'Extremely grateful on being conferred Bharat Ratna': Prof. C.N.R. Rao

Eminent scientist Professor C.N.R. Rao, who has been awarded the Bharat Ratna, said on Saturday said that he is extremely grateful that the country has recognized his contribution to science.

"I am very grateful that my country has decided to recognize my contribution. I have already thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who called me when I was in the airport in Trivandrum, and told him that I am extremely grateful because I worked in this country all my life, and lot of my students have worked with me. This is recognition for all the scientific work done by my students and myself, and I am very grateful for that,' he told media here today.

Earlier in the day, the government decided to confer the Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian award, on Professor C.N.R. Rao.

Prof. C.N.R. Rao is an eminent scientist and a well-recognized international authority on solid state and materials chemistry.

He has published over 1,400 research papers and 45 books.

Prof. Rao's contributions have been recognized by most major scientific academies around the world through conferment of memberships and fellowships.

He has been honoured with several national and international awards.