The Central University of Orissa, Koraput has conferred the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) upon Prof. Madhav Gadgil, an eminent Ecologist and Environmental Scientist.

Chief Guest Shri Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Rural Development, Govt. of India conferred the Degree upon Prof. Gadgil in a special programme organised by Central University of Orissa at India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi on 29th December.

Prof. Gadgil has been a Lecturer in Biology at Harvard University and elected to all the Science Academies of India, the Third World Academy of Sciences and the U.S. National Academy of Science. He is an Honorary Member of the British and American Ecological Societies. He is also a recipient of Shantiswarup Bhatnagar and Vikram Sarabhai Awards, Volvo Environment Prize and Harvard University’s GSAS Centennial Medal, Karnataka’s Rajyotsava Award and Padma Shri as well as Padma Bhushan by the President of India.

Prof.  Gadgil has been largely responsible for introducing careful quantitative investigations in ecology and animal behaviour as well as viewing humans as an integral component of ecosystems to India. He founded the Centre for Ecological Sciences at Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, which has developed strong traditions of working with other researchers, teachers, policy makers as well as NGO workers, farmers and other citizens throughout the country. This has led to innovative experiments of involving High School and College teachers and students in inventorying and monitoring of biodiversity.

Prof. D. Dastidar, Scientist-F, Ministry of Earth Science, Govt. of India and Prof. Y. C. Simhadri, Former Vice Chancellor, Patna University graced the Occasion as the Guests of Honour in the presence of Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof. (Dr.) Surabhi Banerjee while Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, President, PHFI and the Chancellor of Central University of Orissa presided over the Programme.