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4baseCare has come up with a gene panel for the Indian population after extensive research. This, according to the start-up, would allow to provide more evidence-based and data-backed treatment for cancer patients in the country.

In February this year, Union minister for health and family welfare Mansukh Mandaviya, citing the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme, told the parliament that the estimated incidents of cancer are rising in India.  

While there have been substantial advancements in the field of oncology and the treatment of the disease, keeping the cancer rate in the country below that of several others, several gaps persist including the need for increased clinical trial, high expenses associated with advanced treatments and so on. 

One such gap has been the reduced availability of data. Precision oncology, an advanced form of cancer treatment, tailors customised treatment plan for patients based on their DNA and genomic biomarkers. However, the existing genomic database comprises of data mostly on Caucasian population, putting non-Caucasian population including India at a disadvantage.  

4baseCare, a Bengaluru based start-up, aims to bridge this data gap and has come up with a gene panel for the Indian population after extensive research. This, according to the start-up, would allow to provide more evidence-based and data-backed treatment for cancer patients in the country. 

Background 

Hitesh Goswami and Kshitij Rishi, co-founders of 4baseCare, were previously colleagues at a drug discovery company. While Gowany worked as a research scientist for drug discovery, Rishi used to work on vaccines for cancer.  

The duo came together again in 2014-15 and a lot of conversations revolved around genomics and oncology.  

“Unlike in other diseases, genomics in oncology is much more mature, because cancer is the disease of the DNA. And the more understanding we get about any disease, we can fight it back better. We knew what was happening in the West in terms of how genomics was being applied in treatment, but in India, it was very basic at that time,” Goswami recollects. 

“In the West, people were using genomics for identifying the treatment for breast cancer. We wondered why we weren’t doing it in India.” 

Thus, they started talking to oncologists. Two challenges were identified in the process.  

One was the prohibitive costs associated with it as the tests were being offered by multinational companies. People couldn’t afford to spend lakhs for one test. 

Second was the data gap. 

“Most of these tests are based on data on the Caucasian population. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) is a global platform where a lot of genomic data on cancer is available. The majority of them is Caucasian. And most of the solutions that are developed are using that data,” Gowamy points out.  

It was clear to him and Rishi that for things to further advance in India, tests need to be done based on local research and data and they must be affordable. 4baseCare was registered in 2018 with this idea.  

Into research mode 

In 2019, the company raised its angel funding as well as was selected for the Illumina Accelerator Program which works with start-ups to develop breakthrough innovations in genomics. This made the start-up the first from Asia Pacific to be selected for the Program, says Goswami.   

“Illumina to genomics is what Amazon is to e-commerce. Being selected for the Program gave us brilliant exposure to giants in the field and how they work and access to scientists. We also had free access to their machines,” he notes.  

While Rishi moved to the U.S. for the Program, Goswami reached out to leading Indian hospitals and obtained access to their biobanks and tumour tissues.  

“And then we looked at something called whole exome sequencing,” Goswami notes.  

“One human cell has around 20,000 genes. And change in one or multiple of those 20,000 genes can lead to cancer. Our objective was to analyse the patient tumor tissue, find out which of these 20,000 genes have mutations or changes, and based on that make a panel which will allow us to study those changes.  

The team conducted research on more than 1,500 patients across 28 different cancer types for two years and identified around 1200 genes associated with pathogenesis and progress of cancer. 

“We found which gene is there and where in the gene the mutation is there. And that is our proprietary data,” Goswami says.  

Launch of indigenous panel 

In 2021, armed with about 10,000 GB of data, the company launched its panel called TarGT IndieGene. The team claims it to be the first gene panel in the country based on indigenous research.  

“The power of personalized medicine in oncology is just unlimited,” says Goswamy citing an instance from the early years of their research. 

“A pancreatic cancer patient was on standard chemotherapy for one year. Then the doctor decided to find out more information about the changes in the tumor and determine future treatment based on that. The sample came to us and we found that the tumor mutation burden (TMB) score was around 5.8. We told the oncologist that as per our data this was high TMB and suggested immunotherapy. This was in 2021. We had a call with the patient caregiver three months back. Still complete remission.” 

Apart from data from Indian population, the team has also included globally available information to the panel so as to not restrict the solution to just India. According to Goswamy, they are also getting samples from Iran, Latin America, Turkey, and so on.  

