As I reflect upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for Radiation Research (SRR) during the International Conference on Radiation Research: Impact on Human Health and Environment (ICRR-HHE-2024) at AIIMS Patna, I am filled with profound gratitude and humility. This honor is not merely a personal milestone but a testament to the collective efforts of my esteemed colleagues, dedicated students, and the unwavering support of the scientific community.
The award was presented to me by a distinguished panel, which made the moment even more meaningful. I was deeply honored to receive this recognition from Dr. Upendra Kumar Singh, Distinguished Scientist and Director General of Life Sciences at DRDO; Prof. Ramesh S. Bilimagga, President of the Society of Radiation Research (SRR), Ombudsman, Head Regulatory Affairs, and Emeritus Professor in Radiation Oncology; and Dr. J. K. Singh, Padmashri Awardee, Organizing Chairman of ICRR-HHE (2024), and Director of Sri Sai Institute of Medical Sciences, Hajipur/Patna. Their presence and kind words underscored the significance of the occasion and reminded me of the shared passion and dedication within our field. I share a picture from this memorable event below.
My journey in the realm of radiation biology began at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, where I had the privilege to lead the Radiation Biology and Health Sciences Division. The collaborative spirit and relentless pursuit of knowledge within these walls laid the foundation for our advancements in understanding radiation's intricate effects on human health. Our research endeavors, spanning cancer biology, free radical biology, and health sciences, were always driven by a commitment to contribute meaningfully to society.
Beyond the confines of our laboratories, I was fortunate to engage with several prominent academic institutions in India and abroad. These experiences enriched my perspective and underscored the importance of global collaboration in scientific research.
The establishment of the Society for Radiation Research was a dream realized in 2014, aiming to foster a platform for scientists to share insights and drive innovations in radiation research. being the founder president of the SRR seeing the society flourish and witnessing the impactful work presented at conferences like ICRR-HHE-2024 reaffirms my belief in the power of collective endeavor.
This award is a reflection of the shared passion and dedication of all those I've had the honor to work with throughout my career. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you. Let us continue to explore, discover, and contribute to the betterment of human health and our environment through the lens of radiation research.