G.P. Talwar at 100: scientist, institution builder, lifelong researcher
This article profiles G.P. Talwar, a pioneering Indian scientist who turned 100, highlighting his contributions to immunology and vaccine development. It traces his journey from a troubled childhood in pre-partition India to his founding of AIIMS and various research institutions.
Why it matters
It celebrates the legacy of a foundational figure in Indian medical science whose work on vaccines has had a lasting impact on public health.
At any gathering, you could easily spot him by his colourful printed shirt or jacket. His tall stature, smiling face, and warm handshakes have put generations of students, researchers, and scientists at ease.
Since 1956, when he joined the founding faculty of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, he has never stopped working at the bench. Along the way, he developed the world’s first leprosy vaccine and a hormonal birth control vaccine, founded India’s first immunology institution, mentored hundreds of students, and continues his research work at a private R&D institution he established after retirement. That’s Gursaran Prasad Talwar, Pran to friends and colleagues, who turns 100 on October 2, today.
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