IISER MOHALI

About the Chief Guest:
Professor L.S. Shashidhara
Director, TIFR-NCBS Bangalore
Professor, IISER Pune
Honorary Visiting Professor, Ashoka University

Professor L.S. Shashidhara is an esteemed Indian developmental biologist currently serving as the Director of the National Centre for Biological Sciences in Bengaluru. After studying at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, he pursued his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge and joined the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, as a scientist and group leader.

His groundbreaking research on Drosophila Melanogaster has unveiled crucial gene regulatory mechanisms controlling the development and positioning of cells, tissues, and organs. Beyond his research that leverages Drosophila for drug discovery in epithelial cancers, he has played a pivotal role in furthering clinical breast cancer research by establishing a Translational Cancer Research Centre, focusing on India-specific studies on Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

More recently, he made significant contributions to the growth and development of IISER Pune and Ashoka University as a founding academic member. Professor Shashidhara organizes diverse career workshops for scientists and, with the Ministry of Education, promotes science education and training among high school and undergraduate teachers. He serves on the Board of India Bioscience and currently leads an international project on Climate Change Education.

Professor Shashidhara has held notable positions, including Vice-President of the Indian National Science Academy and President of the International Union of Biological Sciences. He has been awarded the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and the JC Bose National Fellowship. He is an EMBO member and an elected fellow of all Indian science academies. His leadership in building institutions and communities and promoting science education have profoundly impacted Indian science and society.

About the Guest of Honour:

Mr. Sant Sanganeria
Managing Trustee,
Sanganeria Foundation for Health & Education, New Delhi
Mr. Sant Sanganeria is a pioneering Indian industrialist who has made significant strides in the fragrance and flavor industry. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce from St. Xavier's College, Calcutta. In 1969, he founded Radha Sales Corporation for importing and trading essential oils and aroma chemicals. Subsequently, in 1987, he established Ultra International Limited, a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit producing fragrances, flavors, and essential oils, where he currently serves as Chairman and Managing Director. His dedication to the perfume market and strong business acumen have established him as a successful and respected figure in perfumery. He is actively involved with various international associations such as the RIFM, U.S.A., the IFRA, Switzerland, the IFEAT, U.K., the IOFI, Switzerland, the FEMA, U.S.A., and NEA in the Netherlands. In 2016, he received the prestigious IFEAT Ronald Neal Founder's Award for his contributions to the fragrance and flavor industry. Additionally, in 2019, Hindu College honored him with the "Sarthak Samman" for his generous support to the college.

Besides his professional success, Mr. Sanganeria has shown a profound commitment to charitable causes. He established the Sanganeria Foundation for Health & Education, a charitable organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering women and providing crucial health and educational support to the underprivileged. His philanthropic efforts reflect his belief in giving back to the community and impacting society positively. With his global influence and steadfast dedication, Mr. Sanganeria continues to set new standards in the industry, making him a true example of leadership and benevolence.