Mysuru: Renowned Neuroscientist Padmashri Dr. Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath, Chairperson of the Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bengaluru, was conferred Sri Vanamali Seva Award while Padmashri Dr. Malathi Holla, an International Gold  Medallist at paralympic games and also Founder of ‘Mathru Foundation’ was conferred Dr. Mathoor Krishnamurthy Award at a programme organised by the city’s Sri Vanamali Charitable Trust at Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha on JLB Road here last evening.

The awards were presented by Research Scholar Dr. T.V. Venkatalacha Shastry.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Ravindranath said that scientists should only breathe science. However, today, Science has become a hobby for some, she regretted.

Stressing on the need for maintaining professionalism in Science, she said scientists should live a committed life towards science.

Expressing concern over increasing number of deaths due to illness, she called upon the science fraternity to discover the right medicines that will prove to be a boon for patients.

Exhorting the scientists to strive for discovering drugs for diseases that are posing a challenge to mankind, she emphasised on the need for promoting science among young minds. She later gave a demonstration on the recent advances made in Neuroscience.

Paralympic gold medal winner Dr. Malathi Holla, in her address, said that she was a native of Udupi district and grew up in Bengaluru.

Recalling her hostel days, she said that she used to take the warden to task for any wrong doings.

Stating that she developed leadership qualities while staying in the hostel, Dr. Malathi Holla said she started Mathru Foundation in 2005 in order to help deprived children to come up in life.

Pointing out that the Foundation is now home to 27 children, she said the love of parents was most important for children.

Opthalmologist Dr. Madhuri’s translated work ‘Netradana Bhandara’ was released on the occasion.