Dr. B S Bajaj, the Doyen of Biotech Industry, Passes Away
- Dr. B S Bajaj, the Doyen of Biotech Industry, Passes Away at 93 on July 28th
The Chief Minister, K Chandrashekhar Rao has mourned the sad demise of Dr. B S Bajaj, the Doyen of Biotech Industry, in Hyderabad. The CM recalled the services rendered by Dr Bajaj as Founder Secretary-General of Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA) and on how he worked tirelessly to make Genome Valley and Bio-Asia, a reality. The CM also recalled that in Bio-Asia 2019, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award. The CM has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family members of the bereaved.
“Dr Bajaj, an accomplished biotech industry in the State, ensured industry-academia interface and helped formulate the first biotech policy of the State that paved the way for the growth of Genome valley and Bio Asia as an annual event to showcase it. His benign presence will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences”, said B P Acharya, IAS, Director General, Dr MCR HRD Institute of Telangana & Patron of FABA.
“Dr Bajaj was the founder-technology promoter of the establishment of biotechnology initiative in Hyderabad in 1999. He worked harmoniously, and hand-in-hand with the government in putting together what has now become the famous Genome Valley in that year, with help from Dr Krishna Ella of Bharat Biotech, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, ICICI and the government”, said Dr D. Balasubramanian, Former Director, CCMB. “He has been a guiding force for many scientists, technologists, drug and vaccine manufacturers, and the government officials (since the days of Shri B. P. Acharya and Sheela Bhide). Thus, was born Genome Valley. It has now grown to its third phase and flourishing”, Dr Balasubramanian stated.
“Dr Bajaj helped in organizing the yearly event BioAsia from 2004. He helped establish contacts with 50 such similar minded groups across East, Central and West Asia under the umbrella organization, FABA, and active help from the State Government and industry groups. The 17th edition, BioAsia 2020, was held in February 2020, where he had his benign presence”, he recalled with a sense of gratitude.
“While this guiding light is gone from us, let all of us pledge that we shall carry on his legacy with renewed commitment and rigor”, Dr Balasubramanian added.
Governor condoles the death of Dr. BS Bajaj, a doyen of biotech in Hyderabad:
Dr. Bajaj, has been serving as the Chairman - All India Biotech Association-Southern Chapter (AIBA-SC) and Secretary-General-Federation of Asian Biotech Associations (FABA), till his last breath, and his contribution in developing Bio-Asia and Genome Valley in Hyderabad is precious.
Dr. Bajaj through his five-decade-long untiring efforts in Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical sectors has contributed enormously to the research and development in the fields. His role in developing Hyderabad as the Hub of Biotechnology will be remembered forever.
My deep sympathies to the bereaved family members of Late Dr. Bajaj.