Bal Raj Nijhawan

Bal Raj Nijhawan (22 September 1915 – 6 April 2014) was an Indian metallurgist, author and the first Director of Indian origin of the National Metallurgical Laboratory, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He was a recipient of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, the highest Indian science award, which he received in 1964 in the Engineering sciences category. The Government of India honoured him in 1958, with the award of Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award for his services to the nation.

Biography Bal Raj Nijhawan was born to Rajwanti and Lala Sukh Diyal Nijhawan, as one of their six children, four boys and two girls, on 22 September 1915 Later, he moved to London and secured a doctorate in Metallurgy from University of Sheffield in 1941. on 6 April 2014 a monograph, several edited works and over 500 technical publications and he held over 55 patents for his researches. As the director, he contributed in setting up of several pilot plants and in the initiation of research programs. He was a member of the British Iron and Steel Institute (UK) and an honorary member of the Society Francoise de Metallurgies, Paris. He held the life membership of ASM International and the senior membership of Iron and Steel Society of USA during his lifetime.