Professor Obaid Siddiqi
By Afzal Usmani
Born: 7 January 1932, Basti, Uttar Pradesh
Wife: Dr. Asiya Siddiqi (served in Dept. of History, AMU Aligarh)
Parents: Mr. M. A. Qadeer Siddiqi and Mrs. Umme Kulsum
Brother: Prof. Aslam Qadeer (Ex-Dean faculty of Engg. & Tech. AMU Aligarh)
Education : M.Sc. from AMU Aligarh in 1953
Ph.D. from University of Glasgow, UK in 1961
Career:
· Hon. Professor, Founder & Emeritus Director
TIFR National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore
· Chancellor, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, 2005-Till date
· President National Academy of Sciences(NAS), India : 1986-88
· Vice-President: 1983-85
· Council Member NAS : 1974-91
· Member, National Academy of Sciences (NAS), India, 1968- Till date
· Member, National Academy of Sciences, USA, 2003-Till Date
· Sr. Associate. Fellow, Royal Society of London,
· Director: TIFR, National Centre for Biol. Sc., Bangalore, 1993;
· Sherman Fairchild, Distinguished Scholar 81-82, 86;
· Gosney Fellow 72-73,
· Visiting Professor Cambridge Inst. of Tech., USA: 1968, 1970-71;
· Visiting Associate Yale Univ., Dept. of Biophysics in 1966;
· Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore:
· Hon. Prof. National Inst. of Advanced Studies, Bangalore:
· INSA, TWAS, Maharashtra Academy of Science.
· Pennsylvania Univ., USA: Post doctoral Fellow 61-62;
· Lallor Foundation Fellow, Cold Spring Harbor Lab., USA, 1961
· Res. Scholar, IARI, Delhi: 1957-58
· Lecturer, AMU Aligarh, 1954-57
Awards:
· Padma Vibhushan, 2006
· B.C. Roy Award, 2004
· Sir Syed Life Time Achievement Award, AMUAA New York, 2004
· Pride of India Award, AFMI, USA, 2004
· INSA Aryabhata Medal 1992;
· Goyal Prize 1991;
· Birla Smarak Kosh National Award 1989;
· Padma Bhushan 1984;
· Bhatnagar Award 1976;
· Honorary D.Sc. from AMU Aligarh., BHU Banaras & Jamia Hamdard Delhi.
India has produced many stalwart scholars and scientists in recent times. A few of them have earned Nobel Prize after they became expatriate. On the other hand, for those who opt to work in India, a membership to the US National Academy of Sciences is considered the highest international scientific recognition of their contribution to science. Professor Obaid Siddiqi is one of a few non-US citizens inducted as a Fellow of the prestigious scientific academy. This fellowship bestowed on him brings an honor to the country of his residence, India. The Indian Diaspora joins the citizen of India in feeling proud for Dr. Siddiqi’s achievement.
Obaid Siddiqi was born on 7th January 1932 in Basti to a family of scholars. His siblings have also distinguished themselves in academic medicine, science, engineering, social, and literary fields. In his youth, he wanted to be a professional photographer; however, it appears that his uncle’s persuasion directed him to science and his ambition to photographing turned into ‘mapping’ of nature’s mysteries. Although he is in his early seventies, he keeps himself engrossed in scientific research as an Emeritus Professor of Molecular Biology at the NCBS. It is good to know that Obaid’s life is not just science; he has a keen interest in sports and literature. He is very fond of Urdu poetry and Allama Iqbal’s following verse fits him well: BaRi mushkil se hota hae chaman meiN deedawar paeda.
Obaid Siddiqi started his scientific career at the Aligarh Muslim University as a lecturer after graduating from the university. His romance with molecular biology began long before it became the ‘cool’ area of research of modern times. Realizing Obaid’s inclination towards the field, his teacher-cum-colleague Riyasat Khan of AMU’s Botany Department encouraged him to work on mapping of rust-resistance genes in wheat at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Delhi. He then proceeded to work for his PhD at the Department of Genetics at the University of Glasgow. Even before he had completed his degree, Obaid was offered a post-doctoral position at the MIT to work with a giant in genetics filed, Dr. Alan Garen. Alan Garen later moved to the University of Pennsylvania and took his postdoctoral colleague with him. Together they discovered the suppressors of “nonsense” mutations that led to the discovery of “nonsense” codons, the stop signals in the genetic code. In early seventies, his work with Professor Benzer of the California Institute of Technology led to the identification of several genes that control nerve conduction and synaptic transmission. Obaid and his associates’ pioneering work on neurogenetics of fruit fly, Drosophila, has opened up the prospects of an integrated genetic and neurobiological investigation of chemosensory perception.