The tests would cost ₹15,000 rupees to three lakhs depending on the comprehensiveness of the test and the affordability of the patient. 4baseCare currently works with more than 300 oncologists across India and is expanding its operations to Philippines, Nepal and Dubai, given more than 50% of the global cancer incidences are from Southeast Asia and Middle east combined. Nearly 10 million new diagnoses are reported from this region every year, but the patients’ access to technology has been limited.  

Going forward 

According to Goswamy, the company would continue to do genomics research and innovation to refine the data further and make it more population-specific, the next step would be to add a layer of artificial intelligence and machine learning to it.  

“Even with the same mutants, the treatments and outcomes may not be the same. For example, many of us got COVID, but different people reacted differently. That’s because we are different people and our bodies metabolise differently. Our genes work differently,” he says.  

The start-up is planning to address this by creating a database of genomic digital twins.  

“As part of this, when a patient comes in, we’d collect information such as clinical information regarding metastatis, but also information regarding comorbidities, whether they have diabetes, heart problems, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, symptoms before the diagnosis and so on. Then, when a new patient comes in, we would make a clinical genomic digital twin, digital twin of this new patient.” 

“This would be matched with other twins in the database to find out which other patients have the same clinical genomic attributes. Similar treatment might work for them even if their cancer types are different.” 

According to Goswamy the initial prototype for this is ready. However, he adds that the company makes no claims to cure the patient completely.  

“What we are saying is that when you take data-backed decision, you increase the probability of anything working. Currently we have limited data. What most hospitals and companies are not doing is learning from previous patients. And that is something that we are doing differently. We are not just a diagnostic company, but a precision oncology company which is working on diagnosis and data to personalise cancer care and better outcomes for patient.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Kapil Sharma, a techie with Goldman Sachs, has founded SayTrees, an organisation dedicated to re-forestation of urban landscapes and supporting rural communities.

In the early 2000s, Bengaluru was a city on the cusp of rapid urbanisation. For Kapil Sharma, a young engineering student at Ambedkar Institute of Technology, this transformation was exciting but increasingly distressing. He moved to Bengaluru in 2001, to pursue engineering. But by the time he graduated and found a new job as a software engineer in 2006, he had witnessed a worrisome change in the city’s landscape. The lush green cover, which once defined Bengaluru, was quickly disappearing, making way for roads, buildings, and urban sprawl.

“I used to travel for work from Vijayanagar to Outer Ring Road and I would see trees being cut down overnight. It was heartbreaking,” Kapil recalls. “I felt that if I didn’t do something about it, I’d regret it for the rest of my life.” This sense of urgency and responsibility marked the beginning of his journey into environmental activism, a path that would ultimately lead to the founding of SayTrees, an organisation dedicated to re-greening urban landscapes and supporting rural communities. SayTrees, a name that evokes positivity—“like saying cheese to a camera, a smile for nature,” says Sharma who is also a techie and currently based in the US working for Goldman Sachs.

Planting the First Seeds

Sharma’s initial steps were modest but impactful. Driven by the need to make a difference, he visited government officials to try to understand how the deforestation issue could be addressed. He learnt that the best and the only way is to plant saplings and nurture them with care.

As always, charity begins at home. In his neighborhood in Vijayanagar, he nurtured a single tamarind sapling, which he planted and cared for over a year. Determined to expand his efforts, he mobilised colleagues and friends, planting around 100 saplings near the Outer Ring Road with the support from his office. Every monsoon, he encouraged people to join him over the weekends to plant and nurture saplings, often collaborating with forest officials to gather insights on the planting process.

This small but steady movement grew in scale as Sharma focused on his mission to increase Bengaluru’s green cover. “We planted 1,100 saplings in one year, but I realised that even this wasn’t enough. However, my goal was simply to restore the lush green cover that my city was once known for.” he says.

The need to make a larger impact pushed him to leverage social media by 2010, using the platform to spread awareness and attract volunteers. His focus shifted to planting native saplings—such as honge, neem, and banyan trees—that were not only resilient but also ecologically beneficial. “I met forest officers who taught me what was best for the soil and ecosystem,” he adds.

Scaling new heights: SayTrees takes root

As his reforestation efforts gained momentum, Sharma continued to balance his work and environmental initiatives. By 2015, however, SayTrees had grown so much that his works were recognised by prominent environmental forums. This turning point coincided with an invitation to the World Forestry Congress in South Africa, a significant milestone that further solidified his commitment to environmental conservation.

