acta. 1784, 2019-28. 6. Bulusu V et al., (2009) Biochim Biophys Acta. 1794, 642-54. 7. Bulusu V et al., (2011) Mol Biochem Parasitol. 177, 1-11. 8. Bhat JY et al., (2008) Biochem. J. 419, 263-73. 9. Bhat JY et al., (2011) Biochemistry 50, 3346-56. 10. Bhat JY et al., (2011) FEBS J. 278, 3756-68. 11. Srinivasan B, Balaram H. (2007) In Silico Biol. 7,187-93. 12. Chakrabarty SP et al., (2008) Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 158,139-51. 13. Chakrabarty SP et al., (2009) Bioorg. Med. Chem. 17, 8060-72. 14. Chakrabarty SP, Balaram H. (2010) Biochim Biophys Acta. 1804, 1743-50. 15. Chakrabarty SP et al., (2011) Curr. Mol. Med. 11, 709-18. 16. Samanta M et al., (2011) Chembiochem.12, 1886-96. 17. Bulusu V et al., (2011) J Biol Chem. 286, 9236-45.

Proposer : Prof. M.R.S. Rao, Seconder : Prof. G. Padmanabhan 1. Bhat JY, Venkatachala R, Singh K, Gupta K, Sarma SP and Balaram H. Ammonia channeling in Plasmodium falciparum GMP synthetase: investigation by NMR spectroscopy and biochemical assays. Biochemistry. (2011) 50, 3346-56. (IF= 3.226) 2. Bhat JY, Venkatachala R and Balaram H. Substrate-induced conformational changes in Plasmodium falciparum guanosine monophosphate synthetase. FEBS J. (2011) 278, 3756-68. (IF= 3.129) 3. Bulusu V, Thakur SS, Venkatachala R and Balaram H. Mechanism of growth inhibition of intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum by 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR). Mol Biochem Parasitol. (2011) 177, 1-11. (IF= 2.963) 4. Bulusu V, Jayaraman V and Balaram H. Metabolic fate of fumarate, a side product of the purine salvage pathway in the intraerythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum. J Biol Chem. (2011) 286, 9236-45. (IF= 5.328) 5. P. Gayathri, I.N. Sujay Subbayya, Chethan S. Ashok, T. Senthamizh Selvi, Hemalatha Balaram and M.R.N. Murthy. Crystal structure of a chimera of human and Plasmodium falciparum hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferases (HGPRTs) provides insights into oligomerization. PROTEINS (2008) 73, 1010-20. (IF= 3.73) 6. Sonali Mehrotra and Hemalatha Balaram. Kinetic characterization of adenylosuccinate synthetase from the thermophilic archaea Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. Biochemistry (2007) 46,12821-32. (IF= 3.633) 7. Gayathri P, Balaram H, Murthy M. Structural biology of plasmodial proteins. Curr. Opin. Struct. Biol. (2007) 17,744-54. (Imapct factor 9.804) 8. Bhat JY, Shastri BG, Balaram H. Kinetic and biochemical characterization of Plasmodium falciparum guanosine 5'-monophosphate synthetase. Biochem. J. (2008) 419, 263-273. (IF= 4.371) 9. Jayalakshmi Raman, Chethan S. Ashok, Sujay Subbayya I.N., Ranjith P. Anand, Senthamizh Selvi T. and Hemalatha Balaram. Plasmodium falciparum hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase: Stability studies on the product activated enzyme. FEBS J. (2005) 272,1900-11.(IF= 3.033) 10. E.Isai, Jayalakshmi Raman, Ranjit Prasad Anand, Gayathri Pillai, K.Sumathy Hemalatha Balaram and M.R.N. Murthy. Crystal structure of fully ligated adenylosuccinate synthetase from Plasmodium falciparum. J.Mol.Biol. (2004) 335, 1251-64. (IF= 4.146)

[ 168 ]

COWSIK, SUDHA MAHAJAN (b 1950), Professor,School of Life sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru university, New Delhi-110067


Professor Sudha Mahajan Cowsik has made significant contributions towards establishing a structural basis of the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs, peptide hormones, neuropeptides and amyloid peptides involved in neurodegenerative disease states and therapies. Among her other notable contributions are determination of membrane bound molecular structures of a number of peptide hormones and all major neuropeptides from the Tachykinin family. These structures are novel and are the first ever reported membrane induced structures. Her pioneering work has revived the use of perdeutrated lipid/detergent micelles in field of membrane biology. She has also developed computational methods and algorithms to visualize biomolecular topographies, pharmacophore patterns, receptor surfaces besides modeling of G-Protein coupled receptors(GPCR) leading to structure based drug design. She is a lead guest editor (special issue) of International Journal of Peptides and member of editorial board of Open access Structural Biology Journal, USA and adhoc reviewer for Biochemistry (USA), Journal of Physical Chemistry (USA), Biochemistry (USA), Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics (USA). She has contributed to capacity building of Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology. Her work has been received more than 300 citations during the last ten years.

Proposer : Professor Amit Sharma, Seconder : Professor R. Madhu Bala Ten Best Publications: 1. Maria L. Ghirardi, Sudha Mahajan, Sudhir K. Sopory, Marvin Edelman and Autar K. Mattoo, ‘Photosystem II reaction center particle from Spirodela stroma lamellae’. Journal of Biological Chemistry 268, 5357-5360, (1993). (if=5.58, ci=11) 2. Sudha M. Cowsik, Christian Lucke and H.Ruterjans, ‘Lipid induced conformation of substance P’, J. Biomolecular Str. and Stereodynamics, 15: 27-36, (1997). BMRB: 20101 (if=4.98, ci=41) 3. S.Mukhopadhyay, Sudha M.Cowsik, Andrew M. Lynn, W.W.Welsh and Allyn Howlett, ‘Regulation of G by CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor C-Terminal juxtamembrane region: Structural requirements determined by Peptide Analysis’, Biochemistry, 38: 3447-3455( 1999). (if=3.4, ci=43) 4. C.Rani. Grace, Andrew M. Lynn and Sudha M. Cowsik, Lipid induced conformation of tachykinin peptide kassinin', J. Biomolecular Str. And Stereodynamics, 18(4):611-625(2001). PDBID:1MYU (if=4.98, ci=19) 5. C.Rani Grace, Indu Chandrasheker and Sudha M. Cowsik. ‘Solution conformation of the tachykinin peptide Eledoisin’. Biophysical J. 84 (1): 655-664(2002). PDBID: 1MXQ (if=5.03, ci=27) 6. Indu Chandrashekar and Sudha M. Cowsik, ‘Three Dimensional Structure of the mammalian Tachykinin peptide Neurokinin A bound to lipid micelles.’ Biophysical J. 85(6): 4002-4011 (2003) PDBID: 1N6T (if=5.03, ci=24) 7. Indu R Chandrashekar, Anjali Dike and Sudha M Cowsik., ‘Membrane induced structure of the mammalian tachykinin Neuropeptide gamma’. Journal of Structural biology, 148: 315-325 (2004) (if=4.1, ci=17) 8. Anjali Dike and Sudha M Cowsik., ‘Membrane induced structure of Scyliorhinin I: A dual NK1/NK2 agonist’. Biophysical Journal. 88: 3592-3600 (2005). PDBID: 2NOU (if=5.03, ci=12) 9. Anjali Dike and Sudha M Cowsik, ‘Three dimensional structure of Neuropeptide K bound to dodecylphosphocholine micelles’. Biochemistry 45 (9), 2994 –3004 (2006) PDBID: 2B19 (if=3.4, ci=15) 10. C.Rani.Grace, Sudha M. Cowsik, Allyn C. Howlett and W.J.Welsh, Conformational Characterization of a peptide mimetic of the fourth cytoplasmic loop of the G-protein coupled cannabinoid receptor. Journal of Structural biology 159(3): 359-368 (2007). PDBID: 2BOY (if=4.1, ci=16)

[ 169 ]

DAS GUPTA, SUJOY KUMAR (b 1961), Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, Bose Institute, Kolkata – 700054 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) The nominee’s laboratory is working in the area of Genomics of Mycobacterial Plasmids and Mycobacteriophages. Viruses and Plasmids have long evolutionary history and they have contributed significantly towards the evolution of life through horizontal transfer mechanisms. The Viral and Plasmid metagenomes possess large collections of unknown genes which could be transferred to their hosts resulting in the evolution of new strains, some of which could be potentially pathogenic. The nominee has a special interest in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative of agent of TB. Based on his experience in the area of Mycobacterial molecular biology he has taken up Plasmids and Phages of Mycobacteria as model systems to investigate the existence of novel genes and genetic networks. One of his research areas is focused on the Mycobacterium fortuitum plasmid pAL5000. This plasmid represents an entire family found in bacteria belonging to the ancient phylum Actinobacteria. Replication of pAL5000 is mediated by two plasmid encoded replication proteins RepA and RepB. Recently the Nominee’s lab has reported a novel finding that RepB is a stand alone Helix-turn-Helix domain protein and that there is an evolutionary connection between Extra-Cytoplasmic Response (ECF) family of Sigma factors and RepB. The findings open up the intriguing possibility that there is a distant evolutionary connect between the Replication and Transcription, and that these two fundamental DNA transaction processes evolved by recruiting single domain proteins from a common ancestral pool that possibly existed at the time when the Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) emerged.

Proposer : Prof. Bhabatarak Bhattacharyya, Seconder : Prof. Pinakpani Chakrabarti Ten Best Publications: 1. Basu, A., Chawla-Sarkar, M., Chakrabarti, S. and Das Gupta, S. K. (2002). Origin binding activity of the mycobacterial plasmid pAL5000 replication protein RepB is stimulated through interactions with host factors and coupled expression of repA. J. Bacteriol. 184: 2204-14. (IF=3.8, CI=20) 2. Basu, A., Chakrabarty, S., and Das Gupta, S. K. (2004). Translational coupling to an upstream gene promotes folding of the mycobacterial plasmid pAL5000 replication protein RepB, into an active structure resulting in increased origin binding activity. J. Bacteriol. 186: 335-342. (IF=3.8, CI=12) 3. Abhik Saha, Archna Sharma, Amlanjyoti Dhar, Bhabatarak Bhattacharyya, Siddhartha Roy, and Sujoy K. Das Gupta 2005. Antagonists of Hsp16.3, a small molecular weight mycobacterial chaperon and virulence factor, derived from phage-displayed peptide libraries. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 71(11):7334-44 (IF=3.8, CI=8) 4. Sharma, S., Saha, A., Bhattacharjee, S., Majumdar, S. and Das Gupta S. K. (2006). Specific and randomly derived immunoactive peptide mimotopes of mycobacterial antigens. Clin. Vaccine Immunol. 13 (10): 1143-54. (IF=2.45, CI=14) 5. Mandal S, Chaterjee S, Dam B, Roy P, and Das Gupta S K. (2007) The dimeric repressor SoxR binds cooperatively to the promoter(s) regulating expression of the sulfur oxidation (sox) operon of Pseudaminobacter salicylatoxidans KCT001. Microbiology, 153: 80-91. (IF=3.06, CI=14) 6. Dam, B., W. Ghosh, and S. K. Das Gupta. 2009. Conjugative Type 4 secretion system of a novel large plasmid from the chemoautotroph Tetrathiobacter kashmirensis and construction of shuttle vectors for Alcaligenaceae. Appl Environ Microbiol 75:4362-73..(IF=3.8, CI=4) 7. Chatterjee S, Basu A, Basu A, Das Gupta SK. (2007) DNA bending in the mycobacterial plasmid pAL5000 origin-RepB complex. J Bacteriol. 189(23):8584-92 (IF=3.8, CI=1) 8. Giri N, Bhowmik P, Bhattacharya B, Mitra M, Das Gupta S. K. Mycobacteriophage D29 gene 65 encodes an early expressed protein that functions as a structure specific nuclease. J. Bacteriol. 2009, 191, 958-967. (IF=3.8, CI=1) 9. Basu, A., S. Chatterjee, S. Chatterjee, and S. K. Das Gupta. An Evolutionary link between the mycobacterial plasmid pAL5000 replication protein RepB and Extra Cytoplasmic Function (ECF) family of sigma factors. J Bacteriol., 2012, 194, 1331-1341 (Impact factor, 3.8, cited 1) (IF=3.8, CI=1) 10. Bandyopadhyay, B., T. Das Gupta, D. Roy, and S. K. Das Gupta. DnaK dependence of the mycobacterial stress-responsive regulator HspR is mediated through its hydrophobic C-terminal tail. J Bacteriol, 2012, 194:4688-97. (IF=3.8, CI=)

[ 170 ]

DHARMESH, SHYLAJA MALLAIAH (b 1957), Principal Scientist, Group IV (4) CSIR- Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology including)

Dr. Shylaja M Dharmesh has contributed significantly in the area of Biochemistry with special reference to Molecular & Cell Biology, Structural - functional studies and Microbiology & Immunology. She has unraveled the mechanism of regulation of lutropin hormone for the first time and provided exclusive evidence for tight regulation by specific glycosyl transferases(3). Also she unraveled the evolutionary (2,5) and developmental (6) significance of this hormone and demonstrated the co-ordinated expression of glycosyl transferases (4). Further Dr. Shylaja has put her efforts in understanding the potential key molecule involved in metastasis (7,10) in order to find a potential step for intervention. She provided evidence for explicit role of galectin-3 during metastasis by human studies (10). Involvement of galectin-3 in all kinds of cancer patients was also demonstrated and results throw light on the potentiality of galectin-3 to use as a diagnostic marker for metastasis. Molecular cloning and expression of galectin-3 together with identification of one of the most potent anti-metastatic molecule from Decalepis hamiltonii provided evidence for the effective blockade of metastasis. Structure – function analysis revealed the role of arabinogalactans in galectin-inhibitory property together with the molecular modulation such as down regulation of galectin-3, BCl-2, matrixmetalloproteinases & NFkB and upregulation of P53, caspases etc. Parallel studies could identify also multi-potent ulcer/oxidant blocker molecule from dietary sources (8,9); their mechanism of action (7) against H+K+-ATPase activation, invasion of Helicobacter pylori and gastric mucosal damage (10). A food formulation has been validated for malnutrition and malnutrtion induced disease susceptibility.

Proposer : Prof. H.SHEKAR SHETTY, Seconder : DR. G.A. RAVISHANKAR Ten Best Publications: 1. Smith, P.L., Skelton, T.P., Fiete, D., Dharmesh, S.M., Beranek, M.C., Macphael, L., Broze, G.J., and Baenzinger, J.U. (1992) : The Asparagine Linked Oligosaccharides on tissue factors pathway inhibitor Terminates with SO4-4 galNAC b1,4 GlcNAC b1,2 man a, Journal biological chemistry (if=4.651, ci=70) 2. Dharmesh, S.M. and Baenziger, J.U. (1993): Estrogen modulates expression of the glycosyltransferase that synthesize sulfated oligosaccharides on lutropin. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 90, 11127-11131. (if=9.737, ci=59) 3. Dharmesh, S.M., Skelton, T.P. and Baenziger, J.U. (1993): Co-ordinate and Restricted expression of the ProXaa Arg/Lys-specific GalNAC-transferase and the GalNAC b1,4, GlcNAC b1,2 Man a-4 sulfotransferase. J. Biol. Chem. 268, 17096-17102 (if=4.651, ci=62) 4. Manzella, S.M., Dharmesh, S.M., Beranek, M.C., Swanson, P., and Baenziger, J.U. (1995): Evolutionary conservation of the sulfated oligasaccharides on vertebrate glycoprotein hormones that control circulatory half life. J. Biol. Chem. 270, 21665-21671 (if=4.651, ci=41) 5. Manzella, S.M., Dharmesh S.M., Cohick, C.B., Soares, M.J. and Baenziger, J.U. (1997): Developmental regulation of a pregnancy-specific oligosaccharide structure, NeuAca2,6GalNAcb1,4GlcNAc, on select members of the rat placental prolactin family. J. Biol. Chem. 272, 4775-4782 (if=4.651, ci=32) 6. Sathisha, U.V., Smitha, J., Harish Nayaka, M.A., Dharmesh, S.M. (2007): Inhibition of Galectin – 3 mediated cellular interactions by pectic polysaccharides from dietary sources. Glycoconjugate J., 24, 497 – 507 (if=2.5, ci=43) 7. Chethan, S. and Shylaja, M. Dharmesh and Nagappa, G. Malleshi (2008) Inhibition of aldose reductase from cataracted eye lenses by finger millet(Eleusine coracana) polyphenols. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 16. pp. 10085-10090 (if=3.151, ci=33) 8. Srinivas L1, Shalini VK, Shylaja M. 1992.Turmerin: a water soluble antioxidant peptide from turmeric [Curcuma longa]. Arch Biochem Biophys. 292:617-23. (if=3.37, ci=110) 9. Siddaraju, M.N., and Dharmesh, S.M. (2007): Inhibition of gastric H+-K+-ATPase and H. Pylori growth by phenolic antioxidants of Zingiber officinale. Mol. Nutrition & Food Res. 51, 324 – 332. (if=4.31, ci=57) 10. Nethravathi, G.P., Sathish, U.V., and Dharmesh, S.M., Shashirekha, M.N. and Rajarathnam, S. (2006): Antioxidant activity of Indigenous Edible Mushrooms, J.Agric.Food.Chem. 54, 9764 – 9772 (if=2.981, ci=89)

[ 171 ]

GUPTA, RANI (b.1957), Head, Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi - 110021 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) The nominee, Prof Rani Gupta is known to me for that last more than twenty five years. She is an active researcher in the field of microbial enzymes and her contribution in the field of lipases and proteases are well recognized. She has deposited several bacteria and yeast strains to the national culture collections. Her major contribution besides fermentation optimization for several enzymes is the discovery of novel peptide which interacts with serine proteases and assists in prion degradation. She has demonstrated the action of peptide on diseased tissue in collaboration with NIMHANS, Bangalore. The peptide has also been observed to decrease the load of Alzheimer plaque when tested at National Brain Research Institute, Gurgaon on cell culture study. Besides this, a chimeric bifunctional keratinase has been developed in her laboratory which is a fusion protein between y-glutamyl trans peptidase and subtilisin. This is a novel report of biotechnological significance in developing sulfide free greener process for leather processing. In addition, this novel enzyme has been demonstrated to be a prospective ungual enhancer for topical applications and thus can also solve the major challenge of drug permeabilization through nail keratin. Her work was appreciated at National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and was recommended for filing US patent which is in process. In addition, process of technology transfer of an enzyme based kit for detection of chemical adulterants in milk is also in progress through NRDC. Overall her research capabilities are beyond doubt and I strongly recommend her nomination.

Proposer: Prof. Anil Grover, Seconder: Prof. Indranil Dasgupta Ten Best Publications: 1. Micropial keratinases and their prospective applications: An overview. (2006). Gupta, R and Ramnani P. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 70: 21-33. (IF: 3.004; CI: 45) 2. Bacterial alkaline proteases: molecular approaches and industrial applications. Gupta R, Beg QK and Lorenz P. (2002). Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology.59 (1): 15-32. (IF: 3.004; CI : 195) 3. Medium optimization for a novel 58 kDa dimeric keratinase from Bacillus Iicheniformis ER-15: Biochemical characterization and application in feather degradation and dehairing of hides, Ekta Tiwary and Rani Gupta, Bioresource technology DOI:10.1016/j.biortech.2010:02090. (IF :4.45) 4. Kinetic modulation of Trichosporon asahii MSR 54 lipase in presence of organic solvents: Altered fatty acid specificity and reversal' of enantioselectivity during hydrolytic reactions, S. Suresh Kumar, Naresh Arora, Raj Bhatnagar, Rani Gupta (2009). Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic 59: 41-46. (IF: 2.801) 5. A thiol-activated lipase from Trichosporon asahii MSR 54: Detergent compatibility and presoak formulation for oil removal from soiled cloth at ambient temperature, S. Suresh Kumar, Lalit Kumar,' Vikram Sahai, Rani Gupta (2009), Journal of Industrial Microbiology Biotechnology, 36:427-432. (IF : 2.091) . 6. Keratlnolytic potential of Bacillus Iicheniformis RG1: Structural and Biochemical mechanism of feather degradation. Ramnani, P., Singh, R and Gupta, R (2005). Canadian Journal of Microbiology. 51: 191-196. (IF: 1.103) 7. A simple activity staining protocol for lipases and esterases. Singh, R, Gupta, N:, Goswarni, V. and Gupta R (2006). Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 70: ,679-682. (IF: 3.004) 8. Single step purification of lipase from Burkholderia multivorens using polypropylene matrix. Gupta, N., Rathi, P., Singh, R, Goswami, V.K. and Gupta, R (2004). Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. (IF :3.004) 9. Optimization of medium composition for keratinase production on feather by Bacillus licheniformis RG1 using statistical methods involving response surface methodology. Ramnani, P and Gupta, R. (2004): Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry. 42: 191-196. (IF: 1.28) 10. Simplified para-nitrpphenylpalmitate assay for lipases and esterases. Gupta, N., Ratbi, P. and Gupta, R (2002). Analytical Biochemistry. 311: 98-99. (IF: 3.088)

[ 172 ]

KARANDE, ANJALI ANOOP (b 1953), Professor, Departmetn of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012


Anjali Karande’s research group was the first to establish that, glycodelin-A, a progesterone-regulated, human endometrial glycoprotein, triggers apoptosis in activated T cells (Mukhopadhyay et al., 2001), monocytes (Alok et al., 2008) and NK cells (Alok & Karande, 2009), thereby contributes to mechanisms that protect the fetal allograft from maternal immune attack. They have delineated the signaling triggered by glycodelin in immune cells that lead to cell death (SundarRaj et al, 2008, 2009, Soni and Karande, 2010, 2012) and have established the relevance of glycosylation (Mukhopadhyay et al., 2004, Jayachandran et al., 2004, 2005, Poornima & Karande, 2007) in the manifestation of this activity. Their observations have not only contributed to the understanding of the immunological paradox of pregnancy, but have also paved the way to explore the feasibility of using glycodelin in the management of graft rejection. Anjali’s group has also unraveled the signaling cascade triggered by Abrin, a ribosome inactivating protein (Narayanan et al, 2004, 2007; Mishra & Karande, 2014) and the structural basis for reduced activity of another related toxin, Abrus agglutinin (Bagaria et al., 2006). The group delineated a new pathway of cellular trafficking of abrin and immunotoxins in cells (Gadadhar et al, 2013, 2014). In the context of abrin being considered a biological warfare agent, one monoclonal antibody established in the laboratory neutralizes toxin activity in cells and more importantly in mice (Surendranath and Karande, 2008). Identification of the epitope (Bagaria et al., 2013) has opened the door to design of inhibitors of the toxin.

Proposer : Prof Addicam Jagannadha Rao, Seconder : Prof H.S. Savithri Ten Best Publications: 1. Mukhopadhyay, D., Sundareshan, S., Rao, C. and Karande, A.A. Placental Protein (PP-14) induces apoptosis in T cells but not in monocytes. J. Biol Chem [2001], 276, 28268-28273. (if= 4.65, ci=125) 2. Narayanan, S., Surolia, A. and Karande, A.A. Ribosome inactivating protein and apoptosis: Abrin causes cell death via mitochondrial pathway in Jurkat cells. Biochemical Journal [2004], 377, 233-240 (if=4.65, ci=150) 3. Mukhopadhyay, D. SundarRaj, S., Alok A. and Karande, A. A. Glycodelin A, not glycodelin S, is apototically active: relevance of sialic acid modification. J. Biol Chem. [2004], 279, 8577-8584. (if=4.65) 4. Jayachandran R, Shaila, M.S. and Karande, A.A. Analysis of the role of oligosaccharides in the apoptotic activity of glycodelin A. J Biol Chem. [2004], 279, 8585-8591. (if=4.65) 5. Bagaria, A., Surendranath, K., Ramgopal, U.A. Ramkumar, S. and Karande, A.A. Structure –Function analysis and insights into the reduced toxicity of Abrus precatorius agglutinin I in relation to Abrin. J Biol Chem [2006], 281 (45), 34465- 34474 (if=4.65) 6. SundarRaj, S., Soni, C. and Karande A.A.Glycodelin triggers apoptosis in T cells through a novel calcium independent galactose-binding lectin pathway (if=2.7) 7. Alok, A., Mukhopadhyay, D. and Karande, A.A. Glycodelin A, an immunomodulatory protein in the endometrium, inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in monocytic cells. Int J Biochem & Cell Biol [2009], 41, 1138-1147 (if=4.15) 8. Soni C and Karande A.A. Glycodelin-A interferes with IL-2/IL-2R signaling to induce cell growth arrest, loss of effector functions and apoptosis in T- lymphocytes. Human Reproduction [2012], 27, 1005-1015 (if=4.3) 9. Bagaria, S., Bisht, S., Ponnalagu, D. and Karande A.A. Mechanistic insights on neutralization of cytotoxic abrin by the mAb D6F10 [2013], PLoS One July 2013 | Volume 8 | Issue 7 | e70273 (if=3.7) 10. Gadadhar, S., Bora N., Trivedi, V. Karande, A.A. Sequestration of the abrin A chain to the nucleus by BASP1: Role in increased resistance of cells to abrin toxicity Biochem J (2014) 458, 375-385 (if=4.65)

[ 173 ]

KHANNA, SUNIL (b.1955), Head, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, NIIT University, Neemrana, Rajasthan - 301705 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Dr.Sunil Khanna's major contribution 'is in the area of bioremediation (petroleum and pesticide degradation) leading to environment friendly technologies tested under field conditions. He isolated Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Alcaligenes odorans capable of degrading n-alkanes upto C33 and higher Polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) which was biosurfactants mediated. Mineralization mechanism of alkanes was worked out and alkane hydroxylase gene (rubAB) was cloned and sequenced. The mechanism of degradation of PAH dibenzothiophene and pyrene by A.odorans was worked out. The alkane and aromatic degradation capabllity by Aclnetobacter calcoaceticus and Alcaligenes odorans were used for in situ remediation of oily sludge spillage's in Mathura refinery (98%)and Baruni refinery (86%) in 360 days and 55 days respectively. He further showed that Arthrobacter sp & Pseudomonas sp degraded pesticides, endosulfan and chloropyriphos in situ in farmers field very efficiently in 17 and 30 days respectively. Population dynamics (REP- PCR ), during in situ degradation, indicated that the degradation of endosulfan and chloropyriphos by introduced bacterial isolates was concomitant with their survivability in soil. Arthrobacter sp degraded endosulfan by both the oxidative and hydrolytic mechanism to endosulfan sulfate (highly toxic) and endosulfan diol, which was further oxidized while Pseudomonas sp predominantly followed the hydrolytic mechanism by the formation of endosulfan diol. A gene product (1 Kb) was amplified and was found to be responsible for the conversion of endosulfan to 'endosulfan sulfate. Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa degraded chlorpyrifos as well as 3,5,6-trichloropyridinol (TCP, an antimicrobial compound), following a hydrolytic conversion of chlorpyrifos. Bacillus circulans produced cellulase free endo--xylanase (2000 IU) when grown on agricultural residue rice straw, which was thermostable at 70°C pH 9.0 for 1 hr and at 65°C pH 9 for 2 hrs and in mill trails showed that the pretreatment of eucalyptus Kraft pulp with the enzyme resulted in 25% reduction in chlorine consumption at C-stage with the final brightness remained unchanged. Enhanced biomass production of L. leucocephala (45% more dry matter yield) and Acacia nilotica (25% more dry matter) due to inoculation with efficient salt tolerant Rhizobium' (upto 850 mM NaCI). Renodulation potential of these isolates over five years was the maximum and this reduced the subsequent inoculation of the plants for enhanced productivity. Salinity "induced changes in the protein profiles of Rhizobium sp. exhibited alteration in the expression of as many as 19 proteins. All these proteins were predominantly of low molecular mass (below 40 kDa) except for one (52 kDa). Induction and repression of proteins was more marked in salt grown cells as compared with salt shocked cells. Basic studies on lignocellulose (Lignin, cellulose and xylane) degradation led to the development of biomethanation technology for agricultural residues as well as fruit processing waste at household and community level, which has been demonstrated & implemented.

Proposer: Dr. S.P.S. Khanuja, Seconder: Prof. Pramod Tandon Ten Best Publications: 1. Diversity of 16S rRNA and dioxygenase genes detected in coal-tar-contaminated site undergoing active bioremediation. Mohit Kumar and Sunil Khanna (2010) Journal of Applied Microbiology. 18(4): 1252-1262. (IF: 2.21). 2. Biotransformation of Chlorpyrifos and bioremediation of contaminated soils. C. Vidya Lakshmi, Mohit Kumar, and Khanna Sunil, 2008. International Biodeterioration & Biodeqradation -62, 204-209. ( IF : 1.37) 3. Biodegradation and bioremediation of endosulfan contaminated soil, Mohit Kumar, C. Vidya Lakshmi and Khanna Sunil, 2007, Bioresource Technology - 99(8) :31160-3122.(Elsevier). (IF: 4.46) 4. A computer model for Municipal Solid Waste treatment in developing countries. Jain A., Kaur, Harsasngeet and Khanna, Sunil, 2005, Environmental Science & Technology, 39 (10): 3732-3735. (IF: 4.45) 5. Expression of Bacillus circulans Teri-42 xylanase gene in Bacillus subtilis. Asbah F Qureshy; LA Khan; and Khanna, S. 2000. Enzyme Microbial Technology 27: 227-233. (IF: 2.37) 6. Enhanced production, purification and characterization. of a novel cellulase-poor thermostable, alkalitolerant xylanase from Bacillus circulans AB16. Dhillon, A; Gupta, J.K; and Khanna, S. 2000. Process Biochemistry, 35: 849-856. (IF: 2.41) 7. A cellulase- poor thermostable alkalotolerant xylanase from Bacillus circulans AB 16 using rice straw and its application in biobleaching of eucalyptus pulp. Dhillon, A Gupta, J.K; Jauhari, B.M., and Khanna, S. 2000a. Bioresource Technology, 73: 273-277. (IF: 4.46) 8. Mineralization of [14C] octadecane by Acinetobacter calcoaceticus S19. Bajpai U; Kuhad Rand Khanna Sunil. 1998. Canadian Journal of Microbiology. 44(7): 681-686. (IF: 1.16) 9. Long term field study shows increased biomass production in tree legumes inoculated with Rhizobium Lal, B. and Khanna, Sunil. 1996. Plant and Soil. 184: 111-116. (IF: 2.38) 10. Biomethanation, of banana peel and pineapple processing waste. Bardiya, N., Somayaji, D. and Khanna, Sunil. 1996. Bioresource Technology. 58: 73-76. (IF: 4.46)

[ 174 ]

KUMAR, ASHOK (b 1953), Professor, School of Biotechnology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi - 221005 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) The nominee has made significant contributions in the area of cyanobacterial N2 fixation especially in understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulation of heterocyst:nitrogenase sub-system. He demonstrated that the heterocyst formation is independent of nitrogenase activity and spacing pattern of heterocyst is not governed by nitrogenase (Kumar and Kumar,1980). He had also developed a facile technique for the isolation of metabolically active heterocysts which is now widely used (Kumar et al., 1983). He was among the first few researchers in India to start study on effects of ultra-violet–B(UV-B)radiation on N2-fixing cyanobacteria. His group has clearly demonstrated that continuous exposure to UV-B (above 1 W/m2) of certain cyanobacteria causes disintegration of phycobilisomes and loss of nitrogenase activity, and damages DNA (Sinha et al., 1996; Kumar et al., 2004). Kumar has played a leading role in initiating researches on cyanobacterial toxins in India and made significant contributions in screening, identification and demonstrating allelopathic effects of Microcystis aeruginosa toxin (Singh et al., 2001). Isolation of novel methanogenic bacteria from coal bed of Jharia by his group is an outstanding contribution (Singh et al., 2012). Kumar also works on Helicobacter pylori mediated gastrointestinal diseases and has characterized in detail the status of vacA and cagA genes. He also demonstrated the relationship between interleukin 1B (IL-1B)polymorphism,H. pylori infection, and gastric cancer (Kumar et al., 2010).His findings clearly suggest that the Indian strains of H .pylori show close homology to those from Taiwan and /or Brazil (Kumar et al., 2011).

Proposer: Prof. H. D. Kumar, Seconder : Prof. L.C. Rai Ten Best Publications: 1. Kumar, A. and Kumar, H.D. 1980. Tungsten-induced inactivation of molybdoenzymes in Anabaena. Biochem. Biophys. Acta 613: 244-248. (IF= 4.0 , CI= 13) 2. Kumar, A., Tabita, F.R. and Van Baalen, C. 1983. High endogenous nitrogenase activity in isolated heterocysts of Anabaena sp. strain CA after nitrogen starvation. J. Bacteriol. 155: 493-497. (IF= 3.636, CI= 21) 3. Tyagi, R., Srinivas, G., Vyas, D., Kumar, A. and Kumar, H.D. 1992. Differential effect of ultraviolet-B radiation on certain metabolic processes in a chromatically adapting Nostoc. Photochem. Photobiol., 55: 401-407. (IF= 2.679 , CI= 35) 4. Sinha, R.P., Lebert, M., Kumar, A., Kumar, H.D. and Hader, D.P. 1995. Spectroscopic and biochemical analyses of UV-B effects on phycobiliproteins of Anabaena sp. and Nostoc carmium. Botanica Acta 108: 87-92. (IF= 1.652, CI= 41) 5. Sinha, R.P., Singh, N., Kumar, A., Kumar, H.D. Hader, M. and Hader, D.P. 1996. Effects of UV irradiation on certain physiological and biochemical processes in cyanobacteria. J. Photochem. Photobiol. B: Biol. 32: 107-113. (IF= 2.380, CI= 76) 6. Singh,D.P.,Tyagi,M.B., Kumar Arvind , Thakur, J.K. and Kumar Ashok. 2001. Antialgal activity of a hepatotoxin-producing cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa. W.J.Microbiol. Biotechnol.17: 15-22. (IF= 1.214, CI= 63) 7. Kumar Ashok, Tyagi, M.B., Jha, P.N., Srinivas, G. and Singh, A. 2003. Inactivation of cyanobacterial nitrogenase after exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation. Current Microbiol. 46:380-384. (IF= 1.510, CI= 23) 8. Kumar Ashok, Tyagi,M.B. and Jha,P.N. 2004. Evidences showing ultraviolet-B radiation-induced damage of DNA in cyanobacteria and its detection by PCR assay. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 318:1025-1030. (IF= 2.823, CI= 27) 9. Jha, P.N. and Kumar Ashok. 2007. Endophytic colonization of Typha australis by a plant growth-promoting bacterium Klebsiella oxytoca strain GR-3. J. Appl. Microbiol. 103:1311-1320. (IF= 2.365, CI= 17) 10. Kumar S., Kumar A. and Dixit, V.K. (2009) Evidences showing association of interleukin polymorphisms with increased risk of gastric cancer in an Indian population. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 387:456-460. (IF= 2.823, CI= 08)

[ 175 ]

MANCHALA, RAGHUNATH (b 1955), Scientist F, Natioanl Institute of Nutrition (ICMR) , Hyderabad , 500604, A.P. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) 1. Demonstrated in Wistar rats that maternal folate/vitamin B12 restriction induced changes in offspring are transmitted to F2 generation (only males) at three months of age. These changes were preventable/ reversible by rehabilitation from conception and partially from parturition/weaning. 2. Generated the first high resolution methylome map of rat liver tissue, which provides critical insights into methylome organization and extends our understanding the interplay between epigenome, gene expression and genome stability. 3. Demonstrated a decrease in DNA damage with age in neurons and astrocytes in rats fed Amalika rasayana, indicating their usefulness in maintaining genomic stability. Use of Amalika rasayana could be useful in reducing the rate of aging. 4. Non alcoholic fatty liver disease was related to high prevalence of metabolic syndrome among subjects with steatosis and metabolic disorders. BMI,waist circumference and % fat intake were independent dietary risk factors in NAFLD.Decreased nutritional intake with restricted fat may be important in treating NAFLD subjects. 5. Decrease in neuronal glucose uptake due to impaired hypothalamic insulin signaling,high circulating glucagon levels in fed condition and / or impaired neuropeptide/neurotransmitter metabolism appear to underlie hyperphgia, obesity and dyslipidemia in WNIN –Ob rats. 6. Altered IGF1 and BDNF levels in hypothalamus/brain cortex/CSF and/or their altered signaling in brain and increased oxidative stress could underlie accelerated ageing in WNIN –Ob mutant rats .

Proposer: Prof. Kalluri Subba Rao, Seconder : Dr. J. Nagaraju Ten Best Publications: 1. Anand Kumar K et al 2012 . J Nutr Biochem (in press) (IF=4.56, CI=0) 2. Sati S et al 2012. pLOS one 7(2) : e31621 (IF=4.41, CI=0) 3. Swain U et al 2011. Mech Aging Dev PMID: 22027380 (IF=4.48, CI=0) 4. Padmavathi I J N et al 2011. J Mol Endocrinol 47 (3) : 261-71 (IF=3.63, CI=0) 5. Sathiaraj E et al 2011. Eur J Clin Nutr 65(4) : 533-537 (IF=3.07, CI=0) 6. Padmavathi I J N et al 2010. Diabetes 59 : 98 -104 (IF=8.26, CI= 12) 7. Venu L et al 2005. J Nutrition 135 : 1353 – 1358 (IF=3.77, CI= 26) 8. Venu L et al 2004. Diabetologia 47 : 1493 – 1501 (IF=6.42, CI= 24) 9. Vijayalakshmi A et al 2005. F R B M 38 : 1614 – 1624 (IF=5.40, CI= 15) 10. Basu et al 1989. Mol Cell Biol 6 : 671 – 677 (IF=10.50, CI= 117)

[ 176 ]

NANDI, DIPANKAR (b.1963), Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560012 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Prof. Dipankar Nandi joined IISc in 1997 and his scientific contributions are in two areas: immune responses and cytosolic protein degradation. He has shown that the strength of signal modulates CTLA4- CD80/CD86 responses during CD4+ T cell activation. This year his laboratory has shown the roles of CD4+ and CD8+ in mediating the anti-tumor responses of autoclaved Mycobacterium indicus pranii, which is approved as an adjuvant for treatment of leprosy. In addition, his laboratory showed the roles of reactive oxygen & nitrogen species and Ras activation in modulating Interferon-gamma reponses. This observation leads to the investigation of the role of Ras activation during a model of drug (acetaminophen)-induced liver injury. In 2003 his laboratory identified Peptidase N which is responsible for the majority of aminopeptidase activities in E. coli. Subsequently, Peptidase N has been shown to play roles in different types of stress and infection by Salmonella typhimurium. Prof. Nandi has published a wide variety of studies in prominent and important journals. His studies from IISc have been well cited and in the area of "immune responses" his work has been cited in prominent journals such as Ann. Rev. Immunol., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Clin. Cancer Res. etc. His laboratory's work on "Peptidase N" has been cited in Mol. Microbiol., J. BioI. Chem., J. Bacteriol. etc. His reviews on "cellular protein degradation" have been cited in Nature, Science, etc. Until now, seven students have obtained their PhD degree under his mentorship. I strongly recommend him for the NASI fellowship.

Proposer: Prof. D.N. Rao, Seconder: Prof. Umesh Varshney

Ten Best Publications: 1. Dipankar Nandi and James P. Allison. Phenotypic analysis and gamma delta T cell repertoire of murine T cells associated with the vaginal epithelium. Journal of Immunology (1991) 147: 1773 - 1778. (IF: 5.64; CI : 65) 2. Dipankar Nandi, Jane A. Gross, and James P. Allison. CD28-mediated costimulation is necessary for optimal proliferation of murine natural killer cells. Journal of Immunology (1994) 152: 3361 - 3369. (IF: 5.64 CI : 101) 3. Dipankar Nandi, Haibo Jiang, and John J. Monaco. Identification of MECL-1 (LMP10) as the third IFN-gamma-inducible proteasome subunit. Journal of Immunology (1996) 156: 2361 - 2364. (IF: 5.64: CI : 121). 4. Dipankar Nandi, Elaine Woodward, David Ginsburg, and John J. Monaco. lnterrnediates in the formation of 20S proteasomes: Implications for the assembly of precursor beta subunits. EMBO J. (1997) 16: 5363 - 5375. (IF: 8.99; CI : 114) 5. Sambuddho Mukherjee, Prasanta K. Maiti and Dipankar Nandi. Role of CD80, CD86 and CTLA4 on mouse CD4+ T lymphocytes in enhancing cell cye/e progression and survival after activation with PMA and lonomycin. J. Leukocyte Biology (2002) 72: 921 - 931. (IF: 4.68 CI : 10) 6. Dilip Chandu, Anujith Kumar and Dipankar Nandi. PepN, the major Suc-LLVY-AMC hydrolyzing enzyme in Escherichia coli, displays functional similarity with downstream processing enzymes in archaea and eukarya: implications in cytosolic protein degradation. J. BioI. Chem. (2003) 278: 5548 - 5556. (IF: 5.57; CI: 17) 7. Dilip Chandu and Dipankar Nandi. PepN is the major aminopeptidase in Escherichia coli: insights on substrate, specificity and role during sodium salicylate-induced stress. Microbiology (2003) 149: 3437 - 3447, IF: 3.2; CI : 27) 8. Dilip Chandu and Dipankar Nandi. Comparative genomics and functional roles of ATP-dependent proteases, Lon and Clp, during cytosolic protein degradation. Research in Microbiology (2004) 155: 710 -719. (IF: 2.71; CI : 26) 9. Dipankar Nandi, Pankaj Tahiliani, Anujith Kumar and Dilip Chandu. The ubiquitin-proteasome system. J. Bioscience (2006) 31: 101 -119. (IF: 1.68; CI: 99) 10. Banishree Saha and Dipankar Nandi Farnesyltransferase inhibitors reduce Ras activation and ameliorate acetaminopheninduced liver injury in mice. Hepatology (2009) 50: 1547 - 1557. IF: 11.56; CI : 3)

[ 177 ]

PARRACK, PRADEEP (b. 1957), Associate Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry, Bose Institute, P1/12, C.I.T. Scheme VII M, Kolkata - 700054 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology) Prof. Parrack has worked on the cAMP dependence of CRP activation in E. coli and V. cholerae, and has demonstrated that maximal activation occurs only at an intermediate level of cAMP with both apo-CRP and the high cAMP-CRP complexes remaining, functionally inactive, raising the possibility of a finer cAMPmediated control of transcription. He has elucidated the three-dimensional structure of CII, an unstable homotetrameric protein that binds to specific direct repeat sequences, activates transcription and influences the Iysis/ lysogeny decision. This structure was unknown for a long time. His group has shown that CII has flexible C-termini that make it unstable, and has identified specific hydrophobic residues in the 4 helix of CII that are important for its structure and function. Further, he has shown that direct CIII-HfIB interactions are responsible for the anti proteolytic action of CIII. Working on the structure, function and interactions of host factors (the hfl proteins) that influence the lambda lysis-lysogeny choice, he was the first to show that E. coli HflX had no role in this process, and was an ATPase as well as a GTPase, and bound to 50S ribosomes. He purified E. coli HflK and HflC individually for the first time, and showed that each can inhibit the proteolysis of CII. He also showed that in addition to being a proteolysis inhibitor, HflD inhibits the DNA binding of CII, thereby impairing its transcription activation properties. His recent work led to the proposition of an unidentified A-factor whose effect becomes prominent only in hflKC cells.

