Obituary: Former DBT Secretary Dr Manju Sharma passes away

New Delhi: Dr Manju Sharma, a pioneering figure in India’s biotechnology landscape and former Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) passed away on November 1, 2024, at the age of 84.

Dr Sharma’s contributions to science and biotechnology transformed India into a significant player in the global biotechnology arena, earning her a legacy as one of the nation’s foremost scientists and science administrators.

Dr. Sharma was born in 1940 in a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits, setting the stage for her lifelong dedication to science and innovation. She completed her Master’s and Ph.D. in Botany, specializing in plant physiology, which ignited her passion for research and development in the life sciences. Her early research accomplishments and dedication caught the attention of India’s scientific community, ultimately leading her to a prestigious career with the Government of India.

In 1986, Dr. Sharma joined the Department of Biotechnology as one of its founding members, when the field was still in its nascent stage in India. Her vision and commitment to excellence played a crucial role in shaping DBT’s policies, programs, and initiatives that laid the foundation for India’s current biotech ecosystem. In 1995, she was appointed as the Secretary of DBT, a position she held until her retirement in 2004. Dr. Sharma became the first woman to hold this prestigious position, making significant strides in a male-dominated field.

Under her leadership, DBT expanded its mandate, prioritizing both basic and applied research across a wide range of areas, including agriculture, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and industrial biotechnology. Dr. Sharma’s work was instrumental in establishing key institutions and initiatives, such as the National Biotechnology Development Strategy, Biotech Parks, and specialized biotechnology training programs. She was committed to fostering public-private partnerships, realizing that collaboration was essential for advancing biotechnology in India.

One of Dr. Sharma’s most notable achievements was the development and support of India’s National Bioresource Development Board (NBDB) in 1999. Through this initiative, she championed the conservation, sustainable utilization, and commercialization of India’s rich biodiversity. Dr. Sharma was also instrumental in establishing the National Brain Research Centre and the Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, furthering India’s research infrastructure and capacity in biotechnology.

A passionate advocate for women in science, Dr. Sharma worked tirelessly to open doors and create opportunities for female scientists. She spearheaded several women-centric initiatives within DBT, ensuring that women received the resources and support they needed to excel in the field. Her mentorship inspired countless women to pursue careers in science and technology, and she remained a strong voice for gender equality in scientific research throughout her life.

Dr. Manju Sharma’s contributions to biotechnology earned her numerous awards and recognitions, including the Padma Bhushan in 2007, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Her work was celebrated internationally as well, where she was recognized as a visionary who elevated Indian biotechnology to the global stage. She also served on several international scientific bodies, fostering collaborations that brought Indian science to a global audience.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Sharma will be remembered for her warmth, humility, and generosity. Her colleagues recall her as a tireless worker with an indomitable spirit who believed that science could be a powerful tool for societal change. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of scientists and innovators.

Biotech sector mourns the moss

Industry leaders, scientists, and institutions across the nation shared heartfelt tributes, emphasizing her legacy and her transformative impact on India’s biotech ecosystem.

In her comments, Biocon Founder and Chairperson, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw said, “Manju Sharma ji was such a torch bearer of Biotechnology. As secretary DBT she gave wings to the Biotech sector. Will miss her frequent calls to discuss various things.”

Former DBT Secretary and Principal Scientific Advisor, Prof. K Vijayaraghavan said: “Dr. Manju Sharma’s passing is a big loss for the life sciences and biotechnology community. When at the Department of Science and Technology, she drove the creation of the National Biotechnology Board, which then became the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

“The end of an era. Dr Manju Sharma has left a huge void which cannot be filled. Indian Science, especially Life Sciences and Biotechnology and Women in STEM has lost a strong pillar, we will miss the guiding light,” said Dr Renu Swarup, Former Secretary, DBT.

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist, World Health Organization (WHO) and Chairperson, MSSRF said, “Dr Manju Sharma was a trailblazer, mentor to many, first woman DBT Secretary and put DBT on a growth trajectory. A lifelong friend & trustee of MSSRF, she will be deeply missed. May her soul rest in peace.”

Dr. Sharma is survived by her family, who were her unwavering support system throughout her career. In honoring her memory, her family has expressed their intention to establish a foundation that will provide scholarships to young women pursuing careers in biotechnology, a cause that was close to Dr. Sharma’s heart.

As India mourns the loss of this scientific luminary, we remember Dr. Manju Sharma not only for her groundbreaking contributions to biotechnology but also for her dedication to a brighter, healthier future for all. Her vision, leadership, and passion have left an indelible mark on Indian science, and her legacy will live on through the institutions and programs she created the scientists she mentored, and the countless lives she touched.