P.M. Bhargava: The Indian man who saw tomorrow in a cell

Dr. Pushpa M. Bhargava, fondly known as PMB, was a pioneering figure in modern Indian biology whose story of scientific vision and resilience is recounted in a new biography. Bhargava, who grew up in Uttar Pradesh, initially pursued chemistry but later shifted his focus to biology, recognizing its potential for future advancements.

His academic journey took him from homeschooling to Lucknow University, where he earned his PhD, before moving to Hyderabad to establish the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). Inspired by the 1959 proposal for a national biological laboratory, Bhargava relentlessly advocated for India's entry into the molecular biology revolution, despite facing significant resistance from traditional scientists.

His dedication led to the formation of CCMB in 1977, marking a pivotal moment in Indian biological research. Bhargava's approach to building CCMB was unconventional; he valued observation skills and open-mindedness over academic credentials, fostering a collaborative environment where scientists addressed each other by their first names.

Beyond building CCMB, Bhargava left a lasting impact through various initiatives, including the Guha Research Conference and a science textbook for children. His commitment to rational science extended to advocating against pseudosciences like homeopathy and astrology, earning him both accolades and controversy. The biography, based on Bhargava's personal diaries and interviews, sheds light on his transformative contributions to Indian science and his unwavering pursuit of scientific truth.