Padma Shri Dr. Lalji Singh

Dr. Lalji Singh was a renowned Indian geneticist and molecular biologist, widely recognized as the pioneer of DNA fingerprinting technology in India. He hailed from Kalwari village in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh.

Early Life and Education

Born to a humble farmer family, Dr. Singh completed his MSc from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and earned a PhD in cellular genetics. He was awarded honorary DSc degrees from six universities, including BHU.

Career and Achievements

Dr. Singh founded and served as the director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad. Later, he became the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University.

In 1988, he introduced DNA fingerprinting for forensic investigations in India. In 1991, he presented the first DNA fingerprinting-based evidence in an Indian court related to a paternity case, marking a milestone in Indian legal history. Since then, the technique has been widely adopted across the country.

He also established the Genome Foundation in his hometown, focusing on genetic studies of tribal populations.

Research and Recognition

Between 1971 and 1974, Dr. Singh conducted research in genetics at the Zoology Research Unit of Calcutta University. He earned a Commonwealth Fellowship in 1974 to pursue further studies in the United Kingdom. His 62-page thesis was published in a prestigious German journal, creating a significant impact in the scientific community.

Death and Legacy

Dr. Lalji Singh passed away due to a heart attack in 2017. Unfortunately, despite his contributions, there is no statue or memorial named after him in his hometown of Jaunpur.