Leading geneticist Dr. K. Thangaraj has been bestowed with the distinguished Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, specifically in the Vigyan Shri category, by the Central government for his significant and enduring contributions to the field of biological sciences.
As a dedicated scientist at CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, Dr. Thangaraj has dedicated over thirty years to pioneering research in population genetics and medical genomics. His seminal work includes establishing the Andaman tribes as the earliest modern human migrants from Africa, approximately 65,000 years ago. Furthermore, his research revealed that Indian communities have maintained endogamous practices for nearly two millennia, a factor contributing to the prevalence of specific recessive genetic diseases within these populations.
Presently, Dr. Thangaraj is focused on pinpointing genetic variations associated with these diseases and offering vital genetic counseling to aid in their prevention for future generations. He also spearheads two pivotal national initiatives: GenomeIndia and Paediatric Rare Genetic Diseases. His impressive career is further highlighted by numerous prestigious accolades, such as the CSIR-Bhatnagar Fellowship and the JC Bose Fellowship.