Srinivasan Varadarajan, Chemist and Scientist
Chemist and Scientist

Srinivasan Varadarajan

Born 31 March 1928 · verify — Died 11 May 2022

Led Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited as chairman, advancing India's petrochemical industry.

Srinivasan Varadarajan was an Indian chemist, civil servant, corporate executive and the former chairman of several public sector undertakings such as Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (IPCL), Petrofils Cooperative Limited, Engineers India Limited (EIL), and Bridge and Roof Company (India).

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A detail that
surprised us

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Varadarajan held two master's degrees and two Ph.D. degrees from four different universities—Madras University, Andhra University, University of Delhi, and University of Cambridge—spanning arts and sciences.

The Story

1
In 1952, Srinivasan Varadarajan earned his Ph.D. from the University of Delhi, becoming one of the very few Indians with a doctorate in science at that time, and began teaching chemistry at Delhi University between 1949 and 1953.
2
🌍 Between 1956 and 1959, he expanded his research horizons by working at two prestigious institutions abroad: Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge’s Department of Radiotherapeutics.
3In 1974, Varadarajan took charge as chairman of Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (IPCL), steering the company at a pivotal moment when India was developing its petrochemical industry amid global energy challenges.
4🧪 His innovative work at Hindustan Lever transformed non-edible oils and forest products into industrial raw materials for detergents and perfumery, showcasing a rare blend of chemistry and industrial application.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1986
Padma Bhushan
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Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1952, Varadarajan became one of the earliest recipients of a Doctorate in Science from the University of Delhi when the university had awarded fewer than 20 doctorates in science.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Tamil Nadu
Srinivasan Varadarajan was born on March 31, 1928, in Tamil Nadu, India, laying the roots for his future in science.
1928
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Career
Faculty at Delhi University
He taught chemistry at Delhi University from 1949 to 1953, engaging with one of India’s premier institutions during its early post-independence phase.
1949
📚
Education
Ph.D. from University of Delhi
Varadarajan earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from University of Delhi, marking an important milestone as one of the earliest doctorates awarded by the institution.
1952
⚡
Career
Research at MIT and Cambridge
Between 1956 and 1959, he worked as a faculty member at MIT and later at University of Cambridge’s Department of Radiotherapeutics, linking chemical research with medical applications.
1956
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Career
Chairman of IPCL
He was appointed chairman of Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited (IPCL), overseeing critical petrochemical industry development in India from 1974 to 1981.
1974
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to science and industry, recognizing his impact on Indian public sector undertakings.
1985
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Career
President of INSA
He served as president of the Indian National Science Academy from 1996 to 1998, influencing science policy and education at a national level.
1996
🕊️
Death
Passed away
Srinivasan Varadarajan passed away on May 11, 2022, closing a chapter on a multifaceted career spanning academia, science, and industry.
2022
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

His tenure at Hindustan Lever led to innovative industrial uses of non-edible oils, which were previously considered waste, transforming them into detergents and perfumery products.

02 / 05
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Between 1956 and 1959, he was associated with the Department of Radiotherapeutics at the University of Cambridge, blending chemistry with medical research during a period when interdisciplinary science was rare.

03 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Varadarajan was president of the Indian National Science Academy from 1996 to 1998, a period when the academy intensified efforts to improve science education and policy in India.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Varadarajan’s leadership at IPCL and Engineers India Limited helped establish India’s petrochemical and engineering infrastructure during critical growth years, enabling industrial self-reliance. His pioneering research on converting non-edible oils into industrial raw materials opened new economic avenues for Indian industry and rural economies. His fellowship presidencies raised scientific standards and institutional credibility across India’s national science bodies.

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