Research Scientist and Teacher

CSIR - Emeritus Scientist

Director of Grade Scientist (retired) and Hon. Professor, CLRI, Chennai, India

Women constitute nearly half the global population but gaining "equal" status in a society still remains a far-fetched and a cherished dream for them.  Gender inequality exists in work, employment, earning, education, health status and decision-making powers.  In politics, women's representation in decision-making positions is consistently low.  Along with my scientific career, I synchronized social service to the community for the past 4 decades.  Being a member and holding leadership  positions in some of the following organizations such as Altrusa International Inc, USA (Past President); Lions Club International (First Lady Lion District Governor, Chennai, 2003-2004); Regional development chair (2005-2006); Family Planning Association of India; University Women Association, Madras (Association Representative 2005-2006); Ladies Organization of FICCI; and Madras Science Association (Secretary and Vice President) and Indian Women Scientist Association, during the last 10 years I carried out several development projects for women and children, particularly the girl child.  These programs included, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation, environment, education and health, leadership and self-employment opportunities, networking with Self Health Group women.  Published a booklet on health care for women and children.  Actively participated as moderator, panelist and speaker in Inida, South Asia, Africa, Middle East Forum Workshop on Leadership Opportunities for Women, Ceylon 2004.

In the area of science, involved in popularization of science and was the principal investigator for a project on "Action Research to bring gender parity in science and technology" and organized the conference on state level consultation on science and technology for women - 'A millennium dialogue'.  State government recognized my contributions in the awareness program on Rubella virus and vaccination for adolescent girls and childbearing age group of women.  I will certainly be an important part of our total effort to increase the status of women.

There is now wide spread acceptance that gender justic and equality are vital for human happiness.  Towards this educational, informational and technological empowerment of women is esential Millennium Declaration affirmed the peoples right to development, peace, security and gender equality.  To achieve these objectives it shall be my aim as a member to help provide opportunities, resources, information and the necessary education to improve the status of women.

In keeping with the requirement of sustainable development it will be my privilege to place my expertise and connections at IFUW's disposal to help evolve strategies to promote women's potential through education, skill development, employment, elimination of povery and promoting health.  With the background of my leadership as Lions District Governor and Women Development Chair and experise, my contribution will be to work towards increased community involvement in uplifting of women, ensure security during education and in working environment, offer continuing education programs, increase the number of female teachers, increase the percentage of reservation in committees and jobs and in local bodies to provide economic opportunities and control over ecological resources to serve on the pool of resource persons to disseminate knowledge, information and skills through workshops, seminars and the web.

Finally, as a scientist my endeavor will be to help promote women in science an technology and the application of science and technology for women..

University of Madras - B.Sc - 1961 Chemistry

University of Madras - M.Sc - 1966 - Biochemistry

University of Madras - PhD - 1971 - Biochemistry

NIH, USA - Post Doctoral Research - 1972-75

Connecticut and San Francisco USA, Fulbright Scholar 1983-1986

Hindi - limited

Malayalam - limited

Telugu - limited

German - limited