Two India-born mathematicians in the US and Canada are among the 106 recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of the country, announced on the eve of Republic Day.
Indian-American S.R. Srinivasa Varadhan has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan and UBC’s Dr Sujatha Ramdorai received the Padma Shri for their stellar contributions in the field of science and engineering.
According to her biography posted on Indian Ministry of Science and Technology website, Dr Ramdorai is an algebraic number theorist known for her work on the Iwasawa theory.
She is the first Indian to win the prestigious International Centre for Theoretical Physics Ramanujan Prize in 2006 and also a winner of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in 2004.
Canada Research Chair Professor at UBC for over a decade, Dr. Ramadoraihas played a key role in deepening academic and research connections between India and Canada.
She has also been a great advocate for women in science, inspiring many to pursue a career in mathematics and science. In addition, Dr. Ramdorai has won several recognitions for her work. She was a member of the National Knowledge Commission and is the member of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.
Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
