New Delhi:  The Gujar Mal Modi Science Foundation has conferred the G.M.

Modi Award for Innovative Science & Technology award 2010 and 2011 to internationally renowned scientists, Professor P. Rama Rao and Professor Asis Datta for their outstanding contributions in the field of Metal Sciences and Technology & in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology respectively. Shri Sriprakash Jaiswal, Hon’ble Minister of Coal, Govt. of India, gave the award to Professor P. Rama Rao and Professor Asis Datta at an event held today in the capital in the presence of Mr. S K Modi, President, G.M. Modi Science Foundation.

The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs. Two Lakh and One thousand, a scroll of honour and a silver shield was presented to Professor Asis Datta and Professor P. Rama Rao on the occasion of the 109th birth anniversary of Late Gujar Mal Modi.

Professor Palle Rama Rao, presently Chairman, Governing Council, ARCI, Hyderabad conducted his research and taught physical and mechanical metallurgy at the Banaras Hindu University for nearly two decades. Subsequently he was Director, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Science and Technology and Ocean Development & Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. He is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1979); Padma Shri in the year 1989 and Padma Bhushan in the year 2001; Life Time Achievement Award” instituted by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, etc.

Professor Asis Datta is an internationally renowned scientist and a recipient

of the prestigious Padma Shree and Padma Bhushan awards. Prof Datta’s individual and group achievements in the field of molecular biology and genetic engineering have been spectacular and have secured for him a unique position in several areas of frontier research. Professor Datta is known for his work on the pathogenic yeast which opened up the possibility of designing a therapy to combat candidiasis. In addition, the scientific/ research contributions have been vital in areas of food/ nutritional security and use of genetically modified food.Presently, the Professor of Eminence at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, Prof Datta has been Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and founder Director of National Institute of Plant Genome Research (2002-2008).

Announcing the details for this year’s award, Mr. Satish Kumar Modi, President of Gujar Mal Modi Science Foundation said, “Professor Asis Datta is a distinguished scientist in the field of plant molecular biology. His notable scientific contributions to the society are seen in many crucial areas such as food security and control of immune deficiency related diseases.” Speaking about Professor P. Rama Rao, Mr. Modi commented, “Professor Palle Rama Rao is an outstanding scholar and has contributed tremendously in the field of metallurgy. The Gujar Mal Modi Award is being awarded to Prof Rao and Prof. Datta this year in recognition of their outstanding genius in their respective fields.”

Professor Asis Datta and Professor P. Rama Rao join an impressive list of previous awardees, which includes names like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Dr K. Kasturirangan, MP and Former Chairman of ISRO, Prof. Satish Dhawan, and Prof. T. V. Ramakrishnan.