W Selvamurthy

Dr. W Selvamurthy is a Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller, Research & Development (Life Sciences & International Cooperation) at Defence Research and Development Organisation, Government of India.^[1] He is a post graduate in Human Physchology from Christian Medical College, Vellor (1972) and Ph.D from University of Delhi (1982) and Doctorate of Science (D.Sc) from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (Deemed University), Bnagalore (2006). He has been awarded the Degree of Doctorate of Science (D.Sc) (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his eminent attainment in the field of science and his distinctive place in the scientific world by Fakir Mohan University, Balasore (2008). He has also been awarded Doctor of Science (D.Sc) (Honoris Causa) from Fakir Mohan University, Balasore (2008), Bharathiar University, Coimbatore (2009), Amity University (2011) and Karunya University (2011). He is spearheading the research and development activities for the health & wellbeing of the armed forces. His Research contributions have immensely benefited the armed forces in particular and society at large.^[2]

Education

He did his post-graduation in Human Physiology from Christian Medical College, Vellore^[3] (1972) and Ph.D from University of Delhi^[4] (1982) and Doctorate of Science (D.Sc.) from Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (Deemed University), Bangalore^[5] (2006). Recently he was awarded the Degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his eminent attainment in the field of science and his distinctive place in the scientific world by Fakir Mohan University, Balasore^[6] (2008). ^[7] He was awarded another honorary degree of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore^[8] (2009). Amity University (2011) and Karunya University (2011).

Career & Contributions

Dr. W. Selvamurthy joined DRDO in 1973 and during the 37 years of service in DRDO he has had a meritorious career and became Director of two DRDO institutes i.e. Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS)^[9] & Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR)^[10] in the year 1992 and held this position for more than 10 years. He has personally made significant research contributions for the benefit of the soldiers in the fields related to:

• Physiological acclimatisation at high altitude
• Application of yoga for the Armed forces
• Discovered a drug to save war casualties subjected to severe hemorrhage
• Psychological stress and its management
• Life support systems for soldiers in extreme operational environments^[7]

Professional Assignments

• Chairman Project Advisory Council (PAC) on Biomedical Science & Technology of Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India

• Member, Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) of Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi

• Chairman of Human Engineering Panel of Aeronautical Research and Development Board

• Chairman, Inter-ministerial group on Biodefence constituted by PMO.

• Co-chairman, Life Sciences Research Board at DRDO

• Co-Chairman, Joint Policy council of Bharathiar University, Coimbatore

• Area Coordinator ( Biomedical S&T) in ILTP programme of Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India

• Expert member at Department of Ocean Development, Govt of India

• Expert member of Project Advisory Council at Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India

• Member of Governing Council of Sri Ramachandara Medical University, Chennai

• Member of Governing Council of North Eastern Hill University, Shillong

• Member Secretary of Governing Council of Defence Institute of Armament Technology, Pune.

• Expert Member of various selection committees under UPSC, CSIR, DST, DBT Ministry of Environment & Forests.

