Latest news with #SiddhiPatil
Indian Express
5 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
A father-son legacy of Padma honors and pioneering scientific research
Written by Siddhi Patil, Dr Chetan Eknath Chitnis, a globally renowned Indian scientist, has dedicated his life to combating malaria, a persistent global health challenge claiming countless lives annually. His groundbreaking work in malaria vaccine development has earned him the prestigious Padma Shri this year, alongside awards like the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award and the Infosys Prize. Remarkably, Dr. Chitnis shares a rare distinction with his father, Eknath Vasant Chitnis, a Padma Bhushan recipient (1985) and a founding member of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This rare father-son duo's Padma honors reflect a deep family legacy of scientific excellence, with both making transformative contributions to their respective fields. Dr. Chitnis's journey in medical research is deeply rooted in his upbringing. His father, a distinguished space scientist and former director of ISRO's Space Application Centre, instilled a passion for dedicated work. 'My father taught me that true commitment means loving what you do, no matter the hours,' Dr. Chitnis recalls. While he initially pursued physics, inspired by his father's rigor, it was his mother, a biochemist focused on cancer research, who steered him toward biology. This pivot led him to lead the Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit at Institut Pasteur in Paris, where he drives innovative vaccine research to curb malaria's devastating impact. Pune holds a special place in Dr. Chitnis's heart. Childhood summers spent at his grandparents' home in Deccan Gymkhana, exploring nearby hills with cousins, evoke memories of a serene, green Pune. His parents' decision to settle in the city post-retirement deepened his connection. Today, as Pune evolves into a bustling hub of innovation, Dr. Chitnis is eager to engage with its academic and research communities, blending personal nostalgia with professional aspirations. From IIT Bombay to UC Berkeley, the National Institutes of Health, and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Delhi, Dr. Chitnis's career spans continents. His work at ICGEB, supported by robust government backing, laid the foundation for his current efforts in Paris. A significant breakthrough came during the COVID-19 pandemic when delayed vaccine trials at Oxford revealed that a 14-month gap between doses reduced malaria parasite growth—an unexpected finding inspired by similar COVID-19 vaccine insights. This discovery, coupled with advancements in mRNA technology, fuels his cautious optimism for future malaria solutions. The Padma Shri holds deep significance for Dr. Chitnis. 'Being recognised by my homeland, even after a decade abroad, is humbling,' he says. He views the award as a tribute to his team's collective efforts and a call to continue serving society.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Indian Express
For passenger safety, Police patrolling urged along PMPML bus routes
By Siddhi Patil In response to growing concerns over passenger safety, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has formally requested the Pune City Police to initiate regular patrolling across major bus stations and heavily crowded routes in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the PMRDA region. PMPML, which operates the city's public transport services, currently runs around 20,112 bus trips daily on 381 routes, catering to nearly 10 to 11 lakh commuters. Despite efforts to provide efficient, affordable, and secure transport, the organisation has been receiving numerous complaints from passengers, especially women and students, about security issues during travel. According to PMPML, passengers increasingly face theft of wallets and valuables, eve-teasing, and vandalisation of BRT stations with obscene content. These incidents, often taking place during daily operations, have led to a growing sense of insecurity among women, school children, and college students. To tackle these challenges, PMPML has appealed to the Commissioner of Police, Pune City, to deploy police personnel for regular patrolling during peak hours at key bus stands and along high-footfall routes. The following major bus stations have been flagged as requiring immediate security presence: Swargate Main Bus Station, Deccan Stand, Katraj Main Station, Market Yard, Pune Station, Hadapsar Depot, Wagholi Bus Stand, Nigdi Pradhikaran, Pimpri Ambedkar Chowk, Chinchwad, Bhosari, and several others across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. PMPML has listed 28 crowded bus routes where policing is essential. These include: – Swargate to Shivajinagar (Route 2) – Swargate to Pune Station (Route 5) – Katraj to Alandi (Route 29) – Hadapsar to Katraj via Mhatrawadi (Route 188) – Nigdi to PMC (Route 123) – Wagholi to Warje Malwadi (Route 98) – Shewalewadi to Katraj (Route 301) And many more extending from Bhekarainagar to NDA, and Katraj to Bhosari, Chinchwadgaon, and Kharadi These routes have been marked based on passenger volume and frequency of reported issues. The directive for enhanced security measures comes directly from the Chairman and Managing Director of PMPML, who has emphasized the need for visible and active police presence to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour, and restore a sense of safety among daily commuters.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Five lakh devotees to accompany Sant Dnyaneshwar palkhi to Pandharpur amid rain concerns
Written by Siddhi Patil The annual Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj palkhi (chariot) procession will begin from Alandi in the Pune district of Maharashtra on June 19, with lakhs of devotees walking to Pandharpur. It will mark the start of the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage to the temple town in the Solapur district dedicated to Lord Vitthal. The palkhi is scheduled to reach Pandharpur on July 10 and return on July 29. Devotees will halt in Pune city on June 20 and 21. This year, 280 dindis (groups of worshippers) have registered with the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan, while 330 Dindis are associated with the Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan. An estimated 5 lakh pilgrims are expected to accompany the Sant Dnyaneshwar palkhi. Meanwhile, the Sant Tukaram Maharaj palkhi will depart from Dehu, also in the Pune district, on June 18, reaching Pandharpur on July 10 and returning on July 21. This Palkhi will halt at Nana Peth in Pune on June 21. At a recent meeting with the state government, the Varkari Sampradaya raised important concerns about infrastructure, including healthcare, sanitation, water supply, transportation, and first aid facilities during the procession. It raised serious environmental issues, particularly the pollution of the Indrayani and Chandrabhaga rivers, and the risks posed by incomplete road construction during the monsoon. Yogi Niranjan Nath Guru Shantinath, chief trustee of the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sansthan, said, 'The (Eknath) Shinde government initiated these meetings last year, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has continued them. Our concerns have been heard, and directions have been given to the respective departments. However, there has been no permanent resolution yet. Our main worry is the impact of ongoing rains and incomplete national highway roadworks, which pose a safety threat to Varkaris. Our surveys suggest rains may continue until June 27.' (Siddhi Patil is an intern with The Indian Express)
