Darshan Ranganathan Biography

Darshan Ranganathan, an Indian ecologist born on September 26, 1941, in Bangalore, made significant contributions to the field of environmental science. She dedicated her life to studying tropical ecosystems, focusing particularly on forests and their biodiversity.

Darshan Ranganathan Age, Death, Husband, Children, Family, Biography & More

Ranganathan served as the founder-director of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Her research, spanning decades, shed light on the importance of conservation and sustainable development. Through her work, she advocated for the protection of India’s rich ecological heritage. Ranganathan’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of environmental scientists and conservationists.

Early Life

In her early life, Darshan Ranganathan, born on June 4, 1941, in Karol Bagh, Delhi, British India (now India), displayed a keen intellect and a passion for learning. She attended Arya Samaj Girl’s Primary School and later Indraprastha Higher Secondary School in Delhi, where she laid the foundation for her academic pursuits. Her journey of intellectual curiosity led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Delhi University, which she completed in 1967. This early academic background laid the groundwork for her illustrious career as an ecologist and environmental scientist.

Education

Darshan Ranganathan attended Arya Samaj Girl’s Primary School in Delhi from 1946 to 1951 and then continued her education at Indraprastha Higher Secondary School, Delhi, from 1951 to 1958. She pursued her higher education at Delhi University, where she earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1967.

Physical Stats

Darshan Ranganathan stands approximately 5’5″ (165 cm) tall, with black eyes and black hair.

Husband and Children

At the time of her death, Darshan Ranganathan was married to Subramania Ranganathan, a professor and bioorganic chemist. They were married on June 4, 1970. Together, they had a son named Anand Ranganathan, who is a scientist, political analyst, and author.

Family

Darshan Ranganathan’s parents were Shanti Swarup Markan and Vidyavati Markan. Additionally, her daughter-in-law is Sheetal Ranganathan, who is a columnist, the chief strategic officer at Roche India, and a business advisor.

Darshan Ranganathan Family Picture

Darshan Ranganathan Younage Picture

Darshan Ranganathan Son Anand Ranganathan

Darshan Ranganathan Daughter-in-law Sheetal Ranganathan

Death

Darshan Ranganathan was born on June 4, 1941, in Karol Bagh, Delhi, British India (now India), and she passed away on June 4, 2001, in Hyderabad at the age of 60. She succumbed to metastatic breast cancer. A Gemini by zodiac sign, Ranganathan was a renowned Indian ecologist who made significant contributions to environmental science. Her nationality was Indian.

Career

Darshan Ranganathan, a distinguished Indian ecologist, dedicated her career to the study and preservation of tropical ecosystems. As the founder-director of the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, she conducted groundbreaking research on forest biodiversity and conservation. Her contributions underscored the importance of sustainable development and ecological preservation. Ranganathan’s work continues to inspire environmental scientists and conservationists worldwide, leaving an enduring legacy in the field of ecology.

Net Worth

Her net worth is not known.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Darshan Ranganathan

• After her marriage, she joined as an independent researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) on 16 June 1970, where her husband was the Assistant professor.
• As a tribute to the contributions in Organic Chemistry by Darshan Ranganathan, a biennial ‘Professor Darshan Ranganathan Memorial Lecture’ was instituted by her husband to be delivered by a woman scientist who made outstanding contributions to Science and Technology at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA).
• Darshan Ranganathan, born the third child of her parents, was interested in music, drawing, and dancing growing up.
• In London, their research was focused on organic products and required a jackfruit. Darshan arranged for her mother to send dry jackfruit to continue their study.
• She and her husband, Subramania Ranganathan, chose different research domains and her studies in protein folding are well-known.
• She co-authored the books, ‘Challenging Problems in Organic Reaction Mechanisms’ and ‘Art in Biosynthesis: The Synthetic Chemist’s Challenge’ with her husband.
• She published journals regarding her research and was a member of the Indian Academy of Sciences.
• She received her PhD in chemistry from Delhi University, under the guidance of renowned chemist and academic, T. R. Seshadri.
• She was a brilliant student and her teacher, S. V. L. Ratan, at Indraprastha Higher Secondary School, Delhi guided her to take chemistry as her research choice.
• She was always seen in her trademark Kanchipuram saree and a bold round bindi on her forehead.
• While pursuing her doctorate, she taught as a chemistry lecturer at Miranda College (Miranda House – Delhi University). She later became the Head of the Department of Chemistry at this college.

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