Professional Accomplishments

• Research and development contributions of Dr. Selvamurthy in biomedical sciences have led to development of various technologies which have eventually culminated in enhancing the fighting efficiency of the armed forces in the extreme conditions like High Altitude, Under Water, Desert and Aerospace, Low Intensity Conflict and also Nuclear Biological and Chemical environment. Besides spearheading the ten life sciences laboratories of DRDO gave as HR chief, he newer dimensions to the Human Resource Developmental activities of DRDO for better human resource management and the future HR challenge in the light of market driven economy. He has given a new direction to International Cooperation in DRDO.
• He has successfully developed various life support technologies for enhancing the fighting efficiency of armed forces in the extreme conditions of high altitude, underwater, desert and aerospace, low intensity conflict and also Nuclear Biological Chemical environment.
• Formulated acclimatization schedules, tenure of posting, nutritional requirements, enhancement of human performance through Yoga and composite Indian herbal preparation for troops at high altitude which are in vogue today.
• Evaluated Physiological effects of Yogic practice through well-controlled studies on Young and Middle aged soldiers both at plains and high altitudes. Beneficial effects of Yoga has been demonstrated and accepted and Yoga has been introduced by Army and Navy.
• Developed new therapeutic modalities for treatment of High Altitude Pulmonary Odema (HAPO) using nitric oxide (15ppm) and oxygen (50%), and frostbite using Aloe vera cream thereby significantly reducing the mortality and morbidity of troops deployed at high altitude. More than 100 lives of the troops who succumb to HAPO in extreme high altitude areas have been saved.
• Demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Aloe Vera for the treatment of frostbite. This therapeutic modality has significantly reduced the incidence of frostbite in the Northern part of Siachin glaciers. Technology transfer for commercial production of Aloe Vera to Pharmaceutical industry has been done.
• Developed world class Computerized Pilot Aptitude Battery test (PABT) for selection of Pilots. This is commissioned in the Indian Air Force.
• Military Psychology is another area where he has made seminal research contributions. These areas include personality assessment during the recruitment of armed forces personnel, man-machine interface, psychological responses of men in extreme environments, and motivation. He presented his study on alienation of local population in J&K to the Government and most of the recommendations were accepted for implementation. Studies on increase in incidences of suicide and fratricide among troops have objectively been evaluated under his leadership; the recommendations are being implemented by armed forces for better management of the problem. This work has been applauded not only by Armed forces but also by other paramilitary and police forces of the country.
• A new Thermo-electric cooling suit has been developed with the help of M/s MECON, Ranchi, which can remove about 250 w of heat and thereby enhancing performance of people working in heat (Encl 5). This Unit is being integrated in the Main Battle Tank (MBT) in improving the performance of tank crew.
• Identified specific ergogenic fluids for effective rehydration to sustain optimal performance in desert.
• Developed new prophylactic method using Carbogen (5% CO2 & 95% O2) for protection against noise induced hearing loss among crews in ships and tanks. Navy has accepted it for induction in engine rooms of ships. Most of the recommendations based on his study have been implemented and practiced by the Armed Forces.
• Studied psychophysiology of stress and its management and various aspects of Military Psychology including incidences of suicides and fratricide among troops. Recommendations are being implemented by the Armed forces. Police and other paramilitary forces.
• The R&D contributions spearheaded by Dr. Selvamurthy have not only benefited the three wings of the Armed Forces but also have provided immense spin-off benefits to the Society at large. An antigen based Typhoid detection kit, 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose as radiosensitizer for cancer therapy, Diagnobact for infection imaging, attracticide for mosquito control and Leh-Berry Juice as antioxidant illustrate some of the critical spin-offs.
• As Chief Controller R&D (Life Sciences) spearheaded and facilitated development of pharmaceutical products like 2-DG for cancer therapy, Diagnobact for Infection imaging, Attracticide for mosquito control, Typhigen kit for typhoid diagnosis, Food technologies for meals ready to eat, horticultural development at high altitude etc.
• As Chairman, Society for Biomedical Technology, successfully supervised development of various spin-off technologies for benefits of the society like critical care ventilator, titanium dental implants and FRO for Polio patients etc.
• As Chairman of Human Engineering Panel of Aeronautical Research and Development Board have provided valuable input for LCA programme particularly to the human factors aspects of the programme.
• As Chairman of Programme Management Board of Society for Bio-medical Technology, have facilitated indigenous development of some useful bio-medical products including critical care ventilator, titanium dental implant, Light Weight foldable Stretcher, FRO for polio patient and orbit implant.
• Taken newer initiatives in talent management of DRDO to reduce manpower turnover.
• One among 13 experts selected at the global level by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), a UNO body (1983-85) to formulate policies related to Climate and Human Health. Was leader of First Indo-Soviet Expedition to Artic for understanding the human acclimatization in the polar environment of the tropical people. Served as Representative of International Society of Biometeorology in World Health Organisation (South East Asian Region) (1990-95).
• Represented India in organization of prevention of chemical weapons conference of state parties held at Hague in 2006.
• In the field of Disaster Management, Dr. Selvamurthy's R&D contributions have served the victims affected by earthquake, cyclone, tsunami and floods, as well as for NBC eventualities.
• Provided new impetus for technology developments in critical NBC defence technologies, which have been already delivered, to the Armed Forces in large quantity. A compendium on NBC defence technologies and products developed by DRDO under his initiative has been published which is a useful document to source for the procurement of such equipments and devices. The Para-Military forces and civilian sectors are also considering the introduction of the relevant items developed by DRDO in this field under his leadership.
• Formulated SOP for handling any eventuality of NBC attack on the nation. MHA has appreciated the valuable inputs from DRDO in its endeavors of SOP formulation and its implementation. Played a pivotal role in formulating SOP for DRDO in crisis management. Represented India in the conference of State Parties at the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at The Hague (Netherlands).
• PMO through MHA constituted an Inter Ministerial Expert Group under the Chairmanship of Dr. W. Selvamurthy to give inputs to MHA in the field of bio defence and in formulation of national approach for bio-defence. The Report has recently been submitted to MHA. In 2007 organized a national workshop on bio-defence, which will lead to the formulation of a major R&D programme in this field as a national initiative. Led a team of DRDO scientists and doctors during the natural disasters such as earthquake at Latur and Bhuj, super cyclone in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. The team has effectively used DRDO technologies such as SATCOM terminals for maintaining the communication for relief operations, the water potability detection kit, water purification system for providing potable water, the meals ready-to-eat for meeting food requirement, DRDO developed diagnostic kits for infectious diseases and doctors with essential medicines to provide health care to the victims. The defence psychologists of DRDO have also helped in the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) management of the affected individuals. Though these are modest contributions in such large-scale disasters such relief through DRDO technologies under his leadership has been appreciated by the civil authorities.

