Prof. T. C. Narendran

Born on 24th February 1944 at Trichur, Kerala, India, Dr. T. C. Narendran received his M.Sc degree in Zoology from the St. John’s College, Agra, India. After a short stint of early research career on reproductory biochemistry of insects, his interest shifted to the study of taxonomy of Parasitic Hymenoptera. He obtained his Ph.D degree in Zoology from the University of Calicut, and joined the Zoology faculty of the university in 1972. He became the professor of Zoology and later Head of the Department of Zoology at the University of Calicut (Retired in 2004 March).
          
       Dr. T. C. Narendran, the inspiration behind this Trust, is an exemplary academician as well as an insect taxonomist of distinction and repute. He has put in more than 36 years in teaching and research. His research contributions to the science of taxonomy have been very substantive in realizing the faunal diversity of the Parasitic Hymenoptera not only of the Indian Region, but also of the other parts of the world. His contributions to the teaching and development of taxonomy have resulted in the training of a large number of taxonomists. He has been very successful in inculcating among the Indian biologists, especially a vast community of students and teachers, a growing interest in taxonomy by offering free expertise as well as identification services.

He has had the opportunities to pursue his post-doctoral research on the systematics of Parasitic Hymenoptera, under fellowship programmes, in reputed research institutions abroad, viz., The Natural History Museum, London, UK., CAB International Institute of Entomology, London, UK., The Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., USA., etc. He was privileged to have the advanced training under Dr. Z. Boucek, ‘the father of modern Chalicidology’, of CAB International, thus gaining the subtle expertise on his field of specialization. Some of his well-recognized contributions have come from his collaborative works with international scientists like Dr. Z. Boucek (London), Dr. D. Kovac (Germany), Dr. K. Konishi (Japan) and Dr. Tezcan (Turkey). His pioneering works on the biosystematics of some of the families of Chalcidoidea are considered masterpieces. As a visiting scientist he has worked in some of the renowned museums of the world, like the British Museum of Natural History, London; U.S. National Museum of Natural History, Washington and a few others. Several Indian and overseas academic and research institutions have sought for his advisory and consultative services related to many programmes and projects on systematics and biology of Parasitic Hymenoptera.

          He has discovered more than 900 species of insects new to science, which represent nearly 1. 45% of the insect diversity known from India. He has to his credit more than 315 research papers published in scientific journals in India and abroad and also 6 books, including 4 research monographs. More than 25 students have so far been awarded doctoral degree under him.

          In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the science of Insect Systematics, he has been conferred with the following honours and awards.