Inspired by this experience, Sharma quickly diversified his initiatives, from reforestation to agroforestry.

Recognising the struggles faced by farmers in dry regions of rural India, Sharma introduced the Agroforestry for Farmers initiative, which supports farmers by providing them with saplings that can yield alternative sources of income.

In Andhra Pradesh, for instance, SayTrees supplied mango saplings to 11 farmers, helping them grow a sustainable income source. “Last year, one farmer sold six tonnes of mangoes,” Sharma notes proudly. Today, the initiative has scaled up, with the organization distributing 25 lakh saplings annually, aiming to double that number to 60 lakh next year.

Bringing the forest back: Miyawaki Plantations

One of SayTrees’ most innovative initiatives has been the adoption of the Miyawaki method, a Japanese technique of creating dense, native forests on small plots of land. Sharma introduced this method in Bengaluru in 2016, recognising its potential to bring back green cover in urban spaces lacking vegetation. The technique involves planting native trees close together, resulting in accelerated growth and richer biodiversity. SayTrees has since created over 100 such Miyawaki forests, each ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 saplings. “These forests are ten times more beneficial than regular plantations,” Kapil explains, citing increased carbon absorption and ecological diversity.

To date, SayTrees has planted approximately 2.5 lakh saplings in Bengaluru alone using this technique. “We focused on areas that were severely lacking in green cover,” he says. Some of the locations where Miyawaki based plantations are undertaken included Bannerghatta National Park, Sarjapur Road, Bidadi, Arigevarigutta, Bangarpet Railway station, Dobbaspet, and in other states like Maharashtra, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Beyond Trees: Water conservation and lake rejuvenation

In 2017, Kapil expanded SayTrees’ focus to include water conservation, addressing another pressing issue in Bengaluru—water scarcity. Recognising that tree planting alone wouldn’t solve the city’s water crisis, he initiated efforts to rejuvenate lakes and create sustainable water sources. With corporate funding, SayTrees began its first lake rejuvenation project at Vabasandra Lake. Treated water was used to irrigate saplings, while monsoon rain filled the lake, creating a reliable water source for the nearby communities.

Since then, SayTrees has rejuvenated over 10 lakes in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi, and Anantapur. With plans to restore at least seven more lakes before the next monsoon, the techie’s vision extends even further: by 2030, SayTrees aims to rejuvenate 300 lakes, including 100 within Bengaluru alone. “We’re talking to the government and also the corporates to achieve this ambitious goal, Sharma says, emphasising the need for collaboration between public and private stakeholders. SayTrees has rejuvenated lakes such Nanjapura, Vabasandra, Konasandra, and Choodasandra among others.

Challenges and the road ahead

Despite these successes, Sharma acknowledges that his journey hasn’t been without obstacles. “The hardest part is convincing people that climate change is real and affecting our lives right now. Public awareness about environmental issues, especially on the rapid climate change remains limited. However, I strongly believe that persuading people to take action requires consistent effort and optimism,” asserts the ecopreneur.

At 41, Sharma’s goal is clear: to create a sustainable, greener future for Bengaluru and beyond. “By 2030, we want to make a significant impact both in terms of green cover and water conservation. More lakes need to be rejuvenated with the right inter connectedness to mitigate urban floodings. Seeing the lakes filled and trees growing is a reward,” he says.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who left the retreat after a three-day rejuvenation session, are happy with the expansion plans as this would be closer to the UK, says holistic health practitioner Issac Mathai, who runs the facility.

Bengaluru-based luxury wellness retreat — Soukya international Holistic Health Centre — is working on expanding its base to Portugal. 

Holistic health practitioner Issac Mathai, who runs the centre told The Hindu that King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who left the centre on Wednesday (October 30, 2024) after a three-day rejuvenation session , were happy with the expansion as it is close to the United Kingdom. This was their first trip to India since King Charles ascended the throne.

“The royal couple expressed their happiness over our expansion plans and said it would be easier for them to rejuvenate themselves more often owing to Portugal’s proximity to London,” said the holistic practitioner, who has been a consultant to the royal family for several years now.

