Subbanna Ayyappan
Subbanna Ayyappan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Subbanna Ayyappan 10 December 1955 |
| Died | 10 May 2025 (aged 69) |
| Alma mater |
|
| Known for | Blue Revolution in India |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards |
|
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Aquaculture |
| Institutions |
|
Subbanna Ayyappan (10 December 1955 – 10 May 2025) was an Indian aquaculture scientist hailing from the Karnataka State who held several key positions in various government organisations related to agricultural science. He was the Director-General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Secretary to Government, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) from January 2010 to February 2016.[1] He was also the Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Manipur. He was instrumental in bringing about the Blue Revolution in India. He was the first non-crop scientist to head the ICAR.[2]
Ayyappan held a Ph.D., degree from Bangalore University and a master's degree in Fish Production and Management from the College of Fisheries in Mangalore. He published several research papers in areas of fisheries, limnology, and aquatic microbiology.[3]
Ayyappan began his career in ICAR as a scientist at Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore in 1978. In 1996 he was appointed the Director, CIFA, Bhubaneswar, where he served for almost five years prior to holding the office of the Director, CIFE, Mumbai (Deemed University). He came to the ICAR headquarters in 2002 as the Deputy Director General (Fisheries) and served for almost eight years in that capacity before taking up the important post of the Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR on 1 January 2010. He was the founder Chief Executive of the National Fisheries Development Board, DAHD&I, Hyderabad (2006–2008).[4] Ayyappan was also Chairman of National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
Death
[edit]Ayyappan was reported missing on 7 May 2025. On 10 May, his body was found in the River Cauvery near Sai Ashram at Srirangapatna, Karnataka, a favourite place of his for dhyana. He was 69 years old.[5] Investigations indicated that he might have died by suicide.[6]
Recognition
[edit] |
Padma Shri
[edit]In 2022, the Government of India conferred the Padma Shri award, the third highest award in the Padma series of awards, on Subbanna Ayyappan for his distinguished service in the field of science and engineering.[7] The award is in recognition of his service as a "Respected Aquaculture Scientist, playing a key role in powering India's Blue Revolution".[8]
Other recognitions and awards
[edit]Subbanna Ayyappan received several recognitions and awards for his work related to aquaculture and related areas. These include:[4]
- Zahoor Qasim Gold Medal awarded by the Society of Biosciences in India (1996–1997)
- Special ICAR Award (1997)
- ICAR Award for Team Research as the Team leader for significant contributions in fisheries (1997–1998)
- Dr. V.G. Jhingran Gold medal (2002)
- Prof. H.P.C. Shetty Award for Excellence in Fisheries Research and Development, Asian Fisheries Society, Indian Branch (2002)
- Asian Scientist 100, Asian Scientist (2023)[9]
References
[edit]- ^ "Details of first six Convocations" (PDF). Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ "Dealing with crop stresses and scandals". Down to Earth. Centre for Science & Environment. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ Ajith Athrady (25 January 2022). "Five from Karnataka honoured with Padma Shri awards". Deccan Herald. DHNS. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ a b "Dr. S. Ayyappan takes over as Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR". Sarson News. 14 (1). Retrieved 12 February 2022.
- ^ Padma Shri awardee Subbanna Ayyappan dies under mysterious circumstances
- ^ https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/india/padma-shri-awardee-noted-agriculture-scientist-subbanna-ayyappan-found-dead-in-cauvery-river/ar-AA1ExS25?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=932cb68e49cb49bfb7a63331358823a8&ei=22
- ^ "Padma Awards 2022" (PDF). Padma Awards. Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ "Padma Awards 2022". Padma Awards. Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
- ^ "The Asian Scientist 100". Asian Scientist. Retrieved 13 March 2025.