National Research Centre on Seed Spices - India
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Mahesh Kumar Mahatma was born on October 23, 1976. He holds a significant academic background, having earned his position as Principal Scientist in Plant Biochemistry. His academic journey includes earning the ASRB (ICAR) NET qualifications in 2001 and 2006. Notably, he received an ICAR SRF for Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Pl. Sc) during the 2003 program. His commitment to academic excellence is underscored by awards such as the R.D. Asana Gold Medal Award-2015 by the Indian Society of Plant Physiology and the Fellow of the Indian Society of Agricultural Biochemist (FISAB) in 2016.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Mahatma's professional journey is marked by notable positions, including his current role as Principal Scientist in Plant Biochemistry at ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Tabiji, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India, since October 11, 2021. Prior to this, he served as Principal Scientist in Plant Biochemistry at ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh, from July 2, 2018, to October 8, 2021. Additionally, he held the position of Senior Scientist in Plant Biochemistry from July 2, 2012, to July 1, 2018. He also served as an Assistant Professor from January 15, 2007, to June 30, 2012, at the Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Mahatma has made substantial contributions to scientific advancement. His research work includes the characterization of groundnut germplasm for oil, fatty acids, and sugars. He played a key role as a member of a NAIP-sponsored project on "Value chain utilization of banana pseudo-stem" from 2008 to 2012 at NAU, Navsari. As a Principal Investigator, he led a GSBTM-sponsored project on "Identification of RcPCS (Ricinus communis Phytochelatin Synthase) gene in Ricinus communis" from March 2011 to June 2012. He has also characterized pearl millet and castor genotypes for downy mildew and wilt resistance.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Mahatma's dedication to his field is evident in the awards and honors he has received. These include qualifying ASRB (ICAR) NET in 2001 and 2006, receiving an ICAR SRF for Ph.D., the R.D. Asana Gold Medal Award-2015, and becoming a Fellow of the Indian Society of Agricultural Biochemist (FISAB) in 2016. His international exposure includes a 90-day training on "Metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria for ethanol production using synthetic biology" at the University of Illinois, USA, sponsored by NAIP-I, ICAR, New Delhi.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Mahatma has made a substantial impact on the scientific community through his extensive publication record in international and national journals. His research has delved into topics ranging from the effects of water deficit stress on groundnut kernels to the metabolic profiles of various plant genotypes under different conditions. As an editor and reviewer for several reputable journals, he continues to shape the discourse in his field.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Mahatma's legacy is characterized by his role in guiding M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in Plant Biotechnology. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of plant biochemistry and molecular biology. Looking forward, his continued contributions to research, mentoring, and academic leadership are likely to further enrich the scientific community. His dedication to advancing agriculture through innovative research and education remains a cornerstone of his legacy.
Notable Publications