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Man Mohan Sharma
Man Mohan Sharma
Man Mohan Sharma
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Man Mohan Sharma (born 1 May 1937) is an Indian chemical engineer.[1] He was educated at Jodhpur, Mumbai, and Cambridge. At age 27, he was appointed Professor of Chemical Engineering in the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai.[2] He later went on to become the Director of UDCT, the first chemical engineering professor to do so from UDCT.

Key Information

In 1990, he became the first Indian engineer to be elected as a Fellow of Royal Society, UK. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan (1987) and the Padma Vibhushan (2001) by the President of India.[3] he has also been awarded the Leverhulme Medal of the Royal Society, the S.S. Bhatnagar Prize in Engineering Sciences (1973), FICCI Award (1981), the Vishwakarma medal of the Indian National Science Academy (1985), G.M. Modi Award (1991), Meghnad Saha Medal (1994), and an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (2001).[2]

Education

[edit]

Sharma obtained Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (1958) from UDCT and subsequently MSc (Tech) in 1960. He obtained PhD (Chemical Engineering) (1964) at Cambridge University with Peter Danckwerts. In 1964, he returned to India as Professor at the University of Bombay, and later became Director of the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT) (now the Institute of Chemical Technology).[4] He served as Professor for 33 years at UDCT, along with 8 years as Director of this institute.[1]

Academic career

[edit]

Sharma made contributions to chemical engineering science and technology. His studies on Bronsted based catalysis in CO2 hydration (published in the Transactions of Faraday Society) and subsequently kinetics of COS absorption in aqueous amines and alkanolamines brought out linear free energy relationship between CO2 and COS absorption in solutions of amines and alkanolamines. He has contributed extensively on the role of microphases in multiple reactions which he pioneered. He also became an independent Editor of Chemical Engineering Science at a young age. He taught different subjects in chemical engineering and encouraged his doctoral students, from the very beginning, to publish independently their work in renowned journals.

Under his stewardship, UDCT was granted autonomy by the UGC and the Institute increased the number of PhD graduates.[1]

Biography

[edit]

In June 2025, a biographical book titled Divine Scientist[5] was published, chronicling the life and contributions of Professor Man Mohan Sharma.[6] The book, authored by Anita Patil and published by Sundaram Digital Publication House, highlights Prof. Sharma's academic journey, pioneering research in chemical engineering, and his role in shaping scientific education in India.[7][8][9] The biography was launched at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, where he served as Director for many years.[10][11][5]

The book has also been translated into Marathi by Soniya Khare, expanding its accessibility to regional readers.[12]

Awards

[edit]

Sharma is a recipient of a number of prestigious academic honours and awards including the 1977 Moulton Medal of the Institution of Chemical Engineers,[13] and is himself commemorated in the M M Sharma Medal awarded by the same institution for outstanding research contributions.[14]

He won the Leverhulme Medal of the Royal Society "for his work on the dynamics of multi-phase chemical reactions in industrial processes". He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan (in 2001), and Padma Bhushan (in 1987) by the President of India.[15] He was INSA President (1989–90).[15] He is a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, Honorary Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad, Fellow of the Royal Society, London. Subsequently, he was elected Honorary Fellow by the Royal Academy of Engineering[16] and is Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Engineering.

He has been honoured by several universities including IITs by honorary doctorates.[citation needed]

In 2025, Sharma's biography written by Anita Patil, titled The Divine Scientist, was released in English and Marathi (Gurunam Guruhu).[7] During this book launch ceremony, his former student Mukesh Ambani announced an unrestricted gift of ₹151 crore (equivalent to US$16.7 million) to the Institute of Chemical Technology to honor Sharma.[17][8][18]

