Personal Information

Full Name: Pushpa Mittra Bhargava

Nickname: P. M. Bhargava Bhargava Sir

Country/State: India

Date of Birth: 1928-02-22

Languages Known: English, Hindi, possibly Hindi-Urdu (given his background)

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Food Habit: Vegetarian (from personal background)

Religion: Hindu

Hobbies: Scientific writing Science policy commentary Reading and critical thinking Public discourse on science and society

Education

School: Early schooling in Allahabad

College: St. John’s College, Agra University — B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics and Chemistry Later postgraduate studies and research in biochemistry/biology

Degrees Obtained: B.Sc. (Honours) in Physical Sciences Postgraduate credentials (specialization in biology/biochemistry) Research credentials in cell biology and molecular biology

Physical Stats

Height: 175 cm

Weight: 70 kg

Family Information

Parents: Father: Dr. Bhargava (physician) Mother: Not widely documented

Siblings: Not Public

Marital Status: married

Wife: Bina Bhargava

Children: 2

Career

Current Position: Molecular Biologist, Researcher, Institution-builder, Science-Policy Commentator

Skills:

Net Worth: Not Public

Awards & Achievements: Founder of CCMB — one of India’s premier molecular-biology research institutions Pioneered modern biological research infrastructure in India Influence in promoting open science, science ethics and rationalism Recognised widely for combining science with social commentary and ethics Inspired generations of Indian biologists through institution building and scholarship

Biography Details

Born in Allahabad in 1928 to a physician father, P. M. Bhargava studied physics and chemistry during his B.Sc., later shifting his focus to biology. His passion for understanding life at the molecular level led him into biochemistry and cellular biology.

He envisioned a world-class research institution in India for molecular biology and genetics. This vision led to the founding of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad. Under his leadership, CCMB became a landmark institution producing high-quality scientific research, training generations of scientists, and contributing significantly to genetics, molecular biology and related fields in India.

Beyond research, he was a strong advocate of scientific rationalism, ethics in science, science education, and public awareness. He wrote extensively, criticised pseudoscience, and promoted transparent scientific practice. His work helped instill rigorous scientific temper in the Indian scientific community.

He passed away in 2017, leaving behind an enduring legacy—both in institutional infrastructure and in shaping India’s scientific ethos.

• His legacy continues at CCMB, which remains a leading centre for molecular biology in India.

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• Several science outreach and education programmes honour his vision and contributions to public understanding of science.

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• His writings and commentaries are referenced in contemporary debates on science, ethics and public policy.

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