Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Advisor & Professor of Eminence, Jio Institute and former Vice Chancellor, Somaiya Vidyavihar University has received the First Prof. CGR Nair Memorial Award, instituted by the Indian Society of Analytical Scientists and the Rare Earth Scientists Association of India. 

Prof. Pillai was recognised for his teaching and research contributions extending over five decades in the area of chemical sciences. Over the past five decades, Prof. Pillai's journey took him to higher education, science, and public policy in some of India’s most respected academic and research institutions. 

As a teacher, researcher, and academic administrator, Prof. Pillai had the privilege of contributing to national and international advancements in Polymer Science—training more than 65 doctoral and post-doctoral scholars across universities in India, Germany, and Switzerland. 

He has been fortunate to serve in several leadership roles, including Vice Chairman and Chairman, University Grants Commission; Executive Director, NAAC; Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, Mahatma Gandhi University, and Cochin University of Science and Technology; and Executive Vice President, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology & Environment. Prof. Pillai has also chaired multiple national committees responsible for accreditation, university reforms, and higher education policy. 

His work has been recognised through numerous national and international honours, but his greatest service has been his contribution in institution-building, academic quality, and equitable access to education. 

Commenting on the award, Prof. Pillai said, "I value this recognition especially because it is instituted in the memory of a great teacher, researcher, science administrator, and a talented science fiction writer, Prof. C. G. Ramachandran Nair. I had the privilege of knowing and interacting with him ever since my post-graduation from Kerala University, Trivandrum. I dedicate this award to the students and research scholars whom I have had the privilege of teaching and guiding research for almost six decades now."