Further reading

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Man Mohan Sharma

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from Grokipedia
Man Mohan Sharma (born 1 May 1937 in , ) is an Indian specializing in multiphase reactions, reactors, separation technology, and . He earned a Bachelor of in 1958 and an MSc (Tech) in 1960 from the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), (now the Institute of Chemical Technology, or ICT), followed by a PhD in in 1964 from the under P.V. Danckwerts. At age 27, Sharma was appointed a full of at UDCT, where he served for over three decades, rising to become Director of UDCT (later ICT ) and later Emeritus Professor of Eminence. Sharma's research has profoundly influenced the design of reactive separations and multiphase systems, enabling rational approaches to in the chemical and petrochemical sectors. His work on in fluid-fluid contactors and kinetics of gas-liquid and liquid-liquid reactions has been instrumental in advancing sustainable and affordable chemical methods for interfacial area determination. With over 8,500 citations, his contributions underscore his status as a leading figure in , particularly in fostering within resource-constrained environments to solve industry-relevant problems. Throughout his career, Sharma has received numerous accolades for his academic and industrial impact, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in Engineering Sciences in 1973, the in 1987, and the —the second-highest civilian award in —in 2001. He was elected a (FRS) in 1990, the first Indian engineering scientist to achieve this honor, and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng). Additionally, he became an International Member of the (NAE) of the in 2006 for his leadership in shaping India's chemical industry. The (IChemE) established the Sharma Medal in 2014 to recognize lifetime research achievements in the field, named in his honor.

Early life and education

Early life

Man Mohan Sharma was born on May 1, 1937, in , , . He completed his early schooling in .

Education

Man Mohan Sharma earned his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (B.Chem.Eng.) from the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), now known as the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), , in 1958. He subsequently pursued a in Technology (M.Sc. Tech.) by research at the same institution, completing it in 1960. Sharma then traveled to the to undertake his PhD in at the , which he completed in 1964 under the supervision of Peter V. Danckwerts. During this period, he co-authored papers with Danckwerts on gas absorption accompanied by .

Academic career

Professorship at ICT Mumbai

Upon completing his PhD at the in 1964, Man Mohan Sharma returned to and was appointed Professor of at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), —then known as the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT)—at the remarkably young age of 27 in 1964. This appointment marked him as the youngest full professor in the institution's history and underscored his early recognition as a promising leader in education. In his initial professorial role, Sharma played a pivotal part in developing the curriculum for chemical reaction , integrating advanced concepts to bridge theoretical foundations with practical applications relevant to Indian industry. His approach to was influenced by his training, emphasizing clarity, depth, and encouragement of original thinking among students. He also began supervising PhD students during this period, guiding early cohorts—such as future luminaries R.A. Mashelkar and J.B. Joshi—to produce high-quality research outputs, including publications in international journals, which helped elevate the department's academic standards. Sharma further contributed to the establishment of research laboratories dedicated to experimental at ICT , providing essential for hands-on investigations that supported goals and student training. These facilities enabled the department to conduct rigorous, equipment-intensive studies, fostering a culture of innovation despite limited resources in the post-independence era. Administratively, during the and , Sharma made key contributions to the department's expansion by strengthening ties between academia and industry, which facilitated and curriculum updates to meet evolving national needs in chemical processes. His efforts in departmental planning and faculty development helped grow enrollment and research capacity, positioning ICT Mumbai as a premier center for in .

Directorship and leadership roles

Man Mohan Sharma was appointed Director of the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), now known as the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai, in 1989, a position he held until 1997, spanning eight years of dedicated leadership. During this period, he focused on elevating the institution's academic and research stature amid challenges such as limited funding and outdated infrastructure. Over his 33-year tenure at ICT Mumbai as both Professor of Chemical Engineering (from 1964) and Director, Sharma spearheaded transformative changes that boosted the institute's research productivity, including a marked increase in PhD graduates from a modest few to an exceptionally high output per faculty member annually. This growth reflected his strategic emphasis on quality and , turning ICT into a leading center for . Sharma played a pivotal role in advocating for greater institutional autonomy, championing UDCT's evolution into a fully autonomous entity under the University Grants Commission (UGC), which culminated in ICT receiving deemed university status in 2008. This status enabled enhanced flexibility in curriculum development, admissions, and funding, allowing ICT to pursue innovative programs without traditional university constraints. In addition to administrative reforms, Sharma emphasized mentorship, guiding 71 PhD scholars personally and encouraging faculty to engage in industrial consultancies, which not only augmented institutional revenues but also bridged academia-industry gaps. His leadership extended to fostering international collaborations, elevating ICT's global reputation through partnerships and exchanges that integrated cutting-edge practices into the institute's framework.

