The Human Resource Development Ministry today appointed historian Prof Bipan Chandra and sociologist Prof Andre Beteille as National Research Professors in recognition of their contribution in their respective fields.The scheme, instituted in 1949 to honour persons of eminence who have attained the age of 65 years and who have made outstanding contribution in their respective fields and are still capable of further productive research are considered for appointment as National Research Professors. Their appointments have been made on the recommendation of the committee under the National Research Professorship Scheme, comprising the PM, HRD minister, Finance and Home minister. In the past, various eminent persons such as Sir CV Raman, Dr S N Bose, Satyajit Ray, Ustad Bismillah Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar have been appointed as National Research Professors. In the recent past, cardiac surgeon Prof M S Valiathan, noted author Mahasweta Devi, theatre personality Habib Tanvir, scientist Prof C N R Rao, biologist Prof Obaid Siddiqui, mathematician Prof C S Seshadri, noted expert of political jurisprudence Dr M V Pylee, sociologist Dr Veena Mazumdar and management expert Prof N S Ramaswamy have been appointed as National Research Professors.
