The Scientific Advisor of Kelkar Education Trust’s Scientific Research Centre Dr M.R.Heble left for the heavenly abode on Wednesday 19 th May 2010. He was 75.

Born on 16 th July 1934 after post graduation in organic chemistry he completed his Ph.D. in Botany in 1975. As a Scientist in BARC ( Govt. of India) . He had established a unit of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Biotechnology with specialization in Bioreactor systems. His pioneering effort on medicinal plant tissue cultures such a demonstration of Cellular heterogeneity for biosynthetic pathways and bioreactor system for cell and organ culture have paved way for technology development by the industry. His important researches have contributed towards understanding some of life saving drugs such as Camptothecin ( Cancer and AIDS), Artemicin ( Malaria), Digoxin ( Cardiotonic), Ajnative , Rescropine, Ajnalicene ( Circulatory disorders ) and steroids.

He had visited various Universities aboard and worked with leading Scientists like Prof. E. J. Staba at University of Minneapolis U.S.A. and Prof. E. Reinhardt at University of Tubingen. FRG under various international sponsored programme. He had chaired various sessions in International Congress and delivered key note addresses.

He was instrumental in establishing and developing research Institutes like Kelkar Scientific Research Centre, (Mulund,), Institute of Agriculture and Biotechnology for Rural Youth (Aksa).

Due to his expertise in the field of biotechnology he was selected expert for evaluation of scientific projects, by Department of Biotechnology Govt. of India , Board of Research in Nuclear studies, Department of Atomic Energy . Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission Govt of Maharashtra. He was the member of various advisory board and professional association.

He had 80 research publication in reputed National and International Journals to his credit and was referee for Scientific Journal like Plant Cell Tissue organ Culture, Acta Botanica, Indian Journal of Chemistry and Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. He was recognized teacher of Bombay University for Ph.D. programme and have guided 6 Ph.D. students.

Under his guidance the Kelkar Scientific Research Centre has made path breaking work in the field of Plant Biotechnology. The management and staff condole the death of Dr M.R.Heble and pray the almighty that may his soul rest in peace.