Research contributions

Multiphase reactions and absorption processes

Man Mohan Sharma's pioneering studies on the kinetics of CO₂ and COS absorption into aqueous solutions of alkalis and amines provided essential experimental data on enhancement factors, establishing the regimes of reaction control in gas-liquid systems. In a seminal collaboration with P. V. Danckwerts, Sharma measured absorption rates using wetted-sphere columns and stirred vessels, demonstrating that enhancement factors could reach values of 20 or higher in concentrated NaOH solutions due to the instantaneous reaction CO₂ + 2OH⁻ → CO₃²⁻ + H₂O. Sharma's early work also included studies on Brønsted base catalysis in CO₂ hydration and determination of effective interfacial areas in agitated liquid-liquid contactors, providing critical data for reactor design. For COS, Sharma's experiments revealed slower rates compared to CO₂, with absorption enhancement influenced by Brønsted base catalysis in amine solutions, yielding factors typically between 2 and 5 depending on and amine type. Sharma extended these findings to develop models for in multiphase reactors, applying to reactive absorption in gas-liquid and gas-liquid-solid systems. His work on slurries with sparingly soluble fine particles accounted for particle dissolution and instantaneous reaction within the liquid film, predicting absorption rates up to several times higher than in particle-free liquids, with enhancements of 2-6 reported for SO₂ in lime/CaCO₃ slurries. These models integrated diffusional limitations with reaction , enabling accurate of enhancement in heterogeneous environments such as bubble columns and packed absorbers. A of Sharma's contributions was the enhancement factor for instantaneous reactions, derived within the film theory framework: E=1+νBDBDA⋅CBνACAE = 1 + \frac{\nu_B D_B}{D_A} \cdot \frac{C_B}{\nu_A C_A} Here, DBD_B and DAD_A denote the liquid-phase diffusivities of the liquid-phase reactant B and the absorbed gas A, respectively; CBC_B is the bulk concentration of B; νA\nu_A and νB\nu_B are the stoichiometric coefficients of A and B in the reaction; and CAC_A is the interfacial concentration of A. The derivation assumes steady-state diffusion across a stagnant liquid film of thickness δ\delta, where A diffuses inward and B outward until they meet at a reaction plane within the film, satisfying stoichiometric balance νA×(DACA/ξ)=νB×(DBCB/(δ−ξ))\nu_A \times (D_A C_A / \xi) = \nu_B \times (D_B C_B / (\delta - \xi)) at that plane, with ξ\xi the distance from the interface to the plane. The total flux of A is then the sum of diffusive fluxes without reaction plus the reactive contribution, yielding the linear enhancement expression after normalizing by the physical absorption rate kLCAk_L C_A (where kL=DA/δk_L = D_A / \delta). Sharma validated this equation against experimental data from CO₂ absorption in NaOH and COS in alkaline solutions, achieving agreement within 5-10% across a range of concentrations and temperatures from 20-50°C. Sharma's models and data informed the design of reactive separation processes, particularly for treatment, where alkaline absorbents enhance CO₂ and COS removal in . By incorporating enhancement factors into design equations for column height and liquid-to-gas ratios, his work optimized industrial absorbers for capacities exceeding 1000 m³/h gas flow, reducing emissions in coal-fired plants.

Innovations in chemical engineering applications

Sharma's research on multiphase models significantly advanced reactive distillation processes, integrating reaction and to enhance energy efficiency in industrial operations. By applying these models, he demonstrated how simultaneous reaction and could minimize in processes like esterification and etherification. His collaborative work outlined practical implementations, such as the production of and MTBE, where multiphase interactions optimized column design and catalyst placement for higher yields. These innovations drew briefly from fundamental kinetics in multiphase studies to predict phase behavior under reactive conditions. In the realm of reactor design, Sharma contributed to the development of slurry reactors tailored for and oxidation reactions, emphasizing efficient scale-up from to industrial scales. His models for three-phase slurry systems addressed limitations in catalytic hydrogenations, such as the conversion of nitro compounds to amines, enabling larger reactor volumes with uniform catalyst dispersion. For oxidation processes, like the production of from , his approaches facilitated scale-up challenges by incorporating hydrodynamic data to predict mixing and . Case studies from his research highlighted successful transitions in pharmaceutical and industries. Sharma's principles of absorption were instrumental in developing technologies for and control, particularly through reactive slurries that enhanced contaminant removal. His studies on gas absorption accompanied by fast reactions in slurries, such as SO₂ capture using calcium or suspensions, improved efficiency in . These methods extended to applications, where absorption processes targeted volatile organic compounds and acids, promoting cleaner effluents in and sectors. Several of Sharma's process designs found adoption in Indian chemical industries, notably in refining. These innovations influenced configurations, optimizing energy use and compliance with pollution norms in processing.

