Vinod Prakash Sharma, Entomologist
Entomologist

Vinod Prakash Sharma

Born 6 April 1938 · verify — Died 9 October 2015

Developed bioenvironmental control methods to reduce malaria transmission in India.

Vinod Prakash Sharma was an Indian malariologist and entomologist, known for his work in vector biology and bioenvironmental control of malaria. Recipient of many awards, including the Padma Shri, he was again honoured by the Government of India, in 2014, by bestowing on him the third highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Sharma preferred writing research papers and notes by hand throughout his career and only developed computer skills after retirement in 1998.

The Story

1
In 1964, Vinod Prakash Sharma earned his DPhil from Allahabad University, launching a career that would pivot from local academia to international malaria research.
2
🌍 Between 1970 and 1975, Sharma worked as a Senior Scientist on a WHO-ICMR project targeting genetic control of mosquitoes in New Delhi, a crucial period for mosquito-borne disease research in India.
3🦟 In 1982, he transformed the Malaria Research Centre into the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) and became its first director, shaping India's approach to combating malaria through bioenvironmental methods.
4From 1969, Sharma's early work at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun included pioneering chemo and radio sterilisation techniques for male mosquitoes, a novel strategy to reduce malaria vectors.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1992
Padma Shri
2014
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1970, Sharma joined a WHO-ICMR project focusing on genetic control of Culicine mosquitoes, an early example of using biotechnology in vector management in India.

🖼️

Through the Years

1 photograph from the archives
Vinod Prakash Sharma receiving the Padma Bhushan Award from President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi (2014)
Vinod Prakash Sharma receiving the Padma Bhushan Award from President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi (2014)
2014

🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Vinod Prakash Sharma was born in Prayagraj, a city with a rich cultural and educational heritage in northern India.
1938
📚
Education
Completed MSc at Allahabad University
Sharma completed his MSc, laying the foundation for advanced research in entomology and vector biology.
1960
📚
Education
Earned DPhil from Allahabad University
Sharma completed his doctoral studies, marking his formal entry into scientific research.
1964
⚡
Career
Joined WHO-ICMR Genetic Control Project
He worked as a Senior Scientist on genetic control of mosquitoes under a WHO-Indian Council of Medical Research project in New Delhi.
1970
⚡
Career
Became first director of NIMR
Sharma oversaw the upgrade of the Malaria Research Centre into the National Institute of Malaria Research and led it as director.
1982
⚡
Career
Retired as Additional Director-General, ICMR
He retired from government service after a distinguished career in malaria research and vector control.
1998
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
The Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, for his contributions to science.
2014
🕊️
Death
Passed away
Vinod Prakash Sharma died, leaving behind a legacy in malaria research and public health.
2015
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
👤PERSONAL

Despite being a scientist in the 20th century, Sharma continued to write his scientific papers by hand and only learned computer skills after his retirement in 1998.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Sharma developed a novel technique for sex separation of mosquitoes, crucial for sterile insect technique programs to control mosquito populations.

03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

He wrote two books on Malaria and Dengue in Hindi, underlining his commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible to non-English speaking Indian populations.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Vinod Prakash Sharma's leadership in upgrading the Malaria Research Centre into the National Institute of Malaria Research established one of India's primary institutions dedicated to vector biology and malaria control. His introduction of bioenvironmental control methods influenced national malaria policies, moving away from sole reliance on chemical control. Furthermore, his efforts to communicate science in Hindi expanded public engagement with vector-borne diseases in India.

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