“Besides, the King is also keen on emulating Soukya Foundation’s charitable trust model (running in Hoskote) in the U.K. in the coming days. This can be done in collaboration with the British Asian Trust,” he said.

Rejuvenation sessions

The royal couple quietly arrived at the centre on October 27 and left on the morning of October 30. The King, who was recently diagnosed with, planned this rejuvenation on the advice of his medical team after all his chemotherapy sessions. While the rejuvenation sessions were similar to those provided to other high-profile guests, therapies were decided based on his health. “This time, because of chemotherapy for his cancer, the sessions he underwent were for rejuvenation, detoxification and strengthening the immune system,” sources said. 

The King, who had celebrated his 71st birthday at Soukhya in 2019, is visiting the centre for the second time while his wife has stayed at the centre nine times so far. 

The King, who believes in integrative medicine, has a personal interest in a holistic approach to health, organic farming and eco-friendly practices. His main interest is in integrative medicine and he is also patron of the Faculty of Homeopathy in the UK. He was also a patron of the British Association for Holistic Medicine. In 2018, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he inaugurated an AYUSH centre in London. 

South Indian diet for royal couple

The royal couple stayed at the royal presidential suite at the centre. They were put on a south Indian diet comprising vegetarian organic food, including salads and soups. The couple is said to be fond of idlis, dosa and organic soups apart from organic tender coconut water, pomegranate juice and mango pulp juice. 

As they are also fans of organic Mallika mangoes that are grown on the premises of Soukya, the mangoes are delivered to the Palace every year during season.

Sources said the couple’s daily routine began with a yoga session in the morning, followed by breakfast and then rejuvenation therapies before lunch. After a short break, another round of therapies followed, which would end with a meditation session before dinner and bedtime at 9 p.m. The couple enjoyed walking in the organic and medicinal gardens on the centre’s premises, sources said.

To mark his visit, the King planted a Jacaranda tree sapling at the centre’s premises. During his previous visit, in 2019, he had planted a Champaca tree sapling.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in two studies have developed novel smart-window technologies which do not require external electrical energy for their operational needs.

“Existing electrochromic smart-window technology requires external power for its operational needs. It is limited to changing colour from transparent to blue and vice-versa (switching optical transparency functionality) upon application of an electrical stimulus and blocks both visible and near-infrared radiation, leading to a decrease in the room temperature,“ the Department of Science and Technology stated.

How it is done

Researchers, led by Ashutosh K. Singh at CeNS, have addressed this through two studies. In one, they have removed the dependency of electrochromic devices on external electrical power for their operational needs. In the second one, they have made the fabrication process more affordable.

“The resulting self-powered electrochromic smart window operates through the power stored in its switching operation from transparent to coloured states. This enhances the operational energy efficiency, affordability and energy storage functionality of the new smart-windows technology,” the department said.

In the first work, the CeNS team has developed a device that can store electrical energy by changing colour upon the application of a small electrical stimulus generated through electrochemical reactions taking place within the device itself resulting from the device configuration.

In the second research work, Dr. Singh’s team developed the fabrication process of electrochromic smart windows and made it more affordable by using an industrially adaptable solution-based spray coating approach. Under this process, the affordable electrochromic smart-window technology retained its functionalities, such as the seamless switching between coloured and transparent states while possessing energy storage capabilities that can power the portable device.

Sustainable approach

“The development of these electrochromic devices represents a major step towards sustainable energy utilisation in buildings. By optimising the process parameters and adopting cost-effective materials, we have created devices that not only enhance energy efficiency but also offer scalable and affordable solutions for modern infrastructures,” Dr. Singh said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Dr. Rao’s medical training took him through some of the most renowned institutions in the world, including a prestigious stint as a visiting scholar at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This extensive training laid the foundation for his later innovations in cancer care.

Dr. Vishal Rao, a distinguished Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon at HCG Cancer Hospital in Bengaluru, has made remarkable strides in the medical field, earning numerous accolades and esteemed appointments. His journey from a dedicated medical student to a pioneering surgeon and public health advocate is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing cancer treatment and tobacco control.

Dr. Rao’s medical training took him through some of the most renowned institutions in the world, including a prestigious stint as a visiting scholar at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. This extensive training laid the foundation for his later innovations in cancer care.

In 2017, Dr. Rao received the Judy Wilkenfeld Award for Global Excellence in Tobacco Control, highlighting his tireless efