Padma Shri for Hyderabad geneticist Dr Thangaraj’s pioneering research

Dr Kumaraswamy Thangaraj, Senior Scientist at Hyderabad’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), has been awarded the Padma Shri 2026 for his pioneering research in human genetics. The honour places him among Hyderabad’s distinguished scientists.

Hyderabad: Senior geneticist from Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Dr Kumaraswamy Thangaraj, who has been named as the recipient of the Padma Shri 2026, believes the recognition will go a long way in inspiring the younger Indian generation.

The population researcher, who has dedicated over three decades to uncover the complex genetic origins of the Indian population, urged young Indian researchers not to give up.

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“This award is a clear indication for young Indian students, who are pursuing research in basic sciences, that their work will be recognised. Your hard work in the development of basic science and the country will definitely get recognised,” an elated Dr Thangaraj, just hours after the Padma awards announcement, told ‘Telangana Today’.

Dr Thangaraj, who till recently also headed the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), is a Senior Scientist at CCMB and leads a group with a research interest in the field of human origins, health and diseases.

His research has been instrumental in redefining the understanding of human history and health in South Asia. One of his most celebrated achievements was the discovery that the tribal populations of the Andaman Islands are direct descendants of the first modern humans to migrate out of Africa via a southern coastal route approximately 65,000 years ago.

“For a scientist and a researcher, nothing comes close to being recognised for your work. I am really honoured and it is still taking time for me to digest and realise the gravity of the announcement,” says Dr Thangaraj.

Dr Thangaraj joins the prestigious list of renowned biologists and scientists from Hyderabad, who have received Padma awards. This group includes the late Dr PM Bhargava, founder-director of CCMB (Padma Bhushan, 1986), Dr Lalji Singh, known as ‘Father of Indian DNA Fingerprinting’ and a former Director of CCMB (Padma Shri in 2004) and Dr D Balasubramanian, a reputed ocular biochemist and former Director of CCMB. (Padma Shri, 2002).