In an emotional and historic celebration at ICT Mumbai, the authorised biography “Divine Scientist” was formally launched along with its Marathi edition “Gurunam Guruhu” to honour the life and legacy of Padma Vibhushan Professor M. M. Sharma, India’s most celebrated chemical engineering academic and one of the pillars of UDCT/ICT’s rise as a world-class institution.

The event brought together towering figures from science, industry, and academia, as well as hundreds of students, alumni, and admirers. The occasion was marked not just by reverence and reflection—but by a record-setting Rs. 151 crore philanthropic commitment by ICT alumnus and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani.

Speaking with visible emotion, Prof. M. M. Sharma said, “I came from Jodhpur, from a background with limited means. It was the former Director of UDCT, Prof. Nabar, who believed in me and supported my education at Cambridge. Whatever I have done in life, I have done for UDCT. Today’s love and kind words have moved me deeply. I feel satisfied.”

Offering an eloquent tribute, Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Former Director General, CSIR said, “Teachers affect eternity—Prof. Sharma’s influence never ends. He stood by both large and small industries alike, offering equal scientific wisdom. He chose the classroom over corridors of power, and remained a powerful voice for the autonomy and strength of state universities.”

Mukesh Ambani, who described Prof. Sharma as his “guru, mentor, and the architect of his scientific thinking” said, “Everything I have achieved is rooted in what I learnt under his guidance. This donation is my humble guru-dakshina to the institution that shaped me.”

Prof. G. D. Yadav remarked, “Prof. Sharma consistently declined senior positions offered by the central government. He remained steadfastly a teacher, a professor, a guide, and dedicated himself entirely to UDCT’s rise.”

Prof. J. B. Joshi described him as “A Yugpurush of the Indian chemical industry and education—a once-in-a-generation figure who shaped thought and practice.”

Prof. Bhagwat said, “He is an avid reader, always intellectually ahead of his time, and perpetually updated on the frontiers of science and research.”

Dr. Anil Kakodkar, former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission said, “Prof. Sharma’s ideas catalyzed deep-rooted advancements in India’s chemical industry. His influence continues to shape the nation’s industrial growth.”

Prof. A. B. Pandit, Vice Chancellor, ICT said, “I am grateful to Prof. Sharma for allowing us to document his life through this biography. And I offer our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Ambani for his generous and visionary support for ICT’s future.”

The Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai (formerly UDCT), is a deemed university with a rich legacy of excellence in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, and materials research. With over 85 years of service to the nation, ICT has consistently produced leaders in academia, industry, and governance.