Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

Dr R.A. Mashelkar’s Interview

admabhushan Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, FRS, during his distinguished tenure of over eleven years as the Director General P of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), transformed the organization into a user-focused and performance-driven R&D platform that laid great stress on innovation-centred development. The CSIR’s changeover has been receiving accolades from all quarters— be it business houses, management experts, eminent scientists or political leadership.

Dr Mashelkar will lay down his office on 31 December 2006, giving reins of CSIR to it s new Capt ain, Padmashri Dr V. Prakash, who, prior to his new assignment, was Director of Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore.

On the eve of relinquishing his office, in his interview given to Dr B.C. Kashyap, Editor of CSIR News, Dr Mashelkar talks about his impressions of the fantastic tenure that he had as the CEO of CSIR Inc.

BCK: CSIR News congratulates Prof Jayant Narlikar in his book turnover, will relinquish your office you, on behalf of the whole CSIR ‘Scientific Edge” termed the CSIR as DG, CSIR at the end of family, on a fantastic tenure as transformation as one of the top ten December. How do you feel? Director General — the Chief Indian achievements of the past Executive Officer of CSIR. The century. RAM: It is a wonderful feeling to transformed CSIR is today receiving hand over the charge to Dr Prakash, accolades from all quarters— be it The World Bank has recommended a dynamic leader from within the business houses, management ‘CSIR as a model on how countries CSIR system. I have no doubt that experts, eminent scientists or can harness their top quality with his unbound energy, political leadership. scientific research institutions to the enthusiasm and commitment to task of industrial technology CSIR, he will take it to great heights. The cover story of one of the issues development, innovation, and global I am also delighted to see that Dr of Business India has observed: competitiveness’. Ramasami is the Secretary of “CSIR labs have been transformed Department of Science & by the power of enterprise and And Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Technology. We thus have two of the proactive management…” Then, in Singh in a CSIR Society meeting excellent leaders from within CSIR, ‘A Case Book of Companies in expressed his happiness at seeing Prakash and Ramasami, at the helm Transformation’ CSIR has earned the “CSIR flying higher and farther” of affairs of Indian Science. With laurel of being “World Class in India” and congratulated CSIR “ for the Harsh Gupta, again from CSIR, only for the transformation it has remarkable transformation into a recently relinquishing charge as managed in post-liberalized India. performance-driven and user- Secretary of Department of Ocean (together with Infosys, Wipro, focused organization”. Development, we are beginning to see science leaders from CSIR Hindustan Lever, Reliance, Ranbaxy emerging at a national level. That is and others). Sir, you, who orchestrated the CSIR a great feeling.

374 CSIR NEWS Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

Three memorable moments of 1 July 1995

Clockwise from top left:

• Taking over from Dr S. K. Joshi as DG, CSIR

• Listening to the advice of Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

• Planning the next decade with Shri S.C. Kalra, Personal Secretary

BCK: You have been leading CSIR accolades in both science and BCK: Coming back to the question, for over eleven years now. How was business by getting elected to Royal how do you compare CSIR of the it in 1995 and how is it in 2006? Society and also winning the JRD past, with the CSIR at present? Tata Corporate Leadership Award RAM: Well, 2005-06 has been great in the same year. RAM: CSIR of 1995 and that of 2006 for CSIR! It is an year in which we are two different entities. This had the highest number of scientific RAM: Yes, 1998 was a lucky year. I shows up in all its performance research papers with the highest was elected as FRS. Also that year, indicators, both tangible and quality ever. In terms of our I was given the JRD Tata Corporate intangible. earnings, we touched the highest Leadership Award. Aditya Birla and figure – with the private sector Narayanamurthy were the BCK: What are these tangible earnings also touching the highest earlier winners. Premji of WIPRO indictors? ever. So we have had the best year followed me. I often used to in both science and business! joke that I was sandwiched RAM: An organization engaged in between the great Narayanamurthy scientific and industrial research is BCK: Best in science and best in and the great Premji. This was the conventionally judged on the basis business is what you have achieved case of Saraswati getting of some standard parameters. Let all along! Let me remind you that in sandwiched with Lakshmi on either us look at them. As regards basic 1998, you yourself got the highest side! scientific research from 1995 to

30 DECEMBER 2006 375 Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

2005, we moved from 1576 to 3018 on own earnings. Our ambition also are a TEAM CSIR. There are more SCI publications. Our average underwent a sharp change. We than 55 networked projects, where impact factor per paper rose from hardly had any projects, which were anywhere from 3 to 19 laboratories 0.89 to over 2. The foreign patents over Rs. 20 crores. Now, we have are working together. CSIR talent portfolio held by CSIR moved from over 50 projects, some of them networks drawn across the nation 72 to 1251. We are thus building our reaching even Rs. 200 crores! In fact, are a powerful force to reckon with stock of intellectual capital that when I went to the Cabinet today. makes CSIR a valuable Committee on Economic Affairs organization. The earnings based on (CCEA) with the 135 crores SARAS BCK: How did you manage to our contract research increased aircraft project, that was the first create the spirit of this TEAM with the accumulated surpluses time in the history that CSIR had CSIR? (equivalent to the profit of an ever gone to CCEA –our first industry) crossing Rs. 400 crores, an project over 100 crores! Now, of RAM: I believe it was important to eight-fold increase! Today, we course, we have made it a habit to carry this message across the supplement Government funding go to CCEA! laboratories, not just across through our own earnings, the only Directors. I think I created a record R&D organization to do so! BCK: To an outsider, what are the by visiting all the 40 laboratories changes visible in CSIR? across the country within my very BCK: What were the other tangible first year as a DG! And there I just changes? RAM: All these numbers are fine – did not sit in the Boardrooms. I but I feel that there is a great ‘smell’ moved in the labs, where the real RAM: Our spending on capital to CSIR of today. When I took over action was. I addressed all the equipment moved from Rs. 25 as DG, CSIR, I found that our 40 members of the laboratory together crores to over Rs. 300 crores, which laboratories had behaved as 40 conveying this message of TEAM includes our own contribution based independent laboratories. Today, we CSIR.

