K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce is proud to celebrate a momentous academic milestone. Dr Rohit Singh Chauhan, Dean Research and Consultancy, has been elected as a Member of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI). As one of the oldest and most respected scientific bodies in the country, NASI represents a legacy of excellence, influence, and innovation in Indian science. Dr Chauhan is now part of that legacy.
“It feels incredibly rewarding to have one’s work recognised by such a historic and respected institution,” said Dr Chauhan. “This honour is both humbling and deeply motivating. It pushes me to continue contributing meaningfully to research, education, and society.”
But NASI is more than a title. In Dr Chauhan’s words, it is a platform that brings together scientists from across disciplines to collaborate, shape national-level science policy, and mentor young researchers. It is a space that empowers scientists to play an active role in shaping India’s research priorities while remaining lifelong learners and contributors to the wider scientific community.
Dr Chauhan’s path into the world of chemistry beganwith a simple fascination for how matter behaves and transforms. “Even during school, I was drawn to the elegance of molecular interactions,” he recalled. That curiosity matured into a focused passion during his undergraduate and postgraduate years, where he found himself drawn to inorganic and organometallic chemistry.
His academic journey deepened with a PhD, allowing him to explore material behaviour, molecular frameworks, and catalytic reactions at a more advanced level. Among his early and significant contributions was a paper published in Inorganic Chemistry in 2010 titled Tellurium(0) as a Ligand. The study showcased how elemental tellurium could act as a ligand in transition metal complexes—an uncommon and intriguing discovery in the world of main-group chemistry. “It was an unusual and exciting piece of work,” he noted, “and even today, it remains personally significant.”
Since joining K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce in 2015, Dr Chauhan has found the space to flourish. “Somaiya has been more than just a workplace. It has been a nurturing ecosystem,” he said. The college has offered him not only the academic freedom to pursue research but also access to a strong support system. Research infrastructure, institutional backing, and a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration have allowed him to build a thriving research group and contribute meaningfully to national-level projects.
Dr Chauhan strongly believes that teaching and research go hand in hand. “They’re not separate roles. Research keeps me curious and at the edge of innovation. Teaching keeps me grounded. The classroom is often where new ideas are born. Students bring fresh energy and questions that challenge the way we think,” he explained.
Much of his recent work addresses pressing global challenges. His current research focuses on designing potential therapeutic agents to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). This involves synthesising new pyridoheterocyclic compounds using molecular hybridisation strategies to overcome bacterial resistance. “India continues to face a serious public health challenge with TB. If science can help improve treatment options, then the work is truly worthwhile,” he said.
Beyond research and teaching, Dr Chauhan is also active in science outreach and public engagement. He participates in policy discussions, mentoring programmes, and educational initiatives that aim to bridge the gap between the lab and the public. NASI, in this context, becomes a key enabler. “It is a space for scientists to connect with policymakers, educators, and the next generation. NASI facilitates collaboration, celebrates achievement, and holds us accountable for giving back,” he added.
When asked what advice he would offer to students who want to pursue science, Dr Chauhan keeps it simple. “Follow your curiosity. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just begin. Explore, experiment, and learn from mistakes. That’s the essence of science—and growth.”
As he joins India’s most distinguished scientific minds, Dr Chauhan’s journey is a reminder that meaningful impact comes from a combination of curiosity, consistency, and the right ecosystem. The Somaiya family proudly congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to what lies ahead in his ever-evolving journey through science and education.
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