Obaid’s desire to return to India was fulfilled when Homi Bhabha of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, invited him to start a molecular biology group at the institute in early 1960s. Obaid recruited top-class scientists and put the TIFR’s molecular biology group on world map of genetics. Later, with the support of government of India, he founded TIFR’s National Center for Biological Sciences at Bangalore. The mandate of this Center is basic research in the frontier areas of biology and currently it has many distinguished scholars working in various fields of science with state-of-the-art facilities testifying that Obaid’s brainchild, NCBS, will one day flourish into a research institute of international repute. Prof. Obaid has mentored energetic scholars, who have distinguished themselves in the field of genetics and are occupying highly visible academic positions in India and abroad. The list includes: R. N. Singh, Vijay Sarthy, Satpal Singh, Sheela Dhonde, Veronica Roderiques, Kavita Arora, V. C. Jayaram, Shahid Siddiqui, Ravi Rajan, Rashid Mistry, Swati Joshi, Champakali Ayub, and Anil Gupta.
Prof. Obaid’s name is held in high esteem among the biologists. He has published hundreds of original research papers and articles in internationally recognized scientific journals and lectured at prestigious institutions. He has been awarded almost all distinguished scientific honors. He has been a visiting Professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Gosney Fellow and twice Sherman Fairchild Distinguished Scholar at the California Institute of Technology. He is a life Member of Clare Hall, Cambridge University. A past president of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, the National Science Academy, The Royal Society of London, the Third World Academy of Sciences Trieste, and Foreign Associate of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Washington. Prof. Siddiqi is a recipient of the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Prize, The Aryabhat Medal, The Indian National Science Academy Jubilee Medal, The Goyal Prize, the Birla Smarak Kosh Award for Biological Sciences, Bhasin Award, GM Modi Innovative Science and Technology Award, The B.C. Roy Award for Biomedical Research, and the Indian civil honor Padam Bhushan. The Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University and Jamia Hamdard have conferred honorary D.Sc. degrees on Professor Siddiqi.
Prof. Siddiqi with Prof. Pathan, Vice-Chancellor of MANUU, and Prof. S. jairajpuri, Founding Vice-Chancellor of MANUU. at a function at MANUU to honor Prof. jairajpuri
Prof. Obaid Siddiqi receiving the Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award for Life Sciences 2009 from AMU Chancellor, Justice A. M. Ahmadi on 17th October 2009 Sir Syed Day Commemorative Function in AMU Aligarh
Congratulations
Dear Aligs: ASAK!
AMU has selected Prof. Obaid Siddiqi and Prof. Zahoor Qasim for this year's Sir Syed Award in Life Sciences. My heartiest congratulations to Prof. Obaid Siddiqi and Dr. Zahoor Qasim. Congratulations AMU administration for choosing two eminent scientists, an excellent choice. AMU has increased its prestige and that of the award by this excellent selection.
Here is the link to the Hindu newspaper about this news:
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/10/11/stories/2009101157560400.htm
With all the best regards
Afshan N.Hashmi,Ph.D. 1991
Rockville, MD, USA
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award – 2009 to Obaid Siddiqi
Aligarh, October 10: A seven member Jury comprising distinguished personalities today unanimously recommended that the Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award – 2009 in the field of Life Science be awarded jointly to Prof. Obaid Siddiqi and Prof. Syed Zahoor Qasim.
This prestigious international award carries a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs with citation and plaque. The Award will be conferred on the above personalities on the Sir Syed Day on October 17, 2009 in the Commemorative meeting at AMU, Aligarh. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy will be the Chief Guest in the Commemoration Function.
AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis said that in line with the prestigious academic awards and literary organizations such as Nobel, Pulitzer and Gyanpeeth, the Aligarh Muslim University instituted an International Award in the name of its illustrious founder last year.
Prof. Azis said that the AMU has constituted a Committee comprising Prof. N.K. Ganguly, former Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, Prof. Panjab Singh, former Director General of ICAR, Prof. G.P. Talwar, Director, Talwar Research Foundation, New Delhi, Prof. Syed E. Husnain, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, Padma Shri Prof. Syed Zillur Rahman, President, Ibne-Sina Academy, Aligarh and Prof. Prof. V.K. Abdul Jaleel, Registrar of the Aligarh Muslim University as its Convener.
The Aligarh Muslim University invited nomination from individuals and Universities, Research Centres, Government and non-Government organizations of international repute. The Committee after extensive deliberations and thorough evaluation of the works submitted by the nominees unanimously recommended the names of Prof. Obaid Siddiqi and Prof. Syed Zahoor Qasim for this year’s illustrious international award.
Prof. Obaid Siddiqi is an eminent scientist and his research interest includes Molecular Biology, Behaviour Genetics and Neurobiology. He was awarded the highest second civilian award Padma Bhushan in 1984 and conferred upon honorary degrees by eight Universities of international repute.
Prof. Zahoor Qasim has brought laurel to the nation by successfully leading a team of scientists in the “Fist Indian Expedition to Antarctica” in 1981. He was instrumental in the creation of the Ministry of Environment. Earlier he served as Member of the Planning Commission. In recognition of his work he was awarded honorary degrees by a number of Universities. Dr. Qasim was the first Indian Marine Scientist to be invited by the Inter-Governmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO to deliver the Anton Brunn Memorial Lecture.
