Beyond Shodh with Dr. Sonia Balyan

🎙Beyond Shodh is proud to present season 2 Global Voices Episode 1: Shaping the Future of Global AgricultureGuest: Dr. Stanford Blade – Deputy Director General (Research), ICRISATIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stanford Blade, one of the world’s most respected voices in agricultural science and innovation.Dr. Blade currently serves as the Deputy Director General of Research at ICRISAT, where he leads transformative research to improve dryland farming systems—impacting over 2.1 billion people across Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. With a distinguished career that includes roles at the University of Alberta (#universityofalberta @ualberta.ca) International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (#IITA), and AATF, Dr. Blade brings deep insight into the challenges and solutions facing global food systems.In this episode, we discuss:✅ The future of agriculture in semi-arid regions✅ Global research collaborations and innovation in crop science✅ Strategies to combat hunger, poverty, and climate challenges✅ Leadership lessons from a career across 100+ countries✅ How young scientists can shape the next era of global agriculture🎓 Dr. Blade is also a prolific scholar, with 80+ peer-reviewed publications, and has been honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and elected as an International Fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry.🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Beyond Shodh for more inspiring conversations from the world of STEM.📢 Follow us for updates and behind-the-scenes content:📸 Instagram:   / beyondshodh24  🐦 X: @sonia_balyanBS 📧 For collaborations: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/soniabalyan24#BeyondShodh #GlobalVoices #AgriculturalScience #ICRISAT #StanfordBlade #FoodSecurity #ClimateResilience #DrylandFarming #SustainableAgriculture #STEMLeadership #PodcastIndia #ScienceForSociety

Welcome to the #beyondshodh, the #podcast where we dive deep into the minds of the world's leading scientists, engineers, and thinkers. In this exclusive episode "Soil Matters: Cultivating a Future by Protecting Our Earth", we have the distinct honor of exploring the profound wisdom and scientific expertise of a legend in the field of soil science- Professor Rattan Lal. Professor Lal is a Distinguished University Professor of Soil Science and the Director of the Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration at The Ohio State University. He is globally recognized as a pioneer in soil-centric agricultural management aimed at enhancing food security and developing climate-resilient agriculture through innovative soil carbon sequestration techniques and sustainable intensification. Born in Punjab, India, Professor Lal's journey from a young scholar to a globally recognized soil scientist is nothing short of extraordinary. He has dedicated his life to advancing soil health, enhancing food security, and developing sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand the challenges of climate change. He is a fellow of several prestigious societies, including the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), and Third World Academy of Sciences. His awards include the Hugh Hammond Bennett Award, Borlaug Award, Liebig Award, and M.S. Swaminathan Award, among others. He has served as President of major scientific organizations, including the World Association of Soil and Water Conservation and the Soil Science Society of America. Additionally, he has held advisory roles for global climate and soil initiatives, including the Federal Advisory Committee on Climate Change and the United Nations Food Systems Summit Science Committee. He has received honorary doctorates from several universities worldwide and is globally recognized as a leading agricultural scientist. He is ranked #1 among agricultural scientists globally, with a high impact in his field, reflected in his inclusion in the World's Most Influential Scientific Minds list and the Highly Cited Researchers list by Clarivate/Thomson Reuters. He was also a lead author for the IPCC and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Certificate by the IPCC in 2007. Professor Lal is laureate of the the Mahatma Gandhi Award for Environmental Protection (2022), Padma Shri Award (2021), World Food Prize (2020), Arrell Global Food Innovation Award (2020), Japan Prize (2019), U.S. Awasthi IFFCO Prize (2019), GCHERA World Agriculture Prize (2018), and Glinka World Soil Prize (2018). In this episode, we are fortunate to learn from a man who has been ranked among the world's most influential scientific minds and has mentored hundreds of scholars around the globe. we will delve into his groundbreaking work in soil science, his vision for a sustainable future, and his tireless efforts to promote the importance of soil health and management in tackling global challenges like climate change and food security. Join us as we explore the story of a scientist who has not only advanced our understanding of soils but has also become a beacon of hope in the fight for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. 🎧 Listen To #BeyondShodh On #Spotify #googlepodcast #amazonmusic #applepodcast INSTAGRAM: @soniabalyan24 TWITTER : @sonia_balyanBS Youtube: https://youtu.be/Jpomazc4XjY?si=9c3JpOOZmjQxvgkz

Beyond Shodh presents its exclusive episode 18 "Genomic History of Indians: From ancient tribes to modern medicines" featuring Prof. K. Thangaraj, J C Bose Fellow, CCMB-TIGS Outstanding Scientist, Evolutionary and Medical Genetics Laboratory, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology. In this episode, we discussed his journey, research and its impact on society, along with his advice to students. About Prof. Thangaraj Prof. K. Thangaraj is a distinguished geneticist with nearly three decades of pioneering research in human population and medical genetics. His work has made significant contributions to our understanding of human evolution and the genetic underpinnings of various diseases. In population genetics, Prof. Thangaraj's research has uncovered key insights into human migration patterns, including the groundbreaking discovery that the Andaman tribes are descendants of the first modern humans to migrate out of Africa. He also reshaped our understanding of Indian ancestry by demonstrating that contemporary Indian populations are derived from two ancient groups, challenging the traditional narrative of the region's history. In medical genetics, Prof. Thangaraj identified critical genetic factors associated with cardiovascular diseases and male infertility, particularly within South Asian populations. His findings have important implications for targeted healthcare and personalized medicine. Prof. Thangaraj's contributions to genomics have been widely recognized, earning him numerous prestigious awards, including the Legend of Hyderabad Award (2024) and the Sun Pharma Research Award (2019). His work continues to influence and advance the field of genetics, making a lasting impact on both scientific research and public health. 🎧 Listen To #BeyondShodh On #Spotify #googlepodcast #amazonmusic INSTAGRAM: @soniabalyan24 TWITTER : @sonia_balyanBS #genetics, #genomics, #genomeindia, #prof k thangraj, #ccmb, #human #genetics, #cardiomyopathy, #heartattack, #mutation, #genomes, #10000 human genome, #Genetic diversity of Indian populations, #Ancestral origins of Indians, #DNA analysis of Indian populations, #Migration patterns in Indian history, #Genomic research in India, #Evolutionary history of Indian people, #Human settlement in the Indian subcontinent, #Genomic studies on Indian genetics, #Indian DNA ancestry, #Genetic markers in Indian populations

