Man Mohan Sharma, Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer

Man Mohan Sharma

Born 1 May 1937 · Rajasthan

Appointed youngest Professor of Chemical Engineering at UDCT at age 27 and later became its Director.

Man Mohan Sharma is an Indian chemical engineer. He was educated at Jodhpur, Mumbai, and Cambridge. At age 27, he was appointed Professor of Chemical Engineering in the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. He later went on to become the Director of UDCT, the first chemical engineering professor to do so from UDCT.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

In 1990, Man Mohan Sharma became the first Indian engineer elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, UK, an honor rarely bestowed upon engineers from India.

The Story

1
In 1964, at just 27, Man Mohan Sharma was appointed Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Institute of Chemical Technology (then UDCT) in Mumbai, marking an unusually early ascent in Indian academia.
2
🌟 By 1973, he became the youngest recipient of the prestigious S.S. Bhatnagar Prize in Engineering Sciences, spotlighting his pioneering research in chemical reaction engineering.
3In 1990, Sharma broke ground as the first Indian engineer elected Fellow of the Royal Society, London, an elite body rarely accessible to engineers from India.
4During his 8-year tenure as Director of UDCT, he led the institute to gain autonomy from the University Grants Commission, dramatically increasing its PhD output and research independence.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1973, Sharma was the youngest recipient of the S.S. Bhatnagar Prize in Engineering Sciences, an award that recognizes outstanding Indian research, underscoring his early breakthrough in chemical engineering.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Rajasthan
Man Mohan Sharma was born in Rajasthan, beginning a journey that would lead him to chemical engineering prominence.
1937
📚
Education
Graduated B. Chem. Eng.
Sharma completed his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from UDCT, Mumbai, laying the foundation for his scientific career.
1958
📚
Education
PhD from Cambridge
He earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering at Cambridge University under Peter Danckwerts, then returned to India the same year.
1964
⚡
Career
Professor at UDCT
At age 27, Sharma became Professor of Chemical Engineering at UDCT, marking an early academic achievement.
1964
🏅
Award
S.S. Bhatnagar Prize
He received the S.S. Bhatnagar Prize in Engineering Sciences, recognizing his research excellence.
1973
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
The Government of India honored Sharma with the Padma Bhushan for his scientific contributions.
1987
🏅
Award
Fellow of Royal Society
Sharma was elected Fellow of the Royal Society, becoming the first Indian engineer to receive this distinction.
1990
🏅
Award
Padma Vibhushan & Honorary DSc
He received the Padma Vibhushan and an honorary Doctor of Science from IIT Delhi, marking a peak in national recognition.
2001
📖
Publication
Biography 'Divine Scientist' Published
A biography chronicling Sharma’s life and work was launched at ICT Mumbai, highlighting his academic and scientific legacy.
2025
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🔍LESSER KNOWN

He pioneered studies on Bronsted based catalysis in CO2 hydration and kinetics of COS absorption that revealed linear free energy relationships, bridging theory and industrial gas absorption practices.

02 / 05
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Under Sharma’s leadership, the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT) achieved autonomy from the UGC, a critical step that allowed it to elevate its research and doctoral training.

03 / 05
👤PERSONAL

He encouraged his doctoral students to publish independently in reputed journals from the start of their research careers, a practice uncommon in India in the 1960s and 70s.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Ek Mulakat EP 194 Manmohan Sharma Engineer,Professor 12th Nov 2016 Brahma Kumaris
More from this archive
Ek Mulakat EP 194 Manmohan Sharma Engineer,Professor 12th Nov 2016 Brahma Kumaris
01
Ek Mulakat EP 194 Manmohan Sharma Engineer,Professor 12th Nov 2016 Brahma Kumaris
Prof M M Sharma The Divine Scientist Biographical documentary
02
Prof M M Sharma The Divine Scientist Biographical documentary
Rendezvous with Padma Vibhushan M M Sharma
03
Rendezvous with Padma Vibhushan M M Sharma
A Key Note by Padma Vibhushan Prof M M Sharma part 1
04
A Key Note by Padma Vibhushan Prof M M Sharma part 1
Prof M M Sharma: Celebrating 50 years of teaching
05
Prof M M Sharma: Celebrating 50 years of teaching
Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma & ICT
06
Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma & ICT
Birthday Celebration of Prof M M Sharma: 37 Talk by Prof M M Sharma 360
07
Birthday Celebration of Prof M M Sharma: 37 Talk by Prof M M Sharma 360
Prof M M Sharma at Goa Regional Centre IIChE Inauguration at BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus
08
Prof M M Sharma at Goa Regional Centre IIChE Inauguration at BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus

🌱 What changed because of them

Man Mohan Sharma transformed UDCT into a leading autonomous research institute by securing UGC autonomy and expanding its doctoral programs. His pioneering research in reaction engineering influenced industrial processes in India, while his leadership and mentorship cultivated a generation of chemical engineers who embraced rigorous publication and innovation. His election to international bodies raised the global profile of Indian engineering science.

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