Keen observer during laboratory visits. Dr V. Prakash, DG (designate) and then Director, CFTRI, is in the background Always enthusing and guiding young scientists

376 CSIR NEWS Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

Engaging with Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2000) and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh (2005)

BCK: Did ‘CSIR Vision 2001’, that We put quantitative targets for BCK: When you took over as DG- you articulated play any role? CSIR as a whole by 2001. This was CSIR, there existed a big cultural in terms of our earnings, patents, divide between the R&D institutions RAM: Yes, I believe this was an technologies, etc. The laboratories and the industry owing to the important milestone. We brought started thinking as to what each one missing science-business link from this out after a wide consultation of them could do to contribute to the Indian scene. Has it changed at with our stakeholders, both internal achieving this collective target of all? as well as external. I remember, Dr CSIR. In fact, I was very happy to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, our President, see that many laboratories came out RAM: Yes, indeed. There was a big was a member of the Advisory with their own Vision 2001 divide. For example, the products Board. He is a great friend and documents to align with CSIR Vision coming out of CSIR were packages guide for CSIR. When I spoke about 2001 containing knowledge and Vision 2001, he said, “Why don’t you information, whereas for industry, have Vision 2020?” I still remember BCK: When did you really feel that they are saleable goods and services. my response. I said, “I retire in TEAM CSIR had arrived? CSIR used to strive by scientific 2002. I will like to be judged before novelty, whereas the driver for I retire.” Of course, as it turns out, RAM: The most touching moment industry is market attractiveness I am retiring only in 2006. That is was on the 11 May 1998, when we alone. CSIR’s focus was on perceived another matter! had CSIR Directors’ Conference in needs, whereas industry only focuses Bangalore. The theme of that on market needs. And from this BCK: But how did the Vision Conference was TEAM CSIR. I was cultural divide, to have a prestigious document help create an alignment? deeply touched when in a charged magazine like Business India go out closing ceremony, all the Directors of the way to do a cover story on RAM: I will put it simply. CSIR spontaneously signed on a single CSIR was remarkable. The editorial laboratories were like magnetic declaration saying, “India matters to applauded CSIR by saying “CSIR needles all pointing in diverse us. It is our endeavour that we shall labs have been transformed by the directions. ‘CSIR Vision 2001’ was matter to India, more”. This was a power of enterprise and proactive like a magnet, which reoriented all perfect alignment of all the leaders management.” You can’t get a better the needles in the same direction. for a common goal. certificate!

30 DECEMBER 2006 377 Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

Best in Science

Being inducted as FRS (1998) by the Nobel Laureate Aaron Klug, Receiving the Star of Asia (2005) award at the hands of President of the Royal Society. Only the third Indian Engineer in George Bush, Sr, former President of USA; the 20th century to have been so honoured the first Asian Scientist to receive it

Receiving the TWAS Medal (2005) for Science from President Mubarak of Egypt, in Alexandria

Being inducted as Foreign Associate of US National Academy of Science th (2005) by President Prof. Cicerzone. Only the 8 Indian in over 140 years to be so honoured.

Equally at ease with Science & Business. Meeting Sir Harry Kroto, the Nobel Laureate, Along with President, ASSOCHAM

378 CSIR NEWS Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

Best in Business

During the award ceremony of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence Receiving the JRD Tata Corporate Leadership in Public Administration And Management Sciences (2002), seen with Award (1998) at the hands of Shri Krishan Kant, Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Shri L. K. Advani Vice President of India – first scientist to receive this award.

Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award of Indian Science Congress Association (2004) at the hands of Dr Manmohan Singh

Receiving Dadabhai Naoroji Memorial Award (2002) for contributions to Advancing S&T in India at the hands of President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam During Lifetime Achievement Award (2006) ceremony with Shri Kapil Sibal