Beyond Shodh presents its exclusive and must watch episode 17 "DO NOTHING: Only 5 years remaining to reverse CLIMATE CHANGE featuring Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki, Professor, IIT Bombay | Founder, Energy Swaraj Foundation | Brand Ambassador of Solar Energy, Govt of MP. Don't miss this episode as we delve into Prof. Solanki's inspiring mission and learn how we can all contribute to averting a climate crisis. Tune in to be part of the movement towards a brighter, cleaner world. About Prof. Solanki: Prof. Chetan Singh Solanki is a luminary in the fields of education, research, and innovation, and a certified instructor of the Art of Living's Happiness program. Currently on unpaid leave from IIT Bombay, Prof. Solanki has been on an extraordinary mission since November 2020: the Energy Swaraj Yatra, an 11-year odyssey aboard a solar-powered bus, with a commitment to not return home until 2030. This groundbreaking initiative aims to tackle the urgent challenges of climate change by promoting 100% solar energy adoption. Prof. Solanki's exceptional efforts have garnered widespread recognition, including commendation from Prime Minister. The Government of Madhya Pradesh has honored him as the Brand Ambassador of Solar Energy. Dubbed the "Solar Man of India" by esteemed publications such as The Times of India, The Hindu, and India Today, he is also referred to as "Solar Gandhi" for his Gandhian approach to energy independence. Prof. Solanki has introduced the innovative concept of 'Energy Swaraj' and founded the Energy Swaraj Foundation (ESF) to promote global energy self-reliance. At IIT Bombay, he has spearheaded significant solar projects, including the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE). His Solar Urja through Localization for Sustainability (SoULS) project has illuminated 7.5 million households with clean light. His accolades are numerous, including IEEE’s global grand prize of USD 100,000, the Prime Minister’s Innovation Award for the SoULS project, first prize in the Solar Chulha Design Challenge by ONGC, three Guinness World Records, two Young Scientist Awards, the CSIR Science and Technology Award, recognition as one of LinkedIn's top 15 must-follow thought leaders, "Hero of the Environment" by Network18 media, the Excellence in RE Skilling award, and the title of “Outstanding Green Activist,” among many others. In a notable recent achievement, he presented the Energy Swaraj Model at the United Nations in Geneva, proposing the AMG approach on a global platform. As a TED speaker, Prof. Solanki has been invited to speak at leading global corporations, including Google, Shell, Intel, and BlackRock. He chairs the committee for solar curriculum development for CBSE and AICTE and is a member of the National Focus Group on Environmental Education. An accomplished author, he has written eight books and published over 100 research papers internationally, and he holds four US patents. In 2019, Prof. Solanki embarked on a global journey, visiting 30 countries to advocate for solar energy. During his ongoing Energy Swaraj Yatra, he has already traveled over 1,060 days, covering 45,000 kilometers and reaching more than 240,000 people. This 11-year expedition aims to traverse India four to five times, promoting energy literacy to over a billion people and encouraging over 10 million families to switch to 100% solar energy. In his book, "Energy Swaraj – My Experiments with SOLAR Truth," Prof. Solanki envisions the adoption of Energy Swaraj as a public movement, with his yatra laying the groundwork for a sustainable and beautiful world. 🎧 Listen To #BeyondShodh On #Spotify #googlepodcast #amazonmusic #applepodcasts INSTAGRAM: @soniabalyan24 TWITTER : @sonia_balyanBS LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sonia-balyan-2092a145 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IVMp4M...

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with Dr. Anand Deshpande on Beyond Shodh Presents "My Startup Story". In this Episode 6, we delve into the captivating narrative of building Persistent Systems, led by one of India's foremost tech visionaries. About Dr. Anand Deshpande Dr. Anand Deshpande is the Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Persistent Systems. He holds a B.Tech. with Honours in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Kharagpur, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Indiana University. Recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by IIT Kharagpur and awarded the Career Achievement Award by Indiana University, Anand has grown Persistent Systems from its inception in 1990 into a global company. He received the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in 2023. Anand began his career at Hewlett-Packard Laboratories. He is a founding trustee of Persistent Foundation and has held various leadership roles in professional organizations. Currently, he is focused on data, higher education, and entrepreneurship. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at IIT Bombay, Chairman of IIT Patna, interim Chairman of IIIT Allahabad, and holds positions in several academic and non-profit boards. Additionally, he co-founded the DeAsra Foundation to promote self-employment and support entrepreneurs. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned industry player, this episode promises to ignite your passion and enrich your entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of India's most esteemed entrepreneurs. Prepare to be inspired, informed, and empowered! #BeyondShodh #MyStartupStory #ComingSoon #Entrepreneurship #PersistentSystems

