Birth Centenary of Inspirational Food Scientists held at CSIR-CFTRI

Mysore/Mysuru: Society of Biological Chemists (India), Mysore Chapter, in association with CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore and AFST (I), conducted a Symposium on ‘Food for our Future: The Role of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition’ on May 29 at CFTRI’s IFTTC auditorium in city.

It was organised in commemoration of the birth centenary year (1924-2024) of late Dr. M.R. Raghavendra Rao, late Dr. H.S.R. Desikachar and late Dr. M.S. Narasinga Rao, formerly Deputy Directors.

Dr. A. Jayadeep, formerly Chief Scientist and Head of FSAQCL/GST Department  and President, SBC(I), Mysore Chapter, welcomed. Dr. G. Muralikrishna, former Chief Scientist and Head, Department of Biochemistry, briefed about the scientists in whose honour the event was held.

The symposium was inaugurated by  Dr. V. Prakash, former Director of CSIR-CFTRI and former Distinguished Scientist of CSIR, by lighting the lamp.

Former Chief Scientists and Heads of Biochemistry, Grain Science Technology and Protein Chemistry and Technology of CSIR-CFTRI spoke about their close rapport with the centenarian Scientists.

Dr. N. Chandrasekhara, Dr. R.N. Tharanathan and Dr. P.V. Salimath lauded the biochemical knowledge, leadership, dynamism, organisational skills and discipline of Dr. M.R. Raghavendra Rao as well as the support he rendered to specific areas such as  spices, carbohydrate chemistry and novel enzymes.

Dr. Rao’s contribution in bringing 30 years of research of CFTRI (1950-1980) was emphasised by Sreemathi Hariprasad, former Head of Information and Publicity, CSIR-CFTRI.

Dr. S.Z. Ali, Dr. N.G. Malleshi and Dr. Arun Chandrasekhar  narrated their experiences of working with  Dr. Desikachar and his role  in carrying out  pioneering research on parboiling of rice, technological aspects of millets/minor-millets, premixes of ready to eat and ready to cook  cereals and milling aspects  of various pulses.

Dr. A.G. Appu Rao, who worked for his Ph.D  under the guidance of Dr. Narasinga Rao  also paid rich tributes for his knowledge base in three dimensional structure of proteins  and related biophysical aspects. He praised his leadership in  guiding several Ph.D candidates resulting in high quality publications in reputed  Journals.

Dr. V. Prakash remembered his close association with the above mentioned centenarians and appreciated their pivotal role in building strong schools in various facets of basic research in food science. He recalled his close rapport with Dr. Narasinga Rao and praised his encouragement to him when he  was a research scholar and scientist for his publications in peer reviewed journals.

Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI, in her Presidential address, mentioned that the linkage between past, present and futuristic research should not be forgotten. She stated that CSIR-CFTRI has been always in forefront with respect to basic, technological and translational research in various facets of food science and technology.

Dr. K.V. Harish Prashanth, Hon. Secretary, SBC, Mysore Chapter, proposed a vote of thanks.  Dr. Vanajakshi, Hon.Treasurer, SBC, Mysore, compered. Scientists and students from CSIR-CFTRI, DFRL-Mysore, University of Mysore and JSS educational institutes, Mysuru, attended the symposium.