After writers, poets, film makers and artistes, a top Indian scientist has also decided to return his coveted recognition – Padma Bhushan.

Noted molecular biologist and science writer, P.M. Bhargava, the founder director of the Hyderabad-based, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) said he has decided to give back the prestigious award conferred on him in 1986. "I am writing a letter to the Union Home Ministry returning the award and certificate as I am pained at the turn of events in the past year", he told BusinessLin e.

There is a growing intolerance, neglect of science, attack on rational thinking and reasoned arguments of late, said Bhargava, who has been striving for scientific temper and promotion of basic research in the country for the past half a century. He was instrumental in setting up the CCMB, push to biotechnology and also has been stridently opposing genetically modified crops.

Not new to controversy, Bhargava fell out with Sam Pitroda in the functioning of the Knowledge Commission. In the 1980's his ‘Method of Science’, exhibition which questioned the scientific rationality of Homeopathy, incurred the wrath of some sections of people and led to problems for the exhibition. His views have also been quite critical of the role of the Genetic Engineering Assessment Committee looking into granting permission for trials to GM crops.

Bhargava said the decision was purely personal as he saw a growing antipathy to freedom of science, free thinking, and expression on issues.

Earlier on Wednesday, over a 100 scientists from across the country signed an online petition to the President opposing what they termed the systematic spread of communal hatred and intolerance in the country.

somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in           . 

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