Valliappa Foundation launches research fellowship to honour IISc dean; 3 PhD scholars get Rs 1 lakh per year

The Valliappa Foundation has announced the Padma Bhushan Professor Rajinder Kumar Research Fellowship for three doctoral researchers, with each selected scholar set to receive Rs 1 lakh per year for three years. The fellowship aims to support young researchers and honour the contribution of former Indian Institute of Science (IISc) professor Rajinder Kumar to chemical engineering and research.

The fellowship is open to full-time Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholars who are already registered and pursuing research at institutions ranked among the top 100 in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

The fellowship will provide financial support for research-related expenses, including materials, academic travel and other activities directly related to the scholars' doctoral work. Applications for the inaugural fellowship will close on September 15, 2026.

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Rajinder Kumar Research Fellowship: Eligibility, selection

The three fellows will be selected through a screening process conducted by an expert committee comprising experts from Sona College of Technology and Vee Technologies.

The fellowship was proposed by Chocko Valliappa, managing trustee, Valliappa Foundation, based on his long professional association with Rajinder Kumar. It was formally announced by C Valliappa, chairman, Valliappa Foundation.

Speaking about Kumar's association with the Sona Group, C Valliappa said, “Kumar was a demanding but deeply committed mentor who brought rigour, integrity and practicality to institutional decision-making. His advice on academic and student affairs as well as institutional governance was invaluable.”

About Rajinder Kumar

Rajinder Kumar made significant contributions to chemical engineering, with research covering areas such as electrolysis and isotope enrichment, bubble formation and multiphase systems.

He received the Dr Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize at the age of 42 and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2003. He also advocated bringing together traditional Indian knowledge systems such as Ayurveda and Siddha with modern medicine.

Kumar spent his career at IISc and later served as its dean of engineering. After retiring from the institute in 1998, he remained associated with the Chemical Engineering Department until his death in 2022.

Chocko Valliappa said the fellowship reflects Kumar's focus on research and its practical use.

He said, “Kumar's association with leading international researchers helped strengthen chemical engineering research in India. This fellowship recognises his commitment to taking research beyond laboratories and into practical applications.”

Fellowship to support doctoral research

The fellowship is part of the Sona Group's wider efforts to promote education, research and innovation. The group plans to expand the initiative into a larger research-support programme aimed at encouraging high-quality doctoral research.

At the fellowship announcement event held in Bengaluru on August 13, Andal Kumar, Kumar's wife, recalled his contribution to the academic and research community.

She said, “Kumar had mentored generations of academics, researchers, entrepreneurs and students. His emphasis on sincerity, modernising education and translating research into applications remains particularly relevant as India seeks to strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem.”

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KS Gandhi, former professor emeritus at IISc, said the fellowship was a fitting tribute to Kumar's research legacy, as it directly supports the next generation of researchers.

Eligible PhD scholars can download the application form through the Sona College of Technology website. The last date to apply for the inaugural fellowships is September 15, 2026.