Panchanan Maheshwari
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Panchanan Maheswari | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 9 November 1904 |
| Died | 18 May 1966 (aged 61) |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Alma mater | Ewing Christian College |
| Known for | Invention of the technique of test-tube fertilization of angiosperms |
| Awards | FRS (1965)[1] |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Botany |
Panchanan Maheswari, FRS (9 November 1904 – 18 May 1966[1] in Jaipur, Rajasthan) was a prominent Indian botanist noted chiefly for his invention of the technique of test-tube fertilization of angiosperms. This invention has allowed the creation of new hybrid plants that could not previously be crossbred naturally. He also emphasised the need for initiation of work on the artificial culture of immature embryos.[1][2][3][4][5] He is also known as the father of Indian plant embryology also wrote a book - An Introduction to Embryology of Angiosperms.[6]
He encouraged general education and made a significant contribution to school education by his leadership in bringing out the very first textbooks of Biology for Higher Secondary Schools published by NCERT in 1964.
Maheshwari was born at Jaipur and educated at Ewing Christian College in Allahabad, intending to pursue a career in medicine.[1] At Ewing, Maheshwari came under the mentorship of Winfield Dudgeon, and changed his studies from medicine to science.[1] He received is Bachelor of Science (1925), Master of Science (1931), and Doctor of Science (1931) degrees, all under Dudgeon's influence. Maheshwari was an atheist.[7]