Proposer: Prof. Pinakpani Chakrabarti, Seconder: Prof. Bhabatarak Bhattacharyya Ten Best Publications: 1. Functional roles of the two cyclic AMP-dependent forms of CRP (cyclic AMP Receptor Protein) from Escherichia coli. FEBS Lett. 453, 215-218 (1999). Jayanta Mukhopadhyay, Runa Sur and Pradeep Parrack. (IF: 3.263, CI : 2). 2. Purification and Crystallization of CII: An Unstable Transcription Activator from Phage A. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 288, 997-1000 (2001). Ajit B. Datta, Pinak Chakrabarti, H. S. Subramanya and Pradeep Parrack. (IF 2.749, CI : 9). 3. Disorder-Order Transition of A CII Promoted by Low Concentrations of Guanidine Hydro-chloride Suggests a Stable Core and a flexible C-terminus. Eur. J. Biochem. 270, 4439-4446 (2003). Ajit Bikram Datta, Siddhartha Roy and Pradeep Parrack. (IF: 3.396; CI : 11). 4. Role of C-terminal residues in oligomerization and stability of A CII : Implications for lysis-lysogeny decision of the phage. J. Mol. BioI. 345, 315-324 (2005). Ajit Bikram Datta, Siddhartha Roy and Pradeep Parrack. (IF: 4.472, CI : 14). 5. Structure of A CII: Implications for recognition of direct-repeat DNA by an unusual tetrameric organization. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102,11242-11247 (2005). Ajit B. Datta, Santosh Panjikar, Manfred Weiss, Pinak Chakrabarti and Pradeep Parrack (IF: 9.598, I : CI : 10) 6. Probing the antiprotease activity of ACIII, an inhibitor of the Escherichia coli metalloprotease HflB (FtsH). J. Bacteriol. 189, 8130-8138 (2007). Sabyasachi Halder, Ajit Bikram Datta and Pradeep Parrack. (IF: 4.018, CI : 6). 7. E. coli HflX interacts with 50S ribosomal subunits in presence of nucleotides. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 379, 201-205 (2009). Nikhil Jain, Neha Dhimole, Abu Rafay Khan, Debojyoti De, Sushil Kumar Tomar, Mathew Sajish, Dipak Dutta, Pradeep Parrack and Balaji Prakash. (IF: 2.749, CI: 7) 8. Properties of HfIX, an enigmatic protein from Escherichia coli. J. Bacteriol. 191,4307-2314 (2009). Dipak Dutta, Kaustav Bandyopadhyay, Ajit Bikram Datta, Abhijit A. Sardesai and Pradeep Parrack. (IF: 4.013; CI : 6) . 9. HfID, an Escherichia coli protein involved in the lysis-lysogeny switch, impairs trans-cription activation by ACII. Archiv. Biochem, Biophys. 493, 175-183 (2010). Pabitra K. Parua, Avisek Mondal & Pradeep Parrack. (IF: 2.578; CI : 2) 10. Studies on Escherichia coli HflKC suggest the presence of an unidentifled J factor that influences the lysis-lysogeny switch. BMC Microbiology 11: 34 (2011). Kaustav Bandyopadhyay, Pabitra K Parua, Ajit B Datta and Pradeep Parrack. (IF 2.982; CI : 0)

[ 178 ]

PRASAD, RAJENDRA (b 1952), Professor and Head, Department of Biochemistry, PGIMER, Chandigarh


Dr. Prasad’s consistent research in the field of human molecular genetics and membrane biochemistry is outstanding. He established, for the first time in India, the spectrum of mutations in Wilson’s disease, cystic fibrosis and Galactosemia genes. The mutations identified in these diseases are cited in national and international data bases. This information is crucial for genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis as well as better understanding of the disease process which can lead to more effective treatment and prevention. Dr. Prasad identified, kinetically characterized and cloned novel Zinc transporter Slc39a10 (ZIP10) from kidney which is involved in the zinc transport across the renal brush border membrane. This transport has been implicated in the metastasis of breast carcinoma. Santa Cruz, ProSci Incorporated, Biosynthesis and My Biosource companies, USA have started the production and commercialized the monoclonal antibody against Zip10 protein on the basis of his reported sequence of Zip10 (SLC39a10) (NCBI Accession number # DQ256461). Dr. Prasad has written the protocol on purification, physio-chemical characterization and reconstitution of Zinc Transporter from renal brush border membrane in Methods in Molecular Biology “Membrane Protein Protocols” published by Humana Press, USA. As a head of the department Biochemistry, PGIMER, Chandigarh has introduced a fully automation in the clinical biochemistry laboratory pertaining to outdoor, indoor and emergency patients. Recently under his headship the department got the DST-FIST sponsorship for the advancement of the research and teaching facilities. The grant has been sanctioned for GC mass spectroscopy, flow cytometery, BSL-3 and departmental teaching and training facilities.

Proposer : Dr. Girish Sahni, Seconder : Dr. Vijay K Chaudhary Ten Best Publications: 1. Sharma N, Singh M, Kaur G, Thapa BR, Prasad R. Identification and Characterization of CFTR Gene Mutations in Indian CF Patients. Ann Hum Genet. 73:26-33, 2009. (if=2.3, ci=17) 2. Gurjit Kaur, Soumya Mishra, Alka Sehgal, Rajendra Prasad. Alterations in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in pregnancy with preeclampsia. Mol. Cell. Biochem. 313: 37-44, 2008. (if=2.3, ci=49) 3. Kaler, P. and Prasad R. Molecular cloning and functional characterization of novel zinc transporter rZip10 (Slc39a10) involved in zinc uptake across rat renal brush membrane. Am. J. Physiol. 292: 217-229, 2007. (if=3.6, ci=25) 4. Prasad, R. Kumar, S. Kaur, G. and Thapa, B.R. Identification and molecular characterization of 18 novel mutations in the ATP7B gene from Indian Wilson disease patients: genotype. Clinical Genetics 67(5): 443-5, 2005. (if=4.24, ci=24) 5. Kumar, V. and Prasad, R. Thyroids hormones stimulate calcium transport system in rat intestine Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1639, 185-195, 2003. (if=4.95, ci=24) 6. Kumar, V. and Prasad, R. Molecular basis of renal handling of calcium in response to thyroid hormones status of rat. Biochem. Biophys. Acta 586,331-343, 2002. (if=4.95, ci=26) 7. Kumar R and Prasad R. Functional characterization of purified zinc transporter from renal brush border membrane of rat Biochem. Biophys. Acta: 1509: 429-439, 2000. (if=4.95, ci=15) 8. Prasad R., Kumar V., Thakur R. and Singh KP. Thyroid hormones modulate zinc transport activity in rat intestinal and renal brush border membrane vesicles: Role of membrane fluidity. Am. J. Physiol. 276: E774-E782, 1999. (if=3.6, ci=42) 9. Kumar R. and Prasad R. Purification and Characterization of a major zinc binding protein from renal brush border membrane of rat. Biochimica. Biophysica. Acta. 1419: 23 -32, 1999. (if=4.95, ci=18) 10. KP Singh, R Prasad, PS Chari, RJ Dash. Effect of growth hormone therapy in burn patients on conservative treatment. Burns.24: 733-738, 1998. (if=67, ci=2.0)

[ 179 ]

THOMAS, PIOUS (b 1960), PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore- 560089


Dr. Pious Thomas has made significant research and technological contributions in the fields Biotechnology and Microbiology relating to Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences during the 23 years of his career. His innovative accomplishments cover the areas of endophytic and molecular microbiology, plant tissue culture and basic molecular biology. The latest and most striking research contribution is the elucidation of ubiquitous association of bacterial endophytes with different plant species both in vitro and in vivo and the microscopic documentation of bacterial colonization in the peri-space between cell wall and plasma membrane, designated as ‘Peribacts’. The findings have opened a new vista in plant biology. The unearthing of alcohol-resistant bacteria and the recommendation of 90% ethanol as better disinfectant go to his credit. The recent elucidation of spreader-induced adverse effects on bacterial cells during spread-plating, recommendation of spotting-and-tilt-spreading (SATS) as better alternative for CFU-estimation, and the recommendation of simple cotton buds for high efficiency recovery of Bacillus spores are significant advances in microbiology. His contributions in plant biotechnology, particularly those related to micropropagation, in vitro physiology, gene expression and covert microbial association have significantly strengthened the understanding about tissue culture systems. Technological contributions like micropropagation and somatic embryogenesis protocols for different horticultural crops including the realization of triploid watermelon through embryo rescue, and acclimatization of micropropagated plants are noteworthy. Dr. Thomas is a fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the National Academy of Biological Sciences and a recipient DBT Overseas Associateship twice. He has been conferred with different national level awards.

Proposer : Prof. Dr. K. V. Peter, Seconder : Prof. D. J. Bhagyaraj Ten Best Publications: 1. Thomas P, Reddy MK. 2013. Microscopic elucidation of abundant endophytic bacteria colonizing the cell wall – plasma membrane peri-space in the shoot-tip tissue of banana. AoB Plants. 5: plt011; doi:10.1093/aobpla/plt011 (if=New online J from Annals of Botany group, ci=3) 2. Thomas, P., Mujawar, M. M., Upreti, R., Sekhar, A. C. 2013. Improved recovery of Bacillus spores from nonporous surfaces with cotton swabs over foam, nylon, or polyester, and the role of hydrophilicity of cotton in governing the recovery efficiency. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 79: 381-384. (if=4.406, ci=1) 3. Thomas, P., Sekhar, A. C. and Mujawar, M. M. 2012. Non-recovery of varying proportions of viable bacteria during spread-plating governed by the extent of spreader usage and proposal for an alternate spotting-spreading approach to maximize the CFU. Journal of Applied Microbiology 113: 339-350. (if=2.196, ci=5) 4. Thomas, P., Soly, T. A. 2009. Endophytic bacteria associated with growing shoot tips of banana (Musa sp.) cv. Grand Naine and the affinity of endophytes to the host. Microbial Ecology. 58: 952-964 (if=3.277, ci=26) 5. Thomas P., Swarna GK, Patil P and Rawal R. D. 2008 Ubiquitous presence of normally non-culturable endophytic bacteria in field shoot-tips of banana and their gradual activation to quiescent cultivable form in tissue cultures. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 93: 39-54(if=3.633, ci=25) 6. Thomas P., Swarna GK, Roy PK, Prakash P. 2008. Identification of culturable and originally non-culturable endophytic bacteria isolated from shoot tip cultures of banana cv. Grand Naine. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 93: 55-63 (if=3.633, ci=22) 7. Thomas, P., Kumari, S., Swarna, G.K., Prakash, D.P., and Dinesh, M.R. (2007). Ubiquitous presence of fastidious endophytic bacteria in field shoots and index-negative apparently clean shoot-tip cultures of papaya. Plant Cell Reports 26: 1491-1499 (if=2.826, ci=24) 8. Thomas, P. 2004. In vitro decline in plant cultures: Detection of a legion of covert bacteria as the cause for degeneration of long-term micropropagated triploid watermelon cultures. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 77: 173-179. (if=3.633, ci=38) 9. Thomas, P. 2004. Isolation of Bacillus pumilus from in vitro grapes as a long-term alcohol-surviving and rhizogenesis inducing covert endophyte. Journal of Applied Microbiology 97: 114-123 (if=2.196, ci=37) 10. Thomas, P., Lee, M. M. and Schiefelbein, J. (2003) Molecular identification of proline-rich protein genes induced during root formation in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) stem cuttings. Plant, Cell and Environment 26: 1497-1504 (if=5.135, ci=18)

[ 180 ]

VIDYARTHI, AMBARISH SHARAN (b. 1966), Head, Dept of Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi - 835215 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology) Dr A. S. Vidyarthi, Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, has been involved with the planning and execution of a number of research and teaching programs in biotechnology and bioprocess engineering for almost two decades. Previous to his current assjgnment he served MIET, Meerut and lET, Lucknow. His research interests are industrial and environmental biotechnology, food biotechnology, biosensor, bioinformatics and computational biology. He has over 20 research publications in peer reviewed journals and is associated with several academic institutions and S& T agencies for the development and management of biotech activities in the country. Dr Vidyarthi served at managerial level in various bioprocess industries prior to his academic assignments. He had developed four technologies for production of thermo stable amylase, cellulases, fer-mentative production of amino acids particularly L-Iysine and Bt based biopesticides. Dr. Vidyarthi also gained expertise in value additions to waste materials during his stay at institut nationale de la recherohe scientifique, university of Quebec, Canada from 1999 to 2002. He has also actively involved in networking of various national institutions with the parent organization for mutual benefit and for technology proliferation. Dr. Vidyarthi is a member of various advisory committees and Board of Studies of various academic institutions of the country like NIT, Rourkela, NIT, Jalandhar and BPUT, Bhubneswar to name a few. Dr Vidyarthi has been elected as Fellow of The Institutions of Engineers (India) and is a member of Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) and Association of Microbiologists of India.

Proposer: Prof. Akhouri Balram Prasad, Seconder: Prof. P.K.Seth. Ten Best Publications: 1. A. S. Vidyarthl et al. 2000. J. Industrial Microbiol. Biotechnol. 25, 86-92 (IF: 1.919; CI : 13) 2. J. F. Blais et al 2001. Practice Periodical HTRWM ASCE, 512,48-57, (IF: 1.0; CI: 8) 3. A. S. Vidyarthi et al. 2001 Water Sci. Technol. 44(10), 253-260, (IF: 1.24; CI : 10) 4. A. S. Vidyarthi, et al. 2002. Water Res. 36, 4850-4860 (IF: 3.427; CI : 37) 5. S. B. Shen et al. 2002 Practice Periodicals HTRWM ASCE 6(4), 244~249 (IF: 1.0; CI : 7) 6. R. O. Tyagi, et al 2002 Water Sci. Technol. 46 (10), 247-254,2002. (IF: 1.24; CI : 27) 7. A. Ranjan" et al 2007. In Silica Etiology 7,0030 (CI : 5) 8. S. Sharma, et al. 2008 J. Proteomics & Bioinformatics, 1(4), 206-18. (IF: 6.55; CI : 2) 9. V. K. Nigam, et al. 2009 J. Biosci. 3421-26 (IF: 1.703; CI: 2) 10. D. Prasad and A. S. Vidyarthi. 2009 African J. Biotechnol 8(9) 1768-75 (IF: 0.547; CI : 2)

[ 181 ]

PLANT SCIENCES (Structural, Developmental, Functional, Genetical, Ecological,

Taxonomical and Evolutionary Aspects) D'SOUZA, JACINTA SERAPHINA (b 1964), Reader 'F' and UM-DAE Center for Excellence in Basic Sciences, Mumbai

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences)

After BSc, the nominee joined TIFR (July 1985) and worked on the moss, Funaria hygrometrica (Prof. M. M. Johri, Dept. Biological Sciences). She unequivocally established the role of two signaling proteins (Calcium-dependent- and Mitogen-Activated- Protein Kinases) in the stress-induced phenomenon (D’Souza & Johri, 1999; 2002; 2003; Johri & D’Souza, 1990; 2003; Johri et al, 2001). This expertise (Physiology and Molecular Biology) translated to major contributions during her Post-doctoral work (Prof. B. J. Rao, TIFR) and the current laboratory at UM-DAE-CBS. 1) In vitro DNA-Protein interaction of Rad52 and translin proteins from humans and frutiflies (Gupta et al, 2005; Sengupta et al, 2006; D’Souza et al, 2006; Surendranathan et al, 2007). 2) Stress-induced apoptosis-like process in the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Maharikar et al, 2006; 2007). Unambiguously established that the flagella are the first organelles to sense stress, hours before the process of apopotosis ensues (Gudipati et al, 2005; Dharmadhikari et al, 2006). 3) First to show that Chlamydomonas reinhardtii responds differentially to various stressors; forms palmelloids with NaCl (Khona et al, in preparation) and is more apoptosed with menadione (Sirisha et al, 2014) and H2O2 than KCl (Sinha et al, in preparation). The molecular mechanism of caspase-induced, PARP-activated DNA laddering, a hallmark of apoptosis is being pursued using an in vitro model (D’Souza et al, 2011; Dharmadhikari et al, 2014). 4) Since the flagellar central pair harbours several signalomes, the quest to understand the flagellar involvement in this process is ongoing (Khona et al, 2013; Rao et al, in preparation).

Proposer : Prof. S. M. Chitre, Seconder : Prof. B. J. Rao Ten Best Publications: 1. Aditya K. Dharmadhikari, Harish Bharambe, Jayashree A. Dharmadhikari, Jacinta S. D’Souza and Deepak Mathur, (2014) Ultrafast laser induces both single stranded and double stranded breaks in plasmid DNA. (if=6.875, ci=---) 2. Sirisha V. L., Mahuya Sinha and Jacinta S. D’Souza (2014) Menadione-induced caspase-dependent programmed cell death in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Journal of Phycology (in Press, 17th February, 2014). (if=2.34, ci=---) 3. Mustafa J. Motiwalla, Marilyn P. Sequeira and Jacinta S. D’Souza (2014) Two Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are transcriptionally regulated by nutrient starvation. Plant Signaling and Behaviour (in Press, 29th January, 2014 – 10.4161/psb.27969). (if=2.02, ci=---) 4. Dolly K. Khona, Dongre Shounak, Cecelia M. Aarraino, and Jacinta S. D’Souza, (2013) BolA-like protein from the green chlorophyte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii induces biofilm formation in E. coli. FEMS Microbiology Letters 339: 39–47. (if=2.044, ci=---) 5. J. S. D’Souza, J. A. Dharmadhikari, A. K. Dharmadhikari, B. J. Rao, and D. Mathur, (2011) Effect of intense, ultrashort laser pulses on DNA plasmids in their native state: Strand breakages induced by in situ electrons and radicals. Physics Review Letters 106: 118101.(if=6.875, ci=5 Citations) 6. Swati Moharikar, Jacinta D’Souza and B. J. Rao, (2007) A homolog of the defender against apoptotic death gene (DAD1) is down regulated prior to the onset of apoptosis-like cell death in UV-exposed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells. Journal of BioScience 32: 261-270. (if=1.7, ci=19 Citations) 7. Swati Moharikar, Jacinta D’Souza, Atul B. Kulkarni, and B. J. Rao, (2006) UV-C induced apoptotic-like cell death process in the unicellular chlorophyte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Journal of Phycology, 42: 423-433. (if=2.8, ci=70 Citations) 8. M. Gudipati, J. S. D’Souza, J. A. Dharmadhikari, A. K. Dharmadhikari, B. J. Rao and D. Mathur. (2005) Optically-controllable, micron-sized motor based on live cells. Optics Exp. 13: 1555-60. (if=3.9, ci=12 Citations) 9. Jacinta S. D’Souza and Johri M. M. (2002) ABA and NaCl activate myelin basic protein kinase in the chloronema cell of the moss Funaria hygrometrica. Plant Physiol. & Biochemistry 40: 17-24. (if=2.775, ci=11 Citations) 10. Jacinta S. D’Souza and Johri M. M. (1999) Ca2+dPKs from the protonema of the moss Funaria hygrometrica. Effect of indole-acetic acid and cultural parameters on the activity of a 44 kDa Ca2+dPK. Plant Science 144: 23-32. (if=2.922, ci=10 Citations)

[ 182 ]

DHAR, MANOJ KUMAR (b 1964), DIRECTOR/PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU, JAMMU


Dr. Manoj Kumar Dhar is a highly trained Molecular Cytogeneticist, who has very efficiently amalgamated his expertise in chromosome research with the modern Molecular Biological techniques. His pioneering research on novel B chromosome of Plantago has provided the first ever-experimental proof on the de novo origin of these enigmatic chromosomes (Chromosoma, 2002) which is widely accepted by the Chromosome workers. Dr. Dhar has enhanced the level of understanding of application of B chromosomes in developing the Plant Artificial Chromosomes (Plant Cell Reports 2011). Many publications in Nature Genetics and other high impact International journals have referred and authenticated the proposal of Dr. Dhar that B chromosomes have the potential of being the excellent vectors, which can transfer genes into unrelated plants. This technology can revolutionize plant breeding in future. Dr. Dhar has also made notable contribution in genomics of Plantago ovata (Isabgol), an important medicinal plant and dollar earner of the country. He has used structural and functional genomics approaches in identifying for the first time, the genes involved in mucilage biosynthetic pathway. These studies will greatly help in engineering this pathway for enhancing the mucilage production, which is the need of the hour. Besides, P. ovata, Dr. Dhar’s research group is actively involved in identifying novel Bioactive molecules from other medicinal plants and their endophytic fungi. During the last few years Dr. Dhar has also contributed towards understanding the genetic basis of a complex disorder, Diabetes, in humans (Human Genetics, 2007; PLOS one 2013).

Proposer : Prof. J.P. Khurana, Seconder : Dr. Sanjay Kapoor Ten Best Publications: 1. G. Kour, S. Kaul and M. K. Dhar (2014) Molecular characterization of repetitive DNA sequences from B chromosome in Plantago lagopus L. Cytogenetic and Genome Research 142: 121-128 (if=1.88, ci=0) 2. M. K. Dhar, B. Friebe, A. K. Koul and B. S. Gill (2002) Origin of an apparent B chromosome by mutation, chromosome fragmentation and specific DNA sequence amplification. Chromosoma 111 : 332-340. (if=3.34, ci=60) 3. M. K. Dhar, S. Kaul and J. Kour (2011) Towards the development of better crops by genetic transformation using Plant Artificial Chromosome vectors. Plant Cell Reports 30: 799 – 806. (if=2.50, ci=08) 4. Gurmeet Kour, Balbir Kour, S. Kaul and M. K. Dhar (2009) Genetic and epigenetic instability of amplification prone sequences of a novel B Chromosome induced by tissue culture in Plantago lagopus L. Plant Cell Reports 28: 1857-1867. (if=2.50, ci=04) 5. M. K. Dhar, J. Fuchs and A. Houben (2009) Distribution of eu- and heterochromatin in Plantago ovata. Cytogenetic and Genome Research 125: 235-240. (if=1.88, ci=04) 6. M. K. Dhar, B. Friebe, S. Kaul and B. S. Gill (2006) Characterization and physical mapping of 18S-5.8S-25S and 5S ribosomal RNA gene families in Plantago species. Annals of Botany 97: 541-548. (if=3.45, ci=13) 7. M. K. Dhar, A. Koul and S. Kaul (2013) Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase: A key enzyme in isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway and potential molecular target for drug development. New Biotechnology 30:114-123. (if=2.33, ci=00) 8. S. Kaul, S. Gupta, M. Ahmed and M. K. Dhar (2013) Endophytes from medicinal plants: A treasure hunt for bioactive metabolites. Phytochemistry Reviews 11: 487-505. (if=4.14, ci=06) 9. M. K. Dhar, S. Sehgal, S. Kaul (2012) Structure, replication efficiency and fragility of yeast ARS elements. Research in Microbiology 163: 243 – 253. (if=2.88, ci=08) 10. B. Friebe, R. G. Kynast, P. Zhang, L. Qi, Manoj Dhar and B. S. Gill (2001) Chromosome healing by addition of telomeric repeats in wheat occurs during the first mitotic divisions of the sporophyte and is a gradual process. Chromosome Research 9 : 137-146. (if=2.8, ci=35)

[ 183 ]

DUBEY, RAMA SHANKER (b 1955), Vice-Chancellor, TM Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) Dr. Dubey has carried out extensive studies on soil salinity, water stress and metal toxicity induced key metabolic alterations in rice plants. He has shown that these stresses impair proteolysis, nitrogen assimilation and photosynthate partitioning by selectively modulating the activities of many enzymes. He has shown that salinity and drought cause oxidative damage to rice plants by overproducing reactive oxygen species. The roles of individual components of antioxidative defense mechanism in combating drought and metals induced oxidative damage have been well established by him. Using proteomics approaches he has characterized the constitutive and inducible tolerance mechanisms like molecular isoforms of enzymes ribonucleases, peroxidases, superoxide dismutases and many novel proteins associated with stressful conditions of soils salinity, water stress and metal toxicity. A direct role of osmolytes as enzyme protectant under stresses and involvement of oxidative stress in the expression of Cd, Pb, Al and Ni toxicity in rice plants has been shown by him (Plant Science 2001,161, 1135-1144, Plant Cell Reports 2007, 26, 2027-2038). He has suggested that specific inducible peroxidase isoforms can be used as markers for screening salt tolerant rice varieties (Rice Biotechnology Quarterly, USA 1991, 8, 8-9) and a novel 18kDa protein with four -SH groups is synthesized under Cd toxicity that sequesters Cd. A cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase isoform associated with Al tolerance in rice plants has been isolated and well characterized by him. His novel observations have revealed that the enzyme isoform Fe SOD is uniquely present in Al tolerant varieties of rice and not in the sensitives (Plant Growth Regulation. DOI 10.1007/s10725-013-9824-5).

Proposer : Prof. B C Tripathy, Seconder : Prof. A K Rai Ten Best Publications: 1. Mittal, R, and Dubey, R.S. 1991. Behaviour of peroxidases in rice: Changes in enzyme activity and isoforms in relation to salt tolerance. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry (Paris) 29, 31-40. (if= 2.775, ci= 79) 2. Mishra, S.P., Tiwari, D., Dubey, R.S. and Mishra, M. 1998. Biosorptive behaviour of casein for Zn2+, Hg2+, and Cr3+: Effects of physico-chemical treatments. Bioresource Technology 63, 1-5. (if= 4.750, ci= 34) 3. Singh, A. Pandey, K.D. and Dubey, R.S. 1999. Enhanced hydrogen production by coupled system of Halobacterium halobium and chloroplast after entrapment within reverse micelles. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 24, 693-698. (if=3.548, ci= 27) 4. Shah, K., Kumar, R.G., Verma, S. and Dubey, R.S. 2001. Effect of cadmium on lipid peroxidation, superoxide anion generation and activities of antioxidant enzymes in growing rice seedlings. Plant Science 161, 1135-1144. (if= 2.922, ci=469) 5. Verma, S. and Dubey, R.S. 2003. Lead toxicity induces lipid peroxidation and alters the activities of antioxidant enzymes in growing rice plants. Plant Science, 164, 645-655. (if= 2.922, ci= 383) 6. Sharma, P. and Dubey, R.S. 2004. Ascorbate peroxidase from rice seedlings: properties of enzyme isoforms, effects of stresses and protective roles of osmolytes. Plant Science, 167, 541-550. (if= 2.922, ci= 52) 7. Sharma, P. and Dubey, R.S. 2005. Modulation of nitrate reductase activity in rice seedlings under aluminium toxicity and water stress: role of osmolytes as enzyme protectant. Journal of Plant Physiology, 162, 854-864. (if= 2.699,, ci= 88) 8. Sharma, P. and Dubey, R.S. 2007. Involvement of oxidative stress and role of antioxidative defense system in growing rice seedlings exposed to toxic concentrations of aluminum. Plant Cell Reports. 26, 2027-2038. (if= 2.509, ci= 129) 9. Kumar, S.,, Asif, M.H., Chakrabarty, D., Tripathi, R.D., Dubey, R.S., Trivedi, PK. 2013.Differential expression of rice lambda class GST gene family members during plant growth, development, and in response to stress conditions. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter 31, 569-580. (if= 5.319,ci= 8) 10. Mishra, P., Bhoomika, K. and Dubey, R.S. 2013.Differential responses of antioxidative defense system to prolonged salinity stress in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive Indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Protoplasma 250 (1), 3-19. (if= 2.855, ci= 13)

[ 184 ]

GARG, ARTI (b 1965), SCIENTIST 'C', BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA, ALLAHABAD Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) The scientific accomplishments of Dr. Arti Garg are multidisciplinary. She has expertise in pollen identification and has palynologically elucidated the plant-pollinator co-relationship and role of honeybees in pollination. Her contributions on reproductive biology studies of endangered Eremostachys superba L. (Lamiaceae) are remarkable. She has established causes of rarity of this species revealing prevalence of inbreeding depression and pollinator limitation with oligophilic, monolectic pollination syndrome within the only surviving population in type locality (Taiwania 49: 237-249. 2004). Dr. Garg’s contributions in revision of the genus Berberis L. in India are significant and has Palynologically traced the species’ evolution (Rheedea 9: 115-146. 1999). She has also completed revision of the alpine genus Pedicularis L. and portrayed the survival strategies and adaptations of this genus in the process of speciation from 9 Linnaean species to 600 species world wide and 83 in India (Curr. Sci. 99: 733-736. 2010). Her observations on the strategies evolved by Pedicularis for surviving in cold deserts and Alpine Himalayas are noteworthy (Curr. Sci. 85: 1413-1414. 2003). She has also completed Taxonomic studies of the families Asteraceae and Lamiaceae for State Flora of West Bengal along with few other small families. The stagnated work of the Pollen Atlas of India also gained impetus through her palynological investigations on family Thymelaeaceae in India. She has also redefined the concept of Sacred Groves (Curr. Sci. 104: 596-99. 2013) and is presently working on floristic diversity of Upper Ganga Ramsar Site in U.P. She has published 75 Research papers and 2 books.

Proposer : Prof. R.R.RAO, Seconder : Prof. K.R.SHIVANNA Ten Best Publications: 1. Agarwal, A. and Nair, P. K. K. 1989. Free and Protein bound amino acids of pollen of Acacia auriculaeformis A. Cunn. (Mimosaceae). GRANA, 28: 155-157. (if= 0.771, ci= 6) 2. Garg, A. and Rao, R.R. 1996. Pollination ecology of endangered Eremostachys superba (Labiatae). TAIWANIA, 41:309-321. (if= -, ci= 4) 3. Garg, A. and Husain, T. 2003. Strategies adopted by the alpine genus Pedicularis L.(Scrophulariaceae) to overcome environmental stress. Current Science 85: 1413-1414. (if=0.69, ci= 5) 4. Garg, A. 2004. Reproductive Behaviour and Inbreeding depression in endangered Eremostachys superba Royle ex Benth. (Labiatae) in Dehra Dun population, India. TAIWANIA 49(4): 237-249. (if= -, ci= -) 5. Garg, A. 2009. Pollen – The underestimated treasure of Taxonomists. Current Science, 96 (2). 202 – 203. (if= 0.78, ci= --) 6. Garg, A. and Husain, T. 2010. Sikkim Himalaya, the Megadiversity centre of Pedicularis in India. Taiwania 55(2): 186-191 (if= -, ci= -) 7. Garg, A. 2010. Adaptive responses underpinning speciation in Pedicularis L. (Scrophulariaceae) Current Science 99(6): 733-736. 2010. (if= 0.9, ci= -) 8. Garg, A. and Rogers, Zachary, S. 2011. A Palynological investigation of Daphne papyracea and Daphne bholua (Thymelaeaceae) in India. J. Botanical Res. Inst. Texas 5 (2): 635-641. (if= -, ci= -) 9. Garg, A. 2013. Typology of Sacred Groves and their discrimination from Sacred Sites. Current Science 104 (5): 596-99. (if= 0.94, ci= -) 10. Garg, A.; Singh, R.Kr.; Gupta, S. L.; Singh, V. and Siddiqui, Y. 2013. Gangetic Dolphins plead for mercy. Current Science 105 (7): 887-888 (if= 0.94, ci= -)

[ 185 ]

GIRI, ASHOK PRABHAKAR (b 1967), Senior Scientist, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) Dr. Ashok Giri has made outstanding contributions in two important areas in plant sciences, viz., (i) plant defense mechanisms and (ii) plant metabolic pathway analysis and engineering. Unlike pathogen resistance, insect resistant crop varieties are rarely spotted in the primary or secondary gene pool. The scientific potential of such intriguing problem is pursued by Dr. Giri over last 20-years. His efforts have evident in identifying novel plants defense molecules and mechanisms in chickpea, capsicum, winged bean, wild tobacco etc. and these discoveries have found place in high-ranking peer reviewed journals including, Plant Cell, Plant Physiology, Functional Ecology, Phytochemistry, PLoS One. Furthermore, his work has been highlighted in top-ranking Entomology journals, elaborating digestive and detoxification mechanisms of Lepidopteran insect pests. Interestingly, studies on plant defenses have resulted in identification and functional characterization of novel genes (plant protease inhibitors and insect proteases) having realistic application in crop improvement. Dr. Giri’s pioneering work on plant terpenoid and alkaloid metabolism and their pathway engineering has gained wide attention and is published in very reputed journals, including Science, Plant Cell and Plant Physiology and Biochemistry. Especially, his work on mango fruit flavors and their biosynthesis is indeed exemplary. In particular, metabolic profiling of popular mango cultivars revealed specialty of Alphonso flavor and potential reasons for their variability across geographic locations. His ongoing work on biosynthetic pathways of mango flavor and Ocimum metabolites is considered to be pioneering by plant science community. In my opinion, his multidisciplinary approach and ability to address relevant research questions has been a key in his excellent academic accomplishments of national scientific endeavour.

Proposer : Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Seconder : Prof. Prabhakar K. Ranjekar Ten Best Publications: 1. Itkin M, Heinig U, Tzfadia O, Bhide AJ, Shinde B, Cardenas P, Bocobza SE, Unger T, Malitsky S, Finkers R, Tikunov Y, Bovy A, Chikate Y, Singh P, Rogachev I, Beekwilder J, Giri AP, Aharoni A (2013) Biosynthesis of antinutritional alkaloids in Solanaceous crops is mediated by clustered genes. Science 341, 175-179. (if=31.2, ci=8) 2. Kang J, Wang L, Giri AP, Baldwin IT (2006) Silencing threonine deaminase and the JAR1 homologue in Nicotiana attenuata impairs JA-isoleucine-mediated defenses against the specialist herbivore, Manduca sexta. The Plant Cell 18, 3303-3320. (if=9.25, ci=147) 3. Giri AP, Wünsche H, Mitra S, Zavala J, Muck A, Svatos A, Baldwin IT (2006) Molecular interactions between the specialist herbivore Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae) and its natural host Nicotiana attenuata. VII. Changes in the plant’s proteome. Plant Physiology 142, 1621-1641 (if=6.55, ci=101) 4. Aharoni A, Giri AP, Verstappen FWA, Bertea C, Sevenier R, Sun Z, Jongsma MA, Schwab W, Bouwmeester H. (2004) Gain and loss of fruit flavor compounds produced by wild and cultivated strawberry species. The Plant Cell 16, 3110-3131 (Cover page). (if=9.25, ci=204) 5. Aharoni A, Giri AP, Deuerlein S, Griepink F, Verstappen FWA, Verhoeven HA, Jongsma MA, Schwab W, Bouwmeester H (2003). Terpenoid metabolism in wild type and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. The Plant Cell 15, 2866-2884 (if=9.25, ci=295) 6. Giri AP, Harsulkar AM, Ku MSB, Deshpande VV, Gupta VS, Ranjekar PK, Franceschi VR (2003) Identification of potent inhibitors of Helicoverpa armigera gut proteinase in winged bean seeds. Phytochemistry 63, 523-532 (Cover page). (if=4.14, ci=63) 7. Patankar AG, Giri AP, Harsulkar AM, Sainani MN, Deshpande VV Ranjekar PK, Gupta VS (2001) Complexity in specificities and expression of Helicoverpa armigera gut proteinases explains polyphagous nature of the insect pest. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 31, 453-464. (if=3.23, ci=97) 8. Harsulkar AM, Giri AP, Patankar AG, Gupta VS, Sainani MN, Ranjekar PK, Deshpande VV (1999) Successive use of non-host plant proteinase inhibitors required for effective inhibition of Helicoverpa armigera gut proteinases and larval growth. Plant Physiology 121, 497-506. (if=6.55, ci=113) 9. Giri AP, Harsulkar AM, Deshpande VV, Sainani MN, Gupta VS, Ranjekar PK (1998) Chickpea defensive proteinase inhibitors can be inactivated by pod borer gut proteinases. Plant Physiology 116, 393-401. (if=6.55, ci=155) 10. Giri AP, Kachole MS (1998) Amylase inhibitors of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) seeds. Phytochemistry 47, 193-201. (if=4.14, ci=69)

[ 186 ]

GUPTA-BHATTACHARYA, SWATI (b 1956), Senior Professor and Prof. in Charge, Division of Plant Biology, Bose Institute (Main Campus), 93/1 Acharya PC Road, Kolkata-700009 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) Allergic disorders in human develop by complex interaction between ‘allergens’ and ‘host immune system’. Hence characterization of allergens becomes important for proper diagnosis and effective therapy. Gupta-Bhattacharya is particularly interested in studying pollen and fungal aeroallergens. She started her research with characterization of allergenic pollen and molds that are responsible for developing severe respiratory allergy in Indian subcontinent. She prepared pollen and spore calendar in different biozones of Bengal to record the seasonal aeroallergen load in ambient air which has a wide clinical impact for allergy diagnosis. She has identified Parthenium, Lantana, several Palms, Peltophorum, Alstonia, Delonix and fungi like Rhizopus, Trichoderma etc. as the major sources of aeroallergens causing hay fever, rhinitis and asthma. One of her important works indicated positive correlation between allergy and asthma related hospitalization and concentration of ‘airborne biopollutants’ along with meteorological factors (Ghosh et al., 2010). She also identified sero-reactive aeroallergens from pollen and fungi using immunobiochemistry and proteomic tools, for example an endopeptidase from Rhizopus oryzae (Sircar et al., 2012), esterase from papaya. She has purified several immunodominant allergens from different species which are used for diagnosis and therapy. A 66kDa allergen from Phoenix was used for ‘Immunotherapy’ with an effective outcome increased atopic tolerance (Chakraborty et al., 2006). She reported extensive cross antigenecity among the members of Arecaceae, Verbenaceae and Fabaceae and even between Rhizopus and cockroach. Her structural bioinformatic study throws light to understand the molecular basis of allergenecity and cross reactivity (Ghosh et al., 2007 and Roy et al., 2003).

Proposer : Prof. Sampa Das, Seconder : Prof. Bharati Ghosh Ten Best Publications: 1. Sircar G, Chakrabarti HS, Saha B and Gupta-Bhattacharya S. 2012. Identification of Aero-allergens from Rhizopus oryzae: An Immunoproteomic Approach. Journal of Proteomics, Elsevier. 77: 455-468 (if=4.0) 2. Mandal J, Manna P, Chakraborty P, Roy I and Gupta-Bhattacharya S. 2009. Clinical and immunobiochemical characterization of airborne Delonix regia (Gulmohar tree) pollen and cross reactivity studies with Peltophorum pterocarpum pollen: Two dominant avenue trees from Eastern India. Annals of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Elsevier. 103(6); 515-524 (if=3.4, ci=6) 3. Chakraborty P., Mandal J., Sarkar, E., Chowdhury I. and Gupta-Bhattacharya S. 2009. Clinico-immunochemical studies on airborne Areca catechu L. Pollen, a probable risk factor in emergency asthma hospitalization from Eastern India. International archives of allergy and immunology, Blackwell Publishing. 149(4), 305-314. (if=2.5, ci=14) 4. Ghosh D and Gupta- Bhattacharya, S. 2008. Structural insight into protein T1, the non-allergenic member of the Bet v 1 allergen family - an in silico analysis. Molecular Immunology, Elsevier, UK. 45, 456-462. (if=2.6, ci=9) 5. Das S. and Gupta-Bhattacharya S. 2008. Enumerating outdoor aeromycota in suburban West Bengal, India, with reference to respiratory allergy and meteorological factors. Ann Agric Environ Med,Poland. 15(1), 105-112. (if=3.4, ci=16) 6. Chakraborty, P., Ghosh, D., Chowdhury, I., Roy, I., Chatterjee, S., Chanda, S. and Gupta‐Bhattacharya, S. 2005. Aerobiological and immunochemical studies on Carica papaya L. pollen: an aeroallergen from India. Allergy, John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 60(7), 920-926. (if=5.8, ci=11) 7. Adhikari, A., Sen, M.; Gupta-Bhattacharya, S. and Chanda, S. 2004. Airborne viable, non-viable and allergenic fungi in a rural agricultural area of India: a 2-year study at five outdoor sampling stations. Science of the Total Environment, Elsevier, UK. 326:121-139. (if=3.2, ci=65) 8. Adhikari,A. Sen, M.M. Gupta-Bhattacharya S. and Chanda,S. 2004. Volumetric assessment of airborne fungi in two sections of a rural indoor dairy cattle Shed. Environment International. 29, 1071-1078. Elsevier, UK (if=6.2, ci=63) 9. Roy D, Ghosh D and Gupta-Bhattacharya. S, 2003. Homology Modeling of Allergenic Cyclophilins: IgE binding site and structural basis of cross reactivity. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 307, 422-429. Elsevier, UK . (if=2.4, ci=12) 10. Chowdhury, I., Chakraborty, P., Gupta Bhattacharya, S. and Chanda, S. 1998. Allergenic relationship among four common and dominant airborne palm pollen grains from Eastern India. Clinical and Experimental Allergy 28:977-983. Blackwell Science Ltd., UK. (if=5.0, ci=23)

[ 187 ]

HUSAIN, TARIQ (b 1958), SENIOR PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST; CSIR-NATIONAL BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, LUCKNOW Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) Dr. Tariq Husain’s significant contributions spread over a period of 33 years in the field of Angiosperm Systematics and Biodiversity Conservation have resulted in the publication of 3 books and 101 research papers in peer reviewed journals. Among many others, he has successfully completed taxonomic monographs of complex himalayan genera, Berberis, Pedicularis and Ixora. He has brought out 11 new taxa, which have a great bearing on the phytogeographic significance. He has first hand field knowledge of himalayan flora and has done floristics and biodiversity assessment of several botanically rich areas. Molecular Phylogenetic and DNA bar coding studies on Pedicularis and Berberis are again to his credit. He has successfully completed 12 projects and developed several data-bases such as data-base on 500 medicinal plants used in ISM, species data-base ‘PADAP’, digitized data-base of NBRI herbarium and Comprehensive Traditional Knowledge Digital Library from India. The study on the impact of climate change, in-vitro propagation and conservation of some critically endangered medicinal plants, report of 14 sacred groves from Himalaya are other noteworthy contributions. His scientific accomplishments have received both National and International recognitions. He received Robert O' Bass Fellowship from Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago and also an expert member in III meeting of treeBOL in New York Botanical Garden, New York, USA. He has been awarded the B.A.Razi Medal (2013) by Association for Plant Taxonomists, also, he has delivered the G. Panigrahi Memorial Lecture 2013 of Indian Botanical Society. He is Fellow and life member of several scientific societies.

Proposer : Prof. R. Raghavendra Rao, Seconder : Dr. Dalip Kumar Upreti Ten Best Publications: 1. Tariq Husain and S.R. Paul, 1984. A new species of Ixora (Rubiaceae) from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Blumea 30: 153 - 156 2. Tariq Husain, 1989. Lectotypification of South Indian Ixora monticola Gamble and Ixora saulierei Gamble (Rubiaceae). Taxon 38: 296(if=2.36) 3. R.R. Rao, Tariq Husain and B. Datt. 1994. An undescribed variety of Berberis petiolaris Wall. ex. G. Don (Berberidaceae) from the Himalaya. Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. 35: 229 - 232 4. Tariq Husain and A. Garg. 2002. The sanctity of Pedicularis bicornuta Kl. ex Kl. & Garcke (Scrophulariaceae) in the Indian cold deserts of Lahaul-Spiti. Curr. Sci. 83(8): 929-930. (if=0.8, ci=01) 5. Tariq Husain and A. Garg. 2003. A new species of Pedicularis (Scrophulariaceae) from Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh, India. J. Jap. Bot. 78: 162-166 6. Tariq Husain and A. Garg. 2003. A new subspecies of Pedicularis zeylanica (Scrophulariaceae) from Western Ghats of south India. Systematics and Biodiversity 1 (2): 173-175 (if=1.884) 7. Tariq Husain and A. Garg. 2004. Trachycarpus takil Becc. is not a ‘rare’ palm. Curr. Sci. 86(5): 633-634 (if=0.8, ci=03) 8. Tariq Husain, A. Garg, P. Agnihotri and R.R. Mill. 2006. A revision of Pedicularis series Curvipes (Prain) Hurus. (Orobanchaceae). Edinb. J. Bot. 63(1): 49-65. 9. H. Singh, Tariq Husain and P. Agnihotri. 2010. Haat Kali sacred grove, Central Himalaya, Uttarakhand. Curr. Sci. 98 (3): 290. (if=0.8, ci=1) 10. Roy, A.Tyagi, V. Shukla, A. Kumar, U. M. Singh, L. B. Chaudhary, B. Datt, S.K. Bag, P. K. Singh, N. K. Nair, Tariq Husain and R. Tuli. 2010. Universal Plant DNA Barcode Loci may not work in Complex Groups: A Case Study with Indian Berberis species. PLoS ONE 5(10): 1-14. (if=3.73, ci=28)

[ 188 ]

JAIN, ASHOK KUMAR (b 1952), Professor, School of Studies in Botany, Jiwaji University, Gwalior Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) Prof. Ashok K. Jain is a well known academician in the field of plant sciences. He has travelled a good number of tribal inhabited localities and collected information on medicinal and other uses of plants. He has specifically contributed in the field of Ethnobotany and documented over 1500 plant species from different tribal dominated localities of central India. Recipient of V.Puri and Harshberger & PH Gregory medals, Prof. Jain is the fellow of various international & national academic societies including the Linnean society London, Indian Botanical Society, Society of Ethnobotanists and many others. Publication of five books and over 90 research papers goes to his credit. He has been the regional coordinator of International Ethnobiology Society for South East Asia. Prof. Jain has completed over 15 research projects sponsored by several national and international funding agencies like BGCI, UK, US International Conservation Fund, Ministry of Environment & Forests, ICMR, Biodiversity Board, Bhopal, Ministry of Culture etc. He has assessed the threat status of a good number of species as per the IUCN criteria. He has also organized a good number of seminars/ conferences/ workshops etc. He has established a “Medicinal Plants Garden” known as “Charak Garden” in the university campus. The garden shelters over 250 plant species including approximately 25 threatened ones. The garden also comprises a “Nakshatra Vatika” a “Griha Vatika” a “Panchvati Vatika” along with several other attracting features. He has also developed a museum in Institute of Ethnobiology. The museum comprises a large number of tribal exhibits.

