Prof. Rita Mulherkar Award Lectures

On the occasion of superannuation of Prof. Rita Mulherkar, in January 2014, after more than 30 years of dedicated service at the Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, her students and colleagues instituted the Professor Rita Mulherkar Lecture Award in her honour to cherish the wonderful days they spent in her lab, and to express their gratitude to a distinguished mentor and inspirational person.

Prof. Rita Mulherkar has been a role model for students and colleagues. She inculcated scientific rigor, and spirit of inquiry. Being part of the Mulherkar lab was prestigious, as was evident during meetings, conferences and the wonderful camaraderie shared by the laboratory members. Despite working on advanced cancer biology projects, she trained the newly enrolled PhD students in basics of routine laboratory techniques. As a mentor, she shepherded a varied bunch and got the best out of each. Each member of her group enjoyed the process of discovery, learnt the discipline and ethics required to carry out the work honestly, and to help each other. She stood up for all her students and staff alike in difficult situations, encouraged them when low, and applauded them when successful.

Mulherkar lab also engaged in community based projects during which sample collection from outdoor locations was an intense and fun-filled activity. The lessons of communication skills gained during interactions with large number of villagers with dignity and humaneness have been valuable. Prof. Mulherkar, who occupied several positions, encouraged younger members of the laboratory to interact with visitors, learn multitasking and perform menial jobs when required, irrespective of holidays or festive season. These experiences have been inspirational for her students.