In the world of Indian science and engineering, there are leaders who contribute—and then there are pioneers who redefine the limits of possibility. Devang Vipin Khakhar, born in Mumbai in 1959, belongs firmly to the second category.
Devang Vipin Khakhar: From Mumbai to the World – A Scholar in the Making
Growing up in Maharashtra, Devang Vipin Khakhar displayed a natural fascination for how things move, react, and transform—a spark that led him to pursue his B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Delhi in 1981. But the young scholar’s thirst for deeper exploration pushed him beyond boundaries.
He moved to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he completed his PhD in 1986 under the guidance of the renowned Professor Julio M. Ottino. His doctoral work on fluid mechanics, laminar mixing, dispersion, and chaotic flows laid the foundation for a career that would influence scientific thinking and industrial applications for decades.
Returning Home to Build India’s Future
Many scholars choose comfort abroad—but Devang Vipin Khakhar chose contribution over convenience. In 1987, he returned to India to join IIT Bombay. What followed was an extraordinary academic journey marked by excellence, leadership, and ground-breaking research.
From Lecturer to Professor to Dean of Faculty and finally Director, his rise within IIT Bombay was not driven by ambition alone, but by a deep purpose: to elevate Indian scientific institutions to global excellence.
Devang Vipin Khakhar: Pioneering Research that Changed the Chemical Engineering Landscape
Khakhar’s research unlocked new understanding of polymerization of rod-like molecules, granular mechanics, mixing, and polymer science. His work appeared in globally respected journals including Science and Nature, making him one of the rare Indian chemical engineers to achieve such broad international impact.
What makes his contributions truly special is the way they bridged the gap between theory and practice. Several of his discoveries directly shaped industrial processes, demonstrating that research is not merely an academic pursuit—it is a force for real-world innovation.
His patents—ranging from enhanced particulate mixing methods to advanced polyurethane nanocomposites and optimized carbon materials—reflect a career defined by applied creativity.
A Leader Who Transformed IIT Bombay
When Devang Vipin Khakhar took on the role of Director of IIT Bombay in 2009, he inherited a prestigious institute. By the time he completed his second term in 2019, IIT Bombay had transformed into a global powerhouse of research, innovation, and talent.
During his tenure:
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Faculty strength increased by 25%
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Three major research centers were launched:
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National Centre for Aerospace Innovations and Research
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Centre for Climate Change Research
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Centre for Urban Science and Engineering
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Interdisciplinary research flourished
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IIT Bombay deepened collaborations with global institutions and industries
He didn’t just manage an institution—he elevated it.
Guiding India’s Scientific Policies and Vision
Beyond the classroom and the laboratory, Devang Vipin Khakhar has been a powerful voice in shaping India’s scientific direction.
He has served on:
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Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister
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Science Advisory Council to the Cabinet
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Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
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Indian Oil Corporation
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Governing bodies of major national scientific and educational institutions
His presence in these leadership roles shows the trust the nation places in his expertise, judgment, and vision.
A Life Rooted in Values, Family, and Purpose
Despite global accolades and national recognition, Khakhar has always remained grounded. He lives in Powai, Mumbai with his wife Natasha and their children, Arjun and Aditi—a family that reflects the balance he maintains between professional excellence and personal warmth.
Honors That Speak to a Lifetime of Excellence
Few scientists earn the distinction of being elected fellows of:
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Indian Academy of Sciences
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Indian National Science Academy
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National Academy of Sciences, India
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Indian National Academy of Engineering
For Devang Vipin Khakhar, these honors are just a fraction of his recognition.
His accolades include:
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Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1997)
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Swarnajayanti Fellowship
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Millennium Plaque of Honour
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Excellence in Teaching Award (IIT Bombay)
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MRSI Medal
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Multiple leadership and academic awards