Proposer : Prof. R. Raghvendra Rao, Seconder : Prof. D. K. Upreti Ten Best Publications: 1. Ashok K. Jain, 2000, Survey of bioaerosol in different indoor working environments in central India. Aerobiologia 16: 221-225 (if=1.33, ci=Yes, Indexed in SCI) 2. Ashok K. Jain and Santosh N. Patole, 2001, Some threatened plants of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. J. Indian Bot. Soc. 80:151-155. (if=0.00, ci=Not indexed) 3. Ashok K. Jain and Mudasir Bashir, 2010, Efficient micropropagation protocol for Portulaca grandiflora Hook. using shoot tip explants. New York Science Journal 3(10) 112-116. (if=Not Yet (Evaluating), ci=Yes, indexed in SCI) 4. Ashok K. Jain, Mohan G. Vairale and Rajdeo Singh, 2010, Folklore claims on some medicinal plants used by Bheel tribe of Guna district Madhya Pradesh. Ind. J. of Traditional Knowledge 9(1) 105-107. (if=0.492, ci=Yes, indexed in SCI) 5. Ashok K. Jain, Preeti Tiwari Barua and Mudasir Bashir, 2010, Nutritive aspects of Oxalis corniculata L. used by tribals of Central India during scarcity of food. J. American Science. 6 (11) 435-437. (if=Not yet (Evaluating), ci=Yes, indexed in SCI) 6. Ashok K. Jain and Mudasir Bashir, 2010, In-vitro propagation of a medicinal plant Portulaca grandiflora Hook. World J. of Agricultural Research 6(3): 327-330. (if=0.00, ci=Not Indexed) 7. Vijay V. Wagh and Ashok K. Jain, 2010, Traditional herbal remedies among Bheel and Bhilala tribes of Jhabua district Madhya Pradesh. Int. J. Biol. Technology 1(2): 20-24 (if=0.00, ci=Yes, indexed in SCI) 8. Ashok K. Jain, Vijay V. Wagh and Chitralekha Kadel, 2011, Conservation status of some miniature sacred grove in Jhabua district (MP). J. Ethnobotany, 23: 106-115. (if=0.00, ci=Not indexed) 9. Ashok K. Jain and Preeti Tiwari, 2012, Nutritional value of some traditional edible plants used by tribal communities during emergency with reference to Central India. Ind. J. Traditional Knowledge, 11(1): 51-57. (if=0.492, ci=Yes, indexed in SCI) 10. Vijay V. Wagh and Ashok K. Jain, 2013, Status of threatened medicinal plants of Jhabua distrcit, Madhya Pradesh, India. Annals of Plant Sciences 395-400. (if=2.5 (Index Copernicus), ci=Yes, indexed in SCI)

[ 189 ]

JAIN, MUKESH (b 1978), Staff Scientist, National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) Dr. Mukesh Jain has made outstanding contributions in the area of plant genomics relevant to crop improvement. He has been working in the area of rice and chickpea genomics for more than a decade, initially as an active member of team at University of Delhi and subsequently as an independent scientist and group leader at NIPGR. He has been instrumental in the genome and transcriptome sequencing, annotation and analysis of chickpea and rice, and identification/development of functional molecular markers. He has made significant contributions in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress response and developmental processes in rice, and identified several candidate genes involved. He has demonstrated the novel role of few genes in abiotic stress responses. His pioneering work on transcriptome characterization and identification of genetic variations in chickpea has become an important example in knowledge generation for non-model plants. His leadership has led to discovery of several promising target genes involved in abiotic stress responses and reproductive development in rice, annotation and characterization of chickpea transcriptome and genome sequences, discovery of molecular markers (microsatellites, SNPs, and InDels) in chickpea and rice, development of chickpea linkage map and identification of functionally relevant microsatellite markers for seed related traits in chickpea. His work has brought global recognition to plant genomics work being carried out in India. His research work has been published in 60 research papers/reviews in leading international journals with high impact factor. The cumulative impact factor and citation index of his published work is 190+ and 1800+, respectively, and H-index of 19.

Proposer : Prof. Jitendra P. Khurana, Seconder : Prof. Sudhir K. Sopory Ten Best Publications: 1. Jain M†*, Moharana KC, Shankar R, Kumari R, Garg R†. (2014) Genome-wide discovery of DNA polymorphisms in rice cultivars with contrasting drought and salinity stress response and their functional relevance. Plant Biotechnology Journal 12, 253-264. †Joint corresponding authors. (if=6.279, ci=0) 2. Singh VK, Garg R, Jain M*. (2013) A global view of transcriptome dynamics during flower development in chickpea by deep sequencing. Plant Biotechnology Journal 11, 691-701. (if=6.279, ci=2) 3. Jain M, Mishra G, Patel RK, Priya P, Jhanwar S, Khan AW, Shah N, Singh VK, Garg R, Jeena G, Sharma P, Kant C, Yadav M, Yadav G, Bhatia S, Tyagi AK, Chattopadhyay D. (2013) Draft genome sequence of the pulse crop chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The Plant Journal 74, 715-729. (Featured and cover photo article) (if=6.582, ci=17) 4. Jhanwar S, Priya P, Garg R, Parida SK, Tyagi AK, Jain M* (2012) Transcriptome sequencing of wild chickpea as a rich resource for marker development. Plant Biotechnology Journal 10, 690-702. (if=6.279, ci=21) 5. Garg R, Patel RK, Jhanwar S, Priya P, Bhattacharjee A, Yadav G, Bhatia S, Chattopadhyay D, Tyagi AK, Jain M*. (2011) Gene discovery and tissue-specific transcriptome analysis in chickpea with massively parallel pyrosequencing and web resource development. Plant Physiology 156, 1661-1678. (if=6.555, ci=63) 6. Garg R, Patel RK, Tyagi AK, Jain M*. (2011) De novo assembly of chickpea transcriptome using short reads for gene discovery and marker identification. DNA Research 18, 53-63. (if=4.425, ci=136) 7. Jain M*, Ghanashyam C, Bhattacharjee A (2010) Comprehensive expression analysis suggests overlapping and specific roles of rice glutathione S-transferase genes during development and stress responses. BMC Genomics 11, 73. (if=4.40, ci=45) 8. Jain M*, Khurana JP. (2009) Transcript profiling reveals diverse roles of auxin-responsive genes during reproductive development and abiotic stress in rice. FEBS Journal 276, 3148-3162. (if=4.25, ci=88) 9. Nijhawan A, Jain M, Tyagi AK, Khurana JP. (2008) A genomic survey and gene expression analysis of basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor family in rice. Plant Physiology 146, 333-350. (if=6.555, ci=98) 10. Jain M, Nijhawan A, Arora R, Agarwal P, Ray S, Sharma P, Kapoor S, Tyagi AK, Khurana JP (2007). F-box proteins in rice: genome-wide analysis, classification, temporal and spatial gene expression during panicle and seed development, and regulation by light and abiotic stress. Plant Physiology 143, 1467-1483. (if=6.555, ci=234)

[ 190 ]

MUKHERJEE, PULOK KUMAR (b 1968), Director, School of Natural Product Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata - 700032, India

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) Dr. Pulok K. Mukherjee has made significant contributions in the area of medicinal plant research. He has been working on the validation of medicinal plants for their therapeutic claims, quality control, pharmaco-vigilance, safety surveillance, risk assessment and related metabolomic studies to make them available from 'Farm to Pharma'. Dr Mukherjee’s works on chemo profiling of medicinal plants for quality evaluation and their exploration for Alzheimer’s diseases based on Acetyl cholinesterase inhibition and anti-HIV potential is very important. He has been working on development of safety profile of herbs and poly-herbal formulation through metabolism mediated herb-drug interaction. The work of Dr Mukherjee has been appreciated by several manufacturing units and products developed are being marketed by them and the technology has been transferred through his university. His research career has been outstanding, including globally acclaimed contributions on development of integrated approaches for traditional medicine inspired drug development from medicinal plants. Based on these works, he has published above 160 publications in peer reviewed impact journals, several patents and 19 books/book chapters on evaluation of botanicals. His research publications have cumulative Impact factor of 185. His works has been cited over 6301 times in reputed journals and documents and has h-index- 39, i10-index - 110. The research contribution of Dr Mukherjee is very helpful for validation of Indian medicinal plants and may be useful bio-prospecting tools for establishing their use in health care.

Proposer : Prof. Akhilesh Kumar Tyagi, Seconder : Prof. Paramjit Khurana Ten Best Publications: 1. Banerjee SK, Mukherjee PK, Maulik SK. 2003. Garlic as an antioxidant: the good, the bad and the ugly. Phytotherapy Research, 17(2): 97-106. (if=2.068, ci=212) 2. Mukherjee PK, Maiti K, Mukherjee K, Houghton PJ. 2006. Leads from Indian medicinal plants with hypoglycemic potentials. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 106 (1), 1-28. (if=2.775, ci=237) 3. Rai S, Wahile A, Mukherjee K, Saha BP, Mukherjee PK. 2006. Antioxidant activity of Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred lotus) seeds. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 104, 322–327. (if=2.775, ci=163) 4. Maiti K, Mukherjee K, Gantait A, Saha BP, Mukherjee PK. 2007. Curcumin-phospholipid complex: Preparation, therapeutic evaluation and pharmacokinetic study in rats. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 330 (1-2), 155-163. (if=3.458, ci=313) 5. Mukherjee PK, Kumar V, Mal M, Houghton PJ, 2007. Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors from plants. Phytomedicine, 14(4), 289-300. (if=2.972, ci=216) 6. Mukherjee PK, Ahamed N, Kumar V, Mukherjee K, Houghton PJ. 2007. Protective effect of biflavones from Araucaria bidwillii Hook in rat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induced oxidative stress. Behavioural Brain Research, 178, 221-228 (if=3.327, ci=53) 7. Venkatesh M, Maiti K, Mukherjee K, Mukherjee PK. 2009. Enhanced oral bioavailability and antioxidant profile of Ellagic acid by phospholipids. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57, 4559–4565. (if=2.906, ci=22) 8. Kumar NS, Mukherjee PK, Bhadra S, Saha BP. 2010. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibitory potential of standardized extract of Trigonella foenum graecum L and its constituents. Phytomedicine, 17, 292-295 (if=2.972, ci=25) 9. Bhadra S, Mukherjee PK, Kumar NS, Bandyopadhyay A. 2011. Anticholinesterase activity of standardized extract of Illicium verum Hook. f. fruits. Fitoterapia, 82, 342-346. (if=2.231, ci=19) 10. Pandit S, Mukherjee PK, Mukherjee K, Gajbhiye R, Venkatesh M, Ponnusankar S, Bhadra S. 2012. Cytochrome P450 inhibitory potential of selected Indian spices-possible food drug interaction. Food Research International, 45, 69–74. (if=3.005, ci=5)

[ 191 ]

MUNSHI, ABID HUSSAIN (b 1950), Professor (Scientist Emeritus), Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar Member of the NASI : No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) I am pleased to write a testimony for Prof (Dr) Abid Hussain Munshi who was my M.Sc. student in 1970. After completing his degree he joined Junior Research Fellow under CSIR project in 1973 and got registered for his Ph.D programme in Department of Botany, University of Kashmir. He worked on Systematic Studies of family Polygonaceae of Kashmir Himalaya in which he identified 4 new species and 30 new combinations of genera and species published in his book. He guided 12 scholars for their Ph. D degrees in Plant sciences, Aerobiology and Bioresource. 5 M.Phils have also been completed under his guidance. He successfully completed 10 research projects sponsored by University Grants Commission (UGC), DBT, DST, MOEF, UNDP and, DFRI and five research projects are in progress. Prof Munshi has designed a unique innovative Post Graduate Programme in Bioresource being first of its kind. He has four collaborative research programs with Cornel University USA, University of Cambridge UK, Lund University, Sweden and University of Bedfordshire on plants being potential resources for bioethanol. He also raised five new cultivars in Salix, commercially used for bionergy and biofuel. 20 National and International awards including top Scientist of the world, 2013 are at his credit. He is recipient of 10 fellowships from reputed scientific organization of the world and India. Besides his academic and research activities he prove to be a good administrator in University and other institutions of the country. Presently he is working as sabbatical visiting Professor in University of Cambridge and, UK.

Proposer : Prof. A.K. Koul, Seconder : Prof. Ashok K. Bhatnagar

Ten Best Publications : 1. Munshi, A. H., 1976, Rumex palustris Sm A new record for Indian Geobios 3:72. (if=1.05) 2. Munshi, A. H. and G. N. Javied, 1976, Polygonum maritium L. A new record for India. Indian Forester 102(6) (if=0.56) 3. Munshi, A. H., 1977, On correct identify of Polygonum hagei Ex Bab, Geobios 4:81. (if=1.05) 4. Munshi, A. H., 1983, Rumex alveolatus loss. An addition to Indian Rumex Geobios New rep. 2:147-148. (if=1.05) 5. Munshi, A. H., 1983, IOBP Chromosomes Number Reports l.XXIX (Polygonaceae) Taxon 32(2):322. (if=2.78) 6. Munshi, A. H., 1992, Airborne pollen of Parthenium hysterophorus in the temperate climate of Kashmir valley Ind. J. Aerobiol. Sp. Vol. 61-62. (if=2.9) 7. Munshi, A. H., 1994, Pollen calendar of Kashmir University campus, Srinagar Kashmir Proc. Of 5th International conference on Aerobiology 381-388, Banaglore, India. (if=2.9) 8. Munshi, A. H., 2000, Gene expression in allergic pollen, Aerobiologia: 16(3&4): 331-334. (if=1.33) 9. Munshi, A. H., 2000, Flowering calendar of grasses in Srinagar Kashmir (India) Aerobiologia: 16(3&4):449-452. (if=1.33) 10. Munshi, A.H, et al 2011,Genetic Diversity in Salix viminalis in the Kashmir Valley, India. American journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,1: 178-184. (if=2.467)

[ 192 ]

PANDEY, ARUN KUMAR (b 1953), Professor, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007

Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2014, Plant Sciences)

Prof. Pandey has made outstanding contributions to taxonomy and reproductive biology of angiosperms. He has done taxonomic revision of Tricholepis, Inula, Aralia and Panax. His first ultrastructural work on development of phytomelanin in Asteraceae has given new insights in understanding morphological nature of this layer and its systematic, evolutionary and adaptive significance. He has published exhaustive checklist of Indian Cucurbitaceae, and important papers on molecular phylogeny of Cucurbitaceae. He has remarkable papers on molecular phylogeny of Aralia-Panax complex (Araliaceae), Nassauvia (Asteraceae) and phylogeography of Panax bipinnatus. He has published a new species, Indigofera himachalensis from Himachal Pradesh, and published molecular systematics and pod evolution in Indian Indigofera. Duhaldea nervosa and Taverniera cuneifolium have been published by him as new records to flora of Himachal Pradesh. His work on molecular systematics of the Indian Crotalaria is first phylogenetic study based on morphological and molecular markers. Dr Pandey has done extensive research on reproductive biology of Schima species (Theaceae), Sterculia urens (Sterculiaceae), Trichosanthes dioica (Cucurbitaceae), Carthamus tinctorius and Guizotia abyssinica (Asteraceae). Ethnobotanical studies carried out by him have helped to record important, useful traditional knowledge from among different tribal groups in Santhal Paragana (Jharkhand), Similipal (Odisha) and Chothe tribe (Manipur). Dr Pandey has carried out extensive work on medicinal plant wealth of Similipal Biosphere Reserve (Odisha), and on impact of mining on the flora of Rajmahal hills (Jharkhand). Prof. Pandey is well known for promoting plant sciences in India through his books, popular articles and by organizing symposia and workshops on taxonomy.

Proposer : Prof. A.K. Bhatnagar, Seconder : Prof. S.C. Bhatla Ten Best Publications: 1. Pandey, A.K.,Wilcox, L.W. and Stuessy, T.F. 1989. Development of phytomelanin layer in fruits of Ageratum conyzoides (Compositae). Amer. J. Bot. 76:739-746. (if=2.58, ci=9) 2. Chaudhary, L. B. and Pandey, A.K. 2001. Revision of genus Tricholepis (Asteraceae) in India. Rheedea 11(1): 1-27. 3. Pandey, A. K., Ali M. A., Biate L. D. and Misra A.K 2009. Molecular systematics of Aralia-Panax complex (Araliaceae) in India based on ITS sequences of nr DNA. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. India, Sect.B, 79: 255-261. 79. 4. Pandey, A. K. and Ali, M.A. 2010. Phylogeography of Indian populations of Panax bipinnatus Seem. (Araliaceae) based on internal transcribed spacer sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Phytomorphology 60(3&4):110-118. 5. Maraner, F., Samuel, R., Stuessy, T. F., Crawford, D. J., Crisci, J.V., Pandey, A. K., Mort, M.E. 2011. Molecular phylogeny of Nassuvia (Asteraceae, Mutisieae) based on nrDNA ITS sequences. Plant Systematics and Evolution. Published online 11 Dec, 2011.DOI 10.1007/s00606-011-0553-9. (if=1.312) 6. Subramaniam, S., Pandey, A.K., Geeta, R. and Mort, M.M. 2013. Molecular systematics of Indian Crotalaria (Fabaceae) based on analyses of nr ITS DNA sequences. Plant Systematics and Evolution 299 (6):1089-1106. DOI: 10.1007/s00606-013-0781-2. (if=1.312) 7. Shekhar, S, Pandey, A.K. and Anderberg, A.A. 2013. The genus Inula (Asteraceae) in India. Rheedea 23(2): 113-127. 8. Renner, S.S. and Pandey, A.K. 2013. The Cucurbitaceae of India: Accepted names, synonyms, geographic distribution and information on images and DNA sequences. Phytokeys 20:53-118. doi: 10.3897/[email protected]. 9. Chauhan, V., Pandey, A.K. and Schaefer, H. 2013. Indigofera himachalensis (Fabaceae: Indigofereae), a new species from Himachal Pradesh. Phytotaxa 112(2):43-49. (if=1.295) 10.Pandey, A.K., Stuessy, T. F. and Mathur, R. R. 2014. Phytomelanin and systematics of the Heliantheae Alliance (Compositae). Plant Div. Evol. 131 (1-2): 1-21.

[ 193 ]

PANDIT, MAHARAJ KRISHAN (b 1958), Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) The primary focus of Professor Maharaj Pandit’s research is to understand causes of rarity, extinction and invasion of species. His pioneering works on ploidy and genome size influencing rarity and invasiveness in plants are published in high impact journals (Journal of Ecology; New Phytologist; Evolutionary Ecology Research). Pandit, through a series of papers established the role of genetic mutations in endangerment of important medicinal plants of Himalaya - Coptis teeta; Panax spp. (Botanical Journal of the Linnaean Society; Plant Systematics & Evolution). He demonstrated that genetic causes lead to failure of sexual reproduction and depressed population build-up in endangered plants (Environmental Conservation). In a first major scientific assessment, Pandit’s work on deforestation in the Himalaya showed how landuse change was driving species extinctions across taxonomic groups (Biodiversity & Conservation). More recently, Pandit in a ground-breaking study evaluated the effects of dam-building on species extinctions in the Himalaya (Science; Conservation Biology). Using ecological modelling tools, his group provided first evidence that water discharge was primary driver of fish species richness in rivers emphasizing that water withdrawals would reduce fish species diversity (PLoS ONE). Himalaya being a global biodiversity hotspot, Pandit’s research group provided persuasive evidence of species’ range shifts under the impact of warming (PLoS ONE). Three of his papers have been reviewed in Nature; acknowledged as a significant contribution to invasion biology, his work on ‘ploidy influencing rarity and invasiveness’ is on the top-cited papers list. Pandit recently wrote a World-View article in Nature on the need to protect Himalaya.

Proposer : Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Seconder : Prof. Virendra Kumar Ten Best Publications: 1. Pandit, MK, White, S and Pocock, MJ. 2014. The contrasting effects of genome size, chromosome number and ploidy level on plant invasiveness: a global analysis. New Phytologist (online April 3, 2014; doi: 10.1111/nph.12799). (if=6.736, ci=-) 2. Grumbine, RE and Pandit, MK. 2013. Threats from India's Himalaya dams. Science 339:36-37. (if=31.03, ci=14) 3. Pandit, MK and Grumbine, RE. 2012. Potential effects of ongoing and proposed hydropower development on terrestrial biological diversity in the Indian Himalaya. Conservation Biology 26:1061-1071. (if=4.6, ci=6) 4. Pandit, MK et al. 2011. Ploidy influences rarity and invasiveness in plants. Journal of Ecology 99: 1108-1115. (if=5.431, ci=45) 5. Sharma, SK and Pandit, MK. 2010. Synaptic mutation-driven male sterility in Panax sikkimensis Ban. (Araliaceae) from Eastern Himalaya, India. Plant Syst. Evol. 287:29–36. (if=1.312, ci=10) 6. Pandit, MK et al. 2007. Unreported yet massive deforestation driving loss of endemic biodiversity in Indian Himalaya. Biodiversity &. Conservation 16:153-163. (if=2.3, ci=65) 7. Pandit, MK. 2006. Continuing the search for pattern among rare plants: Are diploid species more likely to be rare? Evolutionary Ecology Research, 8: 543–552. (if=1.7, ci=16) 8. Pandit, MK, Tan, Hugh HW and Bisht, MS. 2006. Polyploidy in the invasive plant species of Singapore. Bot. Jour. Linn. Soc., 151:395-403. (if=2.6, ci=33) 9. Pandit, MK and Babu, CR. 2003. The effects of loss of sex in clonal populations of an endangered perennial, Coptis teeta (Ranunculaceae). Bot. Jour. Linn. Soc., 143: 47-57. (if=2.6, ci=17) 10. Pandit, MK and Babu, CR. 1998. Biology and Conservation of Coptis teeta - an endemic and endangered medicinal herb of eastern Himalaya. Environmental Conservation, 25: 262-272. (if=2.341, ci=20)

[ 194 ]

RAMTEKE, PRAMOD WASUDEO (b 1957), Dean of Post Graduate Studies, Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) Prof. Pramod W. Ramteke’s research contribution focuses around exploitation of microbial biodiversity for sustainable development and unraveling their role in several agro-ecological processes. He has developed microbe based eco-friendly processes for bioremediation and bio-recovery of heavy metals from wastewaters; detoxification and biodegradation of environmental contaminants; and utilization of agricultural products for production of industrially important enzymes. Native Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) isolates with a wide spectrum of activities against cruciferous pests were obtained from diverse habitats. Indigenous photoreactor was developed using microalga Scenedesmus abundans as feed stock for production of biodiesel that meets international standards. Bacteria from cold habitats utilizing wide range of agricultural wastes and showed their usefulness in energy-saving bioremediation of domestic and industrial waste at high altitude cold arid regions.The cold- adapted enzymes from psychrophiles showed high activity and stability at low temperatures over a broad pH range and broad substrate specificity; and unusual compatibility and stability in presence of environmental contaminants. Additionally, these enzymes find applications in bio-transformations at low temperature and as new tools in molecular biology. Rapid, sensitive and inexpensive microbial bioassays and indicators were developed for detection of bacterial contaminants and pathogens in food and water. His work highlights the role of transferable R-plasmids in emerging resistance to heavy metals and antibiotics among water borne pathogens and their potential health risk.

Proposer : DR SUMAN P. S. KHANUJA, Seconder : PROF. G. K. SRIVASTAVA Ten Best Publications: 1. Ramteke, P.W., Bhattacherjee, J.W., Pathak, S.P. and Kalra, N. (1992). Evaluation of coliforms as indicator of water quality in India. Journal of Applied Bacteriology 72: 252-256. (now J. Applied Microbiology). (if=2.337, ci=31) 2. Ramteke, P.W.(1995). Comparison of standard MPN method with three alternate test for detection of bacteriological water quality indicators. Environmental Toxicology and Water Quality(now Environmental Toxicology) 10: 173-178. (if=2.407, ci=5) 3. Ghosh, A., Singh A., Ramteke, P.W., and Singh, V.P. (2000) Characterization of large plasmids encoding resistance to toxic heavy metals in Salmonella abortus equi. Biochemical Biophysical Research Communication 272: 6-11. (if=2.648, ci=16) 4. Verma, T., Srinath, T., Gadpayale, R., Ramteke, P.W.**, Hans, R.K. and Garg, S.K. (2001). Chromate resistant bacteria from tannery effluents. Bioresource Technology 78: 31–35. (if=4.980, ci=31) 5. Srinath, T., Ramteke, P.W. and Garg, S. K. (2002). Chromium (VI) biosorption and bioaccumulation by chromate resistant bacteria. Chemosphere 48: 427-435. (if=3.206, ci=166) 6. Joseph, Babu., Ramteke, P. W. and Thomas, G. (2008). Cold- active microbial lipases: Some hot issues and recent developments. Biotechnology Advances 28:457-470. (if=9.464, ci=125) 7. Verma, T., Garg, S.K. and Ramteke, P.W. (2009). Genetic correlation between chromium resistance and reduction in Bacillus brevis isolated from tannery effluent. Journal of Applied Microbiology 107:1425-1432. (if=2.337, ci=11) 8. Pandey, H., Parashar, V., Parashar, R., Prakash, R., Ramteke, P. W. and Pandey, A. C. (2011). Controlled drug release characteristics and enhanced antibacterial effect of graphene nanosheets containing gentamicin sulphate. Nanoscale 3: 4104-4108.(if=5.914, ci=16) 9. Kuddus M. and Ramteke P.W. (2012). Recent developments in production and biotechnological applications of cold-active microbial proteases. Critical Review in Microbiology 38(4): 330-338. (if=6.27, ci=4) 10. Mandotra, S. K., Kumar, P., Suseela, M. R. and Ramteke, P. W. (2014) Fresh water green microalga Scenedesmus abundans: A potential feedstock for high quality biodiesel production. Bioresource Technology 156: 42-47. (if=4.980)

[ 195 ]

RAO, MANDALI VENKATESWARA (b 1954), PROFESSOR & HEAD, DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE, BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI 620024, TAMIL NADU

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) Dr.Mandali Venkateswara Rao is Professor and Head, Department of Plant science, Bharathidasan University. He did his Doctoral Programme at CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow and post doctoral work with Prof.A.Gnanam, FNA, at Bharathidasan and Madurai Kamaraj Universities. He has made outstanding contribution in mass propagation and reestablishment of endemic and endangered flora at Eastern and Western Ghats of South India and also has extensively contributed in tissue culture and phyto-pharmacological work on Gymnema sylvestre (Retz) R. Br. and many other medicinal plants (>40). He has published 74 research papers in National and International journals. He has so far guided 11 Ph.D and 8 M.Phil students and guiding 10 Ph.D students. He has visited USA, Israel and Thailand. He has 35 years of research and 25 years of teaching experience, has coordinated M.Sc Life Science (5yr-integrated) program and also established Centre of Excellence in Life Sciences faculty. Presently he is contributing on ex-situ conservation of endangered flora with special emphasis to tropical orchids. He is also working on in vitro production of secondary metabolites from prominent medicinal plants. He had also carried out Ecological studies on grassland, forest and energy plantation ecosystems on saline and semi-arid regions. He has also conducted pioneering provenance trails of Populus deltoides (clones of different climatic regions of India) on semi-arid region of South India. During his visit to USA as a Visiting Scientist, he has worked on Mycorrhizal symbiosis and screened ecto, endo and orchid mycorrhizal fungi to improve plant productivity under drought and salt stress conditions.

Proposer : PROF. K.V.KRISHNAMURTHY, Seconder : PROF. ANUPAM DIXIT Ten Best Publications: 1. R.K.Dixon, V.K.Garg and M.V.Rao.1993. Inoculation of Leucaena and Prosopis seedlings with Glomus and Rhizobium species in saline soil: rhizosphere relations and seedling growth. Arid Soil Res Rehab. 7:133-144. (if=0.420, ci=54) 2. R.K.Dixon, M.V.Rao and V.K.Garg.1993. Salt stress affects in vitro growth and in situ symbioses of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhiza 3:63-68. (if=2.82, ci=32) 3. R.K.Dixon, M.V.Rao and V.K.Garg. 1993. Water relations and gas exchange of mycorrhizal Leucaena leucocephala seedlings. J. Trop.For.Sci.6: 542-552. (if=0.8, ci=20) 4. R.K.Dixon, M.V.Rao and V.K.Garg. 1993. Water relations and gas exchange of mycorrhizal Leucaena leucocephala seedlings. J. Trop.For.Sci.6: 542-552. (if=0.8, ci=20) 5. N.Komalavalli and M.V.Rao.1997. In vitro micropropagation of Gymnema elegans W&A- a rare medicinal plant. Indian J Exp Biol. 35: 1088-1092. (if=1.78, ci=29) 6. N.Komalavalli and M.V.Rao. 2000. In vitro micropropagation of Gymnema sylvestre-A multipurpose medicinal plant. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 61:97-105. (if=3.6, ci=147) 7. S.Alagumanian, V.Saravanaperumal, R.Balchandar, K.Rameshkannan and M.V.Rao. 2004. Plant regeneration from leaf and stem explants of Solanum trilobatum L. Curr Sci. 86(11): 1478-1480. (if=1.2, ci=15) 8. S. Arumugam, S. Kavimani, B. Kadalmani, A.A.A. Bakrudeen, M.A. Akbarsha and M.V. Rao. 2008. Antidiabetic activity of leaf and callus extracts of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. In Swiss albino rabbit. Science Asia. 34:317-321. (if=0.66, ci=28) 9. Abdul Bakrudeen Ali Ahmed, Adhikarla Suryanarayana Rao and Mandali Venkateswara Rao. 2009. In vitro production of gymnemic acid from Gymnema sylvestre (Retz) R.Br. Ex Roemer & Schults through callus culture under abiotic stress conditions. In: Protocols for in vitro cultures and secondary metabolite analysis of aromatic and medicinal plants. Series: Methods in Molecular biology, Vol.547, Eds.Jain S.Mohan and Saxena, Praveen K. Human Press Inc., Totowa, NW, pp.93-105. ISBN: 978-1-60327-286-5. (ci=13) 10. Bakrudeen Ali Ahmed, A.S.Rao, M.V.Rao.2010. In vitro callus and in vivo leaf extract of Gymnema sylvestre stimulate ß-cells regeneration and anti-diabetic activity in Wistar rats. Phytomedicine 17: 1033-1039. (if=3.67, ci=26)

[ 196 ]

SHARMA, VINAY (b 1957), Professor, Department of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Banasthali University (Vidyapith), Rajasthan

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2014, Plant Sciences) • The nominee’s work on secondary metabolites established the involvement of vacuoles (considered analogous to lysosomes) in biosynthesis of red-radish sinapic acid derivatives (Sharma and Strack, 1985; Strack and Sharma, 1985; Strack et al. 1985; Strack et al. 1987). • His contributions on tonoplast ATPase have enhanced our knowledge of membrane bound ATPases and showed their possible role in abiotic plant stress (Sen and Sharma, 1994, 1996; Bhushan and Sharma, 1995; Srivastava and Sharma, 1998; Kumari and Sharma, 2008; Sharma et al. 2009; Kumari and Sharma, 2010). Further, investigations on natural adaptation in plants under abiotic stress explained efficient water usage and photosynthetic mechanisms in them, and the potential of Butea tree for afforestation and wasteland reclamation (Kumari et al. 2005; Mikosch et al. 2012). Based on MALDI-TOF and 2D-GE analyses combined with novel bioinformatics based approaches, the nominee's contributions identified several salt/ drought tolerant proteins which suggested a distinct mechanism of adaptation in Sorghum (Sharma et al. 2012; Sekhwal et al. 2012, 2013). • His work on fungal pathogen (Macrophomina phaseolina) attack in important crop species led to elucidation of their defence mechanisms which distinctly advanced our knowledge particularly on the role of PR proteins and expression of their genes as related to disease resistance (Gupta et al. 2012, 2013; Sharma et al. 2013; Pareek et al. 2013). • A filamentous fungi isolated from semi-arid stress conditions showed highly efficient phosphate solubilization in soil with significantly higher plant growth and P uptake (Jain et al. 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014).

Proposer : Prof. A. K. Tyagi, Seconder : Prof. H.S. Balyan Ten Best Publications: 1. Sharma, V. and Banerji, D. 1981. Enhancement of Hill activity by anthocyanins under both white incandescent and green irradiation. Photosynthetica, 15:540-542. (if=1.106, ci=6) 2. Sharma, V. and Strack, D. 1985. Vacuolar localization of 1-sinapoylglucose: L- malate sinapoyltransferase in protoplasts from cotyledons of Raphanus sativus. Planta, 163:563-568. (if=3.651, ci=44) 3. Sen, S. and Sharma, V. 1994. Tonoplast ATPase from peanut seedlings. Phytochemistry, 36:569-572. (if=3.575, ci=4) 4. Joshi, G. K., Kumar, S. and Sharma V. 2007. Production of moderately halotolerant, SDS stable alkaline protease from Bacillus cereus MTCC 6840 isolated from lake Nainital, Uttaranchal state, India. Brazilian J. Microbiology, 38: 773-779. (if=0.99, ci=29) 5. Kumari, N. and Sharma, V. 2010. Stress mediated alteration in V-ATPase and V-PPase of Butea monosperma. Protoplasma, 245: 125-132 (if=2.855, ci=5) 6. Jain, R., Saxena, J. and Sharma, V. 2010. The evaluation of free and encapsulated Aspergillus awamori for phosphate solubilization in fermentation and soil-plant system. Applied Soil Ecology, 46: 90-94. (if=2.79, ci=15) 7. Kuntal, H. and Sharma, V. 2011. In silico analysis of SSRs in mitochondrial genomes of plants, OMICS, 15(11): 783-789. (if=2.73, ci=7) 8. Gupta, P., Ravi, I. and Sharma, V. 2012. Induction of β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase activity in the defense response of Eruca sativa plants against the fungal pathogen Alternaria brassicicola. Journal of Plant Interactions. 8: 155-161. (if=0.897, ci=7) 9. Sharma, V., Sekhwal, M.K., Swami, A.K. and Sarin, R. 2012. Identification of drought responsive proteins using gene ontology hierarchy. Bioinformation, 8(13): 595-599 (if=1.00, ci=3) 10. Mittal, S., Kumari, N. and Sharma, V. 2012. Differential response of salt stress on Brassica juncea: Photosynthetic performance, pigment, proline, D1 and antioxidant enzymes, Plant Physiol. and Biochemistry, 54: 17-26. (if=2.98, ci=22)

[ 197 ]

TRIVEDI, PRABODH KUMAR (b 1969), Principal Scientist, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow


Major scientific contributions of Dr. Prabodh Trivedi are in the area of pathway engineering of secondary plant products and environmental biotechnology. He carried out gene pyramiding and silencing of specific steps to enhance flavonoid biosynthesis. His research suggests that single gene may not lead to enhanced synthesis of specific molecules due to substrate limitation (Misra et al., 2010a) and require manipulation of multiple steps. He demonstrated that AtMYB12 regulate a number of pathways leading to flux availability for flavonol biosynthesis and insect resistance (Misra et al., 2010b; Misra et al., 2012). His study with coexpression of AtMYB12 and GmIFS1 accumulated isoflavones in non-leguminous plants with improved bone health in estrogen deficient mice (Pandey et al., 2014). To establish biosynthetic pathways for medicinally important molecules, he carried out comparative transcriptome analysis of different chemotypes of Withania and poppy and identified genes involved in specific withanolides and papaverine biosynthesis (Gupta et al., 2013; Pathak et al., 2013). In the area of environmental biotechnology, through biochemical and genome-wide expression analysis, he demonstrated involvement of various processes in detoxification of heavy metals in rice (Shri et al., 2009; Chakrabarty et al., 2010; Dubey et al., 2010; Rai et al., 2011, Kumar et al., 2011; Tripathi et al., 2013a,b; Kumar et al., 2013a). He identified and characterized potential genes for development of heavy metal tolerant transgenic plants (Shukla et al., 2012; Shukla et al., 2013a,b; Kumar et al., 2013b) and related to root to shoot transport of heavy metals (Tiwari et al., 2014a,b).

Proposer : Dr. Chandra Shekhar Nautiyal, Seconder : Prof. P. K. Seth Ten Best Publications: 1. Pandey A, Misra P, Khan MP, Swarnkar G, Tewari MC, Bhambhania S, Trivedi R, Chattopadhyay C, Trivedi PK (2014) Coexpression of Arabidopsis transcription factor, AtMYB12, and soybean isoflavone synthase, GmIFS1, genes in tobacco leads to enhanced biosynthesis of isoflavones and flavonols resulting in osteoprotective activity. Plant Biotechnology Journal 12:69-80 (if=6.279, ci=2) 2. Tiwari M, Sharma D, Dwivedi S, Singh M, Tripathi RD, Trivedi PK (2014) Expression in Arabidopsis and cellular localization reveal involvement of rice NRAMP, OsNRAMP1, in arsenic transport and tolerance. Plant Cell Environment 37:140-152 (if=5.135, ci=3) 3. Gupta P, Goel R, Pathak S, Srivastava A, Singh SP, Sangwan RS, Asif MH, Trivedi PK (2013) De novo assembly, functional annotation and comparative analysis of Withania somnifera leaf and root transcriptomes to identify putative genes involved in the withanolides biosynthesis. PLoS ONE 8(5): e62714 (if=3.73, ci=6) 4. Shukla D, Tiwari M, Tripathi RD, Nath P, Trivedi PK (2013) Synthetic phytochelatins complement a phytochelatin-deficient Arabidopsis mutant and enhance the accumulation of heavy metal(loid)s. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 434:664–669 (if=2.406, ci=3) 5. Kumar S, Asif MH, Chakrabarty D, Tripathi RD, Dubey RS, Trivedi PK (2013) Expression of a rice Lambda class of Glutathione S-transferase, OsGSTL2, in Arabidopsis provides tolerance to heavy metal and other abiotic stresses. Journal of Hazardous Materials 248-249C: 228-237 (if=3.925, ci=11) 6. Shukla D, Kesari R, Mishra S, Dwivedi S, Tripathi RD, Nath P, Trivedi PK (2012) Expression of phytochelatin synthase from aquatic macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum L. enhances heavy metal accumulation in tobacco. Plant Cell Reports 31:1687-1699 (if=2.509, ci=13) 7. Kumar S, Asif MH, Chakraborty D, Tripathi RD, Trivedi PK (2011) Differential expression and alternative splicing of rice sulphate transporter family members regulate sulphur status during plant growth, development and stress conditions. Functional and Integrative Genomics 11:259-273 (if=3.292, ci=19) 8. Dubey S, Misra P, Dwivedi S, Chatterjee S, Bag SK, Mantri S, Asif MH, Rai A, Kumar S, Shri M, Tripathi P, Tripathi RD, Trivedi PK, Chakrabarty D, Tuli R (2010) Transcriptomic and metabolomic shifts in rice roots in response to Cr(VI) stress. BMC Genomics 11:648. (if=4.397, ci=32) 9. Misra P, Pandey A, Tiwari M, Chandrashekar K, Sidhu OP, Asif MH, Chakrabarty D, Singh PK, Trivedi PK, Nath P, Tuli R (2010) Modulation of transcriptome and metabolome of tobacco by Arabidopsis transcription factor, AtMYB12, leads to insect resistance. Plant Physiology 152:2258-2268 (if=6.555, ci=41) 10. Chakrabarty D, Trivedi PK, Misra P, Tiwari M, Shri M, Shukla D, Kumar S, Rai A, Pandey A, Nigam D, Tripathi RD, Tuli R (2009) Comparative transcriptome analysis of arsenate and arsenite stresses in rice seedlings. Chemosphere 74: 688–702 (if=3.137, ci=53)

[ 198 ]

BATRA, AMLA (b 1948), Emeritus Scientist (CSIR), Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur


The major research focus of Prof. A. Batra has been towards the production of tissue culture raised plants of medicinal, aromatic and economical importance viz., Salvadora persica, Azadirachta indica, Jatropha curcas, Withania somnifera, Stevia rebaudiana, Tylophora indica, Melia azedarach, Murraya koenigii; and oil seed crops viz., Arachis hypogaea, Glycine max, Eruca sativa, etc.; ornamental plant such as Portulaca oleracea, respectively. Direct and indirect micropropagation is the research area in which Dr. Batra successfully established protocols in the above plant species. She and her students have developed novel protocols for direct somatic embryogenesis in various plant species. Besides the above research endeavors, she has made immense contributions in the field of protoplast isolation, culture, fusion and transformation in various mosses growing in fermenter culture. She has also been able to culture Neem and Jojoba protoplasts in her Lab. Her protoplast culture work earned her recognition throughout the globe on account of which, she was awarded foreign fellowships and was twice conferred with GTZ, DAAD award. Dr. Batra also concentrated on the estimations of primary and secondary metabolites with successful estimations through TLC, IR, NMR and GC-MS in Nerium oleander, Thevetia peruviana, Melia azadarach, Phyllanthus amarus, Stevia rebaudiana, Jatropha curcas, Pongamia pinnata and Tylophora indica, respectively. She has also done isolation, purification, identification and authentication of proteins, enzymes and nucleic acids. The major compounds extracted are qurecitine, sitosterol, stigma sterol, rebaudioside etc. and bioassayed against various microbes to see their potency. These compounds have also been tested for their antioxidant activity.

Proposer : Prof. Manchikatla Venkat Rajam, Seconder : Dr. Sunil Kumar Mukherjee Ten Best Publications: 1. Agarwal, R., Sharma, J., Singh, Y., Nandini, D. and Batra, A. 2010. Mixed chlorobis (alkylenedithiophosphates) and heterobinuclear derivatives of antimony (III) and boron (II) containing alkylenedithiophosphates ligands: synthesis and characterization. Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements 185:516-525. (IF= 0.716, CI=2) 2. G.S. Shekhawat, S. Mathur and A. Batra. 2009. Role of phytohormones and nitrogen in somatic embryogenesis induction in cell culture derived from leaflets of Azadirachta indica. Biologia Plantarum 53 (4): 707-710. (IF= 1.974, CI=12) 3. Vajpayee. V., Singh Y.P., Nandini D. and Batra, A. 2007. Mono and heterodi- nuclear complexes of Aluminium: Synthesis, Characterization and antifungal activity. Applied Organometallic Chemistry 25(6):654-71. (IF=2.061, CI=7) 4. Rajore Shilpa and Batra, A. 2005. Efficient plant regeneration via shoot tip explant in Jatropa curcus L. J. Plant Biochem. And Biotech. 14: 73-75. (IF=0.523, CI=51) 5. Batra, A., Binding, H., Rasmussen, S., Rudolph, H. and Waetzic, G.H. 2003, Efficient regeneration of Sphagnum fallax from isolated protoplast, In Vitro Cell Dev. Biol. Plant, 39 : 147-150. (IF=1.497, CI=8) 6. Mathur, S., Shekhawat, G.S. and Batra, A. 2002. An efficient in vitro method for mass propagation of Salvadora persica L. via apical meristem, J. Plant Biochemistry & Biotechnology, 11:125-127. (IF=0.523, CI=2) 7. Dave, A. and Batra, A., 1995. Somatic tissues leading to embryogenesis in Cumin. Current Science 68 (7): 754-755. (IF=0.897, CI=4) 8. Batra, A. and Dhingra, M. 1990. A method for the rapid isolation of hypocotyl protoplasts of Eruca sativa. Current Science 59(5): 277-279. (IF=0.897, CI=-) 9. Dhingra, M. and Batra, A. 1990. High yielding preparation of viable protoplasts from hypocotyls of Sesamum indicum L. Current Science 59(6): 325-326. (IF=.0897, CI=8) 10. Batra, A. and Abel, W.O. 1981. Development of moss plants from isolated and regenerated protoplasts. Plant Science Letters 20: 183-189. (IF=2.864, CI=15)

[ 199 ]

BHATNAGAR, SUBODH KUMAR (b 1955), PROFESSOR & HEAD (CELL BIOLOGY) COLLEGE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, S V P UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE & TECHNOLOGY, MEERUT 250 110 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Dr S K Bhatnagar worked on cytotaxonomy of macropytic algae, providing a universally accepted system of phylogeny for Charophyta. He discovered Tolypella as a cytological link between Chara and Nitella and proposed three tribes for Charophyta. In collaboration with Prof Micheline Guerlesquin, France and Prof C G Vosa, U.K., he also made use of Giemsa C-banding technique to differentiate kinetochore in charophycean taxa and prepared karyotypes to study the interrelationships and phylogeny of this group. More recently, Dr Bhatnagar and his co-workers also used RAPD-based molecular markers for characterization of Charopycean algae and sugarcane virus. Dr Bhatnagar also screened Charophyta for anti-oxidative enzyme Superoxide dismutase viz. Mn-SOD, Cu-Zn SOD and Fe-SOD. Dr Bhatnagar also initiated studies on the conservation of some endangered species like Bambusa wamin and Elaeocarpus (Rudraksh) through micro-propagation. Dr Bhatnagar also suggested that some of the strains of cyanobacteria that are used as bio-fertilizer are actually antagonistic and may hamper the process of nitrogen fixation. Dr Bhatnagar is the Founder of the Society For Plant Research and its journal VEGETOS (International Impact factor 0.04 and NAAS IF 6.02), which has completed 26 years. He has edited many reference books, published in international journals, organized conferences, delivered Keynote and Invited lectures. He has supervised 16 Ph.Ds and 12 M. Tech (Biotech) students.

Proposer : PROF P K GUPTA, Seconder : PROF ANUPAM VARMA Ten Best Publications: 1. Ramjee and Bhatnagar S K (1978) Significance of new chromosome number in Nitella mirabilis (Nordst ex Groves) em RDW. HYDROBIOLOGIA (The Netherlands) 57 (2) : 99-101 (if=1.784, ci=7.6) 2. Ramjee and Bhatnagar S K (1978). Cytotaxonomic studies in Nitella furcata subsp. flagellifera f. patula Gr. Ex Allen and its comparison with other taxa of N. furcata complex. CARYOLOGIA (ITALY) 31 (6) : 457-462 (if=0.633, ci=6.8) 3. Bhatnagar S K (1983) The concept of basic chromosome numbers in Charophyta : A review. CRYPTOGAMIE ALGOLOGIE (France) IV (1 & 2) : 111-116 (if=0.636, ci=7.17) 4. Bhatnagar S K and Johri Meenakshi (1986) Some aneuploids in Indian Charophyta. ACTA BOTANICA NEERLANDICA 35 (4) : 377-381 (if=0.775, ci=6.8) 5. Bhatnagar S K (1988) A karyomorphological approach to phylogeny and interrelationships of Charophyta. CYTOLOGIA (Japan) 53 : 723-729. (if=0.43, ci=6.29) 6. Bhatnagar S K (1988) Nitella hyalina f. hyalina (Dc.) Ag. R.D.W. : A new chromosome count and its cytotaxonomy. CURRENT SCIENCE 57 (6): 143-144. (if=0.897, ci=6.91) 7. Bhatnagar S K, Verma Abha and Singh VK (1989) C-banding technique for kinetochore differentiation in Nitella mirabilis (Div. Charophyta). CURRENT SCIENCE 58(7): 377-378. (if=0.897, ci=6.91) 8. Bhatnagar S K, Abrol Deepika and Kumar Sanjeev (2005) First protocol for genomic DNA isolation in Indian Charophyta. JOUR BIOL RES (Greece) 3 : 109-111. (if=0.682, ci=6.62) 9. Abrol Deepika and Bhatnagar S K (2005) Biodiversity of few Indian charophyte taxa based on molecular characterization and construction of phylogenetic tree. AFRICAN JOUR BIOTECHNOLOGY 5(17) 1511-1518 (if=0.57, ci=7.0) 10. Arshad S M, Kumar A and Bhatnagar S K (2005) Micropropagation of Bambusa wamin through shoot proliferation of mature nodal explants. JOUR BIOL RES (Greece) 3 : 59-66. (if=0.682, ci=6.62)

[ 200 ]

CHAND, SURESH (b 1954), Professor & Head, School of Life Sciences, Dean of the Faculty, Devi Ahilya University, Khandwa Road, Indore-452001

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Dr. Suresh Chand has done outstanding work in the field of plant cell and tissue culture and published more than 71 research papers. He has more than 500 citations in leading journals. His h index is 14 and i 10 index is 18 (as on 2013). There are many first to the credit of Dr. Chand. He has reported for the first time stimulatory effect of zinc sulphate and copper sulphate in enhancing plant regeneration frequency in rice. His group was first to report anthocyanin accumulation in callus cultures of Hyoscyamus muticus and gynogenic haploids in two medicinally important plants viz., Hyoscyamus muticus and Psoralea corylifolia, besides developing protocols for somatic embryogenesis and differentiation in several cereal, medicinal and tree species. He has made significant contribution in understanding polar transport of the signaling molecule auxin distribution between cells and tissues. The work helped in understanding developmental process including patterning and tropisms. He has collaborations with Germany & Belgium Universities. He has been recipient of several prestigious fellowships (DBT overseas; INSA visiting fellowships etc.), and has been awarded Dr. R. B. Ekbote prize. In his capacity as Professor and Head of Life Sciences Department, Dr. Chand has shown exceptional leadership qualities and has made a huge turn around in the fortunes of the department that is appreciated by management, faculties and students. After taking the responsibility as Dean of Faculties, he has taken several initiatives and the highlights are introduction of Distinguished Scientists Lecture Series, revision of syllabus and choice based credit system in the University.

