The biography of Prof. M. M. Sharma, the renowned former Director of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), was officially launched on June 6, 2025, at the Pidilite Pavilion, ICT Mumbai. The event celebrated the life and legacy of a visionary who has profoundly shaped the fields of chemical engineering, education, and public service.
A Tribute to a Scientific Luminary
Prof. Sharma is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential chemical engineers. His ground-breaking contributions have set benchmarks in academic research, industrial collaboration, and scientific leadership. The biography pays homage to this legacy, highlighting his transformative impact on generations of students, researchers, and policymakers.
A Story of Perseverance and Purpose
The biography is available in both English and Marathi, making it accessible to a wide audience. It traces Prof. Sharma’s remarkable journey—from his humble beginnings and early influences to becoming a globally acclaimed educator and scientist. The narrative brings to life his unyielding dedication to scientific excellence and his role as a mentor who shaped countless academic careers.
Bridging Science and Indian Values
This biography sets itself apart by emphasizing Prof. Sharma’s deep-rooted commitment to Indian values and heritage. His life exemplifies how traditional ethos can coexist with world-class innovation. Through this lens, the book inspires not only academic and scientific audiences. It also appeals to anyone drawn to stories of integrity, resilience, and purposeful leadership.
A Must-Read for the Curious and Committed
Far more than a list of accolades, this biography is a compelling account of intellectual brilliance, cultural grounding, and ethical leadership. It offers valuable lessons and timeless insights for students, educators, and researchers. It also inspires readers seeking a life lived with vision and conviction.
During the book launch, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, announced an unconditional donation of ₹151 crore. The donation is for his alma mater, the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai—formerly known as UDCT. The donation was a heartfelt tribute to Professor M M Sharma. He is one of India’s most respected chemical scientists and Ambani’s former mentor.
A Tribute to a Legendary Teacher
The announcement coincided with the release of “Divine Scientist”, a biography of Prof Sharma, published in both Marathi and English. Ambani shared deeply personal memories of attending his first lecture by Prof Sharma—an experience he described as life-changing.
“Like my father Dhirubhai Ambani, he had a burning desire to transform Indian industry from scarcity to global leadership,” Ambani said. “These two bold visionaries believed that science and technology, in alliance with private entrepreneurship, would open the floodgates of prosperity,” Ambani added. He credited Prof Sharma with laying the foundation for the rise of India’s chemical industry, calling him a “Rashtra Guru” and “a Guru of Bharat.”
Gathering of Scientific Luminaries
The event saw a gathering of India’s top scientific minds. Anil Kakodkar, senior nuclear scientist, presided over the ceremony. Raghunath Mashelkar, J B Joshi, Aniruddha Pandit, and G D Yadav paid glowing tributes to Prof Sharma’s legacy in science and education. The biography Divine Scientist was penned in Marathi by Anita Patil and translated into English by Sonia Khare.
A Lifetime of Teaching and Influence
Prof M M Sharma, who became a professor at UDCT at just 27, has dedicated over 60 years to teaching and chemical research. Many of his former students—now pioneers in science and industry—attended the event and spoke about his lasting impact, both professionally and personally. As His humility, brilliance, and dedication continue to inspire generations of Indian scientists.