Welcome to Beyond Shodh presents - My Start-up Story Episode 5 with Mr. Mahesh Pratapneni "Precision Health: Revolutionizing Care with Genomic Advances". In this episode, we touched upon his entrepreneurial journey, challenges, vision for medgenome and Indian startup ecosystem. He gave useful advice to young minds who wish to jump in the startup world. About the guest: Mr. Mahesh Pratapneni is the Co-Founder and Group CEO of MedGenome, a pioneering global precision medicine company and the foremost provider of genomic solutions in South Asia. MedGenome's mission revolves around fostering awareness and comprehension of genetics, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping healthcare outcomes. Within India's rich genomic landscape lies a reservoir of diverse population isolates, offering profound insights into the genetic underpinnings of various diseases. Mahesh and his dedicated team are committed to harnessing this invaluable genomic data to identify mutant genes and craft innovative solutions for combating diseases on a global scale. Mahesh's academic background in Electronics and Communications from IIT Madras, coupled with an MBA from IIM Calcutta, equips him with a unique blend of technical prowess and business acumen. His exemplary leadership has earned him prestigious accolades, including recognition as one of the top 11 EY Entrepreneur of The Year™ 2022 finalists, with MedGenome securing the coveted EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 award in the Start-up category. Join us as we embark on a captivating conversation with Mr. Mahesh Pratapneni, to listen to his inspiring story

Beyond Shodh presents - My Start-up Story Episode 4 with Ms. Anu Acharya "Decoding Your Genomepatri: Unveiling Your Genetic Blueprint for Health". Anu Acharya is the visionary force behind Mapmygenome, a pioneering company revolutionizing preventive genomics services in India. Not only is she the founder and CEO, but she's also a multifaceted individual, donning hats as a columnist, poet, and captivating speaker. Her journey into entrepreneurship began in 2000 with the inception of Ocimum Biosolutions, a trailblazing venture offering bioinformatics, LIMS, and genomic solutions to a global clientele. In 2013, Anu embarked on a new mission with Mapmygenome, carving out a niche in preventive genomics. Today, the company boasts a comprehensive suite of clinical and preventive genomics services, including pathology, harnessing the power of machine learning and AI to formulate exhaustive health assessments for longevity. Anu's overarching goal is to democratize preventive healthcare, making it both accessible and affordable through genomics. Her impactful endeavors have garnered widespread recognition, earning her prestigious accolades like the WTI Award from Niti Aayog, the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Indian Express, the Pride of Telangana Award, and the Young Global Leader (YGL) title bestowed by the World Economic Forum. Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Anu actively contributes to various biotechnology, innovation, and education initiatives, serving on boards and committees dedicated to advancing these fields. Her academic journey, marked by bachelor's and master's degrees from IIT Kharagpur and dual master's degrees from the University of Illinois, Chicago, coupled with her stint in Chicago start-ups, laid the groundwork for her remarkable entrepreneurial odyssey.

Beyond Shodh's super exclusive and visionary Episode 16 "Seeds of Change: Embracing Genetic Engineering for Sustainable Food Futures" feat. Prof. Channa S. Prakash is here. Prof. Channapatna S. Prakash, a distinguished scientist and professor of plant genetics, biotechnology, and genomics at Tuskegee University in Alabama, USA. With a tenure on faculty since 1989, Dr. Prakash’s contributions have significantly impacted global agriculture and scientific discourse. Dr. Prakash’s research expertise lies in genetic improvement research focused on food crops crucial for developing countries. His lab was at the forefront of developing transgenic sweet potato and peanut plants, pioneering groundbreaking genomic studies on peanuts. For nearly three decades, Dr. Prakash has been a leading advocate for crop and food biotechnology awareness worldwide. His efforts extend beyond academia, engaging policymakers, farmers, and the public alike. His work has been instrumental in promoting technologies that address global food security. In 2015, Dr. Prakash received the prestigious Borlaug CAST Communication Award, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to advancing agricultural technologies capable of feeding the world’s growing population. Dr. Prakash’s impact extends to social media, where he engages with a global audience. With 96,000 followers, he generates an average of ten million impressions per month on Twitter (@agbioworld) and Facebook (/agbioworld), making him a leading influencer on agricultural biotechnology issues. As Editor-in-Chief of the esteemed journal GM Crops & Food, Dr. Prakash shapes discussions and disseminates knowledge in the biotechnology field. Nature Biotechnology has named him one of the “Top Personalities Who Have Made the Most Significant Contribution to Biotech,” while his peers recognize him as one of the “100 Top Living Contributors to Biotechnology.” Additionally, he holds the title of Biotech Food Hero by Crop Life International and was a finalist for the new “Foodfluencer” award by the US Soybean Export. Whether you're a budding researcher, an scientist seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the future of genetic engineering, you're in for a treat. Join us as we uncover the wisdom, experiences, and personal reflections of Prof. Channa S. Prakash in this enlightening and thought-provoking conversation.

