Prof. Goverdhan Mehta: A Visionary Leader and Academic Luminary

Prof. Goverdhan Mehta, a celebrated Indian scientist and academic leader, served as the fourth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad from 1994 to 1998. His tenure marked a transformative period for the university, during which he laid the foundation for its emergence as one of India’s premier institutions of higher education and research. Known for his exceptional contributions to organic chemistry and his visionary leadership, Prof. Mehta’s influence extends far beyond his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, leaving an enduring legacy in Indian academia and global science.

Born on June 26, 1943, in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Prof. Mehta’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from BITS Pilani, followed by a PhD from Pune University in 1967 under the mentorship of Dr. Sukh Dev. His postdoctoral research at Michigan State University and Ohio State University exposed him to cutting-edge advancements in organic chemistry and shaped his scientific outlook. These early experiences not only honed his research skills but also instilled in him a passion for advancing science and education in India.

Prof. Mehta began his academic career at IIT Kanpur in 1969, where he served as a lecturer and assistant professor until 1977. During this time, he established himself as a promising researcher in organic chemistry. In 1977, he joined the University of Hyderabad as Professor of Chemistry and Founder Dean of the School of Chemistry. This was a defining moment for both Prof. Mehta and the university, as he played a pivotal role in building the School of Chemistry into a hub for advanced research and academic excellence. As Founder Dean (1977–1986), he laid the groundwork for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research that would later become hallmarks of the university.

When Prof. Mehta assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor in 1994, the University of Hyderabad was already gaining recognition as a center for higher learning. However, it was under his leadership that the university truly began to flourish as a premier research institution. One of his primary goals was to enhance the quality and quantity of research output. He encouraged faculty members to undertake ambitious projects and facilitated collaborations with national and international institutions. This not only elevated the university’s academic standing but also created opportunities for students and researchers to engage with cutting-edge developments in their respective fields.

A strong advocate for faculty development, Prof. Mehta worked tirelessly to create an environment conducive to professional growth. He believed that attracting and nurturing top-tier talent was essential for institutional success. During his tenure, he mentored numerous faculty members, fostering a culture of excellence that continues to define the university today. His emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches further enriched the academic ecosystem, enabling scholars from diverse fields to collaborate on innovative projects.

Under Prof. Mehta’s leadership, the University of Hyderabad witnessed significant growth in infrastructure and academic programs. He championed initiatives aimed at modernizing facilities, expanding research capabilities, and introducing new courses that aligned with emerging trends in science and technology. These efforts not only enhanced the university’s appeal to prospective students but also solidified its reputation as a leader in higher education. The Study in India Program (SIP), Centre for Study of Indian Diaspora, and the Centre for Distance and Virtual Learning were established during 1994-98.

Prof. Mehta’s contributions to organic chemistry are widely regarded as groundbreaking. His research focused on the synthesis of complex molecules, including biologically active natural products and architecturally challenging compounds. He developed innovative synthetic methodologies that were both conceptually simple and highly efficient—a hallmark of his scientific approach. His work on triquinane systems is particularly noteworthy as an exemplary case of green chemistry, emphasizing sustainability without compromising scientific rigor or creativity.

Throughout his career, Prof. Mehta published nearly 600 research papers in leading international journals and also has about a dozen patents to his credit. He has been on the Editorial Boards of nearly 15 reputed scientific journals. These contributions earned him widespread recognition as one of India’s most prolific scientists. His contributions have had a profound impact on organic chemistry, inspiring researchers worldwide to explore new frontiers in molecular synthesis and chemical biology.

Equally remarkable is Prof. Mehta’s dedication to mentoring young scientists. Over the years, he has guided more than 100 doctoral and postdoctoral students, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions to academia and industry. His mentorship extended beyond technical guidance; he instilled in his students a sense of curiosity, discipline, and ethical responsibility—qualities that are essential for success in any field.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to science and education, Prof. Mehta has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. Among these are some of the most prestigious accolades in India and abroad: the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Chemical Sciences (1978), Padma Shri (2001), Knight of the Legion of Honour by France (2004), Fellowship of the Royal Society (FRS) (2005), the Order of Merit from Germany (2016), Foreign Member, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Moscow, Russia; Fellow, Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Trieste, Italy, Corresponding Member, Academy Royale des Sciences d’Outre-Mer, Belgium.

 

Professor Mehta was also CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow (2005-2010), and National Research Professor (2009-2014), Govt. of India besides holding visiting professorships in many Universities worldwide. He has been conferred Honorary Doctorate degrees (D.Sc, Honoris Causa) by numerous Universities in India and abroad. These honors reflect not only his scientific achievements but also his role as an ambassador for Indian science on the global stage.

Beyond his tenure at the University of Hyderabad, Prof. Mehta has held several influential positions that underscore his commitment to advancing science policy and education worldwide. From 1998 to 2005, he served as Director of IISc Bangalore—a period marked by significant institutional growth under his stewardship. He was also President of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) from 1998–2001, President of the International Council for Science (ICSU) from 2005–2008 and Co-Chair (with Bruce Alberts), Inter Academy Council (IAC) of world science academies, 2000-2005.

Prof. Mehta has been actively involved in shaping science policy at both national and international levels. As a member of India’s Prime Minister’s Science Advisory Council (2004–2014), he played a key role in formulating strategies to strengthen research infrastructure and promote innovation across disciplines. His tenure as Chairperson of NAAC (2005–2011) further highlights his dedication to improving quality standards in higher education.

A true institution-builder, Prof. Mehta has contributed extensively to fostering collaborations between academia and industry—a critical aspect of modern scientific enterprise. He has served on advisory boards for several chemical companies and continues to engage with stakeholders across sectors to promote innovation-driven growth.

Prof. Goverdhan Mehta’s legacy at the University of Hyderabad is deeply embedded in its culture of excellence. His vision for interdisciplinary collaboration, faculty development, and student empowerment has left an indelible mark on the institution’s trajectory. Even after stepping down as Vice-Chancellor, he remains an iconic figure whose contributions continue to inspire generations of researchers, educators, and leaders.

In conclusion, Prof. Goverdhan Mehta’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor was a defining chapter not only for the University of Hyderabad but also for Indian higher education at large. His leadership transformed the university into a beacon for advanced research while fostering an environment that nurtures intellectual curiosity and innovation. As an educator, mentor, researcher, policy-maker, and institution-builder par excellence, Prof. Mehta exemplifies what it means to be a true academic luminary—a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

• By Mahi Sharma, MA Communication (Media Studies) with inputs from the office of Prof. Goverdhan Mehta, School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad.
• Picture courtesy: Prof. K D Sen, INSA Honorary Scientist, School of Chemistry and office of Prof. Goverdhan Mehta.