Dr Jayant Narlikar and Bhoje wins H K Firodia 2006 awards
14 Nov 2006
Chennai: Dr. Jayant Narlikar, founder director, Inter University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Pune, and nuclear energy scientist S B Bhoje, former director, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) have been awarded the H K Firodia 2006 award.
The
award is given to Indian scientists outstanding performance
and world-class work in any branch of science. The awards
are meant to recognise their contributions, to inspire
the youth of this country to take to science, develop
scientific temper and offer innovative solutions to problems
faced by the country.
The previous award winners include Dr APJ Abdul Kalam,
now the Indian president, Dr R Chidambaram, principal
scientific advisor to the Indian Government, Dr Anil Kakodkar,
chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, Dr K Kasturirangan,
former chairman ISRO and Dr CNR Rao, chairman, Knowledge
Commission.
Dr Narlikar will receive the Rs2-lakh award for his outstanding
work in the field of "cosmology" (astronomy
and astrophysics). He is known for his collaborative research
work with his mentor Dr Fred Hoyle on throwing more light
on Einstein''s theory of relativity. He is also well known
as a science communicator and has written several books
and articles. He was conferred a Padmabhusan when he was
26 and was awarded the Padmavibhushan in 2004.
Bhoje will receive the Rs 10-lakh award for his contribution
to the development of fast breeder reactors. He redesigned
the reactor core
with new carbide fuel, for the prototype 500MW fast -breeder
reactors. He is the recipient of several national awards
including the Padmashree in 2003.