Geneticist K. Thangaraj, a CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow at CCMB, Hyderabad.
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President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Shri to distinguished geneticist K. Thangaraj, a CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, during a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday.
Over a career spanning more than three decades at CCMB, Mr. Thangaraj has made significant contributions to understanding the ancestry and migration patterns of Indian populations. His research has been instrumental in explaining the formation and diversity of populations across the Indian subcontinent.
Through extensive genetic analyses, he has identified unique genetic markers among different communities and traced their links across regions. His work has shed light on the origins of groups such as the Sindhis, Coorgis, Ladakhis and Nicobarese while also helping decode historical mysteries linked to Roopkund Lake and the ancient port city of Muziris.
His studies highlight how waves of migration from Africa, Europe and Asia over centuries have shaped India’s genetic and cultural diversity. Mr.Thangaraj has also identified disease-causing mutations in several Indian sub-populations and has advocated genetic testing for rare disorders. He led the Genome India initiative to map the country’s genetic diversity.
“It is a matter of immense honour for CSIR-CCMB to facilitate Mr. Thangaraj’s illustrious work. His work has, indeed, helped the country understand its history and envision future healthcare for its people,” remarked CCMB director Vinay K Nandicoori in a press release.
Published – June 23, 2026 06:40 pm IST
