All Sciences must work together for the well-being of the planet Earth
WARANGAL, OCTOBER 30, 2026: Interdisciplinary collaboration and research across all branches of science are essential for the well-being of the planet and the future of humanity, said Dr. Srivari Chandrashekhar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and former Director of the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad.
He expressed optimism that advances in science and technology could enable human life expectancy to reach 120 years by 2075.
He was delivering the First Prof. V. Malla Reddy Endowment Lecture, organised at the Senate Hall of Kakatiya University under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof. K. Pratap Reddy. The lecture was instituted in honour of Prof. V. Malla Reddy, former Registrar of the University and retired Professor of Pharmacy. Dr. Chandrashekar spoke on the theme “At 120 Years in 2075 Through Science and Technology.”
Addressing faculty members, research scholars, students and alumni, Dr. Chandrashekar observed that India’s average life expectancy, which was around 40 years at the time of Independence, has now crossed 70 years, reflecting remarkable progress in healthcare and medical sciences. He noted that while industrialisation has made human life more comfortable, it has also created serious environmental challenges.
Highlighting global warming, fossil fuel consumption and rising carbon emissions, he described plastic as a major threat to the planet. He emphasised the importance of depolymerisation technologies to convert plastic waste into useful raw materials and advocated the concept of “Waste to Wealth.” He also called for greater adoption of alternative fuels and sustainable agricultural and lifestyle practices.
Speaking about advances in healthcare, he highlighted improvements in disease diagnosis, cardiac surgeries and medical technologies. He expressed optimism about further developments in organ transplantation and stem cell banking. He recalled the significant role played by vaccines in protecting humanity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He stressed that scientific progress must focus not only on human longevity but also on environmental sustainability. Calling upon Generation Alpha to take the lead, he encouraged young minds to explore innovative solutions in healthcare, agriculture, energy and environmental protection through interdisciplinary research. He also interacted with students and faculty members and answered their questions.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. K. Pratap Reddy, in his inaugural address, observed that scientific and technological advancements have increased human life expectancy, but lifestyle-related diseases such as stress, diabetes and hypertension are also on the rise. He pointed out that environmental changes and genetic factors play significant roles in human health and longevity. He also appreciated the valuable contributions of Prof. V. Malla Reddy to the development of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Kakatiya University.
Registrar Prof. V. Ramachandram stated that, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, alumni had come forward to institute Gold Medals and four Endowment Lectures in honour of eminent academicians. These lectures were instituted in honour of Prof. V. Malla Reddy, Prof. D. Rambabu and Prof. C. K. Kokate, and in memory of Late Prof. Y. Madhusudan Rao.
Prof. B. Vijayakumar, Coordinator of the Endowment Lecture, informed that the initiative was established collectively by 45 research scholars of Prof. V. Malla Reddy. He stated that an annual lecture on a significant contemporary theme would be organised with experts from various disciplines.
Earlier, retired Professor of Pharmacy Prof. M. Sarangapani introduced the academic profile and contributions of Prof. V. Malla Reddy. Prof. V. Malla Reddy and his wife were felicitated by the University with shawls, mementoes and bouquets. The chief speaker, Dr. Srivari Chandrashekar, was also felicitated on behalf of the University. Retired senior professor Prof. S. M. Reddy and research scholars of Prof. V. Malla Reddy were honoured with mementoes.
Dr. Kalyan Chakravarthy introduced the chief speaker, while Principal of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Prof. J. Krishnaveni proposed the vote of thanks. University Public Relations Officer Dr. Prithviraj Vallala coordinated the programme.
Prof. Garlapati Achayya, Dean Prof. N. Prasad, Prof. V. Kishan, Prof. Ravinder, Prof. Sanjeeva Reddy, Prof. Somu Srihari, Prof. Sadanandam, faculty members, non-teaching staff, research scholars, alumni and invited guests attended the programme.
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