Plant Breeding in Horticulture

Dr. (Mrs.) Aparna Roy has a long and abiding interest in Puranic literature, as a significant source of Socio-Cultural History of ancient India. Her present work, much appreciated by specialists in the field, is a reflection of this enduring interest and her expertise in the area. She has followed this work by an ICHR sponsored project titled "Brihannaradiya Purana: An Appraisal of Socio-Religious Data". Already completed, the project has been received favourably by the Council and has undoubtedly added to her profile as a keen observer of the claim of the Pauranikas that "What is not found in the Vedas is found in the Smritis, and what is not found in both is available in the Puranas". Her conclusions in the work are competent responses to questions raised by some western scholars who are skeptical of the historical value of the Puranas for understanding the Socio-Cultural development in ancient, early medieval and medieval India. Dr. Roy belongs to the family of eminent indologists, scientists and academicians, and has uniformaly brilliant academic record. A gold medalist form Allahabad University, her present work is in continuity with her past profile of excellence.

Mallikarjuna Reddy, a well-known researcher in the field of agricultural science, is having more than twenty years of experience in research and teaching. He has led several research and development projects and guided more than 10 Ph.D. students.A horticulturistby specialisation, he has worked in different areas including arboriculture, floriculture, landscape horticulture olericulture and postharvest physiology. He has authored many research papers in international and national journals and also contributed chapters to many books.