Proposer : Prof. Akhilesh K. Tyagi, Seconder : Prof. Paramjit Khurana Ten Best Publications: 1. Mravec, J., Kubes, M., Bielach, A., Gaykova, V., Petrasek, J., Skupa, P., Chand, S., Benkova, E., Zazimalova, E., Friml, J. (2008). Interaction of PIN and PGP transport mechanisms in auxin distribution-dependent development. Development 135 (20), 3345-3354. (if= 9.824, ci= 114) 2. Singh, A.K., Chand, S., Pattnaik, S., Chand, P.K. (2008). Adventitious shoot organogenesis and plant regeneration from cotyledons of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., a timber yielding tree legume. Plant cell, tissue and organ culture 68 (2), 203-209. (if= 3.63, ci= 47) 3. Chand, S., Singh, A.K. (2004). In vitro shoot regeneration from cotyledonary node explants of a multipurpose leguminous tree Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Plant 40 (5), 464-466. (if= 1.497, ci= 45) 4. Chand, S., Singh, A.K. (2004). Plant regeneration from encapsulated nodal segments of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., a timber-yielding leguminous tree species. Journal of Plant Physiology 161 (2), 237-243. (if= 2.699, ci= 43) 5. Channamallikarjuna, V., Sonah, H., Prasad, M., Rao, G.J.N., Chand, S., Upreti, H.C., Singh, N.K. (2010). Identification of major quantitative trait loci qSBR11-1 for sheath blight resistance in rice. Molecular Breeding 25 (1), 155-166. (if= 3.25, ci= 29) 6. Chand, S., Roy, S.C. (1981). Effects of herbicide 2, 4-dinitrophenol on mitosis, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in Nigella sativa L. Biologia Plantarum 23 (3), 198-202. (if= 1.69, ci= 27) 7. Chand, S., Sahrawat, A.K. (2001). Stimulatory effect of partial desiccation on plant regeneration in indica rice (Oryza sativa L.). Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology 10. (if= 0.41, ci= 25) 8. Chand, S., Sahrawat, A.K. (2002). Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from root segments of Psoralea corylifolia L., an endangered medicinally important plant. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Plant 38 (1), 33-38. (if= 1.497, ci= 25) 9. Sahrawat, A.K., Chand, S. (1999). Stimulatory Effect of Copper on Plant Regeneration in Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.). Journal of Plant Physiology 154 (4), 517-522. (if= 2.699, ci= 25) 10. Chand, S., Singh, A.K. (2001). Direct somatic embryogenesis from zygotic embryos of a timber-yielding leguminous tree, Hardwickia binata Roxb. CURRENT SCIENCE-BANGALORE- 80 (7), 882-886. (if= 0.91, ci= 22)

[ 201 ]

CHATTOPADHYAY, SHARMILA (b 1959), Principal Scientist, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4, Raja S.C.Mullick Road, Kolkata 700 032, India.


Scientific contributions of Dr. Sharmila Chattopadhaya have been focussed on two research areas. One of her major research activities has been on ‘plant defence signalling mechanisms’. Her group has made significant contribution to determine the position of GSH in plant defense signalling network. In this week of her interesting publication (10) she has shown that GSH is participating through “Multistep involvement of glutathione with salicylic acid and ethylene to combat environmental stress” besides her previous publication in PLANTA (3). Dr. Chattopadhyay has been invited from “Plant Signalling & Behaviour” to contribute a review article on this topic (4). Furthermore, proteomic profiling through 2-DE and MALDI TOF/TOFMS/MS of control and transgenic mint, raised by overexpressing γ-ECS, the rate limiting enzyme of GSH biosynthetic pathway, was performed to identify the functionally important differentially accumulated proteins in wild (5), transgenic mint and Alternaria alternata infected transgenic mint (8). She has also made significant contributions in medicinal plant biology like transcriptomic profiling of a frontline medicinal herb Podophyllum hexandrum (9) as well as proteomic profiling of MeJA treated cell suspension culture exhibiting enhanced podophyllotoxin content of P. hexandrum (6), characterization of antileshmanial herbal agents with better activity and less toxicity (7), antioxidant potential determination and novel activity profiling of Stevia rebaudiana (1), scientific validation of our traditional knowledge on medicinal plants to isolate natural antileishmanial agent (2), etc. Given the significant contributions of Dr. Chattopadhyay as an independent scientist for last 13 years, I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the scientific activities of Dr. Chattopadhyay for last thirty years.

Proposer : Prof. Amita Pal, Seconder : Dr. Pijush K. Das Ten Best Publications: 1. Srijani Ghanta, Anindita Banerjee, Avijit Poddar and Sharmila Chattopadhyay*. 2007. Oxidative DNA Damage Preventive Activity and Antioxidant Potential of Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni, a Natural Sweetener. Jr. Agric. Food Chem. 55: 10962–10967 (if= 2.532, ci=49) 2. Avijit Poddar, Anindita Banerjee, Srijani Ghanta and Sharmila Chattopadhyay*. 2008. In vivo Efficacy of Calceolarioside A against Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis. Planta Medica, 74: 503–508 (if=1.96, ci=6) 3. Srijani Ghanta, Dipto Bhattacharyya, Ragini Sinha, Anindita Banerjee and Sharmila Chattopadhyay*. 2011. Nicotiana tabacum overexpressing γ-ECS exhibits biotic stress tolerance likely through NPR1-dependent salicylic acid-mediated pathway. PLANTA, 233:895-910 (if=3.0, ci=20) 4. Srijani Ghanta and Sharmila Chattopadhyay*. 2011. Glutathione as a signaling molecule: Another challenge to pathogen. Plant Signaling & Behaviour, 6 (6): 1-6 (if=2.0, ci=12) 5. Ragini Sinha and Sharmila Chattopadhyay*. 2011. Changes in the leaf proteome profile of Mentha arvensis in response to Alternaria alternata infection. Journal of Proteomics, 74:327-338 (if=5.0, ci=13) 6. Dipto Bhattacharyya, Ragini Sinha, Srijani Ghanta, Amrita Chakraorty, Saptarshi Hazra and Sharmila Chattopadhyay*. 2012. Proteins differentially expressed in elicited cell suspension culture of Podophyllum hexandrum with enhanced Podophyllotoxin content. BMC Proteome Science, 10:34 (if= 2.33, ci=5) 7. Sayan Chowdhury, Tulika Mukherjee, Rupkatha Mukhopadhyay, Budhaditya Mukherjee, Souvik Sengupta, Sharmila Chattopadhyay, Parasuraman Jaisankar, Syamal Roy, Hemanta K. Majumder*. 2012. The lignan niranthin poisons Leishmania donovani topoisomerase IB and favours a Th1 immune response in mice. EMBO Mol. Med. 4:1126-1134 (if= 10.33, ci=3) 8. Ragini Sinha, Dipto Bhattacharyya, Aparupa Bose Mazumdar, Riddhi Datta, Saptarshi Hazra and Sharmila Chattopadhyay*. 2013. Leaf proteome profiling of transgenic mint infected with Alternaria alternata. Journal of Proteomics, dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jprot.2013.01.020 (if=4.878, ci=5) 9. Dipto Bhattacharyya, Ragini Sinha, Saptarshi Hazra, Riddhi Datta and Sharmila Chattopadhyay*. 2013. De novo transcriptome analysis using 454 pyrosequencing of the Himalayan Mayapple, Podophyllum hexandrum. BMC Genomics, 14:748 (if=4.4) 10. Srijani Ghanta1, 2, Riddhi Datta1, Dipto Bhattacharyya, Ragini Sinha, Deepak Kumar, Saptarshi Hazra, Aparupa Bose Mazumdar and Sharmila Chattopadhyay*. 2014 (In Press). Multistep involvement of glutathione with salicylic acid and ethylene to combat environmental stress. Jr. Plant Physiol doi:10.1016/j.physletb.2003.10.071. (if=2.699, ci=1)

[ 202 ]

DABHADE, GANPAT TRIMBAKRAO (b 1940), Hon. Professor, Birla College, Kalyan - 421304 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Dr. Dabhade is Hon. Prof. in Botany in Birla College, Kalyan (Maharashtra). In spite of being in a Post Graduate College, he is deeply interested in research. He is the first Botanist in Maharashtra to have worked on the biodiversity of Bryophytes, particularly of mosses of his area. Bombay University recognized him as research guide for Ph.D. He has successfully supervised 16 Ph.D. Dissertations. He published flora of Ulhasnagar (1906) in which several new finds viz. Pristreple bicalyculata, Mucona prorieta, Urena lobata, Malachra capitata and several others are recorded. His discovery of axillary archegonia in Splachnobryum indicum (1970) is fascinating. Besides this, several other new finds (Archidium indicum, Funaria nutans Calymperes thwaitesii, Garckea phascoides, Fissidens tenaeolatus) and many other mosses are new records from the western Ghats. His discovery of new species, Riccia indiragandhii (1986) is very interesting in respect of single dichotomy of the thallus, large scale and deep sulcus. His work on Jungermanniales yielded 25 taxa from the area, besides 2 new records (Plagiochila choparaii and Cololejeunea himalayensis). His Monograph (1998) provides taxonomic account of 87 moss taxa embracing 48 genera under 27 families. It includes many new records from the area. His other studies include work on the palynology of orchids of Maharashtra. Late Prof. H.C. Gangulee, Late Prof. R.S. Chopra, Late Prof. Ram Udar and Dr. P.K.K. Nair – a Palynologist of repute and Late Mr. A.H. Norkett of British Museum Natural History, London, have been very appreciative of his work and contribution.

Proposer : Prof. S.C. Srivastava, Seconder : Prof. S.S. Kumar Ten Best Publications: 1. Dabhade, G.T. 1974. Archidiaceae from western India. Journ. Bombay Natural Hist. Society 71(1):164-168. 2. Dabhade, G.T.1975. Axillary Archegonia in Splachnobryum indicum Hamp. et C. Müell. from Bombay. Journ. Bombay Natural History Society 71 (2): 342-343. 3. Dabhade, G.T. & Akhtar Hasan.1986.New species of Riccia- R. indiragandhii sp. nov. Journ. Bombay Natural Hist. Society 83(2): 398-401. 4. Dabhade, G.T. & Akhtar Hasan.1988. New record of Calymperes thwaitesii Besch. subsp. fordii from Maharashtra Journ. Bombay Natural Hist. Society 85(2): 461-463. 5. Dabhade, G.T. & V.D. Manasharamani. 1994. Plagiochila chopraii sp. nov. A new find from Maharashtra. Res. Bull. of the Punjab University. 44 (I-IV): 179-181. 6. Dabhade, G.T. & U.S. Bhonsle. 2002. Chemical constituents of some mosses of Mahabaleshwar . Punjab Univ. Res. Bul. (Sci.) 52: 147-150. 7. Dabhade, G.T. & M.S. Mulgaonkar. 2004. Palynological observations of some corticolous orchids from Maharashtra under SEM. Phytotaxonomy 4: 131-134. 8. Dabhade, G.T. & M.S. Mulgaonkar. 2004. Pollen analysis of three species of Dendrobium Sw. from Maharashtra Pb. Univ. Res. J. (Sc.) 54: 111-115. 9. Dabhade, G.T. 2007. Genus Riccia from Maharashtra by Current Trends in Bryology pp. 269-277 Bishen Singh & Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun. 10. Handoo, O.N. & G.T. Dabhade et al. 2009. Mosses of Pachmarhi. Ind. J. Applied & Pure Biol. 24 (2): 505-520.

[ 203 ]

DAVIDAR, PRIYA (b 1952), Professor, Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Dr. Priya Davidar, conducted her doctoral research on the pollination ecology of hemiparasitic plants by birds (Davidar 1983; 1985), and went onto study frugivory and seed dispersal by birds in Central and North America as a post doctoral fellow (Davidar 1983, 1986, 1987). At the Harvard School of Public Health she looked at the epidemiological aspects of the deer tick Ixodes dammini that carries lyme disease (Davidar et al. 1989), and Purple Martins infected with blood parasites (Davidar and Morton 1993, 2006). Dr. Davidar has conducted biodiversity assessments, and has shown that island size and habitat characteristics influence bird and butterfly distributions in the Andaman islands (Davidar et al. 2001, 2002); and seasonality is associated with large scale distributions of evergreen trees in the Western Ghats (Davidar et al. 2005, 2007, 2008). She has worked on pollination and dispersal modes of trees in the Western Ghats (Devy and Davidar 2003, 2006; Sinha and Davidar 1992; Ganesh and Davidar 1997, 1999, 2001) and reproductive ecology of plants in forest fragments (Nayak and Davidar 2010a, b), and on wild honeybees (Thomas et al. 2009a, b). She has coauthored papers on the estimation of deforestation rates (Puyravaud et al. 2010 a, b), and studies the processes of deforestation in India (Davidar et al. 2010, 2008, 2007). She has written popular and a scientific articles on women in ecology and conservation (Davidar 2007; Sodhi et al. 2010).

Proposer : Prof. G. Marimuthu, Seconder : Prof. G. Shanmugam Ten Best Publications: 1. Davidar, P., Morton, E. S. 1986. On the relationship between fruit crop size and fruit removal by birds. Ecology 76: 262 - 265(if=4.849, ci=40) 2. Davidar, P., Yoganand, K., Ganesh, T. 2001. Distribution of forest birds in the Andaman islands: Importance of key habitats. Journal of Biogeography 28: 663 - 671. (if=4.544, ci= 16) 3. Leigh, E. G. Jr., Davidar, P., Dick, C. W., Puyravaud, J-Ph., Terborgh, J., ter Steege, H., Wright, S. J. 2004. Why do some tropical forests have so many species of trees? Biotropica 36: 447-473. (if=2.229, ci=79) 4. Arjunan, M., Holmes, C. M., Puyravaud, J.-Ph., Davidar, P. 2006. Do development initiatives influence local attitudes towards conservation? Journal of Environmental Management 79: 188-197. (if=3.245, ci=25) 5. Davidar, P., Rajagopal, B., Mohandass, D., Puyravaud, J. -Ph, Condit, R., Wright, S. J., Leigh, E. G. Jr. 2007. The effect of climatic gradients, topographic variation and species traits on beta diversity of rain forest trees. Global Ecology and Biogeography 15: 213-224.(if=5.145, ci=26) 6. Davidar, P., Arjunan, M., Puyravaud J. -Ph. 2008. Why do local households harvest forest products? a case study from the southern Western Ghats, Biological Conservation 141: 1876-1884. India. (if=4.115, ci=12) 7. Sodhi, N., Davidar, P., Rao M. 2010. Empowering women facilitates conservation. Biological Conservation.143 : 1035-1036 (if=4.115, ci=4) 8. Puyravaud, J-Ph., Davidar, P., Laurance, W. F. 2010. Cryptic loss of India’s native forests. 329, 32. (if=31.201, ci=12) 9. Puyravaud, J-Ph., Davidar, P., Laurance, W. F. 2010. Cryptic destruction of India’s native forests. Conservation Letters 3: 390-394.(if=4.082, ci=4) 10. Davidar P., Sahoo, S., Mammen, P. C., Acharya, P., Puyravaud, J-Ph., Arjunan, M., Garrigues J.P. 2010. Assessing the extent and causes of forest degradation in India: where do we stand? Biological Conservation 143: 2937-2944. (if=4.115, ci=8)

[ 204 ]

DUBEY, NAWAL KISHORE (b 1957), Professor, Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Prof Dubey has made significant contributions in the important area of Botanical Pesticides. He has formulated and standardised some novel plant based preservatives which exhibited significant potency in control of biodeterioration of food from fungi, mycotoxins, insects and lipid peroxidation. He has proved their efficacy through in storage containers (Int Jour Food Microbiol 153: 183-191, 2012). Prof Dubey, has filed patents for four novel essential oils synergistic compositions viz. essential oils of Melaleuca leucadendron and Carum carvi, Melaleuca leucadendron and Cymbopogon citratus, Carum carvi and Cymbopogon flexuosus and Apluda mutica and Boswellia carterii (2586/DEL/2006, 2587/DEL/2006, 2588/DEL/2006 and 233/ DEL/2011) based on their efficacy as antimicrobial, aflatoxin suppressors, insecticidal and antioxidant On the basis of acute oral toxicity trials, the formulations have been found non mammalian toxic on rats as their LD50 values were higher than the prevalent synthetic preservatives. The formulations also exhibited non phytotoxic nature. In addition, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Ocimum canum, Mentha arvensis and Lippia alba essential oils and citral, have shown significant efficacy as semio -chemicals on the reproductive behavior of bruchids which cause severe infestations to leguminous seeds. The oils also exhibited antifeedant efficacy on bruchids and controlled insect infestations of food commodities (J Sci Food Agric 91: 2277–2283, 2011). The oils may be recommended in integrated pest management programmes and as safe alternatives of synthetic pesticides.

Proposer : Prof J S Singh, Seconder : Prof G K Srivastava Ten Best Publications: 1. Pramila Tripathi and N K Dubey, 2004. Exploitation of natural products as an alternative strategy to control postharvest fungal rotting of fruits and vegetables. Postharvest Biology and Technology (New Zealand) 32:235-245. (if=2.45, ci=Times Cited: 176 (from Web of Science); 315 (from Google scholar) Selected as"Top- 10 most cited “ and “ Top-10 Most Downloaded “ paper) 2. A.K. Mishra and N K Dubey, 1994. Evaluation of some essential oils for their toxicity against fungi causing deterioration of stored food commodities. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 60: 1101-1105. (if=3.678, ci=Times Cited: 118 (from Web of Science); 224(from Google scholar)) 3. Rajesh Kumar, AK Mishra, N K Dubey and YB Tripathi, 2007. Evaluation of Chenopodium ambrosioides oil as a potential source of antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic and antioxidant activity. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 115: 159-164. (if=3.42, ci=Times Cited: 80 (from Web of Science); 142 (from Google scholar) Selected as"Top- 10 most cited “ and “ Top-10 Most Downloaded “ paper) 4. Ashok Kumar, Ravindra Shukla, Priyanka Singh, Chandra Shekhar Prasad, and N. K. Dubey, 2008. Assessment of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil as a safe botanical preservative against post harvest fungal infestation of food commodities. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 9-575-580. (if=2.52, ci=Times Cited: 59 (from Web of Science); 103 (from Google scholar) Selected as"Top- 10 most cited “ and “ Top-10 Most Downloaded “ paper) 5. Jaya Varma and N K Dubey, 2001. Efficacy of essential oils of Caesulia axillaris and Mentha arvensis against some storage pests causing biodeterioration of food commodities. International Journal of Food Microbiology (Australia), 68:207-210. (if=3.42, ci=Times Cited: 34 (from Web of Science); 67 (from Google scholar)) 6. Priyanka Singh, Ravindra Shukla, Bhanu Prakash, Ashok Kumar, Shubhra Singh, Prashant Kumar Mishra, and N K Dubey, 2010. Chemical profile, antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic and antioxidant activity of Citrus maxima Burm. and Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck essential oils and their cyclic monoterpene, DL-limonene. Food and Chemical Toxicology 48:1734-1740, 2010. (if=3.01, ci=Times Cited: 42 (from Web of Science); 65(from Google scholar)) 7. N K Dubey, Rajesh Kumar and Pramila Tripathi.2004 Global promotion of herbal chemotherapeutants: India”s opportunities.Current Science, 86(1): 37-41 (if=0.905, ci=Times Cited: 42 (from Web of Science); 241 (from Google scholar)) 8. Ravindra Shukla, Ashok Kumar, Priyanka Singh and N K Dubey, 2009. Efficacy of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown essential oil and its monoterpene aldehyde constituents against fungi isolated from some edible legume seeds and aflatoxin B1 production. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 135; 165–170. (if=3.42, ci=Times Cited:31 (from Web of Science); 47 (from Google scholar)) 9. Priyanka Singh, Bhawana Srivastava, Ashok Kumar and N K Dubey 2008 Fungal contamination of raw materials of some herbal drugs and recommendation of Cinnamomom camphora oil as herbal fungitoxicant. Microbial Ecology, 63; 555-560. (if=3.27, ci=Times Cited: 23 (from Web of Science);43 (from Google scholar)) 10. Bhanu Prakash, Ravindra Shukla,, Priyanka Singh, Ashok Kumar Prashant Kumar Mishra and N K Dubey 2010 Efficacy of chemically characterized Piper betel L essential oil against fungal and aflatoxin contamination of some edible commodities and its antioxidant activity International Journal of Food Microbiology 142 (2010) 114–119 (if=3.42, ci=Times Cited: 25 (from Web of Science); 35(from Google scholar))

[ 205 ]

MOHAPATRA, PRAVAT KUMAR (b 1948), Emeritus Scientist, School of Life Science, Sambalpur University, Sambalpur Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Professor P K Mohapatra is an emeritus scientist at School of Life Science, Sambalpur University honoured by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi during 2008 to 2013 after superannuation as faculty member of the University contributing distinguished service in teaching and research for a period of 35 years. He has devoted his entire career to improving rice yield potential by studying spikelet development, source –sink relationship, apical dominance and architecture of panicle in addition to physiology of several other crops. He strived to find possible chemical routes for enhancing grain filling in the inferior spikelets of the rice panicle, which do not produce grains suitable for human consumption. His research ruled out discrimination in photosynthetic carbon supply but identified ethylene as being responsible for variation in grain filling capacity among spikelets. Inferior spikelets produce more ethylene impeding activities of enzymes that manufacture reserve starch for the grain, and grain filling improves when ethylene action or synthesis is inhibited. Regulation of ethylene response holds a key to breaking yield barrier in irrigated rice. Analysis of the poor performance of inferior spikelets and role of ethylene in the process provides guidance to breeders and physiologists in improving rice yield potential. Professor Mohapatra has received Yoshida award for rice physiology research for the year 2010 for his outstanding contributions to research on the yield potential of irrigated rice from International Rice Research Institute, Philippines.

Proposer : Dr. E.A. Siddiq, Seconder : Dr. Y.P. Abrol Ten Best Publications: 1. Mohapatra, P.K. and Sahu, S.K. 1991. Heterogeneity of primary branch development and spikelet survival in rice in relation to assimilate contents of primary branches. Journal of Experimental Botany 42, 871-879. (IF=5.480, CI=50 Google) 2. Patel, R. and Mohapatra, P.K. 1992. Regulation of spikelet development in rice by hormones. Journal of Experimental Botany 43, 257-262. (IF=5.480, CI=32 Google) 3. Mohapatra, P.K., Patel, R. and Sahu, S.K. 1993. Time of flowering affects grain quality and spikelet partitioning within rice panicle. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology 20, 231-241. (IF=2.929, CI=47 Google) 4. Mohapatra, P.K., Naik, P.K. and Patel, R. 2000. Ethylene inhibitors improve dry matter partitioning and development of late flowering spikelets of rice panicles. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology 27, 311-323. (IF=2.929, CI=25 Google) 5. Naik, P.K. and Mohapatra, P.K. 2000. Ethylene inhibitors enhanced sucrose synthase activity and promoted grain filling of basal rice kernels. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology 27, 997-1008. (IF=2.929, CI=28 Google) 6. Mishra, S.P. and Mohapatra, P.K. 1987. Soluble carbohydrates and floret fertility in wheat in relation to population density stress. Annals of Botany 60, 269-277. (IF=4.030, CI=13 Google) 7. Mohapatra, P.K., Aspinall, D. and Jenner, C.F. 1982. The growth and development of wheat apex: The effect of photoperiod on spikelet production and sucrose concentration in the apex. Annals of Botany 49, 619-626. (IF=4.030, CI=13 Google) 8. Mohapatra, P. K., Sarkar, R. K., Kuanar, S. R. 2009. Starch synthesizing enzymes and sink strength of grains of contrasting rice cultivars. Plant Science, 176, 256-263. (IF=2.824, CI=16 Google) 9. Patel, R. and Mohapatra, P.K. 1996. Assimilate partitioning within floret components of contrasting rice spikelets producing qualitatively different types of grains. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology 23, 86-92. (IF=2.929, CI=17 Google) 10. (20) Mohapatra P K, Panigrahi R, Turner N C. 2011. Physiology of spikelet development in rice: is manipulation of apical dominance crucial for grain yield. Advances in Agronomy, 110, 333-359. (IF=5.2, CI=4 Google)

[ 206 ]

PANDA, SANJIB KUMAR (b 1973), Professor, Department of Life Science & Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar-788011, Assam Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Prof. Sanjib Kumar Panda is a well acclaimed researcher in Plant Stress Biology with more than hundreds of Publications in reputed international and National Journal. He has done significant work in the area of oxidative stress biology (Choudhury et al., 2013), aluminium stress research and on molecular understanding of the novel aquaporins role in plants. Using various transgenic platforms like tobacco, cowpea, Arabidopsis, Brassica etc. he has established the role of various genes and stress tolerance mechanisms for drought, Aluminium, salt, metals etc. (Panda and Matsumoto, 2007, Panda et al., 2008, Panda et al., 2009, Panda and Matsumoto, 2010, Horie et al., 2011, Panda et al., 2012,). His researches have given new insights into programmed cell death mechanisms in plant cells, tolerance mechanisms to stress in a plant which is absolutely important to generate stress tolerant plants for a sustainable agriculture. Currently he is actively using various functional genomics tools like transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics to understand the role of novel genes/proteins and metabolites in developing stress tolerant plants.

Proposer : Prof. Gyana Ranjan Rout, Seconder : Prof. Somnath Dasgupta Ten Best Publications: 1. Khan,M.H. and Panda, S. K. (2008) Alterations in root lipid peroxidation and antioxidative responses in two rice cultivars under NaCl-salinity stress. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 30: 81-89 (IF=1.65, CI=89) 2. Panda,S.K.,Chaudhury,I. and Khan,M.H. (2003) Heavy metals induces lipid peroxidation and affect antioxidants in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaves.Biologia Plantarum, 46 (2):289-294. (IF=1.974, CI=91) 3. Panda, S. K. (2007) Chromium mediated oxidative stress and ultrastructural changes in root cells of developing rice seedlings. J. Plant Physiology, 164 (11):1419-1428. (IF=3.057, CI=39) 4. Panda, S. K. and Matsumoto, H. (2007) Molecular Physiology of Aluminium toxicity and tolerance in Plants. Botanical Review, 73 (4):326-347. (IF=3.056, CI=33) 5. Solleti,S., Bakshi,S., Purkayastha, J., Panda, S. K. and Sahoo, L. (2008) Transgenic cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds expressing a bean α-amylase inhibitor 1 confer resistance to storage pests, bruchid beetles. Plant Cell Reports, 27(12): 1841-1850 (IF=2.274, CI=30) 6. Upadhyaya,H. and Panda,S.K. (2004) Responses of Camelia sinensis to drought and rehydration . Biol. Plant., 48 (4):597-600.(IF=1.974, CI=27) 7. Panda,S.K.,Yamamoto,Y.,Kondo,H. and Matsumoto,H. (2008) Mitochondrial alterations related to programmed cell death in tobacco cells under aluminium stress. Comptes Rendus Biologies (Elsevier, France) 331:597-610. (IF=1.826, CI=25) 8. Upadhyay, R. and Panda S.K. (2010) Zinc reduces copper toxicity induced oxidative stress by promoting antioxidant defense in freshly grown aquatic duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza L. J Hazardous Materials, Elsevier, 175(1-3):1081-1084, (IF=4.553, CI=22) 9. Panda, S.K. and Matsumoto, H.(2010). Changes in antioxidant gene expression and induction of oxidative stress in pea (Pisum sativum L.) under Al stress. BIOMETALS (Springer), 23(4):753-762. (IF=2.823, CI=17) 10. Tomoaki Horie, Toshiyuki Kaneko, Genki Sugimoto, Shizuka Sasano, Sanjib Kumar Panda, Mineo Shibasaka, Maki Katsuhara (2011). Mechanisms of water transport mediated by PIP aquaporins and their regulation via phosphorylation events under salinity stress in barley roots. Plant & Cell Physiol. Oxford Univ.Press,52(4): 663-675 (IF=4.702, CI=10)

[ 207 ]

CHELLAPPAN, SATHISH KUMAR (b. 1957) Scientist E II; Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute, Trivandrum

Member of the NASI : No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) The nominee’s scientific work comprises four areas: (1) Taxonomy — After assisting his mentor Professor K.S.Manilal in exploring the flora of Silent Valley, the nominee chose the family Orchidaceae for specialization. Our current knowledge of the orchid resources of Western Ghats, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Manipur and Andaman & Nicobar Islands is largely due to his tireless efforts. His studies on Myanmar orchids are noteworthy as these have been carried out after the lapse of a century since Grant’s pioneering work. Discovery of new genera Seidenfadeniella (with 2 species) and Luisiopsis (with one species) and 25 new species are testimony to his excellent field work. Seven species were rediscovered, 7 species newly recorded for India and many as new state records. (2) Conservation — The largest and the finest living collection of orchids in South Asia has been made by the nominee at JNTBGRI with over 600 species in 129 genera and 7665 plants belonging to 190 hybrids. Many rare species of great beauty and value are multiplied and conserved. (3) Reproductive Biology — Studied reproductive biology of three endangered orchids of Western Ghats. He brought to light causes of their rarity by unravelling the mysteries surrounding their pollination. (4) Breeding Programme — Produced one dozen new hybrids with potential bearing on Indian floriculture.

The nominee has assembled an excellent collection of carnivorous plants in South Asia at JNTBGRI and has discovered (along with his team),the blue radiance in Nepenthes, Drosera, Dionaea and Sarracenia as a potential attractant to lure insects and small animals into their traps and eventually consume them.

Proposer : Prof. H. Y. Mohan Ram Seconder : Prof. M. Sanjappa

Ten Best Publication: 1. C. Sathish Kumar & K. S. Manilal 1987. A synopsis of Ipsea (Orchidaceae). Kew Bull. 42(4):937-943. 2. C. Sathish Kumar 1989. Two novelties in the Trias Lindl. (Orchidaceae) Blumea 34: 103-109. 3. C. Sathish Kumar & P. Pushpangadan 1995. The lost orchid in the Tahr Country. Amer. Orch. Soc. Bull. 64(7):960-963. 4. C. Sathish Kumar & Finn N. Rasmussen 1997. The reappearance of Odontochilus rotundifolius Blatter and Its Transfer to Aenhenrya Gopalan (Orchidaceae). Novon 7:81-84. 5. C. Sathish Kumar & P. C. Suresh Kumar 1998. The reappearance of Vanda thwaitesii Hook. f. (Orchidaceae) in India. Rheedea 8(2): 249-253. 6. M. Dan, C. Sathish Kumar & P. Pushpangadan 1999. Two novelties in Hedychium (Zingiberaceae) from Manipur, India. Nord. J. Bot. 19(3): 333-335. 7. C. Sathish Kumar, P. C. Suresh Kumar & M. Saleem 2001. A new species of Bulbophyllum Du Petit-Thouars (Orchidaceae) from Kerala, India. Rheedea 11(2): 97-100. 8. P. Ormerod & C. Sathish Kumar 2003. Orchidaceous Additions to the Flora of Myanmar. Rheedea 13(1-2): 43-50. 9. C. Sathish Kumar & P. C. Suresh Kumar 2005. An Orchid Digest of Manipur, Northeast India. Rheedea 15(1):1-70. 10. C. Sathish Kumar 2006. Orchids of Western Ghats, India. Mal. Orch. Rev. 40: 21-27.

[ 208 ]

SENGUPTA, DIBYENDU NARAYAN (b 1950), Senior Professor, Division of Plant Biology, Bose Institute, Kolkata 700 054 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Prof. D.N.Sengupta has contributed immensely to the discipline of Plant Molecular Biology in the last three decades. Some of the examples of his outstanding contributions are as follows : The ddNTP sensitive, single stranded DNA polymerase λ from plant system, homologous to DNA polymerase beta in mammalian system, was purified through column chromatography and then characterized it's DNA polymerase activity. From shoot tips of Oryza sativa and the developing seeds of Vigna radiata the processivity of the enzyme and it's interaction with other proteins in Base Excision Repair have been identified. (BBRC, 2004; FEBS, 2007; Archi. Biochem. Biophys. 2007, 2008). The molecular analysis on the fruit ripening in different cultivars of Banana, common in this area, showed difference in expression of sucrose phosphate synthase gene (Planta, 2008, 2012).On the basis of the cis-acting elements on it's upstream the role of light, ethylene and auxin have been identified. The cDNAs of RIN equivalent MADS-box factor have been amplified from ripe fruits of Banana by EMSA the binding to the CArG box was observed (PLOSONE, 2012). The role of ABA mediated gene expression in rice with relation to salinity stress in the salt sensitive and salt tolerant rice cultivars. were compared and difference in the expression of ABRE-binding factor was identified (Pl. Mol.Biol.,1998; BMC Plant Biol, 2006).

Proposer : Prof A.N.Lahiri Majumder, Seconder : Prof Sampa Das Ten Best Publications: 1. Gupta, S., Chattopadhyay, M., Chatterjee, P, Ghosh, B., Sengupta, D.N. 1998. Expression of Abscisic acid responsive element binding protein in salt-tolerant indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.cv. Pokakali), Plant Mol. Biol., 37, 629-637 (IF=2.966) 2. Sarkar Bakshi, Sanath Mokkapati, Sujit Roy and Sengupta, D.N. 2004. Dideoxy-nucleoside triphosphate sensitive DNA polymerse from Rice is involved in Base Excision Repair and immunologically similar to mammalian DNA pol bete, Biochemical Biophysical Research Communication, 320, 145-155 (IF= 2.904) 3. Mukherjee, Kakali, Roy Choudhury, A., Gupta,Bhaskar, Gupta, Sudhiranjan, and Sengupta, D.N. 2006. An ABRE-binding factor, OSBZ8, is highly expressed in salt tolerant cultivars than in salt sensitive cultivars of indica rice, BMC Plant Biology, 6(18): 1-14. (IF=3.450) 4. Roy, Sujit, Sarkar, S.N., Singh, S.K., and Sengupta, D.N. 2007. A dideoxynucleotide sensitive DNA polymerase activity characterized from endoduplicating cells of mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) during ontogeny of cotyledons, FEBS Journal, 274: 2005-2023 (IF=3.396) 5. Roy Choudhury Aryadeep, Roy Chaitali, Sengupta D.N 2007. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing the heterologous lea gene Rab16A from rice during high salt and water deficit display enhanced tolerance to salinity stress, Plant Cell Rep. 26: 1839-1859 (IF=1.974) 6. Roy, Sujit., RoyChaudhury, Swarup, Mukherjee,S and Sengupta . D. N. 2007. Tobacco proliferating cell nuclear antigen binds directly and stimulates both activity and processivity of ddNTP- sensitive mungbean DNA polymerase. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Volume 468: 22-31. (IF=2.578) 7. Roy, Sujit, Roy Choudhury, Swarup, and Sengupta, Dibyendu N. 2008. Analysis of processivity of mungbean dideoxynucleotide-sensitive DNA polymerase and detection of the activity and expression of the enzyme in the meristematic and meiotic tissues and following DNA damaging agent, Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 475:55-65. (IF=2.626) 8. Roy Choudhury. Swarup, Roy. Sujit, Ranjan Das and Sengupta. Dibyendu N. 2008. Differential transcriptional regulation of banana sucrose phosphate synthase gene in response to ethylene, auxin, wounding, low temperature and different photoperiods during fruit ripening and functional analysis of banana SPS gene promoter”. (IF=3.088) 9. Roy Choudhury Swarup, Sujit Roy, Dibyendu N. Sengupta. 2012. A Ser/Thr protein kinase phosphorylates MA-ACS1 (Musa acuminata 1-aminocyclopropane-1 -carboxylic acid synthase 1) during banana fruit ripening, PLANTA, 236: 491-511 (IF=3.088) 10. Roy Choudhury Swarup, Roy Sujit, Nag Anish, Singh K. Sanjay, and Sengupta Dibyendu N. 2012. Characterization of an AGAMOUS-like MADS Box protein, a Probable Constituent of Flowering and fruit Ripening regulatory System in Banana,PLOS ONE, 2012, Sept, 7: 9, e44361 (IF=4.092)

[ 209 ]

SIKARWAR, RAM LAKHAN SINGH (b 1960), Senior Research Officer, Arogyadham, DRI, Chitrakoot, Satna. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) The nominee has surveyed, Flora of Gwalior Fort, Flora of Morena. District, (M.P.), Frora of Chitrakoot, Floristic diversity of Vindhyan region, M.P. Voucher specimens collected during the survey were properly identified and preserved in Herbaria of Jiwaji University, Gwalior, DRI Chitrakoot, BSI, Central Circle Allahabad, Research and Extension Circle, Rewa. The nominee has also prepared an inventory of 375 tree species of Botanical Garden, NBRI, Lucknow. He has published several books viz – Package of Practices for Organic Cultivation and Utilization of Important Medicinal Plants (2001), NBRI, Lucknow; Bharat Ke Durlabh Paudhe (2004) NBT, New Delhi; Chitrakoot Ke Durlabh Paudhe (2005), DRI, Chitrakoot; Biodiversity Concept and Threat Assessment in Vindhyan Region (2008), Forest Department, Rewa fOkU/; dh vkS’k/kh; ,+++oa nqyZHk ouLifr;ka (2009), Forest Department, Rewa, Plants Affecting Human Mind 2009, New Delhi. He has published more than 135 research papers and popular articles in Hindi and English in reputed journals. He has established Herbal garden having 500 rare and endangered medicinal plants at Chitrakoot, Established field Gene Bank at Benthera Res. Station, NBRI Lucknow. Delivered several lectures in University and institutions. Attended several National and Int. Conferences. Received Gnan Chandra Medal 2010 in Plant Taxonomy and several first prizes in best paper presentation. An extensive ethnobotanical study was carried out by nominee on various tribal communities. He is referee of IJTR and Ethnobotany, received S K Jains Medal (2004) in Ethnobotany. He is a Fellow of society of ethnobotanists (FES), Indian ethnobotanical society (FBS), Association of Plant Taxonomy (FAPT) and Indian Association of Angiosperm Taxonomy (FIAT).

Proposer : Prof. R.R. Rao, Seconder : Dr. M. Sanjappa Ten Best Publications : 1.Sikarwar, R.L.S. and Kaushik, J.P.1993, Ipomoea coptica (L) Roth ex Roem. & Schult (Convolvulaceae)- A new record for Madhya Pradesh. Indian J. For. 16 (1): 81-82. (NAAA RATING-2.9)

2.Sikarwar, R.L.S. 1996, Life forms and biological spectrum of the flora of Morena district, Madhya Pradesh. J. Indian Bot. Soc. 75: 275-277. (NAAS RATING-3.7)

3. Sikarwar, R.L.S. 2007, Ex situ Conservation of Alectra chitrakutensis (Rau) R. Prasad & R.D.Dixit, Curr. Sci.92 (11): 1485-1486. (NAAS RATING-7.4)

4.Sikarwar, R.L.S. and Pande, H.C. 2010, Selaginella chrysocaulos (Hook. et Grev.) Spring-An Addition to the pteridophytic Flora of Central India. Jour. Non Timb. For Products 17 (2): 259-260. (NAAS RATING-2.6)

5.Jain, S.K. and Sikarwar, R.L.S. 1997, Prospective underutilized bioresources-clues from indigenous knowledge in Latin America. J. Indian Bot. Soc. 76: 253-260. (NAAS RATING-3.7)

6.Sikarwar, R.L.S., Brijlal and Maheshwari, J.K. 2002, Traditional Phytotherapy among the Tribals in Raigarh district of Chattisgarh. J.Non Timb For. Prod. 9 (1&2): 22-25. (NAAS RAtING-2.6)

7.Sikarwar, R.L.S.2002, Mahua (Madhuca longifolia (Koen.) Macbride – A paradise tree for the tribals of Madha Pradesh . Indian J. Tradition. Knowledge 1 (1):87-92. (NAAS RATING-6.8)

8.Sikarwar, R.L.S. Jaiswal, Anil and Chaturvedi, Archana 2004, Uses of some important medicinal plants of Chitrakoot region of Satna (M.P.) Nat. J. Life Sciences 1 (2):349-352 (NAAS RATING-3.2)

9.Sikarwar. R.L.S. Pathak, Bharat and Jaiswal. Anil 2008. Some unique Ethnomedicinal perceptions of Tribal communities of Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 7 (4): 613-618. (NAAS RATING-6.8) 10.Tripathi, Manoj and Sikarwar, R.L.S. 2013, Some Traditional Herbal Formulations of Chitrakoot region, Madhya Pradesh. India. Indian. J. Traditional Knowledge 12 (2): 315-320. (NAAS RATING-6.8)

[ 210 ]

SINGH, INDERJIT (b. 1963) Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi


The primary goal of Inderjit’s research is to better understand the underpinnings of the anthropogenic redistribution of biota: what ecological and evolutionary processes permit or cause changes from plant species diverse communities in the native ranges of some exotic invaders to mono-dominant stands in the non-native ranges of the same species? This goal fuels many of his current projects, which focus on several basic ecological processes that influence the community and ecosystem effects of exotic invasive plants. His work has contributed substantially towards understanding mechanisms through which exotic species achieve their invasive success. Some of the novel mechanisms that he has discovered to explain invasion success of exotic invasive species are: (i) reallocation of nitrogen from cell wall to photosynthesis (growth) resulting in the increased competitive ability of a neotropical invasive in Asia, (ii) enhanced accumulation of native soil pathogens, and (iii) substantial evidence for the biogeographic variation (native versus introduced ranges) of volatile organic compounds released by Ageratina, which suggest that Ageratina may be experiencing selection on biochemical composition in its non-native ranges (work published in Ecology, Journal of Ecology, PNAS, PLoS One, AoB Plants). His work has shown the importance of biogeographical and evolutionary approaches for the better understanding of the release of allelochemicals over a range of abiotic and biotic conditions and how those conditions determine the outcomes of allelochemical interactions (published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution, Trends in Plant Science, Plant Physiology and Ecology Letters). Inderjit has worked extensively on the role of soils particularly soil communities in deciding the fate of allelopathic compounds (PLoS One 2009, 4: e4700; Soil Biology & Biochemistry 2006, 38: 256-262; PLoS One 2010, 9: e12852).

Proposer : Prof. J.S. Singh Seconder : Prof. S. P. Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Inderjit and Dakshini, K.M.M. 1994. Allelopathic effects of Pluchea lanceolata (Asteraceae) on characteristics of four soils and mustard and tomato growth. American Journal of Botany 81: 799-804. [IF= 2.68; CI = 53] 2. Inderjit and Dakshini, K.M.M. 1994. Allelopathic potential of phenolics from the roots of Pluchea lanceolata. Physiologia Plantarum 92: 571-576. [IF = 3.112; CI = 22] 3. Inderjit*. 1996. Plant phenolics in allelopathy. Botanical Review 62: 186-202. [IF = 2.657; CI = 218] 4. Inderjit* and Mallik, A. U. 1997. Effect of phenolic compounds on selected soil properties. Forest Ecology & Management 92: 11-18. [IF = 2.487; CI = 49] 5. Inderjit*. 1998. Influence of Pluchea lanceolata on selected soil properties. American Journal of Botany 85: 64-69. [IF = 2.68; CI = 20] 6. Inderjit*. 2006. Experimental complexities in evaluating the allelopathic activities in laboratory bioassays: a case study. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 38: 256-262. [IF = 3.432; CI = 44] 7. Mangla, S., Inderjit* and Callaway, R.M. 2008. Exotic invasive plant accumulates native soil pathogens which inhibit native plants. Journal of Ecology, 96: 58-67. [IF = 5.26; CI = 70] 8. Kaur H., Kaur R., Kaur S., Baldwin I.T., and Inderjit*. 2009 Taking ecological function seriously: soil microbial communities can obviate allelopathic effects of released metabolites. PLoS One 4(3): e4700. [IF = 4.411; CI = 34] 9. Inderjit* and van der Putten, W.H. 2010. Impacts of soil microbial communities on exotic plant invasion. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 25, 512-519. [IF = 15.389; CI = 51]. 10. Inderjit*. 2012. Exotic plant invasion in the context of plant defense against herbivores. Plant Physiology 158(3): 1107-1114. [IF = 7.016; CI = 1] *Corresponding author

[ 211 ]

EPPURATH, VASUDEVAN SONIYA (b 1965), Scientist E II, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Dr.E.V.Soniya has contributed significantly in the field of plant molecular biology, genetics and biotechnology of spices especially in black pepper. Eventhough there is lack of genome sequence information and recalcitrance in black pepper which made the pepper improvement programmes difficult, she could successfully standardize rapid multiplication protocol for transformation and developed AFLP and microsatellite markers for germplasm identification and breeding. The first leaf transcriptome of black pepper was generated by de novo sequencing using illumine HiSeqTM and contributed significantly to SSR and small RNA research. Currently focus is on microRNA mediated gene regulation in growth and development, abiotic and biotic stress response in black pepper. Another focus is on the type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) which generate backbones of a variety of plant secondary metabolites of immense therapeutic value. She had identified and characterized novel forms of PKSs from plants like ginger, curcuma and bael. A novel Type III PKS from A. marmelos that is involved in the biosynthesis of quinolone alkaloid, which has profound medicinal importance and considered as lead molecule for new drug designing was characterized. In view of the above achievements stated, I strongly propose that she may be considered for the Fellow of the Academy.

Proposer : Dr. K V Peter, Seconder : Dr Kirti Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Soniya E V and Das M R (2002) In vitro micropropagation in Piper longum L.- an important medicinal plant. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, 70(3):325-327. (if=3.5, ci=30) 2. Nisha Joy, Z Abraham and E V Soniya (2007) A preliminary assessment of genetic Relationships among agronomically important cultivars of black pepper. BMC Genetics 8:42. (if=2.6, ci=16) 3. Sindhu C Unni and E V Soniya (2010) Transgenic Cucumis sativus Expressing the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 10.1007/s 11105- 010-0179-z. (if=5.3, ci=4) 4. Resmi M S and E V Soniya (2011) Molecular cloning and differential expressions of two cDNA encoding Type III polyketide synthase in different tissues of Curcuma longa L, Gene. doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2011.09.025. (if=2.6, ci=3) 5. Nisha Joy, V P Prasanth and E V Soniya (2011) Microsatellite based analysis of genetic diversity of popular black pepper genotypes in South India. Genetica. 139 (8): 1033-1043 DOI : 10.1007/s10709-011-9605-x. (if=2.4, ci=2) 6. Nisha Joy and E V Soniya (2012) Identification of a miRNA candidate reflects the possible significance of transcribed microsatellites in the hairpin precursors of black pepper. (if=3.4, ci=4) 7. Asha S,Nisha Joy and E.V.Soniya (2012). In silico Characterisation and Phylogenetic analysis of two Evolutionarily Conserved miRNAs (miR166 and miR171) from Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). Plant Molecular Biology Reporter DOI: 10.1007/s11105-012-0532-5.(if=5.3, ci=0) 8. M. S. Resmi, Priyanka Verma, Rajesh S. Gokhale and E.V. Soniya (2013). Identification and characterization of a Type III polyketide synthase involved in quinolone alkaloid biosynthesis from Aegle marmelos Corr. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 288: 7271-7281. (if=4.2, ci=2) 9. Nisha Joy, Asha S, Mallika V and Soniya E.V (2013) De novo transcriptome sequencing reveals a considerable bias in the incidence of Simple Sequence Repeats towards the downstream of ‘pre-miRNAs’ of black pepper. (if=4.2, ci=2) 10. Vivek P J, Narendra Tuteja and E V Soniya (2013) CDPK1 from ginger promotes salinity and drought stress tolerance without yield penalty by improving growth and photosynthesis in Nicotiana tabacum. PLoS ONE 8(10): e76392. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0076392. (if=4.2, ci=0)

[ 212 ]

PENNA, SUPRASANNA (b 1960), SCIENTIST & HEAD, PLANT STRESS PHYSIOL. & BIOTECH, NUCLEAR, AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY DIV. BHABHA ATOMIC RESEARCH CENTRE, TROMBAY, MUMBAI Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) Dr. Penna Suprasanna’s contributions are in the field of plant biotechnology, plant tissue culture, radiation induced mutagenesis and stress tolerance, especially of vegetatively propagated crops like sugarcane and banana and crop plants like maize, rice and brassica. He has developed protocols for somatic embryogenesis and embryogenic cell cultures in sugarcane and banana. A patent on the process for direct somatic embryogenesis from immature inflorescences of sugarcane has been granted (Patent No. 243373). He has successfully conducted radiation-induced mutagenesis and in vitro selection in sugarcane which resulted in 40 agronomically promising superior clones/mutants of which, 11 mutants have been field evaluated in collaboration with agricultural universities and identified promising for cultivation. He has also explored mechanisms of abiotic stress responses using physiological and molecular approaches, and applied priming with bioregulators for alleviating abiotic stress tolerance. His research in halophytic plants (Sesuvium) has led to understanding their mechanism of adaptation to salinity. His studies on expression profiling of genes related to salinity tolerance have led to isolation of “sugarcane shaggy kinase (SuSK)” and early responsive to dehydration-4 (ERD4)” genes which have been isolated and characterized. In brassica, his studies led to the identification of 69 Arsenic-responsive miRNAs associated with sulfur metabolisms, hormone synthesis and root growth. His current experimental findings highlight the central role of redox homeostasis and regulation under stressed environment in plants.

Proposer : Dr. S. F. D’SOUZA Seconder : Dr. K. B. SAINIS Ten Best Publications: 1. Srivastava AK, Suprasanna P, D’Souza SF (2010) Thiourea mediated regulation in the expression profile of aquaporins and its impact on plant water homeostasis under salinity stress in Brassica juncea roots. Plant Science 178(6): 517-522 (if= 2.4, ci= 11) 2. Lokhande H V, Nikam T D, Patade VY, Ahire ML, Suprasanna P (2010) Effect of optimal and supra-optimal salinity stress on antioxidative defence, osmolytes and in vitro growth responses in Sesuvium portulacastrum L. Plant Cell Tiss Org Cult. 104(1): 41-49.(if= 3.6, ci= 34) 3. Srivastava Sudhakar, Ashish Kumar Srivastava, P. Suprasanna and S.F. D’Souza (2009) Comparative Biochemical and Transcriptional Profiling of Two Contrasting Varieties of Brassica juncea L. Reveals Mechanisms of Arsenic Stress Perception and Tolerance. Journal of Experimental Botany 60(12):3419-3431 (if= 5.24, ci= 37) 4. Suprasanna P, Rupali C, Desai NS, Bapat VA (2008) Partial desiccation augments plant regeneration from irradiated embryogenic cultures of sugarcane. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 92 (1): 101-105 (if=3.6, ci= 11) 5. Patade V Y, Sujata B, Suprasanna P (2009) Halopriming imparts tolerance to salt and PEG induced drought stress in a sensitive cultivar of sugarcane. Agriculture Ecosystems Environment 134(1-2): 24-28. (if= 2.8, ci= 26) 6. Patade V.Y., P. Suprasanna and V.A. Bapat (2008) Effects of salt stress in relation to osmotic adjustment on sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) callus cultures. Plant Growth Regulation 55:169-173. (if= 1.9, ci= 35) 7. Desai NS, Suprasanna P and Bapat, VA. (2004) A simple and reproducible method for direct somatic embryogenesis from immature inflorescence segments of sugarcane. Current Science 87(6): 764-768. (if= 1.0, ci= 45) 8. Ganapathi TR, Suprasanna P, Bapat VA and Rao PS. (1992) Propagation of banana through encapsulated shoot tips. Plant Cell Reports 11 : 571-575 (if= 2.8, ci= 98) 9. Suprasanna P, Rao KV, Reddy GM (1986) Somatic Embryogenesis in Glume Callus Cultures. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 72 (1): 120-122 (if= 4.0, ci= 38) 10. Ganapathi TR, Suprasanna P, Bapat VA, Kulkarni VM and Rao PS. (1999). Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in male flower bud cultures of banana. Curr. Sci. 76(9): 1228-1231 (if= 1.0, ci= 34)

[ 213 ]

TAMANG, JYOTI PRAKASH (b 1961), Professor, Sikkim University (a Central University), Department of Microbiology, 6th Mike, Tadong 737102, Sikkim Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2013, Plant Sciences) • Nominee is a pioneer researcher in microbiology of ethnic fermented foods and beverages of the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Tibet (China) and Bhutan for last 26 years focusing on culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques of microorganisms profiles, their nutritional profiles, biochemistry, technological and functional properties. • Nominee’s significant contributions towards identification of native microorganisms in ethnic fermented foods, understanding role of microbes for improving functional properties of fermented foods, and health-promoting benefits to consumers and creation of academic and research interest on ethnic foods are remarkable. • Nominee is Fellows of (i) National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2012), (ii) Association of Microbiologists of India (2010), (iii) Biotech Research Society of India (2006). • Nominee was awarded (i) National Bioscience Award of DBT (2005), (ii) The United Nations University Women Association-Award, Japan (1996), (iii) Gourmand World Cookbook Award- 2010, Paris (2010), and has a patent. • Nominee has more than 109 research publications (with cumulative impact factors of 62.239) and citation index of 585 (SCOPUS, 2013); authored books: (i) Tamang, J.P. (2010). Himalayan Fermented Foods: Microbiology, Nutrition, and Ethnic Values. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, New York, pages 295. ISBN: 9781420093247. (ii) Tamang, J.P. and Kailasapathy, K. (Editors) (2010). Fermented Foods and Beverages of the World. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, New York, pages 448. ISBN: 9781420094954. • Nominee has teaching experience for last 26 years in plant sciences, food microbiology, food sciences, molecular biology, and produced 10 Ph.D. students, guiding several M.Phil, Ph.D. and Post-doc students.

Proposer : Prof. D.J. Bagyaraj, Seconder : Prof. H. Shekar Shetty Ten Best Publications: 1. Oki, K., Rai, A.K., Sato, S., Watanabe, K. and Tamang, J.P. (2011). Lactic acid bacteria isolated from ethnic preserved meat products of the Western Himalayas. Food Microbiology 28: 1308-1315. (if=3.407, ci=08) 2. Tamang, J.P. Tamang, B., Schillinger, U., Guigas, C. and Holzapfel, W.H. (2009). Functional properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from ethnic fermented vegetables of the Himalayas. International Journal of Food Microbiology 135: 28-33. (if=3.425, ci=12) 3. Tamang, B., Tamang, J.P., Schillinger, U., Franz, C.M.A.P., Gores, M. and Holzapfel, W.H. (2008). Phenotypic and genotypic identification of lactic acid bacteria isolated from ethnic fermented tender bamboo shoots of North East India. International Journal of Food Microbiology 121: 35-40. (if=3.425, ci=20) 4. Thapa, N., Pal, J. and Tamang, J.P. (2006). Phenotypic identification and technological properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditionally processed fish products of the Eastern Himalayas. International Journal of Food Microbiology 107 (1): 33-38. (if=3.425, ci=30) 5. Tamang, J.P., Tamang, B., Schillinger, U., Franz, C.M.A.P., Gores, M. and Holzapfel, W.H. (2005). Identification of predominant lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional fermented vegetable products of the Eastern Himalayas. International Journal of Food Microbiology 105 (3): 347-356. (if=3.425, ci=42) 6. Tsuyoshi, N., Fudou, R., Yamanaka, S., Kozaki, M., Tamang, N., Thapa, S. and Tamang, J.P. (2005). Identification of yeast strains isolated from marcha in Sikkim, a microbial starter for amylolytic fermentation. International Journal of Food Microbiology 99 (2): 135-146. (if=3.425, ci=31) 7. Thapa, S. and Tamang, J.P. (2004). Product characterization of kodo ko jaanr: fermented finger millet beverage of the Himalayas. Food Microbiology 21: 617-622. (if=3.407, ci=22) 8. Tamang, J.P. and Sarkar, P.K. (1996). Microbiology of mesu, a traditional fermented bamboo shoot product. International Journal of Food Microbiology 29: 49-58. (if=3.425, ci=30) 9. Tamang, J.P. and Nikkuni, S. (1996). Selection of starter culture for production of kinema, fermented soybean food of the Himalaya. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 12 (6): 629-635. (if=1.532, ci=28) 10. Sarkar, P.K., Tamang, J.P., Cook, P.E. and Owens, J.D. (1994). Kinema - a traditional soybean fermented food: proximate composition and microflora. Food Microbiology 11: 47-55. (if=3.407, ci=44)

[ 214 ]

THAKUR, INDU SHEKHAR (b 1956), Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University, School of Environmentall Sciences, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2013, Plant Sciences)

Professor Thakur is working on bioremediation, bioconversion and detoxification of natural and organic compounds in industrial effluent-pulp and paper, distillery, electroplating, tannery and municipal solid waste and sequestration of carbon dioxide. He enriched bacterium, Serratia sp., for sequestration of CO2 and production of biofuel. In pulp and paper mill problems, extracted and identified major contaminants, degradation and bioremediation after molecular characterization of fungi (Bassoclamyces nivea) and bacterial consortium for preparation of biopulp by decolourization and delignification, treatment of waste water for agriculture and fish cultivation, and enhanced production of bioethanol. In tannery mill effluent, methods developed for biosorption of chromium III and degradation of pentachlorophenol by fungi (Aspergillus niger) and bacterial consortium for tanning and leather preparation by protease and lipase enzymes, and chromium VI removal from electroplating effluent by bacteria (Bacillus sp.) and activated charcoal prepared by carbonification and gasification methods in sequential bioreactor, detoxification of treated effluent tested in human cell lines. The removal of colouring materials, melanoidin-like compounds, by fungi and bacteria from distillery effluent, and formation of methane were carried out. Persistence of pesticides, dioxin-like compounds, ecoestrogenic compounds viz. phthalates, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, emerging contaminates in municipal sludge detected for bioremediation and detoxification on human cell lines. They worked on bacteria, fungi, cynobacteria and algae for sequestration of carbon dioxide by carboxylating enzymes for biofuels and biochemicals production by biorefinery processes and surfactants having insecticidal properties. Lipase enzyme immobilized on activated charcoal and celite for enhanced production of biodiesels from bacteria, cynobacteria and Chlorella sp. carried out.

Proposer : Professor S.K. Sopory, Seconder : Professor Kasturi Datta Ten Best Publications: 1. Bharti, R.K., Srivastava, S. and Thakur, I.S. 2014. Production and characterization of biodiesel from carbon dioxide concentrating chemolithotrophic bacteria, Serratia sp. ISTD04. Bioresource Technology 153, 189-197. (if=5.172, ci=01) 2. Das, M.T., Ghosh, P. and Thakur, I.S. 2014. Intake estimates of phthalate-esters for South Delhi population based on exposure media assessment Environmental Pollution (in press) (if=4.094) 3. Bharti, R.K., Srivastava, S. and Thakur, I.S. 2014. Proteomic analysis of carbon concentrating chemolithotrophic bacteria Serratia sp. for sequestration of carbon dioxide. PLOS ONE (In press). (if=4.24) 4. Jaishwal, P.K., Srivastava, S., Gupta, Y., Thakur, I.S. 2012. Dibenzofuran induces oxidative stress, disruption of trans-mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and G1 arrest in human hepatoma cell line. Toxicology Letters, 214, 137– 144 (if=3.666, ci=5) 5. Singhal, A. and Thakur, I.S. 2009. Decolourization and detoxification of pulp and paper mill effluent by Emericella nidulans var. nidulans, Journal Hazardous Materials 171, 619-625. (if=4.679, ci=17) 6. Singhal, A. and Thakur, I.S. 2009. Decolourization and detoxification of pulp and paper mill effluent by Cryptococcus sp. Biochemical Engineering Journal, 46, 21-27 (if=2.984, ci=21) 7. Srivastava S. and Thakur I.S. (2006) Isolation and Process Parameter Optimization of Aspergillus sp. for Removal of Chromium from Tannery Effluent. Bioresource Technology, 97, 1167-1173 (if=5.172, ci=82) 8. Srivastava S. and Thakur I.S. 2006. Evaluation of bioremediation and detoxification potentiality of Aspergillus niger for removal of hexavalent chromium in soil microcosm. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 38, 1904-1911 (if=4.038, ci=54) 9. Thakur I.S. 2004. Screening of microorganisms for removal of colour and adsorbable organic halogens from pulp and paper mill effluent. Process Biochemistry, 39, 1693-1699 (if=2.983, ci=38) 10. Thakur, I.S., Verma P. and Upadhaya, K.C. 2001. Involvement of plasmid in degradation of pentachlorophenol by Pseudomonas sp. from a chemostat. Biochemical Biophysical Research Communication, 286, 109-113 (if=2.946, ci=44)

[ 215 ]

ABDIN, MALIK ZAINUL (b. 1963) Dean, Faculty of Science and Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062

Member of the NASI : No (YON 2012, Plant Sciences) We have studied on Sulphur (S) and Nitrogen (N) interaction in rapeseed-mustard and showed that the increase in oil yield due to S-fertilization is associated with optimization of oil biosynthesis through increase in acetyl CoA-Carboxylase activity, acetyl CoA and sugar concentrations (Aust. J. Agric. Res., 2000). The S-fertilization also led to improvement in the quality of oil by reducing erucic acid (22:1) and increasing oleic acid content in the oil (Plant Sci., 2000). We also reported that photosynthesis in rapeseed-mustard may be optimized by mobilizing reduced-N towards Rubisco synthesis, the key enzyme of Calvin cycle with the balanced and split application of S and N (Physiol. Plant., 2000). We have developed a new method of electrospray-mass spectrometry for the detection of artemisinin (a novel antimalarial drug) in pico mol concentration (Anal. Chem., 1998) and a HPTLC based method for the detection of mevalonate in biological samples (Chromatographia, 2008). We have elaborated the pathway for artemisinin biosynthesis and the relative contributions of carbon by mevalonate and Rohmer pathways. The novel proteins identified from Artemisia annua can be used in bioreactors for commercial production of artemisinin from its precursors (J. Nat. Prod., 1998; Acta Physiol. Plant., 2010). We have also developed transgenic A. annua lines by over expressing hmgr gene from C. roseus L. biovar. Alba had shown 22.5-38.9% increase in artemisinin content (Planta Med., 2009, Plant Biotech. Rep., 2011) and another transgenic line of over expressing both hmgr and ads genes leading to an increase in artemisinin content by 7.65 fold (Plant Cell Rep., 2011).

Proposer : Prof. P.S. Srivastava, Seconder : Prof. M. V. Rajam

Ten Best Publications : 1. Naqvi S, Maitra AN, Abdin MZ, Akmal M, Samim M (2011). Calcium phosphate nanoparticle mediated genetic transformation in plants. J. Mat. Chem. 22, 3500-3507(IF: 5.1) 2. Alam P, Abdin MZ (2011). Over-expression of HMG-CoA reductase and amorpha-4, 11-diene synthase genes in Artemisia annua L. and its influence on artemisinin content. Plant Cell Rep. 30(10): 1919-1928 (IF: 2.274) (CI:2) 3. Nafis T, Akmal M, Ram M, Alam P, Ahlawat S, Mohd A, Abdin MZ (2011). Enhancement of Artemisinin content by constitutive expression of the HMG-CoA reductase gene in high-yielding strain of Artemisia annua L. Plant Biotechnol. Rep. 5:53-60. (IF: 1.18) (CI: 3) 4. Abdin MZ, Akmal M, Ram M, Nafis T, Alam P, Nadeem M, Khan MA, Ahmad A (2010). Constitutive expression of High Affinity Sulphate Transporter (HAST) gene in Indian mustard showed enhanced sulphur uptake and assimilation. Protoplasma 248:591-600. (IF: 1.92) (CI:2) 5. Aquil S, Husaini AM, Abdin MZ, Rather GM (2009). Overexpression of HMG-CoA reductase gene leads to enhanced artemisinin biosynthesis in transgenic Artemisia annua L. plants. Planta Med. 75:1-6. (IF: 2.15) (CI:17) 6. Husaini AM, Abdin MZ (2008). Development of transgenic strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) plants tolerant to salt stress. Plant Sci. 174:446-455. (IF: 2.94) (CI: 24) 7. M. Z. Abdin, M. Israr, R. U. Rehman and S. K. Jain (2003). Artemisinin, a novel antimalarial drug: Biochemical and molecular approaches for enhanced production. Planta Med 69: 289-299. (IF: 2.15) (CI:116) 8. Ahmad A, Abdin MZ (2000). Photosynthesis and its related physiological variables in the leaves of Brassica genotypes as influenced by sulphur fertilization. Physiol. Plant. 110:144-149. (IF: 3.067) (CI:34) 9. Bharel S, Gulati A, Abdin MZ, Srivastava PS, Vishwakarma RA, Jain SK (1998). Enzymatic synthesis of artemisinin from natural and synthetic precursors. J. Nat. Prod. 61:633-636. (IF:3.12) (CI:19) 10. Sahai P, Bharel S, Gulati A, Abdin MZ, Srivastava PS, Jain SK, Vishwakarma RA (1998). HPLC-Electrospray lonization mass spectrometric analysis of antimalarial drug artemisinin. Anal. Chem. 70:3084-3087 (IF: 5.874) (CI:16)

[ 216 ]

BERA, SUBIR (b 1962), Professor, Centre of Advanced Studies,Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata


Prof. Subir Bera is a well known researcher in the field of Palaeobotany-Palynology, contributed significantly in reconstructing past vegetation, climate and geography of different regions of Indian subcontinent (Bengal Basin and Eastern Himalayan regions) since last 250 Million years and published a sizeable number of articles in esteemed national and international journals. He has not only quantitatively estimated evolution of Neogene-Quaternary climate using macro/micro plant remains of south Asia, especially eastern Himalayas (Khan et al., 2014; Ghosh et al. 2014 and Khan et al., 2011) for the first time but also identified the principal climatic drivers that influence vegetation restructuring in the area. His endeavor gives us new insights on plant-climate interrelationship through ages, on the trend of climatic change since Neogene time and provides clues for future climatic studies from this part of the Asia. Another noteworthy contribution of Prof. Bera is his attempt to explore man-climate interaction in south and south-east Asia since late Quaternary. This investigation resulted into a number of good research publications (Ghosh et al., 2014; Yao et al., 2012; Ghosh et al. 2008; Jiang et al., 2006) etc. which throw light on the different phases of late Quaternary climatic evolution in this part of the world. Besides, he has developed several models which may help in high-resolution palaeoclimate reconstructions (Khan et al. 2014; Das et al. 2014, 2013; Ghosh et al., 2011; Spicer et al., 2011 and Hu et al., 2007). I strongly recommend Prof. Subir Bera for Election of Fellows of the Academy.

Proposer : PROF. SUMITA JHA, Seconder : PROF. AMITA PAL Ten Best Publications: 1. Mahasin Ali Khan, Robert A. Spicer, Bera, Subir, Ruby Ghosh, Jian Yang, Teresa E.V. Spicer, Shuang-xing Guo, Tao Su, Frédéric Jacques, Paul J. Grote. 2014. Miocene to Pleistocene floras and climate of the Eastern Himalayan Siwaliks, and new palaeoelevation estimates for the Namling–Oiyug Basin, Tibet. Global and Planetary Change (Elsevier) 113: 1-10. (if=4.476) 2. Sayantani Das, Ruby Ghosh and Bera, Subir. 2013. Application of non-grass phytoliths in reconstructing deltaic environments: a study from the Indian Sunderbans. Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology and Palaeoecology (Elsevier), 376: 48-65 (if=2.79, ci=2) 3. Yi-Feng Yao, Xiao Li, Hong-En Jiang, David K. Ferguson, Francis Hueber, Ruby Ghosh, Bera, Subir and Cheng-Sen Li. 2012. Pollen and Phytoliths from Fired Ancient Potsherds as Potential Indicators for Deciphering Past Vegetation and Climate in Turpan, Xinjiang, NW China. PLOS ONE, 7(6) e39780. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0039780 (if=4.01, ci=3) 4. Ruby Ghosh, Naskar, Madhab and Bera, Subir. 2011. Phytolith assemblages of grasses from the Sunderbans, India and their implications for the reconstruction of deltaic environments. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology (Elsevier), 311:93–102(if=2.79, ci=3) 5. Mahasin Ali Khan, Ruby Ghosh, Bera, Subir, R. A. Spicer and T. E. V. Spicer. 2011. Floral diversity during Plio-Pleistocene Siwalik sedimentation (Kimin Formation) in Arunachal Pradesh, India and its palaeoclimatic significance. Palaeobiodiversity and Palaeoenvironments (Springer), 91:237–255 (ci=3) 6. Yao-Yi-Feng, Bera, Subir, Ferguson, D.K., Mosbrugger, V., Paudayal, Khum, N., Jin, Jian-Hua, Li, Cheng-Sen. 2009. Reconstruction of palaeovegetation and palaeoclimate in the Early and Middle Eocene, Hainan Island, China. Climatic Change (Springer), 92(1-2): 169-189 (if=3.64, ci=30) 7. Ethan Russo, Hong-En Jiang, Xiao Li,Alan Sutton, Andrea Carboni, Francesca Del Bianco, Giuseppe Mandolino, David Potter, You-Xing Xiao, Bera, Subir, Yong-Bing Zhang, En-Guo Lu, David Ferguson, Francis Hueber, Liang-Cheng Zhao, Chang-Jiang Liu, Yu-Fei Wang, Cheng-Sen Li. 2008. Phytochemical and genetic analyses of ancient Cannabis from central Asia. Journal of Experimental Botany (Oxford University Press), 59(15): 4171-4182 (if=5.542, ci=27) 8. Ghosh Ruby, Gupta, Sudha, Bera, Subir, Jiang, Hong-en, Li, Xiao and Li, Cheng-Sen. 2008. Ovi-caprid dung as an indicator of Palaeovegetation and Palaeoclimate in northwestn China. Quaternary Research (Elsevier, The Netherlands), 70: 149-157. (if=2.81, ci=12) 9. Ruby Ghosh, Ashalata D’ Rozario, and Bera, Subir. 2006. Can palynomorphs occur in burnt ancient potsherds? An Experimental Proof, Journal of Archaeological Science, (Elsevier, The Netherlands), 33 (10): 1445-1451 (if=2.25, ci=9) 10. 80 years BP in the Gangetic West Bengal, India. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, (Blackwell, China), 48 (6): 628-641 400 to 2080 Ruby Ghosh, Bera, Subir, Ashalata D’ Rozario, Manju Banerjee and Supriyo Chakraborty. 2006. Plant remains from archaeological site as indicators of vegetation and agricultural practice during 3320 (if=3.75, ci=3)

[ 217 ]

BHATIA, SABHYATA (b 1964), Staff Scientist V, NIPGR, New Delhi Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Plant Sciences) Sabhyata Bhatia is a pioneer in the generation of genomic resources in orphan legumes such as chickpea and lentil. Her recent contribution in the whole genome sequencing and annotation of a Desi chickpea variety has helped place the country and her institute on the ‘genomics’ map of the world. She has been successful in the large scale generation of SNPs and is among the pioneers to demonstrate the utilization of high throughput SNP genotyping platforms for generating high resolution genetic maps. Her recent contributions include utilizing next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies for sequencing and de novo assembling the transcriptomes of chickpea and lentil. Currently her group is involved in unraveling the molecular mechanisms responsible for seed and nodule development. Her group is also one of the leaders involved in generating SSRs (from chickpea, lentil, Catharanthus roseus, Trifolium and mung bean), ESTs and EST based molecular markers (SSRs, ITPs, ESTPs and SNPs) from chickpea and lentil and the most advanced inter- and intra-specific linkage maps of chickpea. Her earlier contributions in the area of Genome Analysis in plants such as Brassicas, Neem, Prosopis and Poplars focused on molecular analysis of repetitive DNA sequences, RFLP mapping, DNA fingerprinting, utilization of molecular markers (RAPD, AFLP, STMS, SAMPL) for assessment of genetic diversity, germplasm characterization, phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary studies. Her consistent efforts have yielded a number of high impact publications and she is also leading many national and international collaborations and projects.

Proposer : Prof. Akhilesh Kumar Tyagi, Seconder : Dr. Debasis Chattopadhyay Ten Best Publications: 1. Verma P, Shah N and Bhatia S (2013) Development of an expressed gene catalogue and molecular markers from the de novo assembly of short sequence reads of the lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) transcriptome. Plant Biotech. J. 11: 894-905 (doi: 10.1111/pbi.12082) (if=6.279) 2. Jain M, Misra G, Patel RK, Priya P, Jhanwar S, Khan AW, Shah N, Singh VK, Garg R, Jeena G, Yadav M, Chandra Kant, Sharma P, Yadav G, Bhatia S, Tyagi AK, Chattopadhyay D (2013) A draft genome sequence of the pulse crop chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The Plant Journal 74: 715-729 (DOI: 10.1111/tpj.12173) (if=6.16, ci=8) 3. Gaur R, Azam S, Jeena G, Khan AW, Choudhary S, Jain M, Yadav G, Tyagi AK, Chattopadhyay D, Bhatia S (2012) High-throughput SNP discovery and genotyping for constructing a saturated linkage map of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). DNA Research, pp 1-17 (doi: 10.1093/dnares/dss018) (if=5.276, ci=9) 4. Choudhary S, Gaur R., Gupta S, Bhatia S (2012) EST-derived genic molecular markers: development and utilization for generating an advanced transcript map of chickpea. Theor. Appl. Genet. 124: 1449-1462 (DOI 10.1007/s00122-012-1800-3) (if=3.8, ci=11) 5. Shokeen B, Choudhary S, Sethy NK, Bhatia S (2011) Development of SSR and gene-targeted markers for construction of a framework linkage map of Catharanthus roseus. Ann. Bot. London, 108: 321–336 (if=4.0, ci=5) 6. Garg R, Patel RK, Jhanwar S, Priya P, Bhattacharjee A, Yadav G, Bhatia S, Chattopadhyay D, Tyagi AK, Jain M (2011) Gene discovery and tissue-specific transcriptome analysis in chickpea with massively parallel pyrosequencing and web resource development. Plant Physiol. 156: 1661–1678 (if=7.054, ci=40) 7. Gaur R, Sethy NK, Choudhary S, Gupta V, Shokeen B, Bhatia S (2011) Advancing the STMS genomic resources and defining their locations on the intra-specific genetic linkage map of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) BMC Genomics 12:117 (if=4.2, ci=13) 8. Choudhary S, Sethy NK, Shokeen B, Bhatia S (2009) Development of chickpea EST-SSR markers and analysis of allelic variation across related species. Theor. Appl. Genet. 118:591–608 (if=3.8, ci=53) 9. Sethy NK, Shokeen B, Edwards KJ, Bhatia S (2006) Development of microsatellite markers and analysis of intraspecific genetic variability in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Theor. Appl. Genet. 112:1426-1428 (if=3.8, ci=52) 10. Sethy NK, Choudhary S, Shokeen B, Bhatia S (2006) Identification of microsatellite markers from Cicer reticulatum: molecular variation and phylogenetic analysis. Theor. Appl. Genet. 112: 347-357 (if=3.8, ci=29)

[ 218 ]

BORDOLOI, MANOBJYOTI (b 1960), Senior Principal Scientist, North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat-785006, Assam Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Plant Sciences) Dr. Manobjyoti Bordoloi has been working for 29 years in the field of structural plant Chemistry. He has investigated plants and micro-organisms and characterized many bioactive molecules with novel skeletons including alkaloids, sesquiterpenoids, steroids, etc. These have exhibited anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-tuberculotic, anti-hyperbilirubinemia and anti-cancer activities. He discovered a very rich source of shikimic acid (upto 18% yield) useful as raw material for swine flu drug. He has 43 publications in peer reviewed journals (total citations 406, h index 11) in addition to 77 symposia papers and invited lectures. 21 patents were filed and granted to him in India, USA and PCT countries. He has completed two projects as PI from DRDO on “Bioassay Guided phytochemical investigations” and is currently running three DBT and Indo-Vietnam projects as PI on bioactive natural products. Further, he has completed, as Project Director, CSIR project entitled “North East Exploration for Pharmaceuticals” with a budget of Rs 9.04 crores for two years. A product, developed under this project, has been transferred for commercialization. He is now coordinating two CSIR mega projects for 12 Five Year Plan. Under these projects, affordable healthcare agents are being developed. He was awarded the prestigious CSIR young scientist award in 1995 and CSIR Technology award in 2013. He is a recognized guide of Gauhati and Dibrugarh Universities. Four students were awarded PhD degree and five more scholars are working under him. He also guided 39 projects submitted to different universities in India for partial fulfillment of M.Sc. degree.

Proposer : Professor Premananda Das, Seconder : Professor G R Rout Ten Best Publications: 1. M Bordoloi et al; 1985; Absolute stereochemistry of the insect antifeedant cadinene from Eupatorium adenophorum; Tetrahedron letters 26 (4), 509-510 (if=2.397, ci=33) 2. M Bordoloi et al, 1989 Naturally Occurring Cadinenes; Phytochemistry, 28(9),3002-2037 (if=3.050, ci=57) 3. M Bordoloi et al 1996; Artemisinic acid analogue from Tithonia diversifolia Phytochemistry, 41(2), 557-559 (if=3.050, ci=33) 4. M Bordoloi et al 1993; Meliacin from Chisocheton paniculatus, Phytochemistry, 34(2), 583-584 (if=3.050, ci=25) 5. M Bordoloi et al, 1997; Alkylated Coumarin from Kayea assamica Phytochemistry, 44(5), 939-942. (if=3.050, ci=15) 6. M Bordoloi et al, 2001; Isolation and Structure Elucidation of a New Antifungal and Antibacterial Antibiotic Produced by Streptomyces sp.201, Biosc. Biotechnol.Biochem. 65(8), 1856-1858 (if=1.292, ci=25) 7. R Kundu, S Dasgupta, A Biswas, S Bhattacharya, B C. Pal, S Bhattacharya, P.G. Rao, N.C. Barua, M Bordoloi, S Bhattacharya; 2011, Carlinoside reduces hepatic bilirubin accumulation by stimulating bilirubin-UGT activity through Nrf2 gene expression; Biochemical Pharmacology; 82, 1186–1197 (if=4.576, ci=4) 8. a-methylene-g-butyrolactone from Artabotrys odoratissimus fruit, Phytochemistry Letters; 2(1), 22-24M. Bordoloi et al; 2009; A long chain alkylated (if=1.179, ci=10) 9. M. Bordoloi, et al 2009; Anti-genotoxic hydrazide from Crinum defixum; European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry; 44(6), 2754-57(if=3.193, ci=12) 10. M Bordoloi et al 2013, “Antifungal and antioxidant pyrrole derivative from Piper pedicellatum”; Natural Product Communications; USA, 8 (10), 1452-1154 (if=0.956, ci=8)

[ 219 ]

CHAUDHARY, LAL BABU (b 1962), Principal Scientist, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow


Dr. Lal Babu Chaudhary is the foremost plant taxonomist among the contemporary taxonomists of India. Dr. Chaudhary has revised several difficult and complex tribes like Thermopsideae, Genisteae, Trifolieae and Loteae, and genera like Astragalus and Oxytropis (Leguminosae) of India. Apart from legumes, he has also worked out the taxonomy and diversity of Tricholepis (Asteraceae) and three highly medicinally important plant genera Aconitum (Rananculaceae), Podophyllum (Podophyllaceae), Phyllanthus (Phyllanthaceae) and Ficus (Moraceae). His work on the taxonomy of herbaceous Phyllanthus in India is very widely consulted by most botanists interested in Phyllanthus. Through these revisionary works and floristic investigations, he has very creditably described several new species like Astragalus sanjappae Chaudhary & Khan, Astragalus uttaranchalensis Chaudhary & Khan, Astragalus lachungensis Chaudhary, Astragalus nainitalensis Chaudhary, Astragalus himachalensis Chaudhary & Rana, Astragalus gooraiensis Chaudhary, Trifoliae subtrib. Parochetinae Chaudhary & Sanjappa, Aconitum heterophyllum var. roylei Chaudhary & Rao, Phyllanthus ajmerianus Chaudhary & Rao, Tricholepis raghavendrae Saklani & Chaudhary and Oxytropis sanjappae Chaudhary and brought out many new records to Indian Flora. So far, Dr. Chaudhary has completed 12 research projects on various aspects of taxonomy funded by CSIR, DST, DBT, MOEF and published 75 research papers in refereed journals. He has also visited and worked in some International Herbaria like London (Kew), U. S. A. (New York), Mexico (Mexico City) and Kathmandu (Nepal). The Association for Plant Taxonomists (Dehra Dun) has awarded him S. K. Jain medal for the year 2008. In my opinion, Dr. Chaudhary richly deserves to be elected as a Fellow of The National Academy of Sciences, India.

Proposer : Dr. R. R. Rao, Seconder : Dr. M. Sanjappa Ten Best Publications: 1. Chaudhary, L. B. & Sanjappa, M. 1998. Parochetinae: a new subtribe of Trifolieae (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae). Taxon. 47: 829 – 831. (if=2.36) 2. Dangi, R. S., Lagu, M. D., Chaudhary, L. B., Ranjekar, P. K. and Gupta, V. S. 2004. Assessment of genetic diversity in Trigonella foenum-graecum and Trigonella caerulea using ISSR and RAPD markers. BMC, Plant Biology 4:13. (if=4.09) 3. Chaudhary, L. B. Rana, T. S., Narzary, D. & Verma, S. 2007. A new species of Astragalus L. (Leguminosae) from India based on morphological and molecular markers. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 154: 27 – 34. (if=1.931) 4. Chaudhary, L. B. 2007. Astragalus gooraiensis (Fabaceae), A new species from Jammu and Kashmir in India. Novon 17(4): 417 - 420. (if=0.224) 5. Chaudhary, L. B. Rana, T. S., Anand. K. K. 2008. Current status of the systematics of Astragalus L. (Fabaceae) with special reference to the Himalayan species in India. Taiwania 53 (4): 338 – 355. (if=nil) 6. Sribash Roy, Antariksh Tyagi, Virendra Shukla, Anil Kumar, Uma M Singh, Lal Babu Chaudhary, Bhaskar Datt, Sumit K. Bag, Pradhyumna K. Singh, Narayanan K Nair, Tariq Husain and Rakesh Tuli. Universal Plant DNA barcode Loci May Not Work in Complex Groups: A Case Study with Indian Berberis species. PLoS,One October 2010/ Vol. 5/ issue 10/ e13674/ 27October. (if=4.411) 7. Kumar, A., Bajpai, O., Mishar, A. K., Sahu, N. Behera S. K. & Chaudhary, L. B. 2011. Assessment of Diversity in the genus Ficus L. (Moraceae) of Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India. American J. Pl. Sci. 2 (1): 78 -92. (if=nil) 8. Behera, S. K. Mishra, A. K. Sahu, N., Kumar, A., Singh, N., Kumar, A., Bajpai, O., Chaudhary, L. B., Khare, P. B. & Tuli, R. 2012. The study of microclimate in response to different plant community association in tropical moist deciduous forest from Northern India. Biodiverse. Conserv. DOI 10.1007/s10531 – 012 – 0230 – 5. (if=2.146) 9. Abhinandan Mani Tripathi, Antariksh Tyagi, Anoop Kumar, Akanksha Singh, Shivani Singh, Lal Babu Chaudhary, Sribash Roy. 2013. The Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) Region and trnhH-psbA are Suitable Candidate Loci for DNA Barcoding of Tropical Tree Species of India. PLoS ONE 8 (2): 1371/journal.pone.0057934 (IF. 4.411). (if=4.411) 10. Lal Babu Chaudhary, Omesh Bajpai, Soumit Kumar Behera & Nayan Sahu. 2013. A new species of Oxytropis (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) from India. Phytotaxa 155 (1): 5-58. (if=1.792)

[ 220 ]

MUKHERJEE, ANITA (b 1954), Professor and Head,Dept. of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Plant Sciences) Professor Anita Mukherjee is currently the head of the Department of Botany, at the University of Calcutta. She obtained her PhD in Botany from the University of Calcutta in 1985. Professor Mukherjee pioneered the development of Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis technique (Comet assay and DNA diffusion assay) on plants in India. She developed and validated methods for assessing genotoxicity of chemicals disposed in the environment through natural and anthropogenically mediated processes. Professor Mukherjee initiated the area of nanomaterial toxicology in the country and addressed their concern regarding their fate in biological systems, plants in particular; the challenges were addressed and the genotoxic responses were elegantly demonstrated at different trophic levels (plant and animal systems).Her research on the engineered nano particles for their consequent novel interactions with DNA, have been widely cited in journals of repute and bestowed with the membership of the American Nano Society. She has to her credit over 90 publications in peer reviewed international journals, two reviews/book chapters. She has won several honours and awards, has several collaborations with scientists from the Czech Republic, Korea and Nigeria as well as with in the country. She has successfully supervised 10 PhD students and has been invited to speak at many international meetings and chair symposia. Citations: 1007; H index: 20; i10 index: 36; Google scholar citation

Proposer : Prof Sumitra Sen, Seconder : Prof Sumita Jha Ten Best Publications: 1. Sarkar J, Ghosh M, Anita Mukherjee, Chattopadhyay D, Acharya K. (2014) Biosynthesis and safety evaluation of ZnO nanoparticles. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering 37:165–171. (if=1.8, ci=not available,because recent) 2. Ghosh M, Bandyopadhyay M and Mukherjee A. (2010) Genotoxicity of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles at two trophic levels: plant and human lymphocytes.Chemosphere 81 (10): 1253-1262. (if=3.15, ci=76) 3. Ghosh M, Manivannan J, Sinha S, Chakraborty A, Mallick SK, Bandyopadhyay M, Mukherjee A. (2012) In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity of silver nanoparticle. Mutation Research - Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis 749: 60-69. (if=3.05, ci=22) 4. Ghosh M, Chakraborty A, Bandyopadhyay M and Mukherjee A. (2011) Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT): Induction of DNA damage in plant and mammalian cells. Journal of Hazardous Materials 197: 327-336. (if=3.7, ci=18) 5. Ghosh M, Chakraborty A, Mukherjee A. (2013) Cytotoxic, genotoxic and hemolytic effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on human erythrocyte and lymphocyte cells in vitro. Journal of Applied Toxicology 33: 1097-1110. (if=2.47, ci=4) 6. Gichner T, A Mukherjee, ED Wagner and MJ Plewa. (2005) Evaluation of nuclear diffusion assay to detect apoptosis and necrosis in plants. Mutation Research (Elsevier Publications) 586: 38-46. (if=3.05, ci=16) 7. Gichner T, A Mukherjee and J. Veleminsky. (2006) DNA staining with the fluorochromes Et Br, DAPI, and YOYO-I in the comet assay with tobacco plants after treatment with ethylmethane sulphonate, hyperthermia and Dnase-I. Mutation Research 605: 17-21. (if=3.05, ci=29) 8. Mukherjee A and J Chakrabarti. (1997) In vivo cytogenetic studies on mice exposed to acesulphame-K- a non nutritive sweetener. Food and Chemical Toxicology (Elsevier) 35: 1177-1179. (if=3.01, ci=41) 9. Mukherjee A, K Agarwal, M Aguilar and A Sharma (1991) Anticlastogenic activity of beta carotene against cyclophosphamide in mice in vivo. Mutation Research (Elsevier) 263 :41-46. (if=3.05, ci=43) 10. Mukherjee A, AK Giri, A Sharma and G Talukder (1988) Relative efficacy of short-term tests in detecting genotoxic effects of cadmium chloride in mice in vivo. Mutation Research (Elsevier) 206: 285-295. (if=3.05, ci=47)

[ 221 ]

PATHAK, PROMILA (b 1963), Professor, Botany Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2012, Plant Sciences) Prof.(Dr.) Promila Pathak known for her dedicated commitment and significant contributions to scientific development and promotion of Indian orchids has been actively persuing researches for the past over 25 years in Diversity, Developmental biology, Micropropagation, and Conservation of orchids. She has successfully bypassed the fungal requirement of orchid seeds during germination, in a large number of commercially significant orchids by providing an appropriate nutrition in vitro. Cost effective and reproducible micropropagation protocols developed by her in several RET species are adopted world over and served as starting point for in depth studies, aimed at conservation and commercialization of orchids. She is actively involved in embryo rescues in wide matings; her efforts in synthesizing mycorrhizal associations in TCPs aimed at replenishing natural stocks in some economically important species are laudable. She has also successfully demonstrated the utility of synthetic seeds as an efficient storage and delivery system. She has published a large number of research papers which find frequent citations in high impact periodicals. Her book Orchids: Science and Commerce is an excellent referral book. She has delivered Invited Lectures in several academic meets within and outside the country. Dr. Pathak’s contributions in disseminating advances in orchid research are highly appreciated. As an active member of Expert Panel, she is instrumental in developing strategies for sustainable development of orchids. Besides guiding many research students, she has handled various research projects and imparted training in scientific development and cultivation of orchids to a large number of students, enthusiasts and rural women.

