PMB
Biologist and Writer

Pushpa Mittra Bhargava

Born 22 February 1928 · Rajasthan — Died 1 August 2017

Founded the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad in 1977.

Pushpa Mittra Bhargava was an Indian scientist, writer, and administrator. He founded the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, a federally funded research institute, in Hyderabad. He was outspoken and highly influential in the development of scientific temper in India, and argued that scientific rationalism needed to be cultivated as a civic duty.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Bhargava was admitted directly into 9th grade at Besant Theosophical School in Varanasi after being home schooled until age ten by his grandfather.

The Story

1
In 1949, at just 21 years old, Pushpa Mittra Bhargava earned his Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry from Lucknow University, marking the start of a scientific career that would span continents and disciplines.
2
🌍 Between 1953 and 1957, Bhargava transitioned from chemistry to biology through research stints at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the US and the National Institute for Medical Research in London, broadening his scientific vision.
3In 1977, Bhargava founded the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad, transforming the Biochemistry Division of the Regional Research Laboratory into a cutting-edge molecular biology institute.
4🎓 Under Bhargava's leadership, CCMB adopted a unique model where all labs shared equipment and resources, an experiment in scientific collaboration rare in India at the time.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Bhargava earned his Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry by 1949 at age 21, a remarkable feat for that era in India.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Ajmer, Rajasthan
Pushpa Mittra Bhargava was born into a middle-class family; his father was a medical doctor and public health professional.
1928
📚
Education
Completed B.Sc. in Sciences
Bhargava completed his B.Sc. with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from Queen's College, Uttar Pradesh.
1944
📚
Education
Earned Ph.D. at Lucknow University
Received Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry at age 21, marking early academic excellence.
1949
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Career
Postdoc at University of Wisconsin
Began postdoctoral work in cancer research at McArdle Memorial Laboratory, USA.
1953
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Career
Wellcome Trust Fellowship in UK
Shifted research focus to biology at National Institute for Medical Research, London.
1956
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Career
Founded CCMB in Hyderabad
Established the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, transforming Indian molecular biology research.
1977
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Career
Retired as CCMB Director
Stepped down to join CSIR Distinguished Fellowship, continuing policy influence.
1990
🕊️
Death
Passed away in Hyderabad
Bhargava died at age 89, leaving behind a legacy of science and rationalism advocacy.
2017
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

He transitioned from chemistry to biology during a Wellcome Trust fellowship at the UK’s National Institute for Medical Research in 1956–57.

02 / 04
💡SURPRISING

CCMB, founded by Bhargava in 1977, uniquely functions as a single integrated laboratory with shared equipment and chemicals among research groups.

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

He opposed the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill as 'unconstitutional, unethical, unscientific, self-contradictory, and not people-oriented,' a rare public critique from a senior scientist.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Scientist Pushpa Mittra Bhargava decides to return his Padma Bhushan award
·YouTube
More from this archive
Scientist Pushpa Mittra Bhargava decides to return his Padma Bhushan award
01
Scientist Pushpa Mittra Bhargava decides to return his Padma Bhushan award
YouTube
Scientist Pushpa Mittra Bhargava Died at 89
02
Scientist Pushpa Mittra Bhargava Died at 89
YouTube
Scientist PM Bhargava Returns Padma Bhushan Award
03
Scientist PM Bhargava Returns Padma Bhushan Award
YouTube
Eminent Scientist PM Bhargava Final Rites Completes | Hyderabad | V6 News
04
Eminent Scientist PM Bhargava Final Rites Completes | Hyderabad | V6 News
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Bhargava’s establishment of CCMB created a premier research center that integrated biology and molecular science in India, fostering generations of biologists. His vocal stance on biosafety and scientific temper shaped national debates on biotechnology policy and regulatory ethics, influencing government decisions on genetically modified organisms. Through advisory roles, he helped embed scientific rationalism as a civic responsibility in India’s public discourse.

💬 Social Buzz

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💭 Memories & Tributes

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