Siliguri, 27th January: The Central Government is all set to honor Dr. Eklavya Sharma, a distinguished scientist from the Darjeeling district, with the Padma Shri Award for his unprecedented contribution to the field of science and technology for more than a decade.
In an exclusive conversation with Siliguri Times, after the announcement of the Award, Eklabya Sharma highlighted how a boy from an ordinary army family background could live only with his mother, and thereafter set a rather tough goal of becoming a scientist.
Eklabya Sharma’s path to becoming a scientist was filled with inaccessible paths similar to the hilly terrains of Kurseong. After completing his primary studies in Kurseong of Darjeeling district, Eklabya Sharma went to Banaras, miles away from his mother and home, to fulfill his dreams.
While residing at his uncle’s place, he completed his graduation and then pursued for Ph.D. Subsequently, he arrived at Kalimpong to do his research on biodiversity. Here, the journey of becoming a scientist began. Following Kalimpong, research was also done on the Himalayan Region. Following this, he also undertook research abroad with a team from eight countries. Eklabya Sharma was also awarded the Young Scientist Award by the Indian National Science Council.
Dr. Eklavya Sharma further narrated that his father and elder uncle served in the Indian Army, while, his younger uncle was a professor at Banaras Hindu University. He added that, at the age of eight, his family questioned him whether he wanted to join the army or become a professor. During this, he wanted to stay with his mother and did not want to leave home, which prompted his desire to become a scientist and live with his mother.
Continuing with the conversation, he credited his achievements to his mother’s blessings. He revealed that he had adopted the concept of the Bhagavad Gita, where he continued his hard work without being bothered about the results. The scientist further claimed that he had never expected to receive the Padma Shri Award.
On January 25, Eklabya Sharma learned that the Central Government had nominated him for the Padma Shri. He believed that the honour would inspire him to do more work.
Congratulations, we feel proud to know that he got this achievement which will encourage the new generation of Darjeeling Hill to pursue such goals which otherwise is difficult to conceive even
Heartiest congratulations Sir.We are proud of your achievement. I was also born and brought up in Kalimpong and now I am a teacher for the past 20 years.