Awards and honors

National awards

Man Mohan Sharma received the Prize in Engineering Sciences in 1973 from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for his pioneering work on multiphase reactions and reactors. In recognition of his distinguished contributions to , Sharma was conferred the by the in 1987. He was further honored with the , the second-highest civilian award, in 2001 for exceptional service in science and engineering. Sharma was awarded the Om Prakash Bhasin Award in Engineering in 1985 by the Om Prakash Bhasin Foundation for outstanding achievements in science and technology. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) presented him with the FICCI Award in Science and Technology in 1981, acknowledging his innovations in applications. In 1994, Sharma delivered the J. C. Bose Memorial Lecture of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA). In tribute to his lifelong impact on the field, the Indian Institute of (IIChE) established the Prof. M. M. Sharma Medal in 2001, awarded annually to distinguished chemical engineers, often in conjunction with the Chemcon Distinguished Speaker Award.

International recognitions

Man Mohan Sharma's election as a (FRS) in 1990 marked a historic milestone, as he became the first Indian engineering scientist to receive this prestigious honor, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to multiphase chemical reactions and reactor design. This accolade underscored his global influence, building on earlier national recognitions that highlighted his foundational work in . In 1996, Sharma was awarded the Leverhulme Medal by the Royal Society for his exceptional advancements in the dynamics of multiphase chemical reactions pertinent to , further cementing his stature in applied chemistry and . His international profile expanded with election as a Fellow of (TWAS) in 1990, where he also delivered the TWAS Medal Lecture in Engineering Sciences and Technologies, affirming his role in advancing for developing nations. Sharma's contributions earned him further global validations, including election as an International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2005 and as a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Engineering in 2006, for his leadership in reactive separations and shaping the . These , alongside honorary doctorates from several universities, highlighted his enduring influence beyond national boundaries. In 2014, the (IChemE) established the Sharma Medal to recognize outstanding lifetime contributions to , named in his honor.

Legacy and later recognition

Influence on Indian chemical engineering

Man Mohan Sharma's influence on Indian is profoundly evident through his extensive mentorship, where he guided over 70 PhD students, many of whom rose to prominent positions in academia and industry, such as R.A. Mashelkar, who became a under Sharma's supervision. His emphasis on independent enabled students to publish single-author papers in leading journals like Chemical Engineering Science, fostering a generation of self-reliant innovators who extended his legacy, with second-generation doctorates exceeding 200. As a pivotal figure at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) —formerly the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT)—Sharma played a key role in elevating it to a globally recognized institution for and research, particularly through his early appointment as full professor at age 27 and subsequent leadership that increased PhD outputs and established practice-oriented programs. Under his guidance, ICT became a hub for affordable excellence, producing the first PhD in at the institute and transforming resource-constrained environments into centers of high-impact innovation. Sharma advocated vigorously for resource-efficient research tailored to developing economies, promoting low-cost experimental methods—like chemical determination of interfacial areas with budgets as low as US$150 per student—and the philosophy that "ideas matter" over funding, which influenced national policies in the chemical sector toward sustainability and waste valorization. His contributions to self-reliance in chemical technology, including innovations in multiphase reactions for reactive separations, helped reduce import dependencies in petrochemicals and guided India's industry growth amid limited resources, advising governments and corporations on cleaner technologies such as coal gasification and bagasse utilization.

