PM honours professor R C Sobti, Punjab University's VC for contribution to science and technology

Vice-Chancellor of Punjab University Prof R C Sobti, was honoured by prime minister Manmohan Singh for his contribution to the development of science and technology in the country at the 98th Indian Science Congress session held at SRM University, Chennai.

In a communication received addressed to him, K C Pandey, general president of the Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata, said, ''You have played key role in the development of science and technology and considering your contributions and achievements, the 98th Indian Science Congress will be honouring you with the general president's Gold Medal.''

Congratulating Prof Sobti, Pandey said, ''The Association has always admired the tenor of Indian scientists, who brave various odds and still shine as luminaries, setting examples for the future generations.'' Prof Sobti is a recipient of many national and international awards, medals and honours for his multifarious contributions to scientific research and academic excellence.

Meanwhile, miffed with the adulation from Indian crowds which often led to his being mobbed at the Congress, Noble laureate Venkatraman Ramakrishnan has asked Indians not to confuse scientists with movie and cricket stars.

At the inauguration of the Children's Science Congress-2011 at SRM University yesterday, Ramakrishnan said there was no place for rituals and ceremonies in science and that Indians were confusing scientists with stars.

''Scientists are not movie stars or politicians who will feel insulted if they are not showered with accolades. Scientists are not interested in accolades,'' he said.