30 DECEMBER 2006 379 Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

Meeting three US Presidents

George Bush Sr., George Bush Jr. Bill Clinton

BCK: But apart from CSIR itself BCK: Can you give some examples? RAM: Yes, I believe so. CSIR’s partnering with business, I think fighting the wrong patent on wound you played even a greater role by RAM: Yes, indeed. After 1963, there healing property of turmeric granted getting this movement across the was no new drug on TB. It was by the US patent office was a classic country through path-breaking NMITLI, which brought in example. Here, CSIR made its initiatives such as NMITLI. ‘Sudoterb’, a completely new business something that was not its chemical entity, which clears TB in business. This was the first time that RAM: Yes, indeed. New Millennium two months and not six to eight a developing country formally Indian Technology Leadership months. A real breakthrough that protested against the piracy of its Initiative (NMITLI) was a new the world was looking for! We traditional knowledge. Winning the adventure. There was a huge created world-class products in turmeric patent battle gave the paradigm shift. Indian industry had bioinformatics such as Bio-suite by nation a confidence. It brought invariably looked at those areas linking an IT leader such as TCS clarity at international level. where markets were certain with nineteen top institutions. (because there were imported Everyone is looking for a computer BCK: But was it not very simple to products in the market place) and for hundred dollars. NMITLI win this turmeric case? technologies were certain (because created Mobilis, an innovative all that one had to do was to copy mobile PC with a potential to meet RAM: Yes, it was not difficult. We these products by reverse that price line. There are several had all the evidence. To me, engineering). However, NMITLI such breakthroughs in the pipeline. turmeric fight was a ‘symbolic’ fight. positioned itself in a quadrant, NMITLI has been CSIR’s gift to the I think this symbolism was where technologies were uncertain nation — creating a new spirit of beautifully captured by Shri and markets were uncertain. This adventure, which Indian industry Gopalakrishna Gandhi, Governor of meant risk taking. I dare say that and Indian institutions had never West Bengal, while inaugurating the NMITLI was the first programme, seen. national symposium on IPR on 12 which encouraged not only risk- August 2005. He had said, “The taking but tolerance towards BCK: You had always believed that course of events in India and the failures. It brought in a paradigm CSIR must go beyond the call of duty position of India with reference to shift in the way we do things and and make a difference to the nation. the rest of the world, it can truly be the kind of cutting edge products we Have we done it during your said, has been altered by two can create. tenure? substances. The first is salt. And all

380 CSIR NEWS Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

of us know of the impact patenting.” How has of the 1930 Salt CSIR addressed that? Satyagraha. There was one person associated RAM: Yes. I am proud with that Satyagraha to say that CSIR and I do not have to tell propagated the culture this audience who it was. of patent literacy in the The second substance is country. CSIR’s foreign turmeric. The patent portfolio was 72 recognition by the in 1995. It stands at US patent authorities of 1251 today. The India’s claims on the criticism about subject of turmeric, has ‘unnecessary patenting’ not only been our victory Contributing to the meeting of Commission of Intellectual Property is somewhat Rights, Innovation & Public Health as its Vice-chair. In the middle is the but has been the victory Chair, Madame Ruth Dreifuss, the former President of Switzerland misplaced. Worldwide of a major principle in experience shows that the Patent Laws of the world and achievement. only 5% of the patents get the one commercialized and CSIR’s record name associated with that victory is BCK: But what will TKDL finally is certainly much better than that. that of Dr R.A. Mashelkar.” I achieve? A Committee of eminent experts set was deeply touched by his remarks. up by our Minister as a result of the RAM: Well, the creation of TKDL Cabinet decision has reviewed the BCK: But apart from the symbolic involves codification of traditional performance of CSIR vis-à-vis its value, did this not serve a bigger knowledge database, classification IPR management. The Committee purpose of global awareness of and also its linkage to the has internationally benchmarked traditional knowledge? international patent classification CSIR. It is full of praise of CSIR’s system. In other words, a Sanskrit performance. RAM: Yes, it did. I was the Shloka gets connected with the PC Chairman of SCIT of WIPO with of a patent examiner in Washington, BCK: But as you yourself had once over 170 member nations. I asked and that too in a system that he said, these are ‘wars in the as to in what way the traditional understands. Not only will knowledge market’. Do we have the knowledge is different from the the wrong patents not be given on acumen to win these wars? knowledge generated in formal our traditional knowledge now laboratories. After all, it has been but also you will have this rich RAM: Let us again get to generated by our ancestors who value-added database, which will fundamentals. You know, it is an have worked in ‘laboratories of life’ help us in undertaking research on intellectual war that one is fighting for centuries. It was then that the creating new products. So, TKDL and it requires an intelligent idea of Traditional Knowledge achieves preservation, protection as strategy. For example, one patent Digital Library (TKDL) was born. well as promotion of new by MOBIL on ZSM5 catalyst was TKDL has made a paradigm innovations. surrounded by 150 patents! CSIR shift in preserving the rich needs to learn this strategy and so heritage of India’s traditional BCK: You spoke about the lack of does the nation. Also don’t forget knowledge and protecting it from patent literacy among scientists. In that we are relatively new in the piracy. Just last month, 21 nations 1996, CSIR was the first organization game. Licensing will follow. Big met in Delhi and desired to create to declare a formal IP Policy. On the winners will emerge in time to TKDLs by seeking India’s advice flip side there has been some recent come. They are beginning to emerge and assistance. This is a big criticism about “unnecessary already.