Recent tributes and endowments

In June 2025, a biography titled Divine Scientist: Gurunam Guruh was released, chronicling the life, academic journey, and contributions of Professor Man Mohan Sharma to and . The book, authored by Aneeta Patil and published by Sundaram Publications, draws on personal anecdotes, family insights, and professional accounts to portray Sharma as a principled educator and innovator whose work shaped generations of scientists. Its launch event on June 6, 2025, at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) , gathered prominent figures from industry and academia, underscoring Sharma's enduring influence. During the biography's release ceremony, , Chairman of Limited and a former student of Sharma at ICT, announced an endowment of ₹151 to the institute as a "guru dakshina" in honor of his mentor. This unconditional grant aims to establish world-class research facilities and support advanced programs, fulfilling Sharma's long-held vision for elevating India's scientific infrastructure. Ambani credited Sharma's teachings for inspiring entrepreneurial rigor in the , describing him as a "Rashtra " whose guidance propelled India's in petrochemicals and beyond. Several institutions have named endowments and facilities after Sharma to perpetuate his legacy, including the Prof. M.M. Sharma Library at ICT , which serves as a central resource for and . In the , ongoing recognition includes guest lectures and orations featuring Sharma, such as his address at the National Chemical Laboratory in March 2025, highlighting his continued role in inspiring contemporary advancements. These tributes affirm Sharma's post-career impact, with the 2025 endowment marking a pivotal step in institutionalizing his contributions through sustained support.

References

  1. https://ssbprize.gov.in/content/Detail.aspx?AID=50
  2. https://www.iisertirupati.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/9th-Foundation-day-Speakers.pdf
  3. https://www.chemengevolution.org/inspirational-chemical-engineers/professor-man-mohan-sharma
  4. https://www.nae.edu/30962/Professor-Man-Mohan-Sharma
  5. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=gbpU59AAAAAJ&hl=en
  6. https://royalsociety.org/people/man-sharma-12256/
  7. https://www.icheme.org/knowledge-networks/medals-prizes-and-awards/medals-and-prizes/research-and-teaching/sharma-medal/
  8. https://twas.org/directory/sharma-man-mohan
  9. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ie078002g
  10. https://mswebdocstorage.blob.core.windows.net/ictmumbaidocuments/EMERITUS_PROFESSOR_OF_EMINENCE_MMSharma.pdf
  11. https://chemindigest.com/divine-scientist-biography-of-padma-vibhushan-professor-m-m-sharma/
  12. https://www.qimpro.org/awards/citation/143
  13. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0009250969870338
  14. https://www.ias.ac.in/public/Volumes/sadh/008/04/0387-0409.pdf
  15. https://www.scribd.com/document/612377087/ie078002g
  16. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/3527600523.ch1
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  18. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0920586198003769
  19. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/244117003_Absorption_of_sulfur_dioxide_into_aqueous_reactive_slurries_of_calcium_and_magnesium_hydroxide_in_a_stirre_cell
  20. https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/Document/pdf/notifications/PadmaAwards/1987.pdf
  21. https://www.opbfawards.com/engineering.html
  22. https://www.iiche.org.in/chemcomspeakers.php
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  24. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10098-015-0954-5
  25. https://www.newclothmarketonline.com/news-briefs/conference-on-technology-options-for-sustainable-growth-of-indian-chemical-industry-held-by-udct-alumni-association-uaa-in-ahmedabad/
  26. https://www.indianchemicalnews.com/chemical/review-of-padma-vibhushan-prof-man-mohan-sharma-biography-divine-scientist-gurunam-guruh-by-prof-g-d-yadav-26732
  27. https://sundarampublication.com/bookDetails/3/10
  28. https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/mukesh-ambani-gifts-rs-151-crore-to-ict-as-guru-dakshina-to-mentor-prof-m-m-sharma/articleshow/121691431.cms
  29. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/my-father-had-a-burning-desire-mukesh-ambani-donates-rs-151-crore-to-his-alma-mater-ict-mumbai-11749266520781.html
  30. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/mukesh-ambani-donates-151-crore-to-alma-mater-ict-101749236417667.html
  31. https://www.shiksha.com/university/institute-of-chemical-technology-mumbai-36791/infrastructure
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fEAX9u36y0
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