Padma Vibhushan

Dr. RaghunathMashelkar

A life dedicated to scientific excellence and advancing India’s intellectual property vision.

Dr. Mashelkar
Dr. Mashelkar
Dr. Mashelkar
Dr. Mashelkar
Dr. Mashelkar
Dr. Mashelkar

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I am a digital twin trained on his life's work. Ask me about my childhood in Mashel, the battle for turmeric, or my vision for India.

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A Message from Autonomix

On the occasion of your birthday, we reflect with gratitude on a life devoted to science, innovation, and service to society. Dr. Mashelkar's journey stands as a testament to intellectual rigour, ethical leadership, and a deep commitment to national progress.

The philosophy of "More from Less for More" has shaped not only institutions and policies, but also the way generations of innovators think about impact. It continues to guide how we approach problem-solving, responsibility, and innovation.

We are honoured to celebrate this enduring legacy and the inspiration it provides to all of us.

— Team Autonomix Innovative Solutions

The Man Behind the Legend

From humble beginnings in Mashel to the global stage, a journey defined by resilience and vision.

The Streetlight Scholar

Born in Mashel, Goa, and raised in a Mumbai chawl, his journey began in extreme poverty. Walking barefoot to school and studying under streetlights, he fought against the odds.

His defining moment came when his teacher, Mr. Bhave, demonstrated how a convex lens could focus the sun's rays to create fire."If you can focus your energies like this, you can achieve anything."

The Return to Serve

Despite a burgeoning career in the UK, he returned to India in 1976. Taking the helm of CSIR, he transformed it from a dormant academic body into a corporate powerhouse, bridging the gap between scientific research and industrial application.

The Warrior of Haldighati

Known as the "Warrior of Haldighati" for his historic victory against US patents on Turmeric and Basmati. He didn't just win a legal battle—he awakened the nation to the value of Intellectual Property Rights.

"Education is not about filling a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

Guiding Principle

Core Mantras

Inclusive InnovationMore from Less for MoreGandhian EngineeringHigh Tech, Low Cost

A Lifetime of Impact

Key milestones from Dr. Mashelkar's remarkable journey of scientific excellence.

1943

Early Life

1969

PhD in Chemical Engineering

1989

Director of NCL

1991

Padma Shri

1995

DG of CSIR

2000

Padma Bhushan

2014

Padma Vibhushan

Pillars of Influence

Beyond the awards, Dr. Mashelkar's true legacy lies in the paradigms he shifted and the institutions he built.

16 Mashelkar Committees

Chaired 16 high-powered committees on diverse national issues, from the National Auto-fuel Policy to drug regulatory reforms. His 1998 REC review led to the creation of India's NITs.

Gandhian Engineering

Pioneering the philosophy of 'More from Less for More'. Getting more performance from less resource for more people, ensuring technology serves the common man.

The Patent Warrior

Famously fought and won the battle against US patents on Turmeric and Basmati, awakening India to the power of Intellectual Property Rights.

Global Science Leader

Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), Foreign Associate of US National Academy of Science, and leader of CSIR's transformation into a corporate powerhouse.

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Honorary Doctorates
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Books Authored
Padma
Vibhushan
FRS
Fellow Royal Society

Literary Contributions

A glimpse into the prolific mind of a visionary. These works represent just a fraction of his extensive writings.

More From Less

More From Less

Reinventing India

Reinventing India

Timeless Inspirator

Timeless Inspirator

From Leapfrogging to Pole-vaulting

From Leapfrogging to Pole-vaulting

Words of Wisdom

Key moments, speeches, and interviews that capture the essence of his thought leadership.

Rising India Podcast

The Rising India: Exponential Growth

Dr. Mashelkar discusses his journey from humble beginnings to leading India's scientific revolution.

Harvard Business School

Furthering India's Competitiveness

A deep dive into how India can bolster its global stance in Research & Development and innovation.

Documentary

The Battle for Turmeric

The story of how Dr. Mashelkar fought the US Patent Office to protect India's traditional knowledge.

KPIT Sparkle

In Search of Greatness

Insights on leadership, innovation, and what it takes to transform a nation through science.