Proposer: Prof. S.P.Vij, Seconder: Prof. S.C. Verma Ten Best Publications: 1. Pathak, Promila, H. Piri, S P Vij, K C Mahant and Shaveta Chauhan.2011. In vitro propagation and mass scale multiplication of a medicinally important and critically endangered epiphytic orchid, Gastrochilus calceolaris (Buch.-Ham ex J.E.Sm.) D.Don. using immature seeds. Indian J. Exp. Biol.,49:711-716. (IF=0.702, CI=3) 2. Hossain, M.M., M. Sharma, Jaine A. Teixeira da Silva and Promila Pathak.2010. Seed germination and tissue culture of Cymbidium giganteum Wall. ex Lindl..Sci.Hortic.,123(4):479-487. (IF=1.482, CI=5) 3. Hossain, M. M., M. Sharma, and Promila Pathak.2009. Cost effective protocol for in vitro mass propagation of Cymbidium aloifolium(L.)Sw.-A medicinally important orchid. Eng. Life Sci., 9 (6):444-453. (IF=1.504, CI=4) 4. Sherpa, Ang Rinzing,Vipin Hallan, Promila Pathak, and Aijaz Asghar Zaidi.2007.Complete nucleotide sequence analysis of Cymbidium mosaic virus Indian isolate: Further evidence for natural recombination amongst potexviruses. Journal of BioSciences, 32 (4): 663-69. (IF=1.888, CI=5) 5. Sherpa, A. R., V. Hallan, Promila Pathak, and A. A. Zaidi.2006.Characterization of the Coat Protein gene of Cymbidium mosaic virus isolates from India. J PhytoPathology, 154: 275-280. ( (IF=0.937, CI=4) 6. Sherpa, A. R., Vipin Hallan, R. Ram, S. P. Vij, Promila Pathak, I. D. Garg, and A. A. Zaidi. 2003. First Report of Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV) In Orchids from India. Plant Pathology, 52, 788. (IF=2.237, CI=3) 7. Vij, S.P. and Promila Pathak. 1990. Micropropagation of orchids through leaf segments. J. Orchid Soc. India,4 :69-88. (IF=3.8, CI=21) 8. Vij, S.P. and Promila Pathak. 1989. Micropropagation of Dendrobium chrysanthum Wall. through pseudobulb segments. J. Orchid Soc. India, 3 (1,2): 25-28. (IF=3.8, CI=17) 9. Vij. S.P., Promila Pathak and Madhu Sharma. 1987. On the regeneration potential of Rhynchostytis retusa root segments: A study in vitro. J. Orchid Soc. India, 1 (1,2): 71-74. (IF=3.8, CI=11) 10. Bhanwra, R.K. and Promila Pathak. 1987. Embryology of Apluda mutica (Poaceae). Proc. Indian Acad. Sci., 97:461-467 (IF=2.905, CI=2)

[ 222 ]

PATRA, HEMANATA KUMAR (b 1952), EMERITUS SCIENTIST-CSIR, DEPT. OF BOTANY, UTKAL UNIVERSITY, BHUBANESWAR Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Plant Sciences) Prof. Hemanta Kumar Patra, Emeritus Scientist (CSIR) made significant research contributions on regulation of leaf and petal senescence during his early research career. Prof. Patra visited USSR and Germany on Post-Doctoral programmes offered by USSR Government Scholarship, DAAD Fellowship (Germany) and UGC-Germany Visiting Scientist Exchange Programme award with important contributions in Environmental Stress Physiology. During the last decade he was engaged in research work on Environmental Biotechnology with special reference to Chromium toxicity and its remediation. Bioremediation technology for attenuation of hexavalent chromium developed by Prof. Patra is being used for Indian Bureau of Mines, Department of Coal and Mines, Govt. of India. Besides, he immensely contributed on biodiversity of mangroves and forest ecosystems of Odisha. He successfully guided one D.Sc., Seventeen Ph.D. and Twenty eight M. Phil., students of Utkal University for award of the above degrees. He is Fellow and life member of many learned Societies . He is the President of Orissa Botanical Society. He is editor of international and national journals of repute. He has 152 scientific publications to his credit . He is the author/editor of 11 books.

Proposer : Prof. Premananda Das, Seconder : Prof. Gyana Ranjan Rout Ten Best Publications: 1. Thounaojam, T.C., Panda, S.,Choudhury, S., Patra, H. K. and Panda, S.K.(2014) Zinc ameliorates cupper induced oxidative stress in developing rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Protoplasma. 251(1)61-69. DOI.10.s00709-013-0525-8 ISSN: 1615-6102, Springer. Austria.(if=2.855) 2. Mohanty, M. and Patra, H.K. (2011). Attenuation of Chromium Toxicity by Bioremediation Technology. Review of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology., 210:1-34. Springer, USA, (if=4.40, ci=12) 3. Mohanty M., Pattanaik M.M., Misra A.K. and Patra H.K. (2011). Chromium Bioaccumulation in Rice grown in Contaminated Soil and Irrigated Mine Waste Water - A Case Study At South Kaliapani Chromite Mine Area, Orissa, India. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 13:397-409. Taylor and Francis, UK, (if=2.106, ci=4) 4. Bülent, E., Patra, H. K., Khodr, H., Römheld,V., and Wirén, N.V. (2007). Uptake and apoplasmic retention of EDTA and phytosiderophore-chelated chromium(III) in maize. Jour. Plant. Nutr. Soil Sc (Germany).170(6), 788-795. (if=1.969, ci=14) 5. Sen, N.K., Patra, H.K. and Mishra, D. (1984) Phytochrome regulation of biochemical and enzymatic changes during senescence of excised rice leaves. Zeit. Pflanzenphysiol. (Now J. Plant Physiol., Germany).113:95-103 (if=2.960, ci=5) 6. Sen, N.K., Patra, H.K., Sarangi, C.S. and Mishra, D. (1982). Kinetin effect on some enzyme activities during senescence of excised rice leaves as subjected to water stress. Biochem Physiol Pflanzen(Now Journal of Plant Physiology)(Germany), 177: 577-584.(if=2.960, ci=3) 7. Patra, H.K. and Mishra, D. (1979). Pyrophosphatase, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase activities during leaf development and senescence. Plant Physiol (USA): 63: 318-323. (if=7.084, ci=55) 8. Kar, M.; Patra, H.K. and Mishra, D. (1978). Zn+2 -dependent acid inorganic pyrophosphatase activity as relate to other pyrophosphatases in Oryza sativa. Physiol. Plant (Sweden).43:287-291. (if=3.656, ci=7) 9. Patra, H.K., Kar, M. and Mishra, D. (1978). Catalase activity in leaves and cotyledons during plant development and senescence. Biochem Physiol Pflanzen (Now Journal of Plant Physiology)(Germany), 172: 385-390. (if=2.96, ci=71) 10. 10. Mishra, D. Ghose, B.K. Patra, H.K. and Kar, M. (1978).Changes in some enzyme activities during air drying of excised rice leaves. Zeit. Pflanzenphysiol (Now J. Plant Physiol).(Germany). 90: 189 - 192 (if=2.960, ci=4)

[ 223 ]

RANA, TIKAM SINGH (b 1969), Senior Principal Scientist (Scientist F), CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226001,India

Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Plant Sciences) Dr. T.S. Rana is one of our foremost contemporary plant taxonomists whose scientific contributions range from classical taxonomy to modern molecular systematics, which is a unique blend of expertise, rarely found in the country. Flora of Tons Valley in West Himalaya is one of his significant achievements, wherein he has provided a firsthand field information and critical evaluation of plants of West Himalaya. His work on the analysis of the monotypic flora of India is widely consulted by all phytogeographers and greatly helps in the discussion on distribution of the past and present flora of India. Molecular systematics of taxonomically complex and economically important genera like Astragalus, Murraya, Punica and Sapindus in the country are the maiden attempts of Dr. Rana. Unravelling the genetic diversity and resolving the taxonomic impediments in these genera are the major contributions towards understanding the systematics in broader perspectives. Dr. Rana has published one book and about forty eight research papers in National and International journals of repute which are highly cited. Dr. Rana’s contributions to Science are already aptly recognized by some science Academies/Societies and also by the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi by bestowing him with the prestigious BOYSCAST Fellowship (2001-2002). In my opinion, Dr. Rana with his extra-ordinary capabilities for accomplishing the research projects richly deserves to be elected as a Fellow of The National Academy of Sciences, India, Allahabad.

Proposer : Dr. R. Raghavendra Rao, Seconder : Dr. M. Sanjappa Ten Best Publications: 1. Verma Sushma and Rana, T. S (2012). Genetic relationships amongst wild and cultivated accessions of curry leaf plant (Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.), as revealed by DNA fingerprinting methods. Molecular Biotechnology DOI: 10.1007/s12033-012-9500-4 (if= 2.091, ci=01) 2. Rana, T. S., Narzary Diganta and Ohri Deepak (2012). Molecular differentiation of Chenopodium album complex and some related species using ISSR profiles and ITS sequences. GENE. 495: 29-35 (DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2011.12.031). (if=2.226, ci=02) 3. Mahar, K.S., Rana, T. S., Ranade, S.A. Meena Baleshwar (2011). Genetic variability and population structure in Sapindus emarginatus Vahl from India. GENE 485 : 32 -39 (if=2.416, ci=07) 4. Mahar, K.S., Rana, T. S. and Ranade, S.A. (2011). Molecular analyses of genetic variability in soap nut (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.). Industrial Crops & Products 34 (1): 1111-1118 (if=2.507, ci=07) 5. Verma Sushma and Rana, T. S. (2011). Genetic diversity within and among the wild populations of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. as revealed by ISSR analysis. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 39: 139- 144 (if=1.131, ci=08) 6. Narzary, D., Rana, T.S. and Ranade, S.A. (2010). Genetic diversity in ISSR profiles across natural populations of Indian pomegranates (Punica granatum L.). Plant Biology 12: 806- 813 (if=2.223, ci=CI:21) 7. Rana, T. S. and Ranade, S. A. (2009). The enigma of monotypic taxa and their taxonomic implications. Current Science 96 (2): 219 – 229 (if=0.774, ci=10) 8. Ranade, S. A., Srivastva, Anuj, Rana, T. S., Srivastava, Jyoti and Tuli, Rakesh (2008). Easy assessment diversity of Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas L.) plants using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and DAMD (Directed Amplification of Minisatellite DNA) methods. Biomass & Bioenergy 32 (6): 533 – 540 (if=2.540, ci=101) 9. Chaudhary, L.B., Rana, T. S., Narzary, Diganta and Verma, Sushma (2007). A new species of Astragalus L. (Leguminosae) from India based on morphological and molecular markers. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 154: 27 –34 (if=1.705, ci=04) 10. Guicking Daniela, Rana, T. S., Blattner, Frank, R., Weising, Kurt (2006). Microsatellite markers for the palaeotropic pioneer tree genus Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) and their cross-species transferability. Molecular Ecology Notes 6: 245-248 (if=1.251, ci=07)

[ 224 ]

SEN MANDI, SWATI (b 1948), Senior Professor and ICMR Emeritus Medical Scientist, Division of Plant Biology,Bose Institute, Kolkata


Having established sequence homology of a seed vigour associated DNA marker with ACCase gene, Prof. SenMandi further demonstrated higher ACCase gene expression in high vigour (rice) seed compared to low vigour varieties, despite presence of single copy ACCase gene in both categories. She is now researching on epigenetic mechanism for such variation among varieties thereby correlating flavonoid content with viability status in mature seed. SenMandi demonstrated genotype related UV upregulation of flavonoid production in tea leaf under high UV fluence in Darjeeling. The same genotypes at low altitude (recording low UV fluence) exhibited comparable gene X environment manifestation. SenMandi demonstrated correlation between DNA based clustering and 6-gingerol content based grouping among ecotypic variants of Ginger. She demonstrated SNP among high and low 6-gingerol containing landraces that appears (in silico studies) correlated with variation in one amino acid (Serine / Asperagine) in the catalytic triad that causes variation in CHS enzyme activity. She has validated this in wet lab (HPLC assay) experiments demonstrating predicted variation in level of 6-gingerol content among landraces. Through statistical correlative studies she has developed Trait Related Marker(s) for high 6-gingerol in Zingiber officinale and for Cyanogen in Dendrocalamus hamiltonii. Her research on Molecular Evaluation of Medicinal Plants including (i) whole genome DNA Fingerprinting (ii) DNA sequencing based SNP analysis of specific genes (iii) chemical analysis of bioactive compounds constitute research activities at the Centre for Advanced Research initiated by Prof. SenMandi at Bose Institute. This Centre also undertakes HRD among young researchers thereby affecting Technology Transfer.

Proposer : Prof. Aswani Kumar Rai, Seconder : Prof. J.S.Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Sen,S. and Osborne, D.J., 1974, Germination of rye embryos following hydration dehydration treatments: Enhancement of protein and RNA synthesis and earlier induction of DNA replication, J. Expt. Bot., 25: 1010-19. (if=5.2, ci=57) 2. Sen, S and Osborne, D.J., 1977, Decline in ribonucleic acid and protein synthesis with loss of viability during the early hours of imbibition of Rye (S. cereale L) embryos, Biochem. J., 166: 33-38. (if=4.6, ci=91) 3. Bhattacharyya (Ganguli) S. and Sen-Mandi, S., 1985, Studies into causes of non-germination of aged wheat seed, Ann. Bot., 56: 475-479. (if=3.4, ci=12) 4. Das, G. and Sen-Mandi, S., 1988, Root formation in deteriorated (aged) wheat embryos, Plant Physiol., 88(4): 983-987. (if=7.084, ci=04) 5. Das, G. and Sen-Mandi, S.,1992, Scutellar amylase activity in naturally aged and accelerated aged wheat seeds, Ann. Bot., 69: 497-501. (if=3.4, ci=37) 6. Nandi, S., Das, G. and Sen-Mandi, S., 1995, -amylase activity as an index for germination potential in rice, Ann. Bot., 75: 463-467. (if=3.4, ci=30) 7. Nandi, S., Subudhi, P. K., Senadhira, D., Manigbas, N. L., Sen-Mandi, S. and Huang, N., 1997, Mapping QTLs for submergence tolerance in rice by AFLP analysis and selective genotyping, Mol. Gen. Genet., 255: 1-8. (if=2.8, ci=149) 8. Nandi, S., Sen-Mandi., S. and Sinha T. P., 1997, Active oxygen and their scavengers in rice seeds (Oryza sativa cv. IET4094) aged under tropical environmental conditions, Seed Sci. Res., 7: 253-259. (if=1.931, ci=18) 9. Talai, S and Sen-Mandi, S., 2010, Seed vigour-related DNA marker in rice shows homology with Acetyl CoA Carboxylase gene, Acta Physiol. Plant., 32:153-167. (if=1.6, ci=05) 10. S.D. Waikhom, S. Ghosh, N.C. Talukdar and S.S. Mandi. 2012, Assessment of genetic diversity of landraces of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii using AFLP markers and association with biochemical traits. Genetics and Molecular Research 11 (3): 2107-2121 (if=0.99, ci=05)

[ 225 ]

SHEKHAWAT, NARPAT SINGH (b 1953), Professor of Botany, Biotechnology Unit, J.N.Vyas University, Jodhpur. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Plant Sciences) Since 1979 Dr. Shekhawat has been on development of biotechnological tools and methods for conservation, characterization and propagation of plants of the arid regions. He worked on culture and fusion of plant protoplasts at Yale during 1981-83 on National Scholarship for studies abroad awarded by the government of India. During 1985 to date he has been devoted for development of good research laboratory where considerable R and D has been done on various aspects of plant and microbial biotechnology for utilization of bio-resources of the fragile ecosystem. With supports from DBT/DST/UGC, a good center of research and teaching-learning is growing where students/researchers come from various parts of the country and abroad. The work done has been published in journal of good reputation. He has been working in collaboration with users/progressive farmers for cultivation of medicinal plants.

Proposer: Prof. U.C. Srivastava, Seconder: Prof. Krishna Misra Ten Best Publications: 1. Amit Kumar Gupta, Harish, Manoj K. Rai, Mahendra Phulwaria, Narpat S. Shekhawat (2011) Isolation of genomic DNA suitable for community analysis from mature trees adapted to arid environment. Gene, 487(2):156-159 (IF=2.26) 2. Manoj K. Rai, N.S. Shekhawat, Harish, Amit K. Gupta, M. Phulwaria, Kheta Ram, U. Jaiswal. (2011)The role of abscisic acid in plant tissue culture – a review on the recent progress. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, 106: 179-190 (IF=1.24; most downloaded for last 5 months)) 3. Rathore, M.S., Rathore, M. S. Rathore and N. S. Shekhawat (2010) Ex vivo implications of phytohormones on various in vitro responses in Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight. & Arn.—an endangered plant. Environmental and Experimental Botany, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2010.05.009 (IF=3.3) 4. Deora, N.S. and N.S. Shekhawat (1995) Micropropagation of Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew. - A tree of arid horticulture, Plant Cell Reports. 15: 278-281. (IF=2.3) 5. Rathore, T.S., Deora, N.S. and N.S. Shekhawat (1992) Cloning of Maytenus emarginata (Willd.) Ding Hou - a tree of the Indian desert, through tissue culture. Plant Cell Reports. 11: 449-451 (IF=2.3) 6. Kackar, A. and N.S. Shekhawat (1989) Regeneration of Lasiurus scindicus from tissue culture. Annals of Botany. 64: 455-458. (IF=3.84) 7. Dhir, S.K., Shekhawat, N.S., Purohit, S.D. and H.C. Arya (1984) Development of laticifer cells in callus cultures of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. Plant Cell Reports. 3: 206-209 (IF=2.3) 8. Shekhawat, N.S., and A.W. Galston (1983) Isolation, culture, and regeneration of moth bean Vigna aconitifolia leaf protoplasts. Plant Science Letters. 32: 43-51 (IF=2.2) 9. Bates, G.W., Gaynor, J.J. and N.S. Shekhawat (1983) Fusion of plant protoplasts by electric fields. Plant Physiology. 72: 1110-1113 (IF=6.6) 10. Dumortier, F.M., Flores, H.E., Shekhawat, N.S. and A.W. Galston (1983) Gradient of polyamines and their biosynthetic enzymes in coleoptiles and roots of corn. Plant Physiology. 72: 915-918 (IF=6.6)

[ 226 ]

YADAV, SUDESH KUMAR (b 1976), Senior Scientist, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur Member of the NASI: No (YON 2012, Plant Sciences) Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav has been working as Senior Scientist, Biotechnology Division in this organization. He is closely associated with me and has been working in the area of metabolic engineering and abiotic stress tolerance of plants. His major scientific contributions are as follows: a) First time provided the proof of concept for engineering glyoxalase pathway genes (glyI and II) in providing multistress tolerance to crop plants by detoxifying a cytotoxic methyglyoxal and maintaining glutathione redox homeostasis. b) Provided the evidence to the production of low-seeded/or seed-less fruits through silencing of flavonol synthase that decreased flavonol levels and increased flavan-3-ols. c) His work on utilizing flavonoid biosynthetic pathway genes from tea for crop improvement provided very interesting new insights. This has not only improved the levels of useful flavan-3-ols in engineered plants but also provided tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. d) Produced low-caffeine Kangra jat tea through silencing caffeine synthase encoding mRNA. Also, provided a novel tea root transformation protocol for easy and fast functional studies of genes. e) Conducted detailed molecular and biochemical studies on glutamine synthetase of tea and documented its potential in engineering crop plants with improved stress tolerance and nutrient utilization. f) His findings in the beginning of epigenetic researches are remarkable. Identified a SGS-3 like protein and unraveled its function in RNA-directed DNA methylation and transcriptional gene silencing. First time identified small RNAs from tea (Camellia sinensis), stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) and horse gram (Mycrotyloma uniflorum) and established their role during growth and development.

Proposer : Dr Paramvir Singh Ahuja, Seconder : Dr Sanjay Kumar Ten Best Publications: 1. Monika Mahajan, Robin Joshi, Ashu Gulati and Sudesh Kumar Yadav. 2012. Increase in flavan-3-ols by silencing flavonol synthase mRNA affects the transcript expression and activity levels of antioxidant enzymes in tobacco. Plant Biology DOI: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2011.00550.x (IF=2.409, CI=5) 2. Monika Mahajan, Paramvir Singh Ahuja and Sudesh Kumar Yadav. 2011. Post-transcriptional Silencing of Flavonol Synthase mRNA in Tobacco Leads to Fruits with Arrested Seed Set. PLoS ONE 6(12):e28315. (IF=4.411, CI=5) 3. Prashant Mohanpuria, Vinay Kumar, Paramvir Singh Ahuja and Sudesh Kumar Yadav. 2011. Producing low-caffeine tea through post transcriptional silencing of caffeine synthase mRNA. Plant Molecular Biology 76: 523-534. (IF=4.149, CI=4) 4. Prashant Mohanpuria and Sudesh Kumar Yadav. 2012. Characterization of novel small RNAs from tea (Camellia sinensis L.). Mol Biol Rep. 39: 3977-3986 (IF=2.93, CI=2) 5. Prashant Mohanpuria, Vinay Kumar, Robin Joshi, Ashu Gulati, Paramvir Singh Ahuja, Sudesh Kumar Yadav. 2009. Caffeine biosynthesis and degradation in tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] is under developmental and seasonal regulation. Molecular Biotechnology 43: 104-111. (IF=2.44, CI=8) 6. S.L. Singla-Pareek, Sudesh Kumar Yadav (equal contribution with SLSP), A. Pareek, M.K. Reddy and S.K. Sopory. 2008. Enhancing salt tolerance in a crop plant by overexpression of glyoxalase II. Transgenic Research 17: 171-180. (IF=2.569, CI=42) 7. Prashant Mohanpuria, Nisha K. Rana and Sudesh Kumar Yadav. 2007. Cadmium Induced Oxidative Stress Influence on Glutathione Metabolic Genes of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze. Environmental Toxicology 22: 368-374. (IF=2.41, CI=40) 8. S.L. Singla-Pareek, Sudesh Kumar Yadav, A. Pareek, M.K. Reddy and S.K. Sopory, 2006. Transgenic tobacco overexpressing glyoxalase pathway enzymes grow and set viable seeds in zinc spiked soils. Plant Physiology 140: 613-623. (IF=6.451, CI=78) 9. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, S.L. Singla-Pareek, M.K. Reddy and S.K. Sopory. 2005. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing glyoxalase enzymes resist an increase in methylglyoxal and maintain higher reduced glutathione levels under salinity stress. FEBS Lett. 579: 6265–6271. (IF=3.601, CI=70) 10. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, S.L. Singla-Pareek, M. Ray, M.K. Reddy and S.K. Sopory. 2005. Methylglyoxal levels in plants under salinity stress are dependent on glyoxalase I and glutathione. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 337: 61–67. (IF=2.89, CI=100)

[ 227 ]

AGRAWAL, VEENA (b 1955), Professor, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007


Prof. Veena Agrawal has been conducting research and teaching to post-graduates and doctoral students in the area of Plant Biotechnology, since last over two decades at the Department of Botany, University of Delhi. She has developed in vitro technologies in more than 23 commercially important plant taxa including tree/woody spp. (e.g., Populus, Holarrhena, Cassia, Terminalia, Cinnamomum, Jatropha, Simmondsia and many medicinals (Arnica, Stevia, Artemisia, Psoralea, Spilanthes, Centella, Vernonia, etc.) for their large-scale plantation and improvement through genetic transformation. She has also published papers on genetic transformation of Tomato for drought tolerance by over expressing bspA (boiling stable protein) gene. Her other significant findings are the generation of sex-specific PCR-based molecular markers; RAPD, ISSR, SRAP and STS from dioecious male & female Jojoba plants, under the DST funded Major Project. For the first time this work was reported in Jojoba and will be immensely useful in early detection of sex. Currently, she is involved in developing technology for extraction, isolation and up-regulation of important bioactive molecules (psoralen, sennosides, artemisinin & spilanthol) from some anti-cancerous and antimalarial plants employing metabolic engineering. As evident from her publications in good impact factor peer reviewed International Journal she has cloned psoralen synthase gene of psoralen biosynthetic pathway from P. corylifolia which can be over expressed for enhancement of psoralen. In collaboration with NCDC, Delhi, she has developed some natural herbal formulations /products effective against malarial, filarial, dengue and Japanese encephalitis vectors and has filed five Indian patents. (Total Impact Factor: 58.993; Total Citation: 452).

Proposer : Professor S.K. Sopory, Seconder : Professor Sushil Kumar Ten Best Publications: 1. Pandey, V.; Agrawal, Veena; Raghavendra, K. and Dash, A.P. 2007. Strong larvicidal activity of three species of Spilanthes (Akarkara) against malaria (Anopheles stephensi Liston, Anopheles culicifacies, species C) and filaria vector (Culex quinquefasciatus Say). Parasitol. Res. 102: 171-174. Springer, Germany. (if=2.85, ci=46) 2. Agrawal, Veena; Prakash, S. & Gupta, S.C. 2002. Effective protocol for in vitro shoot production through nodal explants of Simmondsia chinensis. Biol. Plant. 45: 449-453. Springer, Czech Republic, Prague (if=1.692, ci=37) 3. Kumar, R., Sharma, K. & Agrawal, Veena 2005. In vitro clonal propagation of an important plant Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall. through nodal explants from mature tree. In Vitro Cell Dev. Biol. Pl. 41: 137-144. Springer, New York. (if=1.139, ci=36) 4. Parast, B.M.; Chetri, S.K.; Sharma, K. & Agrawal, Veena. 2011. In vitro isolation, elicitation of psoralen in callus cultures of Psoralea corylifolia and cloning of psoralen synthase gene. Pl. Physiol. Biochem. 49: 1138-1146. Elsevier, U.K. (if=2.775, ci=4) 5. Roy, R.; Purty R.S.; Agrawal, Veena & Gupta, S.C. 2006. Transformation of tomato cultivar ‘Pusa Ruby’ with bspA gene from Populus tremula for drought tolerance. Pl. Cell Tiss. Org. Cult. 84: 55-67. Springer, The Netherlands. (if=3.63, ci=31) 6. Agrawal, Veena & Gupta, S.C. 1991. In vitro plantlet development from explants of 25-year-old trees of Populus x euramericana, a hybrid poplar. Pl. Sci. 78: 99-105. Elsevier. (if=2.945, ci=10) 7. Kumar, S.; Agrawal, Veena & Gupta, S.C. 2002. Somatic embryogenesis in the woody legume Calliandra tweedii. Pl. Cell Tiss. Organ Cult. 71: 77-80. (if=3.63, ci=14) 8. Pandey, V.; Chopra, M. & Agrawal, Veena. 2011. In vitro isolation and characterization of biolarvicidal compounds from micropropagated plants of Spilanthes acmella. Parasitol. Res. 108: 297-304. Springer, Germany. (if=2.85, ci=9) 9. Agrawal, Veena; Sharma, K.D.; Kumar, R. & Prashad, M. 2007. Identification of sex using RAPD marker in male and female plants of jojoba. Pl. Biotech Rep. 1: 207-210. Springer, Japan. (if=1.187, ci=21) 10. Agrawal, Veena & Sardar, Pratima. 2006. In vitro propagation through leaflet and cotyledon derived callus in Senna (Cassia angustifolia) - a medicinally valuable drought resistant legume. Biol. Plant. 50: 118-122 (if=1.6, ci=32)

[ 228 ]

BATISH, DAIZY RANI (b 1961), PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY, PANJAB UNIVERSITY, CHANDIGARH 160014, INDIA Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) The nominee has made some significant contributions to the field of plant ecology and demonstrated the role of allelopathy (a type of chemical-mediated interaction) in the successful spread and establishment of weeds like Parthenium hysterophorus, Ageratum conysoides, Lantana camara, Anisomeles indica, Chenopodium murale, Tagetes minuta and Artemisia scoparia in the natural and manipulated ecosystems. Her pioneer work on volatile essential oils has provided practical solution to the effective weed management that holds immense potential for organic farming. She has chemically characterized secondary metabolites from several plants that may lead to the development of commercially viable herbicides. She has depicted the physiological and biochemical mode of action of several natural plant products like parthenin, α-pinene and BOA (2-benzoxazolinone) of herbicidal interest. Besides, the nominee has done good work on the physiological mechanism of heavy metal- or cell phone radiations-induced stress in plants. Currently, she is investigating the potential of VOCs in mitigating abiotic stress and conferring tolerance to plants. Her work on natural weed management has been recognized world over as depicted by her quality publications, Scopus citations (1936; h index: 28) and recognitions (Some of the highly cited papers and listed among the top 25 hottest articles by Elsevier.

Proposer : Prof. Ravinder Kumar Kohli, Seconder : Prof. S.S. Kumar Ten Best Publications: 1. D.R. Batish, H.P. Singh, S. Kaur and R.K. Kohli, 2008. Eucalyptus essential oil as a natural pesticide. Forest Ecology and Management 256: 2166-2174 (if=2.766, ci=126) 2. H.P. Singh, D.R. Batish, G. Kaur, K. Arora and R.K. Kohli. 2008. Nitric oxide (as Sodium nitroprusside) supplementation ameliorates Cd toxicity in hydroponically grown wheat roots. Environmental and Experimental Botany. 63: 158-167 (if=2.578, ci=74) 3. Batish, D.R., Lavanya, K., Singh, H.P., Kohli, R.K. 2007. Phenolic allelochemicals released by Chenopodium murale affect the growth, nodulation and macromolecule content in chickpea and pea. Plant Growth regulation. 51: 119-128. (if=1.67, ci=40) 4. H.P. Singh, D.R. Batish, S. Kaur, K. Arora and R.K. Kohli. 2006. α-Pinene Inhibits Growth and Induces Oxidative Stress in Roots. Annals of Botany. 98: 1261-1269 (if=3.449, ci=73) 5. Kohli, R.K., Batish, D.R., Singh, H.P., Dogra, K.S. 2006. Status, invasiveness and environmental threats of three tropical American invasive weeds (Parthenium hysterophorus L., Ageratum conyzoides L., Lantana camara L.) in India. Biological Invasions 8: 1501-1510(if=2.509, ci=43) 6. H.P. Singh, D.R. Batish, N. Setia, and R.K. Kohli. 2005. Herbicidal activity of volatile oils from Eucalyptus citriodora against Parthenium hysterophorus. Annals of Applied Biology. 146: 89-94. (if=2.147, ci=38) 7. H.P. Singh, D.R. Batish, and R.K. Kohli. 2003. Allelopathic interactions and allelochemicals: New Possibilities for sustainable weed management. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. 22: 239-311 (if=4.356, ci=143) 8. H. Ramezani, H.P. Singh, D.R. Batish, R.K. Kohli. 2002. Antifungal activity of the volatile oils of Eucalyptus citriodora. Fitoterapia. 73: 261-262 (if=2.231, ci=44) 9. D.R. Batish, H.P. Singh, R.K. Kohli, D.B. Saxena and S. Kaur. 2002. Allelopathic effects of parthenin against Avena fatua and Bidens pilosa. Environmental and Experimental Botany. 47: 149-155. (if=2.578, ci=36) 10. H.P. Singh, D.R. Batish and R.K. Kohli. 1999 Autotoxicity: Organisms, Processes and Ecological Significance. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. 18: 757-772 (if=4.356, ci=118)

[ 229 ]

CHAUHAN, DEVENDRA KUMAR (b 1955), Professor, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad


Prof. D. K. Chauhan started his research work on the lower Gondawana fossil plants. His intensive work on the fossil resulted in the discovery of three new genera viz. Sagittophyllum, Laceyphyllum and Handappia of the evolutionary importance. In addition to this he has also created number of new species belonging to the other genera of glossopterids. This has established him to a serious researcher in palaeobotany and morphology. While carrying his research in palaeobotany, he has given a new dimension to his studies in collaboration with physics, chemistry and food technology department of Allahabad University and IISc Bangalore, IISER, Bhopal, CIMAP, NBRI, BSIP, Lucknow, BHU, Varanasi in India and also some International collaborations viz. Netherlands, Ethopia and Czech Republic. He is studying the pattern of silica deposition in plant tissues. The study of phytolith was correlated with certain modern techniques like LIBS, EPMA, SEM, TEM, and reported association of certain elements like Al, Mg, Ca and Fe with that of silica. He has also reported how silica alleviates the toxicity of Al, Cd, Pb and Cr in plants. Presently he is working in agro-nanotechnology and doing experiments on the synthesis of silicon nanoparticles by using agricultural byproducts and also recycled these nanoparticles in the plants against various biotic and abiotic stresses. Not only this Prof. Chauhan’s imminence contribution in the field of science communication in general and academy’s programs in particular worth mentioning, as this has helped the academy in disseminating the scientific temperament among the student and general mass.

Proposer : Prof. G.K. Srivastava, Seconder : Dr. K. P. Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Kumar, D., Tripathi, D. K., Chauhan, D.K. 2014. Phytoremediation Potential and Nutrient Status of Barringtonia acutangula Gaerth. Tree Seedlings Grow n Under Different Chromium (CrVI) Treatments. Biological Trace Element Research. 157 (2), 164-174. (if=IF-1.30: NAAS-IF-7.31, ci=0) 2. Tiwari, S. P., Kumar, P., Yadav, D., & Chauhan, D. K. 2013. Comparative morphological, epidermal, and anatomical studies of Pinus roxburghii needles at different altitudes in the North-West Indian Himalayas. Turkish Journal of Botany, 37(1), 65-73 (if=IF-1.60: NAAS-IF-7.60, ci=3) 3. Yadav, D., Kumar, P., Tiwari, S. P., & Chauhan, D. K. 2013. Comparative palynological and wood anatomical studies of Indian Taxus wallichiana Zucc., Cephalotaxus mannii Hook. and Cephalotaxus griffithii Hook. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 299(7), 1231-1242.(if=IF-1.31: NAAS-IF-7.31, ci=0) 4. Tripathi, D. K., Singh, V.P., Kumar, D., Chauhan, D.K. 2012. Impact of exogenous silicon addition on chromium uptake, growth, mineral elements, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and leaf and root structures in rice seedlings exposed to hexavalent chromium. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum. 34, 279-289. (if=IF-1.30: NAAS-IF-7.31., ci=8) 5. Tripathi, D.K., Singh, V.P., Kumar, D., Chauhan, D.K. 2012. Rice seedlings under cadmium stress: effect of silicon on growth, cadmium uptake, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity and root and leaf structures. Chemistry and Ecology. 28, 281-291. (Taylor and Francis): (if=IF-1.06: NAAS-IF-7.07., ci=6) 6. Chauhan D. K, Agrawal S., Tiwari S. P. 2012. Two new species of Belemnopteris Feistmantel from the Lower Gondwana of India. Acta Palaeobotanica, 52: 193-209 (if=IF-0.797) 7. Tiwari, S. P., Yadav, D., Kumar, P., & Chauhan, D. K. 2012. Comparative palynology and wood anatomy of Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. and Taxodium mucronatum Ten. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 298(4), 723-730 (if=IF-1.31: NAAS-IF-7.31, ci=1) 8. Chauhan D. K., Tripathi D. K., Rai N. K., Rai A. K. 2011. Detection of Biogenic Silica in Leaf blade, Leaf sheath and Stem of Cynodon dactylon Using LIBS and Phytolith Analysis. Food Biophysics. 6:416–423. (Springer): (if=IF-1.64: NAAS-IF-7.64, ci=12) 9. Tripathi D. K., Kumar R., Chauhan D. K., Rai A. K and Bicanic D. 2011. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for the study of the pattern of silicon deposition in leaves of Saccharum species. Instrumentation Science and Technology, 39, 510–521. (Taylor and Francis)(if=IF-0.066: NAAS-IF-6.43, ci=7) 10. Singh, V.P., Tripathi, D.K., Kumar, D., Chauhan, D.K. 2011. Influence of exogenous silicon addition on aluminium tolerance in rice seedlings. Biological Trace Element Research. 144, 1260-1274. (Springer). (if=IF-1.30: NAAS-IF-7.31, ci=8)

[ 230 ]

JHA, LALIT KUMAR (b. 1954), Professor of Forestry, Dept. of Environmental Studies, NorthEastern Hill University, Shillong. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) Made pioneer contributions of immense value for environment conservation and sustainable development in northeastern India. Contributed in the area of biodiversity monitoring (bamboo, canes, orchids, earthworms and insect pest). He also evolved the Tree-Green hedge-Crop-Farming system, which has been recognized by the ACAIR, Australia [International Journal of Social Economics, 24 (1-3) : 160-177 ] and the Department of Environment and Forests (Government of India) and included in the M.Sc syllabi of NEHU (ENVC 10. Eco-restoration). Bamboo - based agro forestry systems for sustainability of hills and eco-restoration, especially testing of four edible bamboo species, has been another major focus of his research [e.g. Bamboo Science and Culture 2010, 23 : 1-28; Journal of Bamboo and Rattan 2003, 2 (2):103-109; Indian Forester 2004, 130 (9):1071-1077]. He also made significant contributions in respect of management of Melocannabaccifera, D. hamiltonii, D. longispathus and 'Bambusa tulda [Bamboo Journal Japan 2008, 25: 48-55 and 56-63] and management of edible bamboo species -both are important in the rural ecosystem[Bamboo Science and Culture 2010, 23 : 1-28] Authored and edited twelve books, many of which are text/reference books in the M.Sc. and PhD syllabi developed by ICAR, ICFRI, IARI, and universities. He introduced forestry teaching in three universities and successfully supervised 10 PhD and established a group of researchers in the northeastern states on forestry/agro forestry/environmental studies.

Proposer: Prof. B. Mohan Kumar, Seconder: Dr. Gopal C. Majumder Ten Best Publications : 1. Lalnunmawia, F., Jha, L.K. and Lalengliana (2005) Preliminary observations on ecological and' economic impacts of bamboo flowering in Mizoram (North East India),J. of bamboo and Rattan, Neatherland 4 (4): 317-322 (IF: 1) 2. Jha, L.K., Lalnuntluanga and Marak,C.H (2004) Study on the growth performance of bamboo species Melocanna baccifera and Dendrocalamus longispathus along with crop (Glycine max) in degraded jhum land of Mizoram, Indian Forestor,130(9):1071-"W77. (IF: 3). 3. Jha, L.K. and F. Lalnunmawia (2003) Agroforestry with bamboo and Ginger to rehabilitate degraded areas in North-east India, Journal of Bamboo and Rattan, Netherland, 2(2): 103-109. (IF: 1) 4. Jha, L.K. and Laha, R.C (2002) Study on population changes of Melocanna baccifera, Dendrocalamus hamiltonni and D. longipathus under one, three and five years fallow periods in Mizoram, Journal of Bamboo and Rattan, Netherland, 1(4): 289-299. (IF: 1) 5. Jha, L.K. and Rarnnqhinglova; J.H. (1995) Bamboo resources and its management, Indian Forester, pp 77-79. (IF: 3) 6, Lalramlinglova, J.H. and Jha, L.K.· (1996) Prominent agroforestry system and important Multipurpose trees in farming system of Mizoram, Indian Forester, 102 (7): 604-609 (IF: 3) 7. Upadhyaya, K.K. and Jha, L.K. (1997) Mizoram Agriculture: Financial Viability of agroforestry, Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 52 (4): 772-781. (IF: 7.6) 8, Lalramnghiglova, H., Lalnuntulanga and Jha, L.K. (2006). Notes on Ngengpui and Palak wildlife sanctuaries in South M.izQram, Indian Forester, 132(10): 1282-1291 (IF: 3) 9. Mishra, R.K., Jha, L.K. and Maxwell M. Crystal (1984) Histopathological effects of Bisa Zir and' Triphenyl Tin Chloride on the Ovary of Perplaneta Americana.L. Journal of Inver.Path. 44: 349-340 (IF: 8.6) 10. Mishra, R.K. and Jha; L.K. (1980). Effect of Tepa on the free amino acids of ovary in Dysdercus cingulatus, Fabr., Current Science, 49(17): 661-663. (IF: 7)

[ 231 ]

J.I., NIRMAL KUMAR (b 1964), Professor & Head, P.G. Department of Environmental Science & Technology (EST), Institute of Science & Technology for Advanced Studies & Research (ISTAR), Vallabh Vidya Nagar


BIOREMEDIATION AND BIODEGRADATION: Bioremediation and biodegradation studies on heavy metals, petroleum products, and PAHs was carried out by microbial consortium, aquatic plants, marine microalgae, vegetable crops and cyanobacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY: Dr. Nirmal also investigated molecular and biochemical response of nitrogen fixing cyanobacterial species to different pesticides, petroleum products and PAHs by using biochemical and molecular techniques. AIR POLLUTION AND GREEN HOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: He also monitored GHGs emissions from diverse ecosystems like wetlands, forests, plantations, paddy fields, poultry farms, dumping yards, garbage and orchards, etc., and established correlation among different environmental variables with GWP, flux and budget of GHGs. ECOLOGY AND WETLAND CHEMISTRY: Dr. Nirmal Kumar evaluated the trophic status and designed indices based on nutrient status and phytoplankton, zooplankton, macrophytes and birds in selected water bodies of Gujarat viz. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Pariej and Kanewal community reserves. He also evaluated pollution status with special reference to phytoplankton, zooplankton, and meiobenthos in Narmada, Tapi and Mahi estuaries and marine waters of Gujarat, as keystone parameters like morphometry, nutrients and biotic regime. FOREST ECOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY, AND NUTRIENT DYNAMICS: He has also explored the dynamics - concentration, content, uptake and translocation of nutrients, litter decomposition, carbon stock assessment and fuelwood characteristics, and community structure - tree species diversity, density of threatened and rare species, reasons for depleting diversity at middle and upper layers in deciduous forests, different landscape elements and protected areas of Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat alongwith the site-specific conservation and management strategies.

Proposer : Prof. Har Darshan Kumar Seconder : Prof. Lalit Mohan Manocha Ten Best Publications: 1. Rita N. Kumar, Rajal Solanki & Nirmal Kumar J.I. (2012). Seasonal variation in heavy metal contamination in water and sediments of river Sabarmati and Kharicut canal Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 185(1):359-68 (if=1.592, ci=03) 2. J.I. Nirmal Kumar, Kanti Patel, Rita N Kumar and Rohit Kumar Bhoi (2010). An evaluation of fuelwood properties of some Aravally mountain tree and shrub species of Western India. Biomass and Bioenergy 35: 411-414 (if=4.629, ci=10) 3. Nirmal Kumar, J.I., Anubhuti Bora and Manmeet Kaur Amb (2010). Chronic Toxicity of the Triazole Fungicide Tebuconazole on a Heterocystous, Nitrogen-Fixing Rice Paddy Field Cyanobacterium, Westiellopsis prolifica Janet J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 20 (7): 1134-1139. (if=2.0689, ci=12) 4. Nirmal Kumar, J.I., Manmeet Kaur Amb, and Anubhuti Bora (2010). Chronic response of Anabaena fertilissima Rao, C. B. on Growth, Metabolites and Enzymatic Activities by Chlorophenoxy Herbicide. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology Elsevier 98:168-174(if=2.064, ci=05) 5. J.I. Nirmal Kumar, Kanti Patel, Rita N Kumar and RohitKumar Bhoi (2010). An assessment of carbon stock for various land use system in Aravally mountains, Western India. Mitigation and Adaption Strategies for Global Change 15:811–824 (if=1.856, ci=04) 6. J.I.Nirmal Kumar, Cini Oommen and Rita N Kumar (2009). Biosorption of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution by Green Marine Macroalgae from Okha Port, Gulf of Kutch, India. American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Science,6(3): 317-323.(if=0.549, ci=16) 7. Nirmal Kumar,J.I and Shailendra Viyol (2009). Short term diurnal and Temporal measurement of Methane emission in relation to organic carbon, sulphate, phosphate contents of two rice fields of central Gujarat, India . Paddy and Water Environment (Springers), 7:11-16 (if=1.239, ci=00) 8. J.I Nirmal Kumar, Hiren Soni and Rita N. Kumar (2008). Macrophytes in Phytoremediation of Heavy Metal contaminated Water and sediments in Pariyej Community Reserve, Gujarat, India. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 8(2): 193-200 (if=1.07, ci=34) 9. J.I Nirmal Kumar, Hiren Soni and Rita N. Kumar (2006). Biomonitoring of selected freshwater macrophytes to assess lake trace element contamination: A Case Study of Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India. Journal of Limnology. (Italy), 65 (1). 9-16(if=1.473, ci=18) 10. B.C Rana and J.I N Kumar. (1995). Observations on the effect of Isoproturon on Aquatic targets and their associated organisms. Bulletin of Environmental Toxicology and Contaminants. USA. 55: 104- 110 (if=1.118, ci=0)

[ 232 ]

KUSHWAHA, SATYA PRAKASH SINGH, (b. 1955) Scientist-G/Prof. & Head, Forestry & Ecology Department, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, ISRO, 4 Kalidas Road, Dehradun Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) Nominee has unique distinction of installing CO2 flux monitoring tall towers and equipment and providing effective leadership in eddy covariance technique based modelling of carbon flux of agricultural crops and forests. He developed wildlife habitat modelling methodology and evaluated habitats of several wild animals in several protected areas in India. In Kaziranga, the nominee used time-series satellite data and reported high loss of landmass and agricultural productivity between 1970 and 1997. He developed methodology and worked on the sustainable land and water resources development planning in several watersheds in India. His environment and resource-friendly land and water resources action plans are extremely popular among farmers. Was awarded Best Research Paper Award in 1996 by ISRS. He developed methodology for biodiversity characterization using remote sensing & GIS, landscape analysis and field inventory. The methodology received ESRI Award for innovation and helped ISRO in first-ever nationwide biodiversity characterization. A biodiversity website- www.bis.iirs.gov.in was created. He significantly contributed in Indian Bioresources Information Network (www.ibin.gov.in) web portal for online bioresources data dissemination. His earliest contribution in forestry sector is pioneering development of technology (first-ever) for Nationwide Forest Cover Mapping in India. The technology was transferred to Forest Survey of India and is being used by FSI since then for nationwide forest monitoring. He developed satellite image processing technology for monitoring of coastal areas. He assessed the impact of October 1984 Andhra Cyclone on Sriharikota island and suggested effective measures to minimize future damage to coastal features. He edited special issue of Tropical Ecology, 51(1) on Remote Sensing of Tropical Ecosystems (2010) and Biodiversity and Conservation, 21(5) on Biodiversity and Climate (2012).