30 DECEMBER 2006 381 Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

Meeting President Bush (2006) Sharing a lighter moment with the legendary industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani

BCK: Can you give us an example keep on collecting singles, but it will RAM: Yes, indeed I am. For of such big wins? have to hit some big sixes like IMT example, we are creating jobs for the has done as we go along poor. We are creating technologies RAM: Oh! Yes. Just recently, IMT’s for affordable drinking water. We are breakthrough on clot specific BCK: But this is all about wealth creating affordable drugs for the streptokinase was licensed to a creation. That is about managing the poor. For example, CIMAP’s company. While signing, the CMD ‘economic’ bottom line. breakthrough on menthol mint has of the company said that they would But what about the other bottom not only meant displacing China to not have looked at the innovation, if lines, the social and the the second position as an exporting it was not covered with US and environmental? nation but also having 70% of European patents! Tell me, who will menthol production in India with sign in millions of dollars in an RAM: I am a strong believer in the more than 5 million man-days of jobs innovation, which can be poached triple bottom line. In fact, we had created, essentially for the poor. easily? The down payment for this created a Mission Statement in CSIR breakthrough on the E-MAL, deal is 5 million dollars and the 1996 for CSIR, the first time ever. which is an anti-malaria drug for royalty, which IMT will get is 5% of Let me repeat it for you. “To provide cerebral malaria, has meant supply the sales turnover. Of course, we scientific industrial R&D that of these drugs not only to the will have to keep our fingers crossed maximizes the economic, Indians, but to 48 nations in the that the molecule will hit the environment & societal benefits world, many of them from sub- marketplace. There can be many a for the people of the nation.” Saharan Africa. CSIR’s slip between the cup and the lip. CII has set up awards for breakthrough, which provides However, if it does hit the market, companies that excel in making bacteria and virus-free drinking it could be a billion dollar drug. This these triple bottom lines now. That water at 4-paise per litre, has means returns to IMT of around 50 is wonderful. But CSIR did it 10 penetrated many schools in villages. million dollar per year. And this will years ago. CLRI was the saviour of Indian come to a laboratory, whose annual leather industry. CLRI brought budget is not even 3 million dollars BCK: Are you happy with CSIR’s back tanneries that were closed due per year today! Let me use a efforts to create such triple bottom to pollution by developing green cricketing terminology. CSIR has to line so far? technology. This saved several

382 CSIR NEWS Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

thousands of jobs for the Institutes of Technology by changing CRRI) contributed so handsomely. underprivileged poor. And I can their governance structure as well Other Mashelkar committees on give you dozens of other examples. as by switching the funding to Spurious Drugs, Patentability, etc. CSIR must continue to make high the Central Government. This has dealt with difficult issues too. technology work for the poor. been done. I am particularly proud of this. BCK: In all, there have been twelve BCK: Your stint in Delhi is not only high-powered Mashelkar known for your tenure as DG, CSIR BCK: This is all about higher Committees, which seems to be some but also for several Mashelkar education. But what about industry? kind of a record. While you were Committees that were constituted doing all this report from your other by the Government. Many of them RAM: The Committee on R&D in national and international dealt with controversial national Drugs and Pharmaceuticals that I commitments, it appeared that there issues. How did you manage all this? headed had eminent members such were ten Mashelkars at work! One as the current Deputy Governor of of them was scientist Mashelkar of RAM: I have been used to having Reserve Bank of India, Dr Rakesh course! We have seen that your Mashelkar Committees right from Mohan and great pioneers such as research publication record since mid 80’s, when I was in NCL! When the late Dr Parvinder Singh of 1995 till today has remained intact. the Bhopal disaster took place, Ranbaxy. We were able to bring out How did you manage this? where over 2000 people died due to a report, which had far reaching MIC leakage, I was appointed the consequences. A fund of Rs. 150 RAM: Basically, I am a scientist at technical assessor for the one-man crores per annum has been created heart. Doing science is not work for Inquiry Commission by the with Department of Science & me; it is relaxation. Therefore, I had Government. When I was at NCL, Technology for drug development two addresses; one as DG, CSIR in I chaired the Committee to promotion, which was a Delhi and the other one as the investigate into the accident in recommendation of the Committee. Research Scientist in my group at Maharashtra Gas Cracker Complex, The Committee on Recombinant National Chemical Laboratory. I Nagothane, set up by the Pharma that I chaired recently spent all my weekends and holidays Government of India, where 34 created a real ‘hassle free’ path for in my laboratory. Managing time is people had died. I am gratified that Indian biopharma industry. They the issue. I remember my students consecutive Governments thought of are all so happy. used to come to Pune airport with referring issues of national the research results in the last week importance to several Mashelkar BCK: These were relatively non- and we would use those 45 minutes Committees over the last decade. controversial committees, but did discussing these results till we you chair some controversial reached the lab! BCK: Could you tell us about a few committees also? of the Mashelkar committees that BCK: We are proud that you are the you can particularly look back with RAM: Yes, indeed. National Auto only third Indian engineer to have satisfaction? Fuel Policy Committee, which I been elected as Fellow of Royal chaired was a big challenge. We Society (FRS), London in the RAM: I chaired a Committee to look brought out a pragmatic and twentieth century. You are the only at reforms and restructuring of balanced report, which gave a sound 8th Indian to have been elected as Regional Engineering Colleges and solid road map, which has been Foreign Associate of National (REC), which have a status appreciated nationwide. Our Academy of Science (USA) since next to IITs. We made a recommendations were totally 1863. These two are considered as recommendation that RECs should evidence based. Three of our some of the highest recognitions in be converted into National laboratories (IIP, NEERI and science. How did you achieve this?

