Gursaran Prasad Talwar, known as Pran to friends and colleagues, is celebrating his 100th birthday on October 2nd. He has dedicated his life to scientific research since joining the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 1956.
Dr. Talwar is credited with developing the world’s first leprosy vaccine and a hormonal birth control vaccine. He also founded India’s first immunology institution, the National Institute of Immunology (NII), in 1983, following a discussion with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi about the nation’s vaccine needs.
His career began after a tumultuous period following the partition of India. He pursued higher education in France and conducted postdoctoral work in Germany and Italy before returning to India. His work at AIIMS led to significant advancements in biochemistry and immunology, including research on hormones and the development of vaccines.
Even after retiring from institutions like NII and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Dr. Talwar established the Talwar Research Foundation in 1999, where he continues his research on hormones, antigens, and antibodies. He expresses no regrets as he enters his second century.
Source: thehindu.com