Proposer : Professor Pramod Tandon, Seconder : Professor R.S. Tripathi 1. Kushwaha, S.P.S., Ramakrishnan, P.S. and Tripathi, R.S. 1981. Population dynamics of Eupatorium

odoratum L. in successional environments following slash and burn agriculture. J. Appl. Ecol., 18, 529-535. (IF=4.740,, CI=59).

2. Kushwaha, S.P.S., Dwivedi, R.S. and Rao B.R.M. 2000. Evaluation of various digital image processing techniques for detection of coastal wetlands using ERS-1 SAR data. Int. J. Remote Sensing, 21, 565-579. (IF=1.138, CI=55).

3. Kushwaha, S.P.S., Kuntz, S. and Östen, G. 1994. Applications of image texture in forest classification. Int. J. Remote Sensing, 15, 2273-2284. (IF=1.138, CI=42).

4. Kushwaha, S.P.S. 1990. Forest type mapping and change detection from satellite imagery. ISPRS J. Photogram. Remote Sensing, 45, 175-181. (IF=3.313, CI=34).

5. Kushwaha, S.P.S. and Hazarika, R. 2004. Assessment of habitat loss in Kameng and Sonitpur Elephant Reserves. Curr. Sci. 87 (10), 1447-1453. (IF=0.935, CI=28).

6. Kushwaha, S.P.S., Khan, A., Habib, Bilal, Quadri, Arshia and Singh, Aditya 2004. Evaluation of sambar and muntjak habitats using geostatistical modelling. Curr. Sci., 86, 1390-1400. (IF=0.935, CI=27).

7. Kushwaha, S.P.S., Subramanian, S.K., Kameswara Rao, S.V.C., Ramana Murthy, J., Chennaiah, G.Ch., Perumal, A. and Behera, G. 1996. Interfacing remote sensing and GIS methods for sustainable development. Int. J. Remote Sensing 17(15), 3055-3069. (IF=1.138, CI=21).

8. Kushwaha, S.P.S. and Roy, P.S. 2002. Geospatial technology for wildlife habitat evaluation. Trop.Ecol. 43 (1), 137-150. (IF=0.710, CI=19).

9. Behera, M.D.,Kushwaha, S.P.S. and Roy, P.S. 2000. High plant endemism in Indian hotspot- eastern Himalaya. Biodiv. Conserv, 11, 669-682. (IF=2.264, CI=30)

10. Behera, M.D., Kushwaha, S.P.S. and Roy, P.S., 2005. Rapid assessment of biological richness in a part of Eastern Himalaya: an integrated three tier approach. Forest. Ecol. Manag., 207, 363-384. (IF=2.766, CI=38.

[ 233 ]

MAIKHURI, RAKESH KUMAR (b 1962), Scientist “F” Scientist In-charge, Garhwal Unit; Theme Head: Knowledge products and capacity building; G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) Dr. Maikhuri has made significant research contributions in the interface area of environment-natural resource management and sustainable development. The major contributions include: a) Development of an Ecological approach to sustainable rehabilitation of degraded lands in different agro- zones in central Himalaya; these approaches have been adopted by many individuals/village institutions/NGOs and quoted as a success story in international literature on sustainability science and sustainable development, b) Inventoried extensively traditional agrobiodiversity and associated ecosystem functions and identified interventions for promotion of environmental conservation, food security and socio-economic development as an integrated mountain development goal, c)Identified and analyzed issues related to environment- development policy-people conflicts in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and few other protected areas ( such as Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and Govind Pashu Vihar National Park) and recommended strategies and priority options for conflicts resolution and biodiversity conservation, and d) Assessed vulnerability of mountain agriculture and forest ecosystem of Alaknanda catchment to climate change and developed mitigation and adaptation strategies; quantified the contribution of pack animals in reducing the CO2 emission in the Cental Himalaya. He has received Vishisht Vaigyanik Puraskar in 1999 by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India, Internship Award by ICIMOD, Young Scientist Certificate of Commendation in 2001 by START, USA, and Paryavaran Puraskar by Uttarakhand Govt. in 2005.

Proposer : Prof. A.N. Purohit, Seconder : Dr. G.S. Rawat Ten Best Publications: 1. Maikhuri, R.K. and P.S. Ramakrishnan (1990). Ecological analysis of a cluster of villages emphasising of land use of different tribes in Meghalaya in north-east India. Agric. Ecosystems Environ. 31: 17-37 (if=2.79, ci=186) 2. Maikhuri, R.K., S. Nautiyal, K.S. Rao, K. Chandrasehar, K.G. Saxena and R. Gavali (2000). Analysis and resolution of protected area-people conflicts in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India. Environment Conservation 27: 43-53. (if=2.0, ci=255) 3. Rao, K.S., R.K. Maikhuri, S. Nautiyal and K.G. Saxena (2002). Crop damage and livestock depredation by wildlife: a case study from Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India. Journal of Environmental Management 64: 1-11. (if=2.596, ci=219) 4. Nautiyal, Sunil, H. Kaechele, K.S. Rao, R.K. Maikhuri and K.G. Saxena (2007). Energy and economic analysis of traditional versus introduced crops cultivation in the mountains of the Indian Himalayas: A case study. Energy, 32: 2321-2335 (if=3.569, ci=72) 5. Dhyani, Deepak, R.K. Maikhuri, Shalini Mishra and K.S. Rao (2010). Endorsing the declining indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge system of Seabuckthorn in Central Himalaya, India. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 127: 329334 (if=2.466, ci=79) 6. Negi, Vikram, R.K. Maikhuri and Lakhpat Rawat (2011). Non-timber forest products (NTFPs): a viable option for biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement in Central Himalaya. Biodiversity Conservation, 20: 545-559 (if=2.146, ci=131) 7. Maikhuri, R.K. (1991). Fuelwood consumption pattern of different tribal communities living in Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. Bioresource Technology (Elsevier publ.) 35: 292-296 (if=4.365, ci=129) 8. Semwal, R.L., R.K. Maikhuri, K.S. Rao, K.K. Sen and K.G. Saxena (2003). Leaf litter decomposition and nutrient release patterns of six multipurpose tree species of Central Himalaya, India. Biomass & Bioenergy, 24: 3-11. (if=3.84, ci=98) 9. Dhyani, Shalini, R.K. Maikhuri and Deepak Dhyani (2011). Energy budget of fodder harvesting pattern along the altitudinal gradient in Garhwal Himalaya, India. Biomass & Bioenergy, 35: 1823-1832. (if=3.84, ci=40) 10. Semwal, R.L., S. Nautiyal, K.K. Sen, U. Rana, R.K. Maikhuri, K.S. Rao and K.G. Saxena (2004). Patterns and ecological implications of agricultural land-use changes: a case study from Central Himalaya, India. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 102: 81-92. (if=2.79, ci=205)

[ 234 ]

MALLICK, NIRUPAMA (b 1964), Professor, Food Engineering Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) Prof. Mallick’s research career began with the development of an algal tool for biomonitoring of metal toxicity in aquatic ecosystem, and demonstration of an ‘exclusion mechanism’ for Cu-tolerance in the cyanobacterium, Anabaena doliolum. She has also developed a hypothetical mechanistic model to explain the tolerance of microalgae against metals and acidity. While working as DST Young Scientist, she is pioneer in demonstrating the synthesis of a low molecular weight Cd-binding protein, ‘phytochelatin’, in diazotrophic cyanobacteria. She has also studied the metal biosorption potential of various microalgae with reference to recovery of precious metals. Under the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, she has explored the ‘nitric oxide biosynthesis pathway’ in microalgae. Prof. Mallick’s group at IIT Kharagpur has generated excellent results on the production of biodegradable films (polyhydroxyalkanoates) from cyanobacteria. She has also developed a recirculatory aquaculture system (RAS) to treat the aqua-discharges with microalgae and cyanobacteria, and simultaneously producing various value-added products. Her group is also successful in developing a low-cost process for extraction of C-phycocyanin, a natural colourant with various pharmaceutical properties, from cyanobacterial biomass. Currently her group is actively engaged in microalgae-biofuel research. Aiming for an ‘Algal Refinery’, they have developed simultaneous extraction protocols for various high-value products, viz. biodiesel, bioethanol, glycerol, β-carotene, astaxanthin, Co-Q10, PUFAs and the protein-rich spent biomass as aqua-feeds. Her research has been honored with the prestigious General Electric Ecomagination Challenge award 2010 for their unique algal bioreactor model named ‘BioPyramid’.

Proposer : Prof. L.C. Rai, Seconder : Prof. J.S. Singh Ten Best Publications: 1. Mandal, S. and Mallick, N. (2012) Biodiesel production by the green microalga Scenedesmus obliquus in a recirculatory aquaculture system. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 78: 5929-5933 (American Society for Microbiology Journal). (if= 3.768, ci= 03) 2. Samantaray, S., Nayak, J. K. and Mallick, N. (2011) Wastewater utilization for poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production by the cyanobacterium Aulosira fertilissima in a recirculatory aquaculture system. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 77: 8735-8743 (American Society for Microbiology Journal). (if= 3.768, ci= 03) 3. Mandal, S. and Mallick, N. (2011) Waste utilization and biodiesel production by the green microalga Scenedesmus obliquus. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 77: 374-377 (American Society for Microbiology Journal). (if= 3.768, ci= 18) 4. Mandal, S. and Mallick, N. (2009) Microalga Scenedesmus obliquus as a potential source for biodiesel production. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 84: 281-291 (Springer). (if= 3.689, ci= 165) 5. Sharma, L., Singh, A.K., Panda, B. and Mallick, N. (2007) Process optimization for poly-β-hydroxybutyrate production in a nitrogen fixing cyanobacterium, Nostoc muscorum using response surface methodology. Bioresource Technology 98: 987-993 (Elsevier). (if= 4.750, ci= 27) 6. Panda, B., Jain, P., Sharma, L. and Mallick, N. (2006) Optimization of cultural and nutritional conditions for accumulation of poly--hydroxybutyrate in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Bioresource Technology 97: 1296-1301 (Elsevier). (if= 4.750, ci= 32) 7. Sharma, L. and Mallick, N. (2005) Accumulation of poly--hydroxybutyrate in Nostoc muscorum: regulation by pH, light-dark cycle, N and P status and carbon sources. Bioresource Technology 96: 1304-1310 (Elsevier). (if= 4.750, ci= 24) 8. Mallick, N. and Mohn, F.H. (2003) Use of chlorophyll fluorescence in metal-stress research: A case study with the green microalga Scenedesmus. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 55: 64-69 (Elsevier). (if= 2.203, ci= 136) 9. Mallick, N. (2002) Biotechnological potential of immobilized algae for wastewater N, P and metal removal. BioMetals 15: 377-390. (Springer). (if= 3.284, ci= 230) 10. Mallick, N. and Mohn, F. H. (2000) Reactive oxygen species: Response of algal cells. Journal of Plant Physiology 157: 183-193 (Elsevier). (if= 2.699, ci= 137)

[ 235 ]

NANDI, SHYAMAL KUMAR (b 1958), Scientist ‘G’ & Group Head, Biodiversity Conservation Management & Biotechnology Applications, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora - 263 643, Uttarakhand. Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) Dr S.K. Nandi made significant R&D contributions in different areas of Plant Science and more than 25 years of working experience. I am personally acquainted with his major contributions, which are broadly categorized below: Phosphate absorption by corn roots confirmed multiphasic mechanism of ion uptake, with a deviation from Michaelis-Menten kinetics observed at the two highest phases. Reported first time that 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; widely used as a synthetic cytokinin), its riboside and nucleotide occur naturally cytokinins in plant tissues. Embryonic axes of germinating seeds, was for the first time demonstrated to be a site of cytokinin biosynthesis. Identification and quantification of cytokinins in interspecific genetic tumours of tobacco; defined role of cytokinins in the formation and/or maintenance of these tumours Bioprospecting and quantification of active ingredients of several Himalayan medicinal plants to select elites (based on high levels) for further multiplication and/or cultivation. Developed efficient tissue culture and conventional (cuttings, seeds, underground parts) propagation protocols for mass scale multiplication of economically important species for commercial cultivation and/or conservation. The work of nominee not only provided basic information but also contributed to the development of basic and applied science, and human resource development. His publications are very well cited in International journals (high citation value); the relevance of multiphasic model of phosphate uptake, and occurrence of BAP and its glycosides as naturally occurring cytokinins in plants, have filtered down to text book of ‘Plant Physiology’ (FB Salisbury & CW Ross; Wadsworth Pub., USA, 1992).

Proposer : Prof. L.M.S. Palni, Seconder : Prof. D.C. Uprety Ten Best Publications: 1. Mishra, J., Singh, M., Palni, L.M.S. & Nandi, S.K. (2011) Assessment of genetic fidelity of encapsulated microshoots of Picrorhiza kurrooa. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture 104: 181-186. (if=3.633, ci=28) 2. Chandra, B., Palni, L.M.S. & Nandi, S.K. (2006) Propagation and conservation of Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth: an endangered Himalayan medicinal herb of high commercial value. Biodiversity & Conservation 15: 2325-2338 (if=2.264, ci=31) 3. Nadeem, M., Rikhari, H.C., Kumar, A., Palni, L.M.S. & Nandi, S.K. (2002) Taxol content in the bark of Himalayan yew in relation to tree age and sex. Phytochemistry 60: 627-631. (if=3.575, ci=45) 4. Nadeem, M., Palni, L.M.S., Purohit, A.N., Pandey, H. & Nandi, S.K. (2000) Propagation and conservation of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle: an important medicinal herb. Biological Conservation 92: 121-129. (if=4.241, ci=90) 5. Nandi, S.K., Palni, L.M.S. & Rikhari, H.C. (1996) Chemical induction of adventitious root formation in Taxus baccata cuttings. Plant Growth Regulation 19: 117-122. (if=1.670, ci=28) 6. Nandi, S.K., Palni, L.M.S. & de Klerk, G.J.M. (1995) The influence of the embryonic axis and cytokinins on reserve mobilization in germinating lupin seeds. Journal of Experimental Botany 46: 329-336. (if=5.542, ci=25) 7. Nandi, S.K., Palni, L.M.S. & Parker, C.W. (1990) Dynamics of endogenous cytokinins during the growth cycle of a hormone-autotrophic genetic tumour line of tobacco. Plant Physiology 94: 1084-1089. (if=7.084, ci=12) 8. Nandi, S.K., Letham, D.S., Palni, L.M.S., Wong, O.C. & Summons, R.E. (1989) 6-Benzylaminopurine and its glycosides as naturally-occurring cytokinins. Plant Science 61:189-196. (if=2.997, ci=56) 9. Nandi, S.K., Palni, L.M.S., Letham, D.S. & Knypl, J.S. (1988) The biosynthesis of cytokinins in germinating lupin seeds. Journal of Experimental Botany 39: 1649-65. (if=5.542, ci=14) 10. Nandi, S.K., Pant, R.C. & Nissen, P. (1987) Multiphasic uptake of phosphate by corn roots. Plant, Cell & Environment 10: 463-474.(if=5.135, ci=32)

[ 236 ]

PANDE, P.C. (b. 1953), Professor & Head, Department of Botany, Kumaun University, S.S.J. Campus, Almora. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) The nominee's scientific carrier embodies teaching and research in Taxonomy of Vescular Plants, Ethnobotany and Traditional Knowledge Systems in Indian Central Himalayan Region for over three decades in Kumaun University, S.S.J.Campus, Almora. Dealing with systematics, he has described eight taxa new to science and recorded many taxa new to India, Nothern India. Western Himalayas and Utlarakhand. Beside this, he has also recorded torsion in fertile fronds of Elaphoglosspm stelfigerum; soriferous nest leaf of Drynaria propinqua; forking in 25 species of ferns and 14 new cryptogamic hosts of Cuscutta reflexa and use of angle of veins in the identification in Araiostegia species for the first time. The floristic work done by the nominee should find its place in major herbaria and the world over. Apart from the above, he has also made an outstanding contribution towards the understanding the role of plants in the life of people and has explored throughout Uttarakhand for this purpose. The ethnobotanical research undertaken by him has made country- wide impact as evinced by the publication like "Folk Medicine and Aromatic plants of Uttaranchal" etc. (For more details see Summary of Bio Data).

Proposer: Prof. Y.P.S. Pangtey, Seconder: Prof. R.D. Gaur Ten Best Publications: 1. Pande, P.C. and M.M. Kandpal (1986). Pteridophytic flora of Didihat (Y. Himalaya). Acta Botanica Indica, 14 (Suppl.): 115-122. (CI: 7) 2. Pande, P.C. and H. C. Pande (1990). Systemetics of the genus Selaginella from Kumaun Himalaya. Indian Fern J., 7 : 5-17. (CI: 5) 3. Pande, P.C. (1990). An annotated check list of the fern-allies of Kumaun Himalaya. Indian Fern J, 7 : 58-65. (CI : 6) 4. Pande, P.C. (1990). A census of Kumaun Ferns (North- Western Himalaya) Indian Fern J., 7: 140-195. (CI : 12) 5. Pande, P.C. and H.C. Pande (199'3). Systematics and distribution of epipbypic Pterodophytic flora of Kumaun Himalaya. Indian Fern J, 10: 17-29. (CI : 3) 6. Pande, P.C. and Kusum Bhandari (1994). Pteridophytic flora of Roopkund (Garhwal Himalaya). Indian Fern J., 11: 20-26. (CI : 5) 7. Pande, P.C. and S.S. Bir, (1994), Present Assessment of rare and threatened vascular cryptogams (Pteridophytes) of Kumaun Himalaya and their conservation strategies. Indian Fern J., 11 : 31-48. (CI : 5) 8. Pande, P.C. and Pragya Joshi (2005). Gymnospermous flora of Kumaon Himalaya- A Census. J Econ. Tax. Bot., 29 (2): 356-353, 2005. (CI : 2) 9. Pande, P.C., Lalit Tiwari and H.C. Pande (2007). Ethnovetenary plants of Uttaranchal. A Review. Indian J Trad. Knowled., 6 (3):444-458. (IF: 6.5; CI : 2) 10. Tiwari, Lalit and P.C.Pande (2010). Himalayan Medicine Systems and its Ayurvedic perspective. Asian Agri-History, 14(3): 261-272. (IF: 3.9; CI : 1)

[ 237 ]

GIRIDHAR, PARVATAM (b 1969), Principal Scientist, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) Dr. Giridhar Parvatam in 20Y R&D career with 931 citations of his work, contributed immensely to Plant Sciences, in the area of Biotechnology, functional genomics (caffeine, capsaicin, vanillylamine biosynthetic pathway genes), tissue culture, secondary metabolites, and nutraceuticals. He is a recipient of CSIR-CFTRI’s Best research scientist award for the year 2012 and also awarded prestigious LGSN Award for Best Food Technology researcher by AFST(I), in 2013. His initial studies on Mycotoxins incidence on spices and dry fruits (32 publ.) envisaged necessity for controlled steps to prevent microbial spoilage of valuable commodities at various stages from field to consumer. He is actively engaged in Plant Tissue Culture of Decalepis (Publ. SNo.2,6,7,11,15,16), Vanilla (SN.1,4,9), Annatto (SNo.30,37,45,46,48,50,5358,60), Coffee (SNo.5,8,10,13,19,29,36,40) Soybean (Sno.31,32,38), and Capscium (SNo.3,12), production of flavour compounds in Decalepis (SNo.15,17, EU, US & Indian patents), steviosdies (Sno.23,34), indolamines role (39,49,52,53,56,57), Down regulation of caffeine in coffee through RNAi (SNo.19) which are relevant to food industries. Developed eco-friendly technology for enhancement of annatto color (4%) in Bixa (Sno.42,48,58 patent 1; process 1), isoflavones in soybean (Sno.31,38) for value addition. He pursued overseas studies on DAAD & BOYSCAST fellowships, had 134 publications, deposited 15 cDNA clones in NCBI, and 40 clones (coffee exon-introns), 12 Moringa peroxidases, SOD seq., 15 patents including one European and one U.S., three young scientist awards from APSI, IBS and ISMPP, elected Fellow of APSI, IBS, SAB, elected member of NASI and PTCA(I), investigator of DBT (06), DST (05) funded projects, IndoFrench, IndoBulgarian projects and reviewer for various peer reviewed journals.

Proposer : Dr. G.A.Ravishankar, Seconder : Dr. Anupam Dikshit Ten Best Publications: 1. Reddy B.O., Giridhar P., Ravishankar G.A. 2002. The effect of triacontanol on micropropagation of Capsicum frutescens and Decalepis hamiltonii W & A. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture, 71 :253-258. (if=3.633, ci=31) 2. Giridhar, P*., Indu, E.P., Vinodkumar, Chandrasekar A. and Ravishankar G.A. 2004. Direct somatic embryogenesis from Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora P. ex. Fr. Under the influence of ethylene action inhibitor-silver nitrate. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum 26:299-305. (if=1.305, ci=18) 3. Vinodkumar, E.P.Indu, Sarala Itty, P.Giridhar, A. Chandrasekar and G.A. Ravishankar. 2006. Stable Transformation and Direct regeneration in Coffea canephora by Agrobacterium rhizogenes mediated transformation without hairy-root phenotype. Plant Cell Reports. 25:214-222 (if=2.826, ci=34) 4. Narasimha Prasad BC, Gururaj HB, Vinod Kumar, Parimalan R, Ashwani Sharma, Giridhar P, Ravishankar GA. 2006. Influence of 8-methyl nonenoic acid on capsaicin biosynthesis in in vivo and in vitro cell cultures of Capsicum sp. J. of Agricul. Food Chem. 54: 1854-1859. (if=2.906, ci=20) 5. BCN Prasad, V Kumar, HB Gururaj, R Parimalan, P Giridhar, G.A.Ravishankar. 2006. Valine Pathway Is More Crucial than Phenyl Propanoid Pathway in Regulating Capsaicin Biosynthesis in Capsicum frutescens Mill. J of Agric. Food Chem. 56: 6660-6666. (if=2.906, ci=15) 6. Sakthivelu G., Akitha Devi M.K., Giridhar P., Rajasekaran T., Ravishankar G.A. 2008. Isoflavone composition, phenol content and antioxidant activity of soybean seeds from India and Bulgaria. J of Agric. Food Chem. 56: 2090-2095. (if=2.906, ci=51) 7. Akitha Devi M.K., Mahendranath Gondi, Sakthivelu G., Giridhar P., Rajasekaran T. and Ravishankar G.A.. 2009. Functional attributes of soybean seeds and products, with reference to isoflavone content and antioxidant activity. Food Chemistry 114 : 771-776, (if=4.072, ci=32) 8. Parimalan R., P.Giridhar* and G.A.Ravishankar. 2011. Somatic embryogenesis and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in Bixa orellana L. Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture. 105 (3): 317-328. (if=3.633, ci=18) 9. Akula Ramakrishana, Parvatam Giridhar, Kadimi Udaya Sankar and Gokare Aswathanarayana Ravishankar. 2012. Melatonin and serotonin profiles in beans of Coffea species. Journal of Pineal Research. 52: 470-476 (if=7.304, ci=15) 10. Sri Harsha P.S.C., Mohammad Imtiyaj Khan, Puttachandra Prabhakar, Parvatam Giridhar*. 2013. Cyanidin-3-glucoside, nutritionally important constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities of Santalum album L. berries. Food Research International 50: 275–281. (if=3.005, ci=13)

[ 238 ]

SAWANT, SAMIR VISHWANATH (b 1972), Principal Scientist; CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) Dr. Sawant’s major contribution is in the area of transcription regulation in plants. Using computational sequence analysis, he developed first completely artificial promoter for expression of transgenes in plants (Sawant et al., 1999, 2001). Dr. Sawant continued the development of novel expression cassettes for studying the fundamentals of gene expression in plants and for designing gene regulatory sequences for specific applications. During these studies, novel bidirectional promoter (Chaturvedi et al., 2006) and two component seed expression promoters (Chaturvedi et al., 2007) were created. His good work was recognized by the DBT, and he was awarded a research project on developing novel strategy for introducing male sterility in plants under Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award in 2005. Dr. Sawant’s group published their work on male sterility in reputed journal (Singh et al., 2010) wherein, they identified a novel use of Beclin 1 gene in introducing male sterility in plants. In addition, Dr. Sawant identified the role of ATG context, including that the first Met and the downstream codons and amino acids (Sawant et al., 2001) and the TATA-box context in determining the level and physiological response of transcription in plants (Kiran et al., 2006). Aspects related to gene regulation by nucleosome formation and histone modifications were also established by his group (Lodhi et al., 2008; Ranjan et al., 2009). More recently, his group has been immensely contributing in development of molecular markers in cotton (Jena et al., 2011) and identification of genes responsible for drought tolerance and cotton fiber development.

Proposer : Dr. Rakesh Tuli, Seconder : Prof. P.K. Gupta Ten Best Publications: 1. Dubey N, Goel R, Ranjan A, Idris A, Singh SK, Bag SK, Chandrashekar K, Pandey KD, Singh PK and Sawant SV (2013) Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Gossypium hirsutum L. In Response to Sap Sucking Insects: Aphid and Whitefly. BMC Genomics, In Press (IF=4.07) 2. Pandey N, Ranjan A, Pant P, Tripathi RK, Ateek F, Pandey HP, Pathre UV and Sawant SV (2013) CAMTA 1 regulates drought responses in Arabidopsis thaliana. BMC Genomics 14: 216. (IF=4.07) 3. Ranjan A, Pandey N, Lakhwani D, Dubey NK, Pathre UV and Sawant SV (2012) Comparative transcriptomic analysis of roots of contrasting Gossypium herbaceum genotypes revealing adaptation to drought. BMC Genomics, 13:680-702. (IF=4.07) 4. Ranjan, A, Nigam, D, Asif, M, Singh, R, Ranjan, S, Mantri, S, Pandey, N,Trivedi, I, Rai, KM, Jena, SN, Koul, BN, Tuli, R, Pathre UV and Sawant, SV (2012) Genome wide expression profiling of two accession of G. herbaceum L. in response to drought. BMC Genomics 13:94-112. (IF=4.07, CI=3) 5. Jena SN, Srivastava A, Rai KM, Ranjan A, Singh SK, Nisar T, Srivastava M, Bag SK, Mantri S, Asif MH, Yadav HK, Tuli R and Sawant SV (2012) Development and characterization of genomic and expressed SSRs for levant cotton (Gossypium herbaceum L.) Theor Appl Genet. 124(3):565-76. (IF=3.785, CI=1) 6. Singh SP, Pandey T, Srivastav R, Verma PC, Singh PK, Tuli R and Sawant SV (2010) BECLIN 1 from Arabidopsis thaliana under the generic control of regulated expression systems, a strategy for developing male sterile plants. Plant Biotech. J. 8: 1005-1022. (IF=4.886, CI=1) 7. Ranjan A, Ansari SA, Srivastava R, Mantri S, Asif MH, Sawant SV and Tuli R (2009) A T9G mutation in the prototype TATA-box TCACTATATATAG determines nucleosome formation and synergy with upstream activator sequences in plant promoters. Plant Physiology 151: 2174-2186. (IF=7.016, CI=1) 8. Sawant SV, Kiran K, Singh PK. and Tuli R (2001) Sequence architecture downstream of the initiator codon enhances gene expression and protein stability in plants. Plant Physiology, 126: 1630-1636. (IF=7.06, CI=58) 9. Sawant SV, Singh PK, Madnala R and Tuli R (2001) Designing of an artificial expression cassette for the high level expression of transgenes in plants. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 102: 635-644. (IF=3.785, CI=39) 10. Sawant SV., Kiran K. Mehrotra R, Chaturvedi CP., Ansari SA., Singh P, Lodhi N and Tuli R. (2005) A variety of synergistic and antagonistic interactions mediated by cis acting DNA motifs regulate gene expression in plant cells by modulating stability of the transcription complex formed on basal promoter. J.Exp. Bot. 56: 2345-53. (IF=4.818, CI=20)

[ 239 ]

SINGH, DEVENDRA KUMAR (b 1954), SCIENTIST F; BOTANICAL SURVEY OF INDIA, KOLKATA Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) Dr D.K. Singh, a member of Bryophyte Specialist Group of Species Survival Commission, is an outstanding and internationally acclaimed bryologist. He has revised family Trichocoleaceae for Eastern Himalaya, genus Marchantia and family Pseudolepicoleaceae for India and family Notothyladaceae for India and Nepal. He has made equally significant contributions towards the taxonomy of Angiosperms as well. His contributions towards documentation of Bryophytes and Angiosperms of Himalayas and North-east India are recognized world over. His 26 books and 247 research papers bear ample testimony to his sound taxonomic expertise, and the taxonomic additions and changes proposed by him have tremendously enriched our knowledge about these plants. His publications serve as a source of reference for the researchers and the student of Botany and are extensively cited by the taxonomists. His monograph ‘Notothylaceae of India and Nepal’ provides excellent insight into the interrelationship and phytogeography of different taxa; ‘Hepaticae & Anthocerotae of Great Himalayan National Park and its environs’, presents first comprehensive taxonomic treatment of liverworts and hornworts of a Protected Area; ‘Epiphyllous Liverworts of Eastern Himalaya’ presents the first taxonomic revision of this ecologically significant group of plants in India and ‘Flora of Gangotri National Park’ presents true picture and composition of ‘Glacial Flora’ of the Himalaya. He has discovered 44 taxa as new to science and five genera, 71 species, two varieties as new records for India and four species for Antarctica. He is recipient of B.A. Razi and Ram Udar Medals and E.K. Janaki Ammal National Award for Plant taxonomy.

Proposer : Prof S.C. Srivastava, FNASc, Seconder : Dr S.K. Jain, FNA, FNASc. Ten Best Publications: 1. R. Udar & D.K. Singh 1978. Thickened bands in the capsule wall of Notothylas levieri. The Bryologist 81: 575-577. (if= 0.92) 2. D.K. Singh* & S.K. Singh 2007. Hide and seek of Monosolenium tenerum Griff. (Hepaticae: Monosoleniaceae) in Indian bryoflora. Curr. Sci. 92 (11): 1483 – 1485 (if= 0.935) 3. D.K. Singh* & D. Singh. 2007. Rediscovery of Cyathodium acrotrichum (Hepaticae: Cyathodiaceae) – A long-lost liverwort often treated as doubtful taxon. Curr. Sci. 92 (10): 1354 – 1356. (if= 0.935) 4. M. Dey, D.K. Singh* & D. Singh 2008. Two new species of Lejeunea Lib. (Hepaticae: Lejeuneaceae) from Sikkim, India. J. Bryol. 30: 126 - 132. (if= 1.222) 5. D.K. Singh* & D. Singh 2008. Rediscovery of Calypogeia aeruginosa Mitt. (Hepaticae: Calypogeiaceae) - a long lost liverwort from Sikkim, India. J. Bryol. 30: 229 - 231. (if= 1.222) 6. D.K. Singh* & D. Singh 2009. Saccogynidium Grolle (Hepaticae: Geocalycaceae) – a new generic record for Indian bryoflora. J. Bryol. 31: 50 – 54. (if= 1.222) 7. P.K. Pusalkar & D.K. Singh* 2005. Proposal to conserve the name Waldhemia against Allardia (Asteraceae - Anthemideae). Taxon 54 (2): 553-554. (if= 2.70) 8. D.K. Singh & P.K. Pusalkar 2009. A New species of Coriaria (Coriariaceae) from Indo-Pak Region. Nordic J. Bot. 27(1): 203–206. (if= 0.551) 9. M. Dey & D.K. Singh* 2011. Four foliicolous species of Cololejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (Marchantiophyta: Lejeuneaceae) new to India. J. Bryol. 33: 163 – 167. (if= 1.222) 10. D. Singh, & D.K. Singh* 2012. A new species of the genus Lepidozia (Marchantiophyta, Lepidoziaceae) from Sikkim, India. Nova Hedwigia 94 (1-2): 221 – 225. (if= 0.65)

[ 240 ]

SINGH, KAUSHAL KUMAR (b 1956), Scientist F, G.B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Gangtok, Sikkim Member of the NASI: No (YON 2011, Plant Sciences) Dr. K.K. Singh has made significant contributions in different areas of Plant Science possessing more than 35 years of working experience. I am personally acquainted with his major contributions which are broadly categorized below: Research activities have mainly centred on the propagation and mass multiplication of sensitive Rhododendrons and high value species of Sikkim using biotechnological tool to counter the threat on survival of these plants. Developed efficient tissue culture protocols and conventional (Airwet technique, seeds,) for large scale propagation of endangered Rhododendron spp for conservation. It must be mentioned that R. maddenii, R. Dalhousiae and R. niveum (State tree of Sikkim) are the first Rhododendron species in the country which has been mass multiplied using tissue culture technology by him in GBPIHED, Sikkim. The work is also important from the point-of-view of being original and the first of its kind from this region. He has also made significant achievements on environmental impact of N2-fixing actinorhizal tree on the nutrient cycling with particular reference to nitrogen and phosphorus in large cardamom plantations. Extensive use of N2-fixing Alnus nepalensis as shade tree in the large cardamom agroforestry has been found to be highly beneficial in terms of large cardamom yield and nutrient cycling by adopting a rotational cycle of 15 to 20. Studies with the intact chloroplasts of C. reinhardtii and spinach indicate the respiratory electron transport system functioning in the darkened chloroplasts has many properties in common with the electron transport pathway of mitochondria. Three full-length of manuscripts in Plant Physiology (if=6.110), present results of this study.

Proposer : PROF. L.M.S. PALNI, Seconder : PROF. D.C. UPRETY Ten Best Publications: 1. Rai, L.K. and Singh, K. K. (2013) Phoenix rupicola in the Eastern Himalaya. Current Science. 104(5):572-73. (if=0.935, ci=1) 2. Prakash, D., Upadhyay, G., Singh, B.N., Dhakarey, R., Kumar, S. & Singh, K.K. (2007) Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of Himalayan Rhododendrons. Current Science 92 (4): 526-532 (if=0.897, ci=17) 3. Singh, K. K., Kumar, S., Rai., L.K. & Krishna, A.P. (2003) Rhododendron Conservation in Sikkim Himalaya. Current Science 85 (5): 602-606. (if=0.782, ci=20) 4. Sharma, G., Sharma, R., Sharma, E. & Singh, K.K. (2002) Performance of an Age Series of Alnus-cardamom plantations in the Sikkim Himalaya. Productivity, Energetics and Efficiencies. Annals of Botany 89: 261-272 (if=3.388, ci=14) 5. Sharma, G., Sharma, E., Sharma, R. & Singh, K.K. (2002) Performance of an Age Series of Alnus-cardamom plantations in the Sikkim Himalaya. Nutrient dynamics. Annals of Botany 89: 273-282 (if=3.388, ci=20) 6. Singh, K.K., Shyam R. & Sane P.V. (1996) Reactivation of photosynthesis in the photoinhibited green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: Role of dark respiration and of light. Photosynthesis Research 49: 11-20 (if=2.41, ci=15) 7. Singh, K.K., Chen, C., Epstein, D.K. & Gibbs, M. (1993) Respiration of sugars in spinach, maize and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii F-60 chloroplasts with emphasis on the hexokinases. Plant Physiology 102: 587-593 (if=7.016, ci=17) 8. Singh, K.K., Chen, C. & Gibbs, M. (1993) Photoregulation of fructose and glucose respiration in the intact chloroplasts of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii F-60 and spinach. Plant Physiology 101: 1289-1294 (if=(if=7.016, ci=4) 9. Singh, K.K., Chen, C. & Gibbs, M. (1992) Characterization of an electron transport pathway associated with glucose and fructose respiration in the chloroplasts of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and spinach. Plant Physiology 100: 327-333 (if=7.016, ci=18) 10. Pathre, U., Singh, K.K. & Sane, P.V. (1990) Gas exchange and stomatal conductance in Acacia auriculiformis: effect of leaf position. Photosynthetica 24 (1): 151-154 Czech Republic. (if=1.016, ci=6)

[ 241 ]

SINGH, VED PAL (b 1953), Professor,University of Delhi, Delhi


Ved Pal Singh pioneered a Rapid Turnover Model of thermophily in an obligate thermophile, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris with respect to phosphatases that were highly thermophilic, exhibiting their temperature optima between 65-70oC, which were much higher than its optimal growth temperature (50oC). Although, phosphatases were inactivated even at 50oC, but were replaced by their rapid turnover. He demonstrated that the nonspecific phosphatases of T. vulgaris were constitutive; and a divalent cation (Mg2+) decreased Arrhenius energies of activation (EA) for their high-temperature catalysis, which might be an additional adaptive mechanism for its thermophilic existence. He discovered that Ca2+/calmodulin-like proteins are involved in Ca2+-ATPase-mediated growth dynamics and genetic transformation in this thermophile. His model of thermophily provides the basis for adaptive evolution of thermophiles and their enzymes of industrial interests. Ved Pal has implicated microsomal peroxidase of microbial origin in the bioremediation/biodegradation of hazardous compounds/xenobiotics of health and environmental concern, including aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus, which contaminates most foods, feeds and other agricultural products. He used protein-ligand docking tools to identify target compounds/pollutants, generated by diverse industries that serve as substrates for microbial laccases; and developed strategies for bioneutralization of alkaline industrial wastewater, using Exiguobacterium sp. as a remarkable tool for pollution control. Ved Pal Singh has highlighted the risk of fungal exposure/sensitization to allergic/asthmatic patients, through their seasonal distribution patterns. He demonstrated the decreased incidence of fungal diseases with elevated CO2 in Brassica juncia and the ability of AM fungus, Rhizophagus fasciculatus to improve the yield of steviol glycosides in Stevia rebaudiana.

Proposer : Prof. Bharat B Chattoo, Seconder : Prof. Anupam Varma Ten Best Publications: 1. Mandal S, Evelin H, Giri B, Singh VP and Kapoor R (2013) Arbuscular mycorrhiza enhances the production of stevioside andrebaudioside-A in Stevia rebaudiana via nutritional and non-nutritional mechanisms. Applied Soil Ecology 72: 187-194. (if=2.106, ci=0) 2. Sharma R, Gaur SN, Singh VP, Lavasa S and Singh AB (2012) Association between indoor fungi in Delhi homes and sensitization in children of respiratory allergy. Medical Mycology 50: 281-290. (if=1.979, ci=2) 3. Kulshreshtha NM, Kumar A, Dhall P, Gupta S, Bisht G, Pasha S, Singh VP and Kumar R (2010) Neutralization of alkaline industrial wastewaters using Exiguobacterium sp. Internatinal Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 64:191-196. (if=2.059, ci=5) 4. Suresh PS, Kumar A, Kumar R and Singh VP (2008) An Insilico approach to bioremediation: Laccase as a case study. Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modeling 26: 845-849. (if=2.325, ci=16) 5. Bhatnagar K and Singh VP (2004) Ca2+ dependence and inhibitory effects of trifluoperazine on plasma membrane ATPase of Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. Current Microbiology 49: 28-31. (if=1.52, ci=6) 6. Bhatnagar K and Singh VP (2003) Ca2+–dependence and inhibition of transformation by trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine in Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. Current Microbiology 46: 265-269. (if=1.52, ci=7) 7. Singh VP (1997) Interaction of temperature and microsomal peroxidase in aflatoxin degradation by Aspergillus flavus 102566. Current Science 73(6): 529-532. (if=0.905, ci=4) 8. Singh VP and Sinha U (1982) Ca2+ -dependence and metabolic status of an obligate thermophile, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, under shake culture conditions. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences/Experientia 38(6): 670-671. (if=5.615, ci=4) 9. Singh VP and Sinha U (1982) Thermostability & turnover of phosphatases in the obligate thermophile Thermoactinomyces vulgaris. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 20: 26-30. Impact Factor: 1.195 (if=1.195, ci=3) 10. Sinha U and Singh VP (1980) Phosphate utilization and constitutive synthesis of phosphatases in Thermoactinomyces vulgaris Tsilinsky. Biochemical Journal 190: 457-460. (if=4.654, ci=9)

[ 242 ]

AHLUWALIA, AMRIK SINGH (b 1955), Professor, Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Until 1970s empirical evidence was largely lacking on photoregulation of heterocyst differentiation, which was thought to be either through photosynthetic or photomorphogenetic control. Professor Amrik Singh Ahluwalia was first to provide empirical evidence to show photosynthetic regulation of heterocyst formation (Ann. Bot. 1978, 42: 1333-1341), showing novel mechanism for the division of akinetes in Anabaena oscillariodes; and showed progress of cellular differentiation, pattern formation and nitrogenase activity in cyanobacteria (Biol. Plant. 1982, 24: 136-141; Beit. Biol. Pflanzen. 1986, 61: 327-335; Microbios Lett. 1989, 41: 87-94). Prof. Ahluwalia was among first few Indian phycologists to elucidate the mechanism of ammonia assimilation in Azolla pinnata and A. microphylla under different conditions (J. Plant Physiol. 2001, 158:899-903). He has devised novel cultural technique to isolate mucilage forming blue-green algae (J. Indian Bot. Soc. 1983, 62:206-207). Prof. Ahluwalia has established the role of abiotic factors (heavy metals and temperature), agrochemicals and allelopathy in understanding algae as the pioneer and/or dominant species in natural environment (Microbios 1988, 53: 37-45; Indian J. Plant Physiol. 2002, 7: 140-145). Prof. Ahluwalia’s contribution in the area of applied phycology includes outlining functional traits of Spirulina to know its suitability as food supplement. Prof. Ahluwalia’s interest in algal floristics can go a long way to conserve/regulate these primary producers in the field as these photoautotrophs are being explored for a number of important applications. His research on environmental phycology is focused on the role of algae in bioassay, biofuel, biofertilizers and treatment of industrial effluents (Ind. J. Env. Health 1989, 31: 112-119).

Proposer : Professor S. P. VIJ, Seconder : Professor R. C. SOBTI Ten Best Publications: 1. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Ratha, S.K., Prasanna, R., Ahluwalia, A.S. 2013. Evaluation of microalgal consortia for treatment of primary treated sewage effluent and biomass production. Journal of Applied Phycology. DOI 10.1007/s10811-013-9982-x. (IF=2.411, CI=-) 2. Renuka, N., Sood, A., Ratha, S.K., Prasanna, R., Ahluwalia, A.S. 2012. Nutrient sequestration, biomass production by microalgae and phytoremediation of sewage water. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 15(8): 789-800. (IF=1.298, CI=2) 3. Singh, U. B. and Ahluwalia, A.S. 2012. Microalgae: a promising tool for carbon sequestration. Mitig Adapt Strateg Glob Change. DOI 10.1007/s11027-012-9393-3 (IF=1.234, CI=1) 4. Sood, A., Uniyal, P.L., Prasanna, R. and Ahluwalia, A.S. 2012. Phytoremediation Potential of Aquatic Macrophyte, Azolla. Ambio. 41: 122-137 (IF=1.705, CI=7) 5. Mahajan, A., Neetu and Ahluwalia, A.S. 2010. Effect of processing on functional properties of Spirulina protein preparations. African J. Microbiol. Res. 4: 055-060. (IF=0.219, CI=-) 6. Pabby, A., Dua, S. and Ahluwalia, A.S. 2001. Changes in ammonia assimilation enzymes in response to different nitrate levels in Azolla pinnata and Azolla microphylla. J. Plant Physiol. 158: 899-903. (IF=2.437, CI=5) 7. Ahluwalia, A. S., and Kumar, H. D. 1989. Akinete formation and division in Anabaena oscillarioides (Cyanophyta, Nostocales). Microbios Lett. 41: 87-94. (IF=0.27, CI=-) 8. Ahluwalia, A.S., and Kaur, M. 1988. Effect of some heavy metal compounds on growth and differentiation in blue green and a green alga. Microbios 53: 37-45. (IF=0.47, CI=11) 9. Ahluwalia, A. S. and Kumar, H. D. 1982. Cellular differentiation and nitrogenase activity in the cyanobacterium Anabaena. Biol. Plant. 24: 136-141 (IF=1.974, CI=3) 10. Tyagi, V.V.S. and Ahluwalia, A. S. 1978. Heterocyst formation in the blue-green alga Anabaena doliolum, a study of some aspects of photoregulation. Ann. Bot. 42: 1333-1341. (IF=2.755, CI=6)

[ 243 ]

ANEJA, KAMAL RAI (b 1952), Professor & Chairman, Department of Microbiology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Dr. K.R. Aneja, Professor and Chairman, Department of Microbiology has done outstanding work in the field of Fungal diversity, Microbial ecology, Agricultural microbiology and Pharmaceutical microbiology and has published six books (4 authored and 2 edited) and 140 research papers/reviews. Prof. Aneja initiated his research work on the microbiology of decomposition of litter and crop residues and studied succession pattern of fungi, role of cellulolytic, pectolytic and lignolytic enzymes in the colonization process. He has made significant contributions on the diversity of thermophilic fungi from temperate and tropical soils and their role in hastening the process of mushroom composting. He has developed a strong School on Biocontrol, especially the development of fungal biological control agents (BCAs) as mycoherbicides for controlling the notorious weeds of India. Of the several BCAs evaluated on various weeds, Gibbago trianthemae, Alternaria alternata, A. eichhorniae, Cercospora rodmani and C. partheniphila have shown all the desirable characteristics. Because of his notable contributions in this area, a major research project was funded by the DFID, U.K. to control parthenium weed in India using indigenous fungal pathogens. Prof. Aneja and his associates have made notable contributions is pharmaceutical microbiology. Several mouthwashes, toothpastes and plant products have been screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against oral, ear pathogens and dermatophytes. Of the over 100 plants evaluated for their bioactivity, Juglans regia, Piper betel, Terminalia bellerica, T.chebula and Zinigiber officinalis showed excellent antimicrobial activity against the tested human pathogens. In addition to his notable research contributions, he is a fellow of five academic societies.

