Bharat Ratna C N R Rao said on Friday he would donate money for setting up a research laboratory at the Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research (PPISR).
Rao, who was speaking at the Founder’s Day and Graduation Day programme at the institute, said the lab would be equipped to focus on areas related to material science research, a field which he specialised in. He also announced scholarship for a deserving PhD student.
Nine students, who completed PhD from PPISR, received the degrees from the professor. Srinidhi R, Suhas D P, Swetha Sandesh, Vijaykumar Marakatti, Swetha S M and Janardhan H L were awarded PhDs in Chemistry, Satish L and Pavithra N in Biology and Omkar S in Physics.
Rao, who has been associated with PPISR for long, recalled his memories with Sri Vidudhesha Theertha Swami, founder- chairman, PPISR. “One day, Vidudhesha Theertha Swamiji just turned up at our house. My wife and I were taken by surprise. That is when he shared with me his vision of starting an institute dedicated to science research,” said Rao.
Speaking about the need for better funding, he said the government felt that investing in science was a waste of money.
Dignitaries who contributed to the growth of the institution were also honoured. Anand B Halgeri, Director, PPISR, was among them. “C N R Rao laid a strong foundation for the institute in its formative years,” he recalled. He said a technology developed by PPISR, in collaboration with an industry, was set to be commercialised in China soon.
New hostel
Earlier in the day, Vishwapriya Theertha Swami inaugurated the new hostel building and unveiled the bust of Vibudhesha Theertha Swami. People who donated money for setting up the building were also honoured.
Vishwapriya Theertha Swami said: “Serve people in whatever way you can. It’s the right way to pay taxes to the God for all the facilities he has provided.”