The Indomitable Chemist: The Biography of 'Bharat Ratna' Prof. C. N. R. Rao

<p>Prof. CNR Rao is a living legend. Einstein paid a compliment to Mahatma Gandhi on his 70th birthday. He said “Generations to come it may well be will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth”. On Prof. Rao’s birthday I would repeat these words. Prof. Rao is not an individual he is an institution he is a phenomenon. I feel lucky that our generations could see him touch him feel him experience him learn from him and get inspired by him.<br>I have watched Prof. Rao as a scientist as a science leader as a science institution builder and indeed as a leader of leaders of science. I have also watched him as a wonderful warm-hearted human being with abundant empathy. I have seen his childlike enthusiasm. I have watched him as `courage personified’. What follows is more anecdotal but solely based on my personal viewpoint.<br>Professor Rao has had a tremendous influence on my life.  He has been my guru guide friend and philosopher. <br>- 'Padma Vibhushan' Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar</p>