From an early age, Tavarekere Kalliah Chandrashekar displayed a natural fascination with how the physical world works. Growing up in a culturally rich yet academically disciplined environment, he developed a deep appreciation for learning. Science, particularly chemistry, appealed to his analytical temperament—it offered both structure and mystery.
He pursued his undergraduate and postgraduate education at the University of Mysore, where his academic brilliance quickly became evident. Professors recognized in him not just intelligence, but an unusual depth of inquiry. Rather than accepting established knowledge, Chandrashekar constantly sought to understand the principles beneath it.
This intellectual hunger led him to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), one of India’s premier research institutions. Under the mentorship of the distinguished scientist V. Krishnan, he immersed himself in bioinorganic chemistry—a field that blends biology and inorganic chemistry to explain complex molecular processes essential to life.
By 1982, he had earned his PhD, marking the beginning of a research career that would influence global scientific thinking.
Tavarekere Kalliah Chandrashekar: Global Exposure – Building a Scientific Identity
Recognizing the importance of international collaboration, Tavarekere Kalliah Chandrashekar expanded his research horizons abroad. His postdoctoral work took him to the United States, where he worked with renowned scientists at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and later at Michigan State University.
These years were transformative. Exposure to cutting-edge laboratories and interdisciplinary research environments sharpened his experimental skills and broadened his scientific vision.
Not content with stopping there, he continued his research journey in Germany as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at the University of Cologne. Working alongside leading European chemists, Chandrashekar refined his approach to molecular design and structural chemistry—foundations that would later underpin his landmark discoveries.
Yet despite promising opportunities overseas, he chose to return to India. His decision reflected a defining trait of his character: a desire to contribute meaningfully to his homeland’s scientific advancement.
IIT Kanpur: The Making of a Research Powerhouse
In 1986, Tavarekere Kalliah Chandrashekar joined the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur as a lecturer. What followed was a remarkable 17-year tenure marked by innovation, mentorship, and academic leadership.
At IIT Kanpur, he built a vibrant research group that attracted talented students from across the country. His laboratory became known for its rigor and creativity—qualities that inspired young chemists to pursue ambitious scientific questions.
Chandrashekar was not merely teaching chemistry; he was cultivating thinkers.
Many of his students went on to become respected scientists themselves, extending his intellectual legacy across academia and research institutions worldwide.
Scientific Breakthrough: Discovery of Novel Macrocyclic Systems
Among the many achievements of Tavarekere Kalliah Chandrashekar, his work on expanded porphyrins-based macrocyclic systems stands as a defining milestone.
Macrocycles are large ring-shaped molecules with extraordinary chemical properties. Chandrashekar’s research revealed their ability to bind and transport anions as well as transition metal cations—an insight that opened new pathways in molecular recognition and supramolecular chemistry.
Using advanced physico-chemical techniques, he decoded their electronic structures, helping scientists understand how these molecules behave and interact.
The implications were far-reaching:
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Development of molecular receptors
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Advances in catalysis
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Innovations in organic transformations
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Progress in molecular devices
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Enhanced approaches to photodynamic therapy
His work also contributed to modeling photosynthetic intermediates, bringing science closer to understanding nature’s own energy systems.
Such breakthroughs placed him firmly among the global leaders in bioinorganic chemistry.
A Leader Who Built Institutions
Great scientists make discoveries. Exceptional scientists build ecosystems where discovery thrives.
In 2003, Chandrashekar took on the role of Director at the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
His leadership was transformative.
He restructured the institute by establishing five independent research divisions, encouraging specialization without sacrificing collaboration. More importantly, he strengthened infrastructure by introducing advanced facilities such as:
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High-resolution transmission electron microscopy
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500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance systems
These investments empowered researchers to compete globally.
Later, he became the Director of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, where he continued shaping scientific education. Even after his directorship, he remained a senior professor in chemical sciences, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to teaching.
His administrative career also included serving as Secretary of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science and Technology—an influential position that allowed him to guide national research priorities.
Scholar, Mentor, and Knowledge Creator
The academic footprint of Tavarekere Kalliah Chandrashekar is immense.
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Over 100 peer-reviewed research publications
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Leadership of numerous high-impact scientific projects
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Guidance of dozens of master’s and doctoral students
His work is widely cited, not only for its scientific merit but for its conceptual clarity.
Chandrashekar believes that science is a collective enterprise. His mentorship style emphasizes independence, integrity, and intellectual discipline—qualities that prepare students for lifelong inquiry rather than short-term success.
Tavarekere Kalliah Chandrashekar: Recognition That Reflects Excellence
Awards often tell the story of a scientist’s influence, and Chandrashekar’s honors form an impressive list.
The pinnacle came in 2001, when he received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, one of India’s highest recognitions for scientific achievement.
His other distinctions include:
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Bronze and Silver Medals from the Chemical Research Society of India
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Professor Priyadaranjan Ray Memorial Award
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Chemito Award
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Homi Bhabha Award
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J. C. Bose National Fellowship
Equally significant is his election as Fellow of all three major Indian science academies:
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Indian National Science Academy
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Indian Academy of Sciences
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National Academy of Sciences, India