G.P. Talwar at 100: scientist, institution builder, lifelong researcher
Renowned Indian scientist Gursaran Prasad Talwar celebrates his 100th birthday, marking a career defined by pioneering research in immunology and vaccine development. The article traces his life from his childhood in pre-partition Punjab to his founding of major medical institutions.
Why it matters
Talwar's contributions to medical science, particularly in leprosy and birth control, have had a lasting impact on public health in India and globally.
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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in