Valliappa Foundation launches 3 PhD fellowships to honour Padma Bhushan Rajinder Kumar

The Valliappa Foundation has introduced three doctoral research fellowships to support emerging researchers and commemorate the contribution of Rajinder Kumar, Padma Bhushan awardee for chemical engineering, research and institution-building.

The financial support can be used for research-related requirements, including materials, academic travel and other expenses directly linked to their doctoral work. The fellowships are open to full-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholars who are already enrolled in research programmes placed among the top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Three selected researchers will receive Rs 1 lakh per year for three years. The selection process will have a detailed evaluation by an expert panel with representatives from Sona College of Technology and Vee Technologies. The application for the first edition of the fellowship will be accepted by September 15, 2026.

Fellowship to carry research legacy, support young researchers

The fellowship was conceptualised by Chocko Valliappa, managing trustee of the Valliappa Foundation, based on his long-term association with Rajinder Kumar, and formally announced by him.

Chocko Valliappa said the fellowship seeks to recognise Kumar’s efforts to strengthen chemical engineering research in India and encourage researchers to translate scientific work into practical applications.

During the fellowship announcement event held in Bengaluru on August 13, Kumar’s wife, Andal Kumar, recalled his contribution to mentoring academics, researchers, entrepreneurs and students. She highlighted his focus on sincerity, modernising education and also connecting research with real-world applications.

Speaking about the initiative, C Valliappa highlighted Kumar’s contribution to the Sona Group over several decades. He recalled Kumar as a dedicated mentor who brought integrity and a practical approach to academic and institutional decision-making.

KS Gandhi, former professor emeritus at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), described the fellowship as a meaningful tribute to Kumar’s research legacy and a way to support the next generation of researchers.

Kumar’s contributions to chemical engineering

Rajinder Kumar made significant contributions to chemical engineering through his research in areas such as electrolysis, isotope enrichment, bubble formation and multiphase systems. For his work, he also received the Doctor Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar prize at the age of 42 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2003.

Kumar was associated with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where he served as dean of engineering and contributed to the development of chemical engineering research. After retiring from IISc in 1998, he continued his association with the institution’s Chemical Engineering Department until he died in 2022.