(Dr. Rahat Abrar)
Public Relations Officer
AMU Aligarh
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award – 2009 to Obaid Siddiqi
I am delighted and congratulate the Sir Syed International Award Jury choosing Drs. Obaid Siddiqi and Zahoor Qasim as the recipients of the 2009 Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award in the field of Life Sciences. I would like to elaborate on the Press Release issued by AMU and add my own thoughts on the world prominence of Dr. Obaid Siddiqi in the field of Life Sciences,
I first met Dr. Siddiqi during my Ph.D. training at AMU when he visited the campus to give a series of lectures in Molecular Biology. His lectures were stunningly impressive and they left a lasting mark on me and to some degree helped me structure my own career. After receiving my Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry I spent almost 1 year at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Bombay before moving to the United States where I have continued to follow Dr. Siddqi’s numerous contributions to field of Molecular Genetics as well as his leadership roles in shaping the research endeavors of Indian Scientific Establishments
Born on January 7, 1932 in Basti (U.P.), Dr. Siddqi received his M.Sc. degree in Botany from AMU in 1953, where he taught for the next three years. He then moved, first to the Indian Agriculture Research Institute in Delhi and then to the University of Glasgow, where he earned his Ph.D. degree in Genetics. His thesis work on DNA transfer and recombination in fungi not only helped to explain an important molecular phenomenon, but also became the foundation of the molecular biology field. Armed with a strong background in genetics, Dr. Siddiqi did his postdoctoral training at top institutions (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; University of Pennsylvania; MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge). This was an exciting period for Life Sciences, because just a few years earlier the double helical structure of DNA had been elucidated by Watson and Crick. The Molecular Biology field was undergoing a renaissance of a sort and Dr. Siddiqi was in the midst of it all. Of particular importance is his work with Alan Garen on the suppression of nonsense mutation in bacteria that explained how the cellular machinery determines when to stop the synthesis of a growing polypeptide chain – a phenomenon that has become an important part of the molecular biology lexicon. I am sure that with his stellar scientific contributions, Dr. Siddiqi could have obtained any academic position of his liking in this country, but he heard the calling from back home and was recruited by Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha to lead the Molecular Biology Unit (MBU) of the newly established TIFR in a quiet and serene nook of bustling city of Bombay. Like his ingrained determination to pursue cutting-edge biomedical research, he developed TIFR-MBU as a place to do 1st-rate science by recruiting the best minds and providing them with modern facilities and a challenging atmosphere. His efforts culminated in the creation of a research facility comparable to any top places in North America. To truly appreciate TIFR, one has to visit the place.
What is most impressive is that despite his commitments with establishing the TIFR-MBU, Dr. Siddiqi did not pause in his own scientific endeavors. He continued to produce ground-breaking scientific discoveries. Among his many contributions, his work with Seymour Benzer at California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) on paralytic mutation in the Fruit Fly (Drosophila) led to the discovery of genes that interfere with nerve conduction. Dr. Siddiqi continues to be among the leaders in his current field of research related to behavioral genetics of Drosophila olfaction – an area of Neurobiology that is well-positioned to provide clues to several unanswered questions in the field. More importantly, his research carries the promise of deciphering the molecular defects behind neurological disorders, which should provide a platform for developing therapies. Dr. Siddiqi has earned the respect of his peers, and as during his early career, he continues to spend his time at top research institutions in the United States (MIT/CALTECH/Cambridge) as Visiting Professor/Distinguished Scholar.
As if his contributions to the scientific community were not enough, in 1991 Dr. Siddiqi embarked upon establishing the National Center for Biological Research, TIFR in Bangalore. He moved to Bangalore and became its Founding Director and Professor of Eminence from 1991 to 1996. Currently, active in research, he is Emeritus Professor and Senior Homi Bhabha Fellow at NCBS/TIFR and in 2006 Government of India bestowed upon him the National Research Professorship.
I am not surprised to see the long list of Awards (Bhatnagar Prize, Padma Bhushan; Padma Vibhushan) and Honors (Hon. D.Sc. from AMU, BHU, IIT, Jamia Millia and Jmia Hamdard) that Dr. Siddiqi has so deservedly received. It is befitting that the inaugural SIR SYED AHMAD KHAN AWARD FOR LIFE SCIENCES is now added to this list. Dr. Siddiqi is member of several prestigious Academies and Societies. Most notably, his election as a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is something of which to be especially proud. According to the NAS, “the Academy membership is composed of approximately 2,100 members and 380 foreign associates, of whom nearly 200 have won Nobel Prizes. Members and foreign associates of the Academy are elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research; election to the Academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a scientist or engineer”. Not only was Dr. Siddiqi elected to the National Academy, but he also was chosen to serve as an editorial board member of its highly-ranked journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA.
His world-wide eminence in the field of Life Sciences is a matter of pride not only for the Aligarian community, but for the entire nation of India. On a personal note, I am taking the liberty of paraphrasing Allama Iqbal Sohel (another Aligarian) to sum up Dr. Obaid Siddiqi’s achievements:
Iss Khitt-a-ye “Aligarh” Per Faizan-e-Tajal-lee Hai Yektar
Jo Zarrah Yehaan Se Uthta Hai, Woh Nayyar-e-Alam Hota Hai
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Sohaib Khan [Ph.D. (Biochemistry), AMU 1974]
Cincinnati, OH, USA