Mysuru: Renu Agrawal, former chief scientist and rural programme coordinator of CFTRI was conferred with the ‘Äbdul Kalam Life Time Achievement award’ at a function held at Bengaluru Ravindra Kalashetra on Saturday, June 24. She is the only woman from Mysuru to bag this prestigious award.
The award was handed over by T.S. Nagabharana, veteran film director cum actor and noted actress Bhavani Prakash in the presence of Union minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Sadananda Gowda.
The International Institute of Social and Economic Reforms had selected her for this prestigious award in view of the work done by her for the society as well as for taking science to the common man.
She is also the recipient of Karamveer Chakra award. It can also be brought to light that Renu, born in Rajasthan, became the first Mysurean to receive Karmaveer Chakra award which is presented for exemplary work done for the society beyond a person’s regular work.
Renu has represented India as a team leader taking scientific delegation for an Asia meet at Bali in Indonesia, nominated by Union Government on food policies. She has been in the research field for the past 32 years. Her areas of specialization include bio-transformation of inexpensive and readily available precursor compounds into high valued, high cost bio-active molecules, microbial physiology, fermentation and probiotics. She has also worked on probiotic innovative functional foods and has been successful in improving health by natural means. Renu has guided students for M.Sc, M. Phil and PhD (Biotechnology and Microbiology). She has 60 research papers, more than 160 conference papers, 20 patents and three microbial processes purchased by more than 100 industries presently in market.
Speaking after receiving the award a delighted Renu said, “The more the recognition, the more the responsibility. I am associated with many NGOs and am trying to improve education system in rural schools in science centre. I have served in Karnataka for nearly 40 years and want to give back something to the society”.
She is also into Rotary Inner wheel Mysuru midtown, empowering different strata of society. She is also the councillor for Police commissioner helpline and has worked as coordinator for CSIR-CFTRI as rural development coordinator. She has been honoured by fellowships as FAMI, FISBT, FNABS, and FSAB, Women Achievers award by the “International Guild of Women Achievers” and India International Friendship society. NABS conferred her with the “Best Woman Scientist” award.
