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IIT Kanpur Professor Ashutosh Sharma Honoured with Padma Shri for Contributions to Science and Public Service

Professor Ashutosh Sharma

Professor Ashutosh Sharma, a stalwart in the field of chemical engineering and a chair professor at IIT Kanpur, has been named among the Padma Shri awardees. This prestigious honor recognizes his significant contributions to science, technology, and society, and adds to his illustrious legacy.

Hailing from Jaipur, Prof. Sharma began his academic journey with a BTech degree at IIT Kanpur (1977–1982) and returned to the institution in 1990 as an assistant professor. Over the years, he has been instrumental in establishing pioneering research centers, including the Nano Technology Centre and the Imaging Centre, which have positioned IIT Kanpur at the forefront of advanced scientific innovation.

Prof. Sharma expressed his gratitude for the award, stating, “I was spending the evening with my family when I received the news of being awarded the Padma Shri. The Director of IIT Kanpur, Professor Manindra Agarwal, congratulated Prof. Sharma on behalf of the institution, praising his remarkable contributions to science and his commitment to societal progress.

Prof. Sharma’s illustrious career is marked by research in thin films and nanoscale systems, earning him accolades such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award and the Infosys Prize. Since 2006, he has also served as the Founding Coordinator of the DST Thematic Unit of Excellence on Soft Nanofabrication at IIT Kanpur.

Beyond academics, Prof. Sharma made a significant impact during his tenure in Delhi with the Ministry of Science and Technology, where he spearheaded innovative projects and supported startups. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his efforts led to the development of critical products that aided patients and healthcare providers, reinforcing his dedication to applying science for societal benefit.

Looking ahead, Prof. Sharma remains steadfast in his vision. “Now, my goal is to work for the welfare of society,” he said, highlighting his commitment to leveraging science and technology to address pressing challenges.

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