Pushpa Mittra Bhargava (1928–2017): The Architect of Indian Molecular Biology
Pushpa Mittra (P.M.) Bhargava was a visionary scientist, a fierce rationalist, and a foundational figure in the landscape of modern Indian biology. As the founder-director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), he didn’t just conduct research; he built the infrastructure that allowed India to participate in the global molecular revolution.
1. Biography: Early Life and Career Trajectory
Pushpa Mittra Bhargava was born on February 22, 1928, in Ajmer, Rajasthan. His early education was nomadic but rigorous, following his father—a medical doctor—to various cities. He eventually landed at Lucknow University, where he demonstrated a precocious intellect, completing his B.Sc. at 16 and his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry at 18. By the age of 21, he had earned his Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry (1950).
The Transition to Biology:
Bhargava’s career took a pivotal turn during his post-doctoral fellowships. He moved to the United States to work at the McArdle Memorial Laboratory for Cancer Research at the University of Wisconsin (1953–1956) and later to the National Institute for Medical Research in London. It was during this period that he shifted his focus from pure chemistry to the burgeoning field of molecular biology, fascinated by how chemical signals regulated the life of a cell.
Building an Institution:
In 1958, he joined the Regional Research Laboratory (now the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology) in Hyderabad. Recognizing that India lacked a dedicated facility for high-level molecular research, he lobbied the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). In 1977, his efforts culminated in the establishment of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). He served as its director until 1990, transforming it into a world-class institution known as much for its aesthetics and art as for its cutting-edge science.
2. Major Contributions: Theories and Discoveries
Bhargava’s scientific interests were broad, ranging from the origin of life to the complexities of cell division.
- Discovery of Seminalplasmin (1979): One of Bhargava’s most significant biological discoveries was the identification of "Seminalplasmin," a potent antimicrobial protein found in bovine seminal plasma. His research demonstrated that this protein could inhibit the growth of various bacteria and even certain fungi, providing insights into the reproductive system's natural defense mechanisms.
- Regulation of Cell Growth: He was a pioneer in studying the uptake of nucleic acids by mammalian cells. He proposed influential theories on the "malignant transformation" of cells, suggesting that cancer was essentially a breakdown in the regulatory signals that control cell division and communication.
- The Transition from Chemical to Biological Evolution: Bhargava was deeply interested in how life began. He contributed to the theory of "Integrated Evolution," arguing that the transition from non-living chemicals to living cells was not a single event but a series of increasingly complex chemical feedback loops.
- Science and Society: Beyond the lab, he was a key architect of India’s biotechnology policy. He served as the Vice-Chairman of the National Knowledge Commission (2005–2007) and was a vocal advocate for the "Scientific Temper"—a term enshrined in the Indian constitution that he championed relentlessly.
3. Notable Publications
Bhargava was a prolific writer, authoring over 125 scientific papers and several books that bridged the gap between technical science and public policy.
- "Seminalplasmin, a protein isolated from bovine seminal plasma..." (Nature, 1979): This paper announced the discovery of the antimicrobial protein and remains a highly cited work in reproductive biology.
- "The Saga of Indian Science since Independence" (2010): A comprehensive historical account of India’s scientific journey, co-authored with Chandana Chakrabarti.
- "Angels, Devil and Science" (2012): A book exploring the intersections of ethics, superstition, and scientific inquiry.
- "The Two Faces of Beauty" (2016): One of his final works, exploring the symmetry and aesthetics found in both art and biological structures.
4. Awards and Recognition
Bhargava’s contributions earned him international acclaim:
- Padma Bhushan (1986): One of India’s highest civilian honors, awarded for his contributions to science and institutional building.
- Legion d’Honneur (1998): Awarded by the President of France for his efforts in international scientific collaboration.
- Fellowships: He was a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the World Academy of Art and Science.
- Honorary Doctorates: He received honorary degrees from several universities, including the University of Burdwan and Hyderabad University.
5. Impact and Legacy
Bhargava’s legacy is twofold: institutional and ideological.
The CCMB Legacy:
Under his leadership, CCMB became a model for scientific excellence in the Global South. He insisted that the laboratory environment should be beautiful, integrating murals and sculptures into the facility to inspire creativity—a radical departure from the sterile, utilitarian labs of the time.
The Conscience of Science:
In his later years, he became the "conscience" of the Indian scientific community. He was a staunch critic of genetically modified (GM) crops without rigorous testing, serving as a court-appointed observer on the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). He fought against the "saffronization" of science and the encroachment of pseudoscience into education.
6. Collaborations and Partnerships
Bhargava believed in the power of multidisciplinary teams.
- Chandana Chakrabarti: His long-term collaborator and co-author on numerous books and policy papers.
- International Ties: He maintained close ties with Nobel laureates like Francis Crick and Sydney Brenner, often inviting them to Hyderabad to mentor young Indian scientists.
- Mentorship: He mentored a generation of Indian molecular biologists who went on to lead institutions across the globe, fostering a culture of questioning authority—both political and scientific.
7. Lesser-Known Facts
- The "Award Wapsi" Movement: In 2015, at the age of 87, Bhargava became the first scientist to return his Padma Bhushan. He did so in protest against what he perceived as a growing climate of intolerance and the marginalization of scientific reasoning in India.
- The Art Collector: Bhargava was a connoisseur of contemporary Indian art. He curated a massive collection for the CCMB, believing that a scientist who does not appreciate beauty cannot be a truly great discoverer.
- Atheism and Rationalism: He was a lifelong atheist and a founding member of the Society for Scientific Temper. He famously campaigned against "godmen" and challenged those who claimed to perform miracles using scientific demonstrations.
- Early Graduation: Because he started school directly in the 9th grade (having been homeschooled by his grandfather), he entered university much younger than his peers, which he often credited for his lifelong sense of urgency in work.
Pushpa Mittra Bhargava passed away on August 1, 2017. He remains a towering figure who ensured that India did not just witness the molecular biology revolution from the sidelines but was an active participant in defining the future of life sciences.