CFTRI holds symposium on biochemistry, food science and nutrition

The Indian Association of Biochemists, Mysore Chapter in collaboration with CSIR-CFTRI and AFST(I), Mysore recently organised a symposium titled “Food of the Future: Role of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition” at the IFTTC Auditorium, CSIR-CFTRI campus here.

This was organised to commemorate the birth centenaries (1924-2024) of former Deputy Directors, late Dr MR Raghavendra Rao, late Dr HSR Desikachar and late Dr MS Narasingha Rao.

Former Chief Scientist and Head of Department of Biochemistry G. Muralikrishna spoke about the event and the scientists for whom it was organised.

The symposium was inaugurated by V. Prakash, former Director, CSIR-CFTRI and former CSIR Eminent Scientist. Former Principal Scientists and Heads of Biochemistry, Grain Science and Technology and Protein Chemistry Technology of CSIR-CFTRI spoke about their close association with the centenarian, according to a press release.

N. Chandrasekara, RN Taranathan and PV Salimath praised late Dr MR Raghavendra Rao for his knowledge of biochemistry, leadership, dynamism, organisational skills, discipline and support for specific areas like spices, carbohydrate chemistry, novel enzymes etc. His support for biochemistry research has resulted in many quality publications, several PhD and grant projects for the Biochemistry Department, they added.

Dr. MRRaghavendra Rao’s contribution towards realising 30 years of research at CFTRI (1950-1980) was specially highlighted by Mr. Sreemathi Hariprasad, former Director, Information and Public Relations, CSIR-CFTRI.

SZ Ali, Malleshi NG and Arun Chandrasekhar spoke about their experience working with late Dr HSR Desikhachar and his role in carrying out pioneering research on rice parboiling, technical aspects of millets/cooked cereals, premixes for cooked and uncooked cereals and milling of easy and difficult to mill pulses. They highlighted that his guidance and leadership was instrumental in driving research on cereals, resulting in several outstanding publications, patents, processes and technology transfer to industry.

Mr. AG Apu Rao, who did his PhD under the guidance of the late Dr. Narasingha Rao, also appreciated Dr. Rao’s knowledge base on 3D protein structure and related biophysical aspects. He particularly praised Mr. Rao’s leadership in mentoring several PhD candidates and publishing high quality papers in reputed journals. He particularly mentioned Dr. Narasingha Rao’s simplicity, punctuality and frank interaction with staff and students while exchanging ideas in the field of biophysics.

In his address, Dr Prakash recalled his close association with the above centenarians and appreciated the pivotal role they played in building a strong school in various aspects of fundamental research in food science. He also recalled his close association with the late Dr MS Narasingha Rao and praised him for encouraging him to publish in peer-reviewed journals when he was a researcher and scientist.

The eminent scientist advised all young students and scientists to focus on emerging areas like prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics etc. He stressed on the need for packaged foods without packaging films and also stressed on the need to address sensory perception and molecular aspects of nutraceuticals.

He added that food from different parts of India has huge potential in terms of production and technology.