Proposer: Prof. Radhey Shyam Mehrotra, Seconder: Prof. Yagya Datta Tiagi Ten Best Publications: 1. Aneja, K.R. and Singh, K. (1989). Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, a pathogen of waterhyacinth with biocontrol potential. Tropical Pest Management, UK, 35(4): 354-356 (IF=0.556) 2. Sigler, L., Aneja, K.R., Kumar, R., Maheshwari, R. and Shukla, R.V.(1998).New records from India and redescription of Corynascus thermophilus and its anamorph Myceliophthora fergusii. Mycotaxon (USA), 68: 185-192 (IF=0.549) 3. Aneja, K.R., Khan, S.A. and Kaushal, S. (2000). Management of horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.) with Gibbago trianthemae Simmons in India. pp. 77-84. In X International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds. Bozeman, Montana USA, (July 4-14, 1999) (Ed. Neal R. Spencer). Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA. 4. Salar, R.K. and Aneja, K.R. (2007). Thermophilic fungi: Taxonomy and Biogeography. Journal of Agricultural Technology, 3(1):77-107 5. Aneja, K.R. and Mehrotra, R.S. (1980). Comparative celluloytic ability of microfungi inhabiting various types of litter. Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, B. 46(4): 566-571. 6. Sharma, P.K., Kumar, S., Kumar, P., Kaushik, P., Kaushik, D., Dhingra, Y. and Aneja, K.R. (2010). Synthesis and biological evaluation of some pyrazolylpyrazolines as anti-inflamatory antimicrobial agents. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 45: 2650-2655 (IF=3.2) 7. Aneja, K.R., Sharma, C. and Joshi, R. (2010). Fungal infection of the ear: A common problem in the north eastern part of Haryana. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 74: 604-607, 2010 (IF=1.2) 8. Sharma, P.K., Chandak, N., Kumar, P., Sharma, C., Aneja, K.R. (2011).Synthesis and biological evaluation of some 4-functionalizedpyrazoles as antimicrobial agents. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 46: 1425- 1432. (IF=3.2) 9. Prakash, O., Aneja, DK, Hussain, K., Lohan, P., Ranjan, P., Arora, S., Sharma, C., Aneja, K.R. (2011). Synthesis and biological evaluation of dihydroindeno and indeno[1,2- e][1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines as antimicrobial agents. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 46: 5065 - 5073. (IF=3.2) 10. Aneja, K.R., Sharma, C. and Joshi, R. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of Terminalia arjuna Wight & Arn.: An ethnomedicinal plant against pathogens causing ear infection. Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 78(1):68-74.

[ 244 ]

DAS, ABHAYA PRASAD (b. 1951), Professor (Seniormost), Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, P.O. North Bengal University, Siliguri. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) The Flowering Calendar of the angiospermic flora of Darjiling Hills (Das 1987) is used by numerous scientists working on the plants of this region including aerobiologists, cytogeneticists, palynologists, morphologists and others. Publication of many new species including Orchids from Darjiling Hills region (Das & Chanda 1988; Das & Lama 1992) expressed that even after the loss of over 80 % natural habitat speciation is active in the area. Rediscovery of Streptocaulon sylvestre is important as this Critically Endangered asclepiad is fighting its last battle in a small area of about 2 hectares (Das 1996; Kadir & Das 2007). Differences in the flora and different vegetation parameters in primary, secondary and man-made vegetation helped us to understand the extent of stress exert by exotic trees and grazing on the local vegetation (Das & Lahiri 1997). Honey is one important NTFP of entire NE India and his malittopalynological works (Bera et al.1997; Mukhopadhyay et al. 2007) are important in this respect. His immense interest in Ethnobotanical studies helped to record numerous important and useful TK from among different tribal groups living in this area (Ghosh & Das 2004; Sarkar & Das 2010). His article on NTFP of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (Pandit et al 2004) was selected for S.K. Seth Prize of ICFRE as there was no record regarding the identity, quantity, price etc from a region where both biodiversity and NTFP is rich. Das et al. (2008) also helped in the establishment of corridors among the Protected Areas in Kangchanjunga landscape.

Proposer: Prof. G.K.Srivastava, Seconder: Prof. S.A.H. Abidi Ten Best Publications: 1. Das, AP. & Chanda, S. 1988. Two new taxa of the family Orchidaceae from Darjeeling Hills, West Bengal (India). J. Econ. Tax. Bot. 12(2): 401 - 404. 2. Das, AP. 1996. Rediscovery of Streptocaulon sylvestre Wight - an endangered and little known endemic plant of Eastern India. J. Bomb. Nat. Hist Soc. 93(2): 320 - 322. 3. Das, AP. & Lahiri, AK. 1997. Phytosociological studies of the ground covering flora in different types of vegetation in Tiger Hill, Darjeeling District, West Bengal (India). Indian For. 123 (12): 1176-1187. 4. Bera, S.; Mukhopadhyay, S.K.; Dhar, J.; Das, AP. & De, S. 1997. A melittopalynological investigation of Apis cerana indica Fabr. summer honeys from Sikkim and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, India. J. Palynol. 33: 209 - 218. 5. Samanta, A.K.; Kadir, AF.M. Manzur & Das, AP. 1999. Aristolochia L. in Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas. Rheedea 9(1): 23 - 30. 6. Ghosh, Chandra & Das, A P. 2004. The materials and method of Jhara preparation by the tribal inhabitants of Tea Gardens in Terai of West Bengal (India). Indian J. Trad. Knowledge. 3(4): 373 -382. 7. Pandit, P.K.; Ghosh, Chandra & Das, AP. 2004. Non-timber Forest Produces from Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary: an Assessment. Indian For. 130: 1169 - 1185. 8. Mukhopadhyay, S. K.; Gupta, S.; Das, A P. & Bera, Subir 2007. The bee keeping potential of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, India: A palynological assessment of honey. Journal of Apiculture Research and Bee World 46(3): 164 - 177. 9. Das, AP.; Bhujel, R.B. & Lama, D. 2008. Plant Resources in the Protected Areas and Proposed Corridors of Darjeeling, India. In Biodiversity Conservation in the Kangchanjunga Landscape. Eds. N. Chettri, B. Shakya & E. Sharma. pp 57 - 79. 10. Sarkar, Ajita & Das, AP. 2010. Ethnobotanical formulations for the treatment of Jaundice by the Mech tribe in Duars of West Bengal. Indian J. Trad. Knowledge 9(1): 134 - 136.

[ 245 ]

GOEL, ANIL KUMAR (b 1955), Scientist-G, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Dr AK Goel has significant contributions in Plant Taxonomy, conservation and Ethnobotany by discovering 15 taxa new to science; Documented 20 RET plants and interesting new records from various phyto-geographical regions; Published `Studies on Vegetation of Tehri Dam and some Rare Plants in Garhwal Himalayas’ in a Book (1982)form.; It is now considered as a reference Book because this area has been submerged under water due to Tehri dam construction; Conserving Welwitschia mirabilis, a rarest gymnosperm in NBRI Botanic Garden available only here among all SAARC nations. Ex-situ conservation studies on 20 RET taxa are undertaken besides establishment of a Cycad House showcasing and conserving over 46 cycads for posterity. A Jurassic Gallery is developed and dedicated to nation by Hon. Sri BL Joshi, Governor, UP on 19 Jan., 2014. Published 195 Research & Review Papers, Popular Articles in Indian/Foreign journals; Recipient, Commonwealth Science Council Fellowship, London (UK): Visited Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG), Kew (UK) in 1993 and 2007 for conservation studies; Conferred with S K Jain Medal – 1998 by Society of Ethnobotanists; Recipient of VV Sivarajan Gold Medal - 2008 from Indian Association of Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT); Decorated with J W Harshberger Medal -2008 by SEB.

Proposer : Prof. R.S. Tripathi, Seconder : Dr. S.K. Jain Ten Best Publications: 1. Mishra, S., Chauhan, P.S., Goel, A.K., Upadhyay, R.S. & Nautiyal, C.S. (2012) Pseudomonas putia NBRIC19 provides protection to neighboring plant diversity from invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorous L. by altering soil microbial community, Acta Physiol. Plant, p.1-9, May, 2012. (if=1.639) 2. Kaur, C., Raj, S.K., Snehi, S.K., Goel, A.K. & Roy, R.K. (2011) Natural Occurrence of Ornithogalum mosaic virus newly reported on Gladiolus in India, New Disease Reports, 24 (2): 2. (if=2.152) 3. Khatoon, S., Singh, H., Singh, K. & Goel, A. K. (2011) Use of HPTLC to establish the Chemotype of a parasitic plant, Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f.) Etting. (Loranthaceae), growing on different substrates, Jour. Planar Chromatography, 24(1):60-65. (if=1.53) 4. Khatoon, S. Singh, H. Singh, K. & Goel, A.K. (2010) TLC Evaluation and Quantification of Phenolic Compounds in different parts of Dendrophthoe falcata (Linn. f.) Etting., J. Planar Chromatography, 23(2):104-107 (if=1.53) 5. Raj, S.K., Snehi, S.K., Khan, M.S., Asif, M.H., Bag, S.K., Roy, R.K & Goel, A.K. (2010) Molecular characterization of a new isolate of phytoplasma associated with malformation and twisting of floral spikes of Gladiolus, J. Gen. Plant Pathol. 76: 389-394. (if=0.687) 6. Raj, S.K., Snehi, S.K. Kumar, S., Ram, T. &. Goel, A.K. (2009) First report of Tuberose mild mosaic potyvirus from tuberose (Polyanthes tuberosa L.) in India, Australian Plant Disease Notes, 4: 93-95. (if=0.587) 7. Raj, S.K., Snehi, S.K., Kumar, S., Banerji, B.K., Dwivedi, A.K., Roy, R.K. & Goel, A.K. (2009) First Report of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma asteris (16SrI group) associated with colour malformation of floral spikes of gladiolus in India, New Disease Reports, pp.1 - 2. (if= 2.152) 8. Sharma, S.C. & Goel, A.K. (2003) Welwitschia mirabilis- a rare xerophytic South African gymnosperm in National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, Current Science, 84 (1): 11 (if=0.567) 9. Goel, A.K. & Sharma, S.C. (1990) A new species of Miliusa (Annonaceae) from Andaman Islands, India, Nord. J. Bot., 10: 629 - 631.(if=1.40) 10. Aswal, B.S. & Goel, A.K. (1988) Anaphalis himachalensis (Asteraceae): A new species from NW India, Nord. Jour. Bot., 8 (4): 337-338 (if=1.40)

[ 246 ]

GOPALAKRISHNAN, LATHA PANICKAMPARAMBIL (b 1956), Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), (Formerly TBGRI) Palode, Thiruvananthapuram Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) I am personally acquainted with the scientific contribution of Dr P G Latha, Director, JNTBGRI, and Thiruvananthapuram. She is a committed researcher, who has worked extensively on the ethnopharmacology of important Indian medicinal plants, published over 100 research papers in International and National journals, filed three patents. She is on the Editorial Committee of several National Journals, reviewed several papers in peer reviewed National and International journals and Doctoral thesis from Several Universities. She received the Millennium Prize in September 2000 at Zurich, Switzerland, for the best poster at the 5th International Conference on Ethnopharmacology. She has developed an exquisite orchid hybrid, Dendrobium “Professor A Abraham” registered by ICAR, New Delhi. She is the Fellow and Joint Secretary of National Society of Ethnopharmacology, India, shortlisted for DBT Young Woman Bio Scientist Award in 2000 and Fellow of National Academy of Sciences, during 2010 and 2011. She has carried out commendable research on various medicinal plants on anticancer, hepatoprotective and anti inflammatory properties. She bagged the prestigious Job Day Award carrying Rs 1 Lakh and Citation and also selected as Fellow of Kerala Academy of Science, Thiruvananthapuram. Since she joined as Director, JNTBGRI on 9th June 2011, she is meticulously handling administrative responsibilities of the organization comprising 200 staff of which 55 are Scientists.. She was awarded INCITE-2012 Science and Technology award. She had attended ELSEVIER AUTHOR WORKSHOP and at Karl Franxens University, Austria and presented a poster at 13th International Conferences on Ethnopharmacology, 2012.

Proposer : Padma Shri Dr. P. Pushpangadan, Seconder : Dr. M. P. Nayar Ten Best Publications: 1. Latha P G, Panikkar K R (1998) Antitumour principles from Ixora coccinea flowers. Cancer Letters 130:197-202. (if=4.544, ci=11) 2. Latha P G, Panikkar K R (1999) Inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis by Psoralea corylifolia seeds. J. Ethnopharmacology 68:23-24.(if=3.014, ci=7) 3. Latha PG, Evans DA, Panikkar KR, Jayavardhanan KK (2000) Immunomodulatory and Antitumour properties of Psoralea corylifolia seeds. Fitoterapia 2000 Jun;71(3):223-31. (ci=33) 4. Suja S R, Latha P G, Pushpangadan P, Rajasekharan S (2004). Evaluation of hepatoprotective effects of Helminthostachys zeylanica. Hook against carbon tetrachloride -induced liver damage in Wistar rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 92: 61-66. (if=3.014, ci=50) 5. Shyamal S, Latha P G, Suja S R, Shine V J, Rajasekharan S, Ganga Devi T (2006) Hepatoprotective effects of Pittosporum neelgherrense Wight&t Arn., a popular Indian ethnomedicine. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 107:151-155. (if=3.014, ci=7) 6. Sini Sadasivan, Latha P G, Sasikumar J M, Rajasekharan S, Shyamal S, Shine V J (2006). Hepatoprotective studies on Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 68:245-249. (if=3.014, ci=13) 7. Shine V J, Latha P G, Shyamal S, Suja S R, Anuja G I, Sini S, Pradeep S, Rajasekharan S (2009) Gastric antisecretory and antiulcer activities of Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thorns, in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 125: 350 - 355 (if=3.014, ci=13) 8. Sreedevi C D, Latha P G, Ancy P, Suja S R, Shyamal S, Shine VJ, Rajasekharan S (2009) Hepatoprotective studies on Sida acuta Burm f. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 124: 171-175. (if=3.014, ci=10) 9. G.I. Anuja, P. G. Latha, S R Suja, S Shyamal, V J Shine, S Sini, S Pradeep, P Shikha, S Rajasekharan.(2010) Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Drynaria quercifolia (Linn.) J. Smith. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 132: 456-460. (if=3.014, ci=13) 10. Farha A K, Geetha B S, Mangalam, S N, Dhanya S N, Rajalekshmi, Latha P G, Remani P, 2012. Isodeoxyelephantopin, a sesquiterpene lactone, from Elephantopus scaber induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumor cells. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 2012: 1-6. (if=2.43, ci=2)

[ 247 ]

HOSAKATTE, NIRANJANA MURTHY (b 1960), Professor, Department of Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad – 580003 Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Prof. Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy, Department of Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad has made significant contributions in basic, strategic and applied research in plant biotechnology enriching our knowledge on cultivation of plant cells in large scale bioreactors. The most outstanding work of Prof. Murthy is on Ginseng and Echinacea cells, adventitious and hairy roots cultures. He has successfully demonstrated production of valuable plant metabolites from these plants under precise culture conditions for which he has designed bioreactors for plant cell cultivation with Korean collaborators. These methods have adopted by industries in for commercialization (refer enclosure no. 1). Prof. Murthy has established a reproducible protocol for a large scale propagation of orchids, ornamentals and medicinal plants which is having commercial applications. Prof. Murthy has also worked on the transfer of nuclear and organelle genes in mustard. He and his students have developed protocols for the production of haploids in cucumber, melons and oil seed crop niger. Prof. Murthy is not only an organized, disciplined and critical researchers but also possesses a pleasing personality with infectious enthusiasm for research. He has notable list of publications in high impact journals having a good citation index (refer enclosure no. 2).

Proposer : Prof. V. A. BAPAT, Seconder : Dr. G. A. RAVISHANKAR Ten Best Publications: 1. Bioresource Technology 101: 6735-6739, 2010 (IF=4.365, CI=8) 2. Bioresource Technology 102 : 10072–10079, 2011 (IF=4.365, CI=8) 3. Advances in Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology 113:151-176, 2009 (IF=4.165, CI=12) 4. Theoretical Applied Genetics 87: 587-592, 1993 (IF=3.49, CI=18) 5. Food Chemistry, 118: 836-839, 2010 (IF=3.146, CI=16) 6. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 67: 197-201, 2005 (IF=2.896, CI=20) 7. Separation and Purification Technology, 56: 401-406, 2007 (IF=2.879, CI=28) 8. Biotechnology Letters 26: 1619-1622, 2004 (IF=1.636, CI=30) 9. Biotechnology Letters 29: 1179-1182, 2007 (IF=1.636, CI=24) 10. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture 63: 67-72, 2000 (IF=3.05, CI=89)

[ 248 ]

KOTTAPALLI, SREENIVASA RAO (b 1958), Professor, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi. Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Dr. K. S. Rao used the conventional ecological/participatory farming systems research approaches to evaluate sustainability of traditional agriculture and natural resource management systems. He assessed the biodiversity rich ecosystems based on integrated consideration of their productivity, contributions to local food security, impacts of such agriculture/management on surrounding ecosystems, dependency of local farmers on natural resource base, rural inhabitants vulnerability and adaptations to global environmental changes and linked these issues with socio-economic processes in the Indian Himalaya. He applied remote sensing/GIS based landscape analysis for land use changes and resource dynamics in mountain watersheds. The resource management research enabled him in demonstrating the multiple benefits of participatory resource management for incremental improvement in productivity of traditional agriculture, rehabilitation of degraded lands, conservation of forest ecosystems/biodiversity and improvement in the living standards of the local communities. He has significantly contributed to the understanding of conservation manager and peoples’ conflict mitigation in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The fundamental research on soil erosion, litter decomposition, energy and economic analysis of systems in the mountain regions adds to our understanding of processes involved in ecosystem dynamics and stability. The use of knowledge, aptitude and perceptions for planning and management gave insights to the socio-economic planning that is required for the Biosphere Reserve managers for which he was awarded Vishisht Vaigyanic Puraskar 2001-02 by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. Recognizing his contributions to the ecology and environmental sciences, the University Grants Commission has conferred the UGC National Swami Pranavananda Saraswati Award - 2006.

Proposer: Prof. B.M. Kumar, Seconder: Prof. A.K. Bhatnagar Ten Best Publications: 1. Dhyani, D., Maikhuri, R.K., Misra, S. & Rao, K.S. 2010. Endorsing the declining indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge of seabuckthorn in central Himalaya, India. Journal of Enthnophormacology, 127: 329-334. (IF=2.466, CI=2) 2. Nautiyal, S., Kaechele, H., Rao, K.S., Maikhuri, R.K. & Saxena, K.G. 2007. Energy and economic analysis of traditional versus introduced crops cultivation in the mountains of the Indian Himalayas: A case study. Energy, 32 (12): 2321-2335. (IF=3.565, CI=12) 3. Wakeel, A., Rao, K.S., Maikhuri, R.K. & Saxena, K.G. 2005. Forest management and land use/cover changes in a typical micro watershed in the mid elevation zone of central Himalaya, India. Forest Ecology and Management, 213 (1-3): 229-242. (IF=1.992, CI=27) 4. Semwal, R.L., Nautiyal, S, Sen, K.K., Rana, U., Maikhuri, R.K., Rao, K.S. & Saxena, K.G. 2004. Patterns and ecological implications of agricultural land-use changes: a case study from central Himalaya, India. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 102 (1): 81-92. (IF=2.790, CI=51) 5. Semwal, R.L., Maikhuri, R.K., Rao, K.S., Sen, K.K. & Saxena, K.G. 2003. Leaf litter decomposition and nutrient release patterns of six multipurpose tree species of central Himalaya, India. Biomass and Bioenergy, 24 (1): 3-11. (IF=3.840, CI=14) 6. Rao, K.S., Maikhuri, R.K, Nautiyal, S. & Saxena, K.G. 2002. Crop damage and livestock depredation by wildlife: a case study from Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India. Journal of Environmental Management, 66 (3): 317-327. (IF=2.596, CI=31) 7. Saxena, K.G., Rao, K.S., Sen, K.K., Maikhuri, R.K. & Semwal, R.L. 2001. Integrated Natural Resource Management: Approaches and Lessons from the Himalaya. Conservation Ecology, 5 (2): 14 [URL: http:// www.consecol.org/vol15/iss2/art14]. (IF=3.310, CI=18) 8. Rao, K.S. & Pant, Rekha. 2001. Land use dynamics and landscape change pattern in a typical micro watershed in the mid elevation zone of central Himalaya, India. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 86 (2): 113-124. (IF=2.790, CI=65) 9. Maikhuri, R.K., Nautiyal, S., Rao, K.S., Chandrasekhar, K., Gavali, R. & Saxena, K.G. 2000. Analysis and resolution of protected area-people conflicts in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India. Environmental Conservation, 27 (1): 43-53. (IF=2.000, CI=43) 10. Rao, K.S. & Ramakrishnan, P.S. 1989. Role of bamboos in nutrient conservation during secondary succession following slash and burn agriculture (jhum) in north east India. Journal of Applied Ecology, 26: 625 633. (IF=4.970, CI=20)

[ 249 ]

MANDAL, SUDHENDU (b. 1952), Professor, Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati University, Shantiniketan. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Professor Sudhendu Mandal made remarkable original contributions in the field of Palynology and Aerobiology focusing hitherto unknown aspects of detection of aeroallergens, identification and characterization of allergens (proteins) from the allergenic plants of West Bengal, India. His breakthrough research revealed that for the first time (a) identified, isolated and characterized the potential allergenic determinants of the plants like Ailanthes excelsa Roxb. (Simaroubaceae), Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae), Cassia siamea Lamk., (Caesalpiniaceae), Datura metel L. (Solanaceae), Ipomoea fistulosa L. (Convolvulaceae); and Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), (b) analysed the free amino acid composition of pollen as taxonomic markers using cluster pairing affinity or similarity index in the families of angiosperms to assess the phylogenetic interrelationships and plant affinity, (c) used modern immunochemical methods like SOS-PAGE, ELISA, Eletroelution and Immunodiffusion for purification and identification of the allergenic proteins from selected angiospermic taxa, and (d) indexed airborne pollen and spores of West Bengal as environmental biopollutants and its impact on human health, and (e) traced the localization of marker proteins (esterase) on the stigma of angiospermic taxa and behaviour of pollinators and its impact upon socio-economic development. Collectively, and most importantly, research contributions of Professor Mandal have far reaching consequences in designing a novel approach in pollen allergy research particularly having its impact on human health as well as conservation of biodiversity.

Proposer: Prof. Manju Banerjee, Seconder: Prof. Arun Kumar Sharma Ten Best Publications 1. Mondal, AK., Parui, S., Biswas, S.R. and Mandal, S. (1997). Identification of the allergenic proteins of Ipomoea fistulosa pollen Partial characterization and sensitivity test. Grana (Scandinavian University Press, Stockholm), 36:301 - 305. (IF: 0.80; CI : 9) 2. Mondal, AK., Mondal, S. and Mandal, S. (1998). Pollen production in some plant taxa with a supposed role in allergy in Eastern India. Aerobiologia (Elsevier Scientific Publishers Ireland Ltd.), 14 :397-403. (IF: 1.1; CI: 4) 3. Mondal, AK., Parui, S. and Mandal, S. (1998a). Analysis of the free amino acid content in pollen of nine Asteraceae species of known allergenic activity. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine (Lublin, POland), 5: 17-20. (IF: 1.44; CI : 9) 4. Mondal, AK., Parui, S. and Mandal, S. (1998b). Protein profile of the allergenic pollen of Ipomoea fistulosa L. - A comparative study. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine (Lublin, Poland), 5: 131-134. (IF: 1.44; CI : 12) 5. Parui, S., Mondal, AK. and Mandal, S. (1998). Protein content and patient skin test sensitivity of the pollen of Argemone mexicana on exposure to SO2. Grana (Scandinavian University Press, Stockholm), 37: 121-124. (IF: 0.80; CI : 8) 6. Parui, S., Mondal, AK. and Mandal, S. (1999).dentification and partial characterization of the allergenic proteins of Ricinus communis L. pollen - a new approach. Grana (Scandinavian University Press, Stockholm), 38: 1-5.(IF: 0.80; CI : 6) 7. Bhattacharya, A and Mandal, S. (1999). Loss of pollen viability of Cassia siamea Lamk. following treatment with arsenic. Journal of Environmental Biology (Lucknow), 20(1): 67-69. (IF: 1.99; CI : 5) 8. Bhattacharya, A and Mandal, S. (2004). Pollination, pollen germination and stigma receptivity in Moringa ole if era Lamk. Grana (Taylor & Francis, Stokholm), 43(1): 48-56. (IF: 0.80; CI : 5) 9. Mondal (Parui), S., Mondal, AK. and Mandal, S. (2007). Evaluation of electroelution and immunodiffusion as methods for purification and identification of the allergenic proteins of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. pollen. Grana (Taylor & Francis, Stockholm), 46: 91-97. (IF: 0.80; CI : 5). 10. Mondal, AK., Mondal (Parui), S. and Mandal, S. (2009). The free amino acids of pollen of some angiospermic taxa as taxonomic markers for phylogenetic interrelationships. Current Science (Bangalore), 96(8): 1071-1081. (IF: 0.80; CI : 4)

[ 250 ]

MUKHOPADHYAY, RADHA NATH (b. 1951), Professor, Department of Botany, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan. Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Prof. Mukhopadhyay made new contributions on Selaginella: Discovered branched microphyllous leaves in Selaginella adunca (Fern. Gaz., 1981) and Laminal flap on the adaxial side of larger sporophylls (Fern Gaz., 1981) of dimorphic sporophyll bearing members, which has some phylogenetic bearing on the evolution of seed habit. Microspore Polyad structure was reported in Selaginella intermedia (Phytomorphology, 1999), which is perhaps the first report in Pteridophytes and has a role in zoopollination. Amongst the ferns, vessel elements were first reported in four species of the genus Adiantum (Indian Fern J., 1989). Prof. Mukhopadhyay studied in detail the Morpho-anatomy of different groups of ferns like Adiantoids, Vittarioids, Tectarioids, and on two genera Loxogramma and Selaginella. The data have been critically analyzed to resolve their taxonomic issues. The stelar anatomy of the tuber in Nephrolepis has been given new interpretation (Proc. Nat.Acad. Sci., 2006) That gametophytes of ferns can serve as a good source of phytochemicals (Phenols) having antimicrobial and antifungal properties, as have been reported in some species (If Adiantum (Taiwania, 2005). It is concluded that gametophytes of ferns are more effective than their sporophytes and hence the gametophytes can be commercially exploited for such use. The studies on reproductive biology of some ferns revealed the occurrence of some new reproductive types (Phytomorphology, 2005 & Amer Fern J., 2009).

Proposer: Prof. S.P. Khullar, Seconder: Prof. S. C. Verma Ten Best Publications: 1. Mukherjee, R. N. & Sen, D., 1981. A Forked vein and Foliar Fibres in Selaginella, 'Fern Gaz. (U.K.), 12(3): 175-177. (IF: 0.33) 2. Mukhopadhyay, R. & Sen, U., 1981. The occurrence of a laminal flap in Selaginella, Fern Gaz.(U.K.), 12(3): 180-181. (IF: 0.33) 3. Mukhopadhyay, R., 1998. Cytotaxonomic observations on Selaginella Beauv., Phytomorphology, 48 (4): 343-347. 4. Mukhopadhyay, R., & Bhandari, J. B., 1999. Occurrence of microspore polyads in Selaginella intermedia (BI.) Spring, Phytomorphology, 49 (I): 75-78. 5. D'Rozario, A., Bera, S. & Mukhopadhyay, R., 2001. Viviparous growth of young sporophytes from aphlebiae in Dennstaedtia scabra (Wall. ex Hook.) Moore from Sikkim, Curr Sci., 81 (4): 347-348. (IF: 0.66) 6. Dixit, R. D., Bhandari, J.B. & Mukhopadhyay, R., 2001. A new species of Lygodium (Lygodiaceae) from North Andamans, India, Nord. J. Bot. (Copenhagen), 21: 427-430, (IF : 0.178) 7. Guha (Ghosh) P., Mukhopadhyay, R. & Gupta, K., 2005. Antifungal activity of crude extracts and extracted phenols from gametophytic and sporophytic plant parts of-two species of Adiantum L Taiwania 50 (4): 272-283. (IF: 0.26) 8. D'Rosario, A., Bera, S. & Mukhopadhyay, R., (2006) Morpho-anatomical observations on the root and stolon borne scale tubers in Nephrolepis auriculata (L) Trimen from Sikkimand Darjeeling Himalayas, India, Proc. Nat. Acad Sci. India, 76(B), II : 161-164. 9. Ganguly, G. & Mukhopadhyay, R., 2008. Studies on the diversity and pattern of vertical distribution of epiphytic pteridophytees on their host plants of Southern Sikkim, India, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. India, Sect. B, 78 (11): 147-157. 10. Ganguly, G" Sarkar, K. & Mukhopdhyay, R. 2009. In Vitro Study on Gametophyte Development of an Epiphytic Fern Anthromeris himalayensis (Hook.) Ching of South Sikkim, India, Amer. Fern J. 99(3): 217-225. (IF: 0.447)

[ 251 ]

NAITHANI, SUBHASH CHANDRA (b. 1955), Professor, Seed Biology Lab., School of Life Sciences, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur. Member of the NASI: No (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Dr. S.C.Naithani, in early years, worked on the hormonal regulation of cotton fiber. He unraveled the role of auxin metabolism in regulating the length of cotton fiber. For last two decades he has been actively involved in the globally important area of germplasm conservation. Realizing the problem of short viability in seeds of timber and non-traditional oil-yielding forest tree species, such as Shorea robusta, Madhuca indica, Azadirachta indica, Gmelina arborea, and Buchanaia lanzan, Dr. Naithani, for the first time, recognized desiccation sensitivity as a prime cause of rapid loss of viability in these seeds and categorized their 'storage physiology as RECALCITRANT. He has achieved highly significant breakthroughs in the understanding of inability of far less known Indian forest tree seed species to survive for sufficiently long periods in storage. Based on recalcitrant seed storage behaviour, his group has refined storage practices for non-storable seed species and developed cryogenic storage for long term ex-situ conservation of several tree species. He has provided insight into the regulation of AOS metabolism in response to dehydration stress in these seeds during storage. His work has demonstrated the dysfunction of membrane due to enhanced lipid peroxidation as a result of excessive accumulation of superoxide radicals. Longevity in these desiccation and chilling sensitive seeds during storage was enhanced by kinetin that upregulates superoxide dismutase, which controls the accumulation of damaging concentration of superoxide. His group has also focused on the biochemical mechanisms of rapid loss of viability/ageing and overcoming seed dormancy in tropical flora.

Proposer: Prof. Paramjit Khurana, Seconder: Prof. L. C. Rai Ten Best Publications: 1. Varghese B. & S.C. Naithani (2008) Oxidative metabolism related Changes in cryogenically stored neem [Azadirachta indica A. Juss] seeds. J. Plant Physiology 165 [7]: 755-765 (CI: Nil; IF: 1.529). 2. Gupta S., Pandey-Rai Shashi, Srivastav, S., S.C. Naithani, (2007) Prasad Manoj and Kumar Sushil Construction of genetic linkage map of the medicinal and ornamental plant Catharanthus roseus J. Genetics, 88: 257-266 (CI : 01; IF: 0.894) 3. Bobby Varghese & S.C. Naithani (2002) Desiccation-induced changes in lipid peroxidation, superoxide & antioxidant enzymes in Neem [A. indica seeds. Acta Physiologia Plantarum 24: 79-87 (CI : 06; IF : 0.528) 4. Boby Varghese & S.C. Naithani (2000) Desiccation induced loss of viability during storage in Neem [Azadirachta indica ] seeds. Seed Science Technology, 28: 485-96 (CI : 06; IF: 0.437) 5. KSK Chaitanya & S.C. Naithani (1998) Kinetin-mediated prolongation of viability in recalcitrant Sal (Shorea robusta) seeds at low temperature: Role of kinetin in delaying membrane deterioration during desiccation induced injury. J. Plant Growth Regulation 17: 63 - 69 (CI : 12; IF : 2.025) 6. K.S.K.Chaitanya & S.C. Naithani (1994) Role of superoxide, lipid peroxidation & superoxide dismutase in membrane perturbations during loss of viability in sal (Shorea robusta) seeds. New Phytologist 126: 623-627 (CI : 47; IF: 4.25) 7. N.R. Rao, S.C. Naithani & Y.D.Singh (1982) Physiological and biochemical changes associated with cotton fibre development. II. Auxin oxidizing system. Physiologia Plantarum, 55: 204-208 (CI : 08; IF: 2.169) 8. S.C. Naithani, N.R. Rao & Y.D.Singh (1982) Physiological and biochemical changes associated with cotton fibre development. I. Growth kinetics and auxin content. Physiologia Plantarum, 54: 25-29 (CI : 20; IF: 2.169) 9. N.R Rao, S.C. Naithani, R Jasdanwala & Y.D.Singh (1982) Changes in 1M - oxidase and Peroxidase activities during fibre development. Z. Pflanzen Physiologie 106: 157-165 (CI : 18; IF : 1.195) 10. S.C. Naithani, N.RRao, N.Krishnan & YD.Singh (1981) Changes in o-Diphenol oxidase during fibre development in cotton. Annals Botany 48: 379-385 (CI : 10; IF : 2.448)

[ 252 ]

NATH, VIRENDRA (b 1949), Retd. Scientist ‘G’, CSIR Emeritus Scientist, Former Head of Bryology, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow- 226 001


Dr. Virendra Nath, FBS, FES, FPbS, FAPT, FSRB, MNASc, developed a school of Bryology at National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, received doctorate degree from Lucknow University under guidance of late Prof. Ram Udar, FNA, eminent bryologist of India. He is actively involved in research on various aspects of Bryology for last 40 years, made significant contribution on morphotaxonomy, diversity, distribution, ethnobotany, chemistry and ecology of Indian liverworts and mosses. He discovered 14 new species, 16 new records to India and published 138 research papers, 11 review & popular articles, floristic accounts of Hepaticae of Khasi & Jaintia hills, Tamia & Patalkot and bryoflora of Amarkantak & Achanakmar sanctuary, besides editing 4 books. He has also made monographic studies on Indian Frullaniacae and genus Bryum two of the largest and complex groups of Hepaticae and mosses. In vitro regeneration and micropropagation studies on Indian bryophytes including RET taxa carried out with the objective of ex-situ conservation and introduction of plants in the Moss House developed under his leadership which is one of its own kinds in India. He supervised ten Ph.D. students and deputed to Poland in 1986 and Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, (U.K.) to obtain International Diploma in herbarium management in 1988. He attended world conference of Bryology at Malaysia in 2007. He is member of several National & International Scientific Societies, held various offices, nominated as Indian representative of International Association of Bryologists. Recently, Ram Udar Medal was awarded to him by Associations of Plant Taxonomists of India.

Proposer : Prof. S.C. Srivastava, Seconder : Prof. R.S. Tripathi Ten Best Publications: 1. Udar, R. and V. Nath. 1971. Oil-bodies in South Indian liverworts. Curr. Sci. 40 (23): 638-640. (if=0.935, ci=8) 2. Udar, R. and V. Nath. 1978. A new species of Jubula Dum. from India. Misc. Bryol. Lichenol. 8 (3): 49-52. (if=0.89, ci=5) 3. Nath, V. and A.K. Asthana. 1999. Distributional pattern of genus Folioceros Bharad in India. Cryptogamie Bryol. 20 (4): 257-265.(if=1.039, ci=6) 4. Kumar, K., K.K. Singh, A.K. Asthana and V. Nath. 2000. Ethnotherapeutics of Bryophyte Plagiochasma appendiculatum among the Gaddi tribes of Kangra valley, Himachal Pradesh. Pharmaceutical Biology 38 (5): 353-356. (if=1.206, ci=11) 5. Singh, A.P., V. Nath and A.K. Asthana 2003. Studies on Cephalozia pandei Udar et Kumar from Meghalaya: India Cryptogamie Bryologie 24(4): 335-340. (if=1.039, ci=4) 6. Singh, M., R. Govindrajan, V. Nath, A.K.S. Rawat and S. Mehrotra. 2006. Antimicrobial, wound healing and antioxidant activity of Plagiochasma appendiculatum Lehm. et Lindb. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 107 (1): 67-72. (if=3.322, ci=99) 7. Nath, V. and P. Bansal. 2010. Pseudotrachypus ancistrodes a new combination for Meteoriopsis ancistrodes (Meteoriaceae) Phytotaxa 3: 43-46. (if=1.797, ci=1) 8. Singh, M., S. Singh, V. Nath, V. Sahu and A.K.S. Rawat. 2011. Antibacterial activity of some bryophytes used traditionally for the treatment of burn infections. Pharmaceutical Biology: 1-5. (if=1.206, ci=70) 9. Bansal, P. and Nath, V. 2012. B. bessonii Ren. & Card., New national and Regional bryophyte records. Journal of Bryology 34(3):233.(if=1.351) 10. Awasthi, V., A. K. Asthana and Nath, V. 2013, In vitro study on the reproductive behavior of the endemic and threatened Indian liverwort: Cryptomitrium himalayense Kashyap (Aytoniaceae). Cryptogammie, Bryologie, 34(3): 313-323. (if=1.039)

[ 253 ]

SUNDRIYAL, R.C. (b 1960), Scientist "F", G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Dr. R.C. Sundriyal received PhD degree (1986-87) from HNB Garhwal University for his studies on the dynamics of alpine grasslands of central Himalaya. In GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development (Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India) he served Sikkim Unit (1989 to 1997), Northeast Unit (1997-2004) and HQs (2004 onwards) in various capacities. During 2009 to July 2012 he also served as Director, Herbal Research & Development Institute. Dr Sundriyal conducted intensive researches on temperate grasslands and forests, dynamics of natural ecosystem functioning in Himalayan watersheds, non-timber forest produces, ecotourism & biodiversity conservation, and medicinal plant sectors. He made significant contributions towards understanding on plant-animal interaction in high altitude grasslands in central and eastern Himalaya; structure and functioning of forest, grassland and agricultural systems; and investigated issues related to traditional ecological knowledge on natural resources management, particularly wild edible plants and other NTFPs. In order to improve livelihoods of marginal Himalayan farmers he was actively involved in devising ‘Agroforestry model approach’ and ‘Contour-Hedgerow-Farming-System-Technology’ for sustainable development of rural communities. He has also worked on biodiversity conservation through promotion of ecotourism. He was instrumental in providing technical backup for environmental protection and livelihood enhancement to local inhabitants, and made significant efforts for promoting cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants in the state of Uttarakhand. He authored over 130 research articles and edited 5 books. He is elected Fellow of National Institute of Ecology (1995) and conferred ‘Vishist Vaigynik’ (1999) award by Ministry of Environment & Forests.

Proposer : Dr. Anil P. Joshi, Seconder : Dr. G.S. Rawat Ten Best Publications: 1. Sundriyal, R.C. (1992). Structure, productivity and energy flow in an alpine grassland in the Garhwal Himalaya. Journal of Vegetation Science 3: 15-20. (if=2.818, ci=40) 2. Sundriyal, R.C.& Joshi, A.P. (1992). Annual nutrient budget for an alpine grassland in the Garhwal Himalaya. Journal of Vegetation Science 3: 21-26. (if=2.818, ci=40) 3. Sundriyal, R.C.; Rai, S.C.; Sharma, E. & Rai, Y.K. (1994). Hill agroforestry systems in south Sikkim, India. Agroforestry Systems 26(3): 215-235. (if=1.378, ci=31) 4. Rai, S.C.; Sharma, E. & Sundriyal, R.C. (1994). Conservation in the Sikkim Himalaya : Traditional knowledge and land use of the Mamlay watershed. Environmental Conservation 21(1): 30-35. (if=1.927, ci=38) 5. Sundriyal, R.C.; Sharma, E.; Rai, L.K. & Rai, S.C. (1994). Tree structure, regeneration and woody biomass removal in a sub-tropical forest of the Mamlay watershed in Sikkim Himalaya. Plant Ecology (formerly Vegetatio) 113: 53-63 (if=1.829, ci=37) 6. Sundriyal, R.C. & Sharma, E. (1996). Anthropogenic pressure on tree structure and biomass in the temperate forest of Mamlay watershed in Sikkim. Forest Ecology and Management 81: 113-134 (if=2.919, ci=62) 7. Rai, S.C. & Sundriyal, R.C. (1997). Tourism development and biodiversity conservation in Sikkim Himalaya. Ambio 26(4): 235-242. (if=2.295, ci=57) 8. Sundriyal, Manju, and R.C. Sundriyal (2001). Wild edible plants of the Sikkim Himalaya: Nutritive values of selected species. Economic Botany 55(3): 377-390 (if=1.925, ci=108) 9. Sundriyal, Manju, R.C. Sundriyal and E. Sharma (2004). Dietary use of wild plant resources in the Sikkim Himalaya, India. Economic Botany 58(4): 626-638 (if=1.925, ci=29) 10. Sundriyal, Manju, and R.C. Sundriyal (2004). Wild edible plants of the Sikkim Himalaya: Marketing and value addition. Economic Botany, 58(2): 300-315 (if=1.604, ci=25)

[ 254 ]

THENGANE, SHUBHADA RATNAKAR (b. 1951), Scientist F, National Plant Tissue Culture Division, National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune. Member of the NASI: Yes (YON 2010, Plant Sciences) Dr. (Mrs.) Thengane is a senior scientist working at National Chemical Laboratory, Pune since last 28 years and has a distinguished career in different areas of plant biotechnology involving both basic and applied research. She has made remarkable contributions in in-vitro plant propagation, secondary metabolites production, biodiversity assessment and molecular markers. Her interest in plant biotechnology led her to study various factors controlling growth and differentiation of plant cell exploring novel approaches. She has demonstrated mass multiplication of elite Bamboo with improved culm formation. Besides, she has been working on number of medicinal plants and has standardized methods for their rapid multiplication and in vitro production of bioactive molecules. Dr Thengane has made innovative and novel changes in the existing available tissue culture protocols in Sugarcane propagation and has successfully demonstrated a lab to land technology. Her other significant investigations are on chemo-diversity and biodiversity on Calophyllum inophyllum, a plant having anti HIV activity where bioactive molecules have been induced in vitro and Garcinia where her studies have delineated for the first time biodiversity based on molecular markers and large scale in vitro propagation. She is an adviser to a private seed industry and demonstrated plant production via somatic embryogenesis in Okra, a necessary step in genetic engineering. Her passion for teaching brought her into academic activities where she is actively engaged in teaching, acted as a resource person in numerous refresher courses and participated in national and international conferences and symposiums. Dr. (Mrs.) Thengane has an impressive list of publications in national and international journals. Considering all her achievements and outstanding contributions in the field of plant biotechnology, recommend her name for Fellow of our academy.

Proposer: Dr. V.A. Bapat, Seconder: Dr. G.A. Ravishankar Ten Best Publications: 1. Kiran D. Pawar and Shubhada R Thengane, 2009. Influence of hormones and medium components on expression of dipyranocoumarins in cell suspension cultures of Calophyllum inophyllum L., Process Biochemistry, 44(8): 916-922 (IF: 3.149; CI : 4). 2. K.D. Pawar, S.P.Joshi, S.R Bhide & S.R Thengane, 2007. Pattern of anti HIV dipyranocoumarin expression in callus cultures of Calophyllum inophyllum Linn Journal of Biotechnology, 130: 346-353 (IF: 2.74; CI : 4) 3. S.R. Thengane, S.R Deodhar, S.V.Bhosle, S.K.Rawalln, 2006. Repetitive somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Garcinia indica Choiss, vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Plant, 42 (3): 256-261 (IF: 0.503; CI : 5) 4. S.R.Thengane, S.V.Bhosle, S.R. Deodhar, K.D. Pawar, D.K.Kulkarni. 2006. Micropropagation of Indian La U),e I (Calophyllum inophyllum) a source of anti- HIV compounds, Current Science, 90 (10):1393-1397 (IF: 0.567; CI : 1) 5. S.R. Thengane, S.R. Deodhar, S.V. Bhosle & SK Rawal. 2006. Direct somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Garcinia indica Choiss. Current Science, 91 (8): 1074-1078 (IF: 0.567; CI : 2), 6. S.R. Thengane, O.K. Kulkarni and K.V. Krishnamurthy, 2003. Influence of medium composition on callys induction and camptothecin (s) accumulation in Nothapodytes foetida, Plant cell Tissue & Org. Cult. 72: 247- 251 (IF: 1.017; CI : 13) 7. Anjali A. Kulkarni, S.R. Thengane and K. V. Krishnarnughy, 1996. Direct in vitro regeneration of leaf explants of Withania somnifera L. Dunal, Plant Science 119: 163-168 (IF: 1.974; CI : 9). 8. Shubhada Thengane, SV Paranjpe, S.S. Khuspe and AF. 1986. Mascarenhas, Hybridization of Gossypium species through in-ovulo embryo culture Plant Cell. Tissue and Organ Culture, 6: 209-219 (IF: 1.017; CI : 5). 9. S. R Thengane, M.S. Joshi, S.S. Khuspe and A F. Mascarenhas, 1994. Anther culture in Helianthus annuus L.; Influence of genotype and culture conditions on embryo induction and plant regeneration PI. Cell. Rep. 13: 222-226 (IF: 1.946; CI : 13) 10. M. V. Shirgurkar S.R Thengane, I. S. Poonawala, M.M. Jana, S. Nadgauda, AF. Mascarenhas, 1996. A Simple in vitro method of propagation and rhizome formation in Denarocetemus strictus Nees, Cur. Sci. 70(10): 940-943 (IF : 0.567; CI : 9).

Documents

Nomination Book/Biological Sciences - Book I.pdf · CONFIDENTIAL (For use of Fellows of the Academy only) The National Academy of Sciences, India NOMINATIONS Valid for Consideration