Welcome to Beyond Shodh presents - My Start-up Story Episode 3 with Dr. Shriram Raghavan "Living Medicines: Unleashing the Power of Programmed Biotherapeutics for Next-Generation Healthcare" 🌐 Join us for this exclusive glimpse into the groundbreaking world of synthetic biology, biotherapeutics and life science entrepreneurship. Dr. Shriram Raghavan, Co-Founder, EliveBio Inc and Senior Vice President at Jananom, India’s pioneer in Synthetic Biology as a Service (SaaS), brings over two decades of unparalleled experience in revolutionizing the life sciences industry. With a track record of building six successful startups and operating in 28 countries worldwide, Dr. Raghavan is a visionary leader shaping the future of healthcare. As the founder of Elive Biotherapeutics, focused on pioneering programmed Live biotherapeutics for lung cancer, and Natural Nutrition, catering to the burgeoning demand for vegan meal replacements, his ventures are at the forefront of innovation. But Dr. Raghavan's impact doesn't stop there. He actively supports over 60 startups along India's east coast, advises prestigious technology incubators, and serves on investment committees to foster biotech entrepreneurship. His passion for education led him to the AICTE committee, where he's shaping the next generation of biotech leaders by formulating model curriculums for B.Tech courses. With a diverse educational background spanning biochemical engineering, computational systems biology, international business, and executive training from Harvard Business School, Dr. Raghavan is a true polymath driving change in the industry. Join us as we delve into the mind of a visionary, exploring the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and the future of biotechnology. Don't miss out on this captivating journey with Dr. Shriram Raghavan! Subscribe now to stay tuned for our upcoming episode with Dr. Raghavan, where we uncover the secrets behind his success and unravel the mysteries of the biotech landscape. 🌱💡 #FutureBioTech #SyntheticBiology #Biotherapeutics #innovationleadership 🎧 Listen To #BeyondShodh On #Spotify #googlepodcast #amazonmusic INSTAGRAM: @soniabalyan24 TWITTER : @sonia_balyanBS Beyond Shodh is also available on #googlepodcast, Youtube and #amazonmusic

Join us for this thrilling episode of Beyond Shodh 14 "DATA: The New Fuel Deriving Innovation" featuring Dr. Gitanjali Yadav. In this episode, we are privileged to host Dr. Gitanjali Yadav, a Senior Scientist at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) and a Professor of Data Science at IISER Bhopal. Dr. Yadav is a luminary in the fields of genomics, structural bioinformatics, and data science, where her work transcends traditional boundaries. She is also a co-founder of #semanticClimate, a global citizen science movement, and a Trustee of one of the colleges at the University of Cambridge in U.K. Dr. Yadav has set up India’s first in-house academic Cloud at NIPGR, which is a state-of-the-art facility for data storage and analysis. She uses this platform to conduct cutting-edge research on regulatory networks and crop engineering, using tools from complex networks, artificial intelligence, and big data. Dr. Yadav is not only a brilliant scientist but also a passionate educator and leader. She is involved in various outreach, public health, and science policy initiatives, such as training Public Health Officers of the WHO for Genomic Surveillance of SARS-Cov2, promoting Open Notebook Science, and being an Ambassador for Effective Education. Join us as we dive into Dr. Yadav’s fascinating journey, and learn how she has overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and shaped the future of biocuration and data science. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in data, innovation, and interdisciplinary research. 🎙️🌱🧬👩‍💻 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our channel and leave a comment below. You can also follow us on Twitter [@sonia_balyanBS] LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/sonia-balyan-2092a145] Instagram [@soniabalyan24] for more updates. Thank you for listening!