Pune scientist on fast gets govt assurance

Bhaskar Saha, the SS Bhatnagar Award winning scientist from National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), was admitted to a hospital in Aundh on Thursday. He has been on a hunger strike at his home protesting against irregularities at the prestigious institute. Department of biotechnology (DBT) secretary Vijay Raghavan has assured to address his grievances.

Currently an F grade scientist, the 49-year old had joined NCCS in 1998.
Saha told dna that he had asked the authorities to create an appropriate environment at the centre for doing quality science research and related works. He also wrote to the vigilance commissioner to investigate into the various issues regarding the functioning of the institute.

Following his letter to vigilance commissioner, Saha informed NCCS authorities that he was sitting on fast at his residence in Baner. He started his fast on Tuesday and students rushed him to a hospital after his health deteriorated on Thursday afternoon.

Raghavan, who was in Pune on Friday, visited the scientist  at the hospital in Aundh. Saha stays at Baner along with his wife, son and daughter.
Meanwhile, the personal assistant to NCCS director Shekhar Mande told dna that his boss was busy for the day as the secretary was in town and hence unavailable for comment.

His story

Bhaskar Saha was presented with Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award, instituted by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), for his contribution to research in immunology in 2009

Students find the scientist a calm and patient mentor who never scolds them

The scientist’s hobbies include photography, sketching and gardening