US President Joe Biden honored two Indian-American scientists with national medals
Washington: US President Joe Biden has honored two Indian-American scientists – Subra Suresh and Ashok Gadgil – with National Medals for their pioneering contributions in the field of science and technology innovation at a ceremony at the White House.
“We are determined to return great science to America,” Biden said in remarks at a ceremony in the East Room of the House on Tuesday. He said, “The word ‘excellent’ may fall short for the awardees this year. They are extraordinary… They have paved the way for a generation of other scientists and innovators to carry forward their discoveries to unleash the full potential of our country.”
Suresh, a scientist and engineer with decades of influential leadership in higher education, industry and government, was among the nine recipients who have been awarded the National Medal of Science.
Suresh of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a senior professor in the School of Engineering at Brown University and former director of the National Science Foundation, was honored for his pioneering research in engineering, physical sciences and biology.
A White House statement described Suresh as a “transformational teacher” and said his “commitment to research and collaboration across borders has demonstrated how science can create understanding and cooperation between people and nations”.
“This is very satisfying,” Suresh said in a statement issued by Brown University’s School of Engineering. He said, “That’s not the reason you do science. You don’t do it for the rewards, you do it for the fun. If someone notices it, that’s icing on the cake, but it’s not a cake in itself. However, the importance of this particular message is increased because it is from the US President. It is national. It has America’s stamp on it.”
Born in India in 1956, Suresh passed his high school examination at the age of 15. Over the next 10 years, he earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a PhD. He earned his PhD in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in just two years.
Ashok Gadgil of the University of California, Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for providing life-sustaining resources to communities around the world.
Widely regarded as a “humanitarian inventor”, Gadgil is one of 12 awardees to receive the honour. “Their innovative, affordable technologies help meet pressing needs, from drinking water to fuel-efficient cookstoves,” the White House said. “His work is inspired by a belief in the dignity of all people and in our power to solve the great challenges of our time.”
The National Medal of Science, established by Congress in 1959, is awarded directly by the President. This is the highest recognition given to scientists and engineers by the country. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation is awarded for outstanding contributions in promoting technology to improve America’s economic, environmental, and social well-being.