Achievements

• Published 12 books and 170 Research papers which are widely cited.
• Leader of the First Indo-Soviet Scientific Expedition to the Arctic for physiological experiments (1990–91).
• Elected Fellow of Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists (1990).
• Elected Fellow of National Academy of Medical Scientists (2008).
• Elected Fellow of International Medical Science Academy (2006).
• Held many important positions in various scientific bodies:
  • President - Federation of Indian Physiological Societies
  • Vice President - Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists
  • Advisor to Executive Board of International Society of Biometeorology (ISB)
  • Consulting Editor - International Journal of Biometeorlogy IJPP, IJPAS, IJMR
  • Expert Member of WHO, a UNO body
  • International Society of Biometeorology (ISB) Representative in World Health Organisation
  • Chairman/Expert Member of various National Scientific Committees of DST, ICMR, CSIR, DOD etc.^[7]

Awards

In recognition of his outstanding research contributions, he has been honoured with the following prestigious Research Awards from different prestigious organizations:

• DRDO Technology Leadership Award (2010)
• Prof SC Mahalanobis Memorial Oration (2007) - The Physiological Society of India
• Delivered Shri Nani A. Palkhivala Memorial Lecture on “Life Sciences in Service of Soldiers” at SHANMUGHA, SASTRA University, Thanjavur (2007)
• Lifetime Achievement Award received from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Honorable President of India, in the field of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology in the World (2006 & 2007)
• Dr CL Baid Metha Oration - (2005)
• Prof SK Mitra Memorial Lecture - The Institution of Engineers (India) (2004)
• Rastre Shresht Nidhi Award - Industrial Technology of India (2004)
• Best Academician Award - Zoroastrian College an NGO affiliated United Nation of Economy and Social Sciences (2004)
• Dr P Brahmayya Sastry Memorial Award - Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists (2003)
• Annual Guest Oration (JSS) - JIPMER Scientific Society (2003)
• HH Loescheke Research Prize in Respiratory Physiology - Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India (2002)
• National Citizen’s Award - National Citizen’s Committee (2001)
• Platinum Jubilee Oration by Indian Science Congress Association (1995)
• Maj. Gen. S.L. Bhatia Oration by Assn. of Physiologists & Pharmacologists Society of India (1994)
• Scientist of the year Award by DRDO (1989)
• Shakuntala Amir Chand Award by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)(1986)
• Maj. General Amir Chand Award by DGAFMS (1984)
• Thangam Vasudevan Research Prize by Indian Association of Biomedical Award Scientist (1981) ^[7][11]

Books

• Contributions to Human Biometeorology edited by W. Selvamurthy (1987) ISBN 90-5103-004-5
• Brain & Psychophysiology of Stress edited by W Selvamurthy, K.N. Sharma & N. Battacharya (1988)
• Compendium of DIPAS Projects edited by W. Selvamurthy, K.Sridharan & L. Mathew (1988)
• Biometerology, Vol.9, Part-I (Abstracts) edited by W.Selvamurthy, S.C. Pandeya & H.Lieth (1983)
• Stress Physiology edited by W.Selvamurthy, K.Sridharan & B.N. Chaudhari (1989)
• Advance in Physiological Sciences edited by W. Selvamurthy, S.K. Manchanda & V. Mohan Kumar (1992)
• Physiology of Human Performance edited by W. Selvamurthy, Kadambi Sridharan & Ramesh C. Sawhney (1994)
• Meditation edited by W. Selvamurthy, Ramesh C. Sawhney & Lajpat Rai (1999)
• Human Food edited by W. Selvamurthy, Ramesh C. Sawhney, Lajpat Rai & B. Bhatia (1999)
• Battle Scene in Year 2020 edited by W. Selvamurthy, P.N. Chaudhari (1999)
• Rosary of Lord's Name edited by W. Selvamurthy, Ramesh C. Sawhney & Lajpat Rai (1999)
• Advances in Ergonomics, Occupational Health and Safety edited by W Selvamurthy and D Majumdar (2000)^[12][13] ISBN 81-224-1277-7
• Body Measurement : Design Application & Body Composition edited by W. Selvamurthy, T. Zachariah, S. Kishnani & S.N. Pramanik (2001)
• Soaring High: A Biography of Dr. V. K. Aatre by Dr. K Divyananda and Dr. W Selvamurthy (2005)^[14] ISBN 81-88237-24-8
• High Altitude Cold Arid Agro Animal Technology edited by W. Selvamurthy, R.B. Srivastava (2011)

Publications

Nearly 158 Publication

References