OBITUARY: Dr. Rabindra Nath Verma, Former Director ICAR-Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan (HP)

Abstract

Dr. Rabindra Nath Verma, age 78 years, left for his heavenly abode on 25^th April 2020. He was born on 26th March 1942 in Gaya, Bihar. At a very tender age he lost his father Dr. Pashupati Nath Verma, who was also renowned Medical Practitioner. Being an extra ordinary child he completed his schooling from Miller School, Patna. He obtained his M.Sc. Botany (Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding) degree from Patna University, Patna in 1961 and Ph.D in 1973 from Bhagalpur University. He started his professional career as Lecturer in Botany at Deoghar College, Deoghar of Bhagalpur University in 1962.   He co-authored a book "Physiology of Fungi" which is quite popular among the students of Botany.  He joined ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region in 1975 as Senior Scientist (Plant Pathology) and was inducted in the Agricultural Research Service of ICAR the same year as Scientist S-2 (Pl. Path.).  In 1979, he attended a 4-months training in "Genetic Evaluation and Utilization of Rice" at the International Rice Research Institute, Manila.  In 1981, he was selected as Scientist S-3 and HOD of Plant Pathology Division at ICAR Research Complex HQrs. at Shillong, where he continued as Principal Scientist from 1986 to 1992. From 1992 August to October 1994, he served at the ICAR HQrs in the Education Division as Principal Scientist (Education), before being selected as the Director of  National Centre for Mushroom Research & Training (later named as NRCM followed by DMR), Solan, where he served as Director from 19.10.1994 to 31.03.2002. Dr. Rabindra Nath Verma worked tirelessly to bring India on the Mushroom Map of the world through regular contribution to international journals and attending and by organizing numerous seminars at the centre. The Centre was adjudged as the "Best Centre" by ICAR. 

Dr. Rabindra Nath Verma retired in 2002, however, kept his zeal to spread knowledge through teaching as a Faculty at R K Mission, Ranchi and guided 5 students for their PhD. He kept on writing books and his last book was "Growing Mushroom the Organic Way". 

Dr. Rabindra Nath Verma has left behind his wife Mrs. Manju Verma, Families of 3 sons and a daughter who are doing well in their own fields. 

We Salute this true Son of India.