The Hindu : M.R. Das passes away

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 02, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

M.R. Das passes away

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM April 1. The noted molecular biologist, M. R. Das, who passed away following a massive heart attack this evening, could be very well called the father of biotechnology in Kerala. He was one of those rare breed of Keralites who conceived and built an institution which is sure to see many good days ahead.

The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology was his brainchild, having been its founder director since its take over by the State Government way back in 1993 till his retirement in 2002. Born on July 2, 1937, Dr. Das hailed from Mavelikkara.

He is survived by wife and two daughters.

His wife, Radha Das, retired as associate director, Department of Atomic Energy.

Dr. Das had already established his credential much before he moved over to Kerala. One of his main area of research was in Hepatitis C virus, which has been recognised as a major cause for post transfusional hepatitis.

The virus was originally discovered in 1989 and Dr. Das and his team of scientists developed the polymerase chain reaction method for detecting Indian strains of hepatitis C.

The Chief Minister, A.K. Antony, has expressed deep grief at the demise Dr. Das.

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