30 DECEMBER 2006 383 Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

st RAM: I suppose I was very lucky. at a new high. But we must raise BCK: What will happen after 1 In fact, when I became FRS I our ambition. How do we do that? January, 2007? received many congratulatory From Light Canard Research messages. One of them was from Aircraft (LCRA), we moved to a two- RAM: I will get back into my another FRS from UK. He said in seater all-composite aircraft HANSA research laboratory at NCL to work his congratulatory message, “only and now to a 14-seater SARAS. In as CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow. From two great things can now happen to the Eleventh Five Year Plan, we are ‘weekend research’ now, this will you now, one is death and the other planning the first phase of a 70- mean ‘full time research’. I feel so is Nobel Prize”. The first one is seater regional aircraft. We are thus happy. certain and the second is uncertain. raising our ambition every year and So enjoy your moment of glory! Well, trying to fly higher and further. This BCK: So it will be research and there may be a bit of an exaggeration is just an example. We must nothing else? here, but it still makes the point. continue to do this in everything we do. The biggest challenge for CSIR RAM: No, No. That is not the case. BCK: This is good. But what worries of tomorrow will be to continue to My 2007 diary is already getting full! us is that in over 60 years, for the remain relevant in the dynamically Recently, the world famous research exclusively done in CSIR, changing environment and also to be economist Jeffry Sachs sent me an there have been only two scientists, able to attract the best talent, since e-mail congratulating me on who become FRS, one is yourself the competition for talent in India becoming the ‘ DG of Global CSIR’! and the other is Dr A.P. Mitra. And is going to be increasingly severe. Let me explain what has happened. in over 60 years, you are the only Just as we have CSIR in India we Foreign Associate of US National BCK: Finally, how would you like have CSIR - like institutions in Asia Academy of Science. Does it not to be remembered? Pacific, Europe, USA and South worry you? Africa. The leading ones have got RAM: Out of the 37 years of my together to form Global Research RAM: Well, not really. You will see professional life, I have spent 30 Alliance (GRA). This alliance will big winners emerging soon. The years in CSIR. This is half of my represent a mighty strength of average quality of research in CSIR life. CSIR’s age and my age, by the around 60,000 scientists and has gone up enormously in the last way, are almost the same. I feel engineers with over 6 billion dollar decade. What we need are more extraordinarily privileged that I was budgets. I have been elected as its breakthroughs from CSIR and more given an opportunity to lead in first President. My role will be that science that can make such a almost one sixth of CSIR’s journey. of a Chief Mentor to help GRA in difference that science will take a I would like to be remembered as creating a global good through little right or left turn. The fact that an individual, who created a ‘global funding by using our in 2005, we had such peaks that we Team CSIR spirit. One who combined and unique global talent’. had nine coverages on the cover raised its ambition and led this To me, this is a huge challenge. pages of top scientific research unique transformation process, journals indicates that we are which has been applauded BCK: What else will you be doing? arriving there. worldwide. An eminent scientist such as Jayant Narlikar in his book RAM: Well, I have been elected as BCK: How do you look at the future ‘Scientific Edge’ named CSIR’s the President of Institution of CSIR? transformation in the nineties as one Chemical Engineers, UK. As a of the top ten achievements of chemical engineer, I feel greatly RAM: CSIR today is on a very strong Indian Science & Technology in the honoured. In fifty years, I am the footing. Its budgets, team spirit, its 20th Century. What can be more first non-English President, that too performance level and its image are satisfying? in its Golden Jubilee year! I see

384 CSIR NEWS Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

that India is on the move, whether BCK: Well, in the post-liberalized seen the best of you still – the best its people or its products. India, if there was one individual, is yet to come. May your life and who had the courage of conviction work continue to inspire generations BCK: What do you mean by that? that India could turn the wheel the of scientists and technologists in our full circle, it was you, Dr Mashelkar. country”. So according to him, your RAM: Fifty years ago, an As a member of the CSIR family, I best is yet to come! Englishman Dr McBain was the feel proud that you were our DG too. Director of National Chemical RAM: Well, it was our gracious, Laboratory. Today, an Indian from RAM: Thank you. You are so large-hearted Prime Minister, who India is going to preside over a gracious. had these characteristically kind prestigious UK institution. words. About his expectation of very Similarly, 50 year ago, it was a British BCK: Finally, I will like to quote ‘best yet to come’, I will simply say Morris Oxford that was sold as an from what our Prime Minister said that in whatever I have done, I have Indian Ambassador on Indian roads. about you on 26 September 2006 tried to give my ‘very best’. I will Today, it is an Indian Indica that is during the S.S. Bhatnagar Prize try to do that till the very last day of being sold as Cityrover on London ceremony. He said, “We all are my life. I only hope that ‘my best’ roads. This is the emergence of a proud of your achievements but I will be considered to be ‘good New India. In fifty years, the wheel conclude by expressing the hope and enough’ by this great nation, which has turned the full circle. prayer that perhaps we have not has given me so much in such abundance.

MajorMajor ContributionsContributions byby DrDr R.R. A. A. MashelkarMashelkar

LEADERSHIP IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

n post liberalized India (since championing the process of India’s • Elected Foreign Associate of US 1991), Mashelkar has been a emergence as a global R&D platform, National Academy of Engineering Ikey figure in redefining the new etc. (2003) – honour coming to an direction of Indian Science & Indian in India after 14 years. Technology, driving NATIONAL AND commercialization of scientific INTERNATIONAL • Elected Fellow of Royal Society research, institutional RECOGNITION (London) in 1998. The third transformation, launching IPR Indian Engineer to be elected in movement, protecting India’s • Elected Foreign Associate of the twentieth century. traditional knowledge and linking it US National Academy of • to formal S&T to create globally Science (2005) – after 1863, only Elected (effective 1.1.2007) competitive products, 7 Indians have been so honoured. First President of Global masterminding the most successful Considered as one of the Research Alliance formed by public-private partnership, highest honours after Nobel 9 CSIR-like institutions from (NMITLI), conceptualizing and Prize. Asia-Pacific, Europe and USA

30 DECEMBER 2006 385 Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

with over 50,000 scientists and total budget running into billions.

• Elected President, Institution of Chemical Engineers (UK) in its Golden Jubilee year. The first ever non-English President to be elected.

• President of Indian National Science Academy (2005-2007).

• The First Asian to be honoured by World Federation of Engineering Organization’s (WFEO) Medal of Engineering Excellence (2003).

• The First Scientist to be awarded the prestigious Stars of Asia Award of Business Week Embracing his legendary Guru, Prof M. M. Sharma (USA). Received at the hands of George Bush Sr., Former S&T CONTRIBUTION products). This model is being President, USA. promoted by other funding agencies. New Millennium Indian National Innovation Foundation • The first Indian to deliver the (NIF) prestigious Zuckerman Lecture Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) (2003), London; General Section Founding NIF and chairing the President, British Association of Governing Body of NIF; has been Masterminded the NMITLI Advancement of Science responsible for giving recognition programme; the biggest (2003). and creating reward systems for the Public-Private partnership in innovations of thousands of grass • independent India. Within a short Received D.Sc. (honoris causa) root innovators, which include span of 5 years, NMITLI has from 26 universities including illiterate farmers, artisans, networked over 65 private Universities of Wisconsin (USA), fishermen, school dropouts, industries and over 200 institutions. London (UK), and Pretoria housewives, etc. During 2004, over This represents a paradigm shift in (South Africa); 50,000 entries were received. The Indian science (which had hardly growth is exponential. • Won 40 national awards for S&T, partnered the private sector) the leadership, quality, HRD, etc. private sector (which had hardly ORIGINAL These include : Dadabhai worked on risky projects with Naoroji Award and JRD Tata leadership potential), Government CONTRIBUTIONS TO Corporate Leadership Award funding (private sector is being SCIENTIFIC AND (first scientist to win it after its funded for risky projects with high INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH inception), Lal Bahadur Shastri failure possibility), as well as National Award (given to philosophy (Indian leadership rather Mashelkar’s basic research (over Indians on a global basis), etc. than incremental follow on 230 publications) has seen some

386 CSIR NEWS Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

As Chairman of National Innovation Foundation, rewarding grassroot innovations

breakthroughs. Synthetic hydrogels have been considered as potential candidates for mimicking life. Being honoured with D.Sc (Hon. Causa) by Pretoria University, Sensitivity, selectivity, mobility, South Africa (2000). One of his 26 D.Sc (Hon. Causa) memory, self-organization, self- healing and enzyme-like activity are some of the attributes of living phenomenon. His path breaking networks resolved anomalies, which materials. Among these, the last work on the role of energetic had remained unexplained for the last three attributes have been interactions in transient polymeric thirty years. demonstrated by Mashelkar for the first time. It was Mashelkar, who demonstrated biomimetic switching NATIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS THROUGH hydrogels (gelzymes), the discovery MASHELKAR COMMITTEES of molecular recognition induced macroscopic reversible morphological transitions and the discovery of self- Mashelkar has chaired several Mashelkar Committees have made healing phenomena in gels. important high-powered committees a major difference. His unified transient network at National level during the last 10 The Mashelkar Committee on models for analyzing the wall-slip years in diverse fields dealing with ‘National Auto Fuel Policy’ has given problem have opened up new vistas. higher education, institutional India a policy that uses an His pioneering work on role of restructuring, energy, research and integrated approach by taking a convective constraint release is the development, telecom, national auto holistic view, which balances diverse first ever-direct molecular fuel policy, spurious drugs, aspects of emission, auto level interpretation of the wall-slip recombinant pharma, etc. These technologies and auto fuel quality on

30 DECEMBER 2006 387 Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

the one hand and the social cost and CONTRIBUTIONS TO Organisation (Geneva), Mashelkar security of fuel supply on the other. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY strongly advocated that traditional This exhaustive scientific evidence- MOVEMENT knowledge be treated at par with based analysis in a unique landmark industrial property systems, which in policy setting in India. led to the creation of Traditional The Mashelkar Committee Based on a world wide opinion poll Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL). (2003-2005), International Journal report on ‘Review of Regional Fought successfully in changing ‘Managing Intellectual Property’ Engineering Colleges’ was fully the International Patent has listed Mashelkar as being one accepted and implemented by the Classification System to include the of the 50 most influential people in government. Seventeen Regional Indian traditional knowledge, which intellectual property from 19 Engineering Colleges have been is a breakthrough for the entire countries around the world. converted to National Institutes of developing world. Technology, while changing the Mashelkar was responsible for entire pattern of funding as well as creating practically a ‘national In June 2006, the Cabinet took governance. movement’ on IPR through his the decision to entrust the visionary campaign with Indian responsibility of providing access to Mashelkar Committee on ‘R&D academics, researchers and TKDL for international patent in Drugs and Pharmaceuticals’ has led corporates. offices to CSIR. to several changes, including giving a new vision to this vital sector Under his leadership, CSIR As a member of the prestigious including setting up a Drug occupied the first position in International IPR Commission set Development Promotion WIPO’s top fifty PCT filers among up by UK Government (2001) played Foundation with the formation of Rs all the developing nations in 2002. a crucial role in making 150 crore annual fund. CSIR has maintained recommendations, which balance Mashelkar Committee on ‘A unprecedented 30%- 40% share of the rights of the poor. This has made Comprehensive Examination of Drug the US patents granted to Indians a major impact on international Regulatory Issues, including the in India during the last three years. thinking on IPR and development. As a One Man Review Committee Problem of Spurious Drugs’ has led He spearheaded the challenge of World Wide Academy (WWA) of to a new legislation as well as of the success revocation of the US WIPO, gave a new developing-world proposed fundamental changes in patent on wound-healing properties orientation to WWA. the Indian drug regulatory system, of turmeric (USP 5,401,5041) and so that it becomes world class. chaired the Technical committee, As a Vice-President of the Mashelkar Committee on which successfully challenge the Prestigious WHO Commission on ‘Recombinant Pharma’ has revocation of the US patents on IPR, Innovation & Public Health eliminated the multiple regulatory Basmati Rice (USP 5,663,484) by (2004-06) played a critical role in controls and it has been heralded by RiceTec Company, Texas (2001). giving a road map for affordable Indian biotechnology industry. This has opened up new paradigms drugs for the poor. in the protection of traditional Mashelkar Committee in ‘ICAR Currently chairing the knowledge, not only for India but reorganisation’ has suggested Committee on Technical Expert also for the entire developing world. sweeping changes in the working of Group of Patent Laws set up by the ICAR to make it a vibrant As the first Chairman of SCIT Government of India to decide about organization. of World Intellectual Property the patentability criteria.

388 CSIR NEWS Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

India pays tribute: A small compilation of the glowing accolades from across all strata of society Political Leadership

“In his many years as a most distinguished scientist, Dr Mashelkar has made valuable contributions in the areas of public policy, R&D Management and Innovation.” — Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India

Best is yet to come “To Dr Mashelkar, I have to say you have served our country and the cause of science “I would and technology with the greatest distinction. especially like On behalf of our people and our to compliment Government, I wish to convey to you our Dr Mashelkar, grateful regards. We all are proud of your who is in our achievements but I conclude by expressing midst. He is the hope and prayer that perhaps we have not seen the best of not only one of India’s foremost you still - the best is yet to come. May your life and work continue scientists, but he has also to inspire generations of scientists and technologists in our proved to be an able science country.” administrator. Under his —Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Speech at the CSIR leadership, CSIR has regained its dynamism, and prestige, Foundation Day function in Vigyan Bhawan,September New Delhi 2006) (26 besides showing itself to be capable of standing up to the challenges of liberalization and “I would like to congratulate CSIR for the remarkable globalization.” transformation into a performance-driven and user-focussed organization. The entire CSIR family deserves to be complimented — Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Former Prime Minister of for achieving this feat. I am happy to see that CSIR is flying higher India, Shanti Swarup and further.” Bhatnagar Prize Ceremony —Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, 25 May 1998 CSIR Society meeting, 26 July 2004

30 DECEMBER 2006 389 Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

“I am proud to say “Scientists are the primary that this flagship of agents through whom the ours, CSIR, has at its traditional societies are helm a man who has transformed into modern ones. It done us proud. He is is for the political leadership to a renowned scientist, facilitate this transformation. nationalist to the core The other day, I read a touching and brings laurels for story about how a very poor his country whenever Indian village boy struggled to come up in life, taking the benefit of education, he steps out of India. The foundation of an which was otherwise beyond his reach, with the institution is not a one activity but a help of others. Yet by his persistent endeavour and continuing process, which enables the supported by well-meaning and visionary people, institution to face the challenges of the he obtained quality higher education and came up future. To do this, we need a man with vision to occupy a crucial position in the scientific to mould such institutions. Dr Mashelkar establishments of his country. He was among those is a man of such vision. I am sure under his who had migrated to the West in search of greater leadership CSIR has a glorious future.” challenges and better opportunities for research —Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister for or to quote him, “in search of walls to paint,” but Science & Technology and Earth returned to the motherland when shown the right Sciences, Address at CSIR Foundation opportunity to excel and contribute to our own Day Function, 2005 nation building. By now you will be knowing whom I am talking about. He is none other than your “He is a combination of many things. He Director General, Dr Mashelkar.” has the curiosity of a child, maturity of a statesman and the vision of a man, who —Shri Somnath Chatterjee, Speaker, Lok Sabha, looks to the future and sees India in the at the CSIR Foundation Day celebration context of the future. He has the passion Function, 26 September 2005 of a man, who lives his life fully and he has actually instilled in the CSIR system, all the qualities that he personally possesses. That is why CSIR is today that it would be “A tribute to Dr Mashelkar is a 11 years from now. So, I think that it is tribute to the spirit of only befitting that before he leaves us at renaissance in Indian science the end of the month, we place on record and technology. “ our appreciation of the fact that he has contributed in a manner that perhaps none —Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Dy. Chairman, other has done in the long history of CSIR Planning Commission session of ‘Mind to Market’ since 1942.” Symposium organized by FICCI, 17 November 2006 —Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of Science & “Dr Mashelkar is not only a dangerous optimist, Technology and Earth Sciences, CSIR but an infectious optimist also.” Directors’ Conference, 10 December 2006 —Dr Montek Singh, Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission

390 CSIR NEWS Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

Corporate Leadership

“Dr Mashelkar’s vast “I would say Dr Mashelkar has set knowledge and standing up very high standards to achieve, is deceptively hidden by but he is well on his way to his great humility.” meeting some of these.” —Ratan Tata —Late Dr Parvindar Singh of Tata Group of Industries Ranbaxy

“Dr Mashelkar has brought about a new direction to the “Everybody calls Dr Mashelkar a management of dangerous optimist, but he is a scientific institutions catalyst, an explosive catalyst. in India by making Where he goes, an explosion of optimism occurs.” their research user-oriented with economic benefits. This is path- —Dr Vijay Bhatkar, Chairman, breaking. While the team at the helm ETH Laboratories, of CSIR has helped realize the goal, Dishnet DSL Ltd, Pune he as an individual has led them as one from within them. This approach makes all the difference.” —Mukesh Ambani “Under the dynamic leadership of Dr Reliance Industries Ltd R. A. Mashelkar, FRS, CSIR has been constantly renewing itself to be in tune with the needs and “CSIR CEO Ramesh challenges of a resurgent India.” has transformed our national laboratories to —Dr A. S. Ganguly Former Chairman, Hindustan Lever Ltd institutions of innovations and creativity. His qualities as a manager, “He always used to say that we administrator and of course, as a scientist should stand in the forefront of are truly outstanding. He is very technology and file patents in optimistic. In fact, my wife tells me that developed countries. I must admit whenever you are down, think of Dr that he has not only inspired Mashelkar, you will feel better, and this scientists in CSIR to create wealth is true.” by harnessing intellectual property, —Shri N. R. Narayanamurthy, Former but also all of us in the industry.” Chairman, Infosys Technologies Ltd. —Dr Anji Reddy Dr Reddy’s Laboratories

30 DECEMBER 2006 391 Mashelkar: Outgoing CEO of CSIR

Eminent Scientists

“Leader- “Dr Manager of Mashelkar, Science. “A man with the leader of Extraordinary adventurous the major person of spirit and full S&T agency many commitment in the country qualities.” to science, is a great product of India.” Ramesh will — Prof. M. M. Sharma, be remembered for his — Prof. C. N. R. Rao, Former Director, bold support to young Linus Pauling Research University of Mumbai scientists and entre- Professor and Honorary Institute of Chemical preneurs venturing into President, Jawaharlal Nehru Technology, Mumbai new ideas.” Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore —Dr Jayant Narlikar, Director, IUCAA, Pune “Wherever he goes he leaves an indelible “One of the mark-the finest things Mashelkar to have “I have mark. He is happened to never Mr Optimistic of India.” CSIR. ceased to —Prof. R. Kumar, …“Kohinoor marvel at (his) Fellow, Jawaharlal Nehru of Indian Science.” singular Centre for Advanced —Dr Arcot Ramachandran, Scientific Research, ability to Former DG, CSIR combine Bangalore first-rate science, the innovative development and transfer of technology and excellence in corporate st management.” “Mashelkar’s CSIR has the 21 Century written all over it” —Prof. M. S. Valiathan, Former President, INSA. —Roddam Narasimha, Former Director, NAL

Printed and Published by S. K. Rastogi on behalf of National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR), Dr K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi -110 012 and printed at NISCAIR Press, Dr K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi -110 012 Editor: Dr B.C.Kashyap; Associate Editors: Meenakshi; Vineet a Singhal; Editorial Assist ant: Neelima Handoo; Design: Pradip Banerjee; Sarla Dutt a; Production: Kaushal Kishore; Assist ance for this issue provided by Dr Sukanya Datta Phone: 25846301 Fax: 25847062 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; vineet [email protected]; W ebsite:http://www.niscair .res.in For subscription: The Sales & Distribution Of ficer, NISCAIR; E-mail: [email protected] Annual Subscription: Rs 200 Single Copy: Rs 10.00 Subscription Complaint No 25843359 392 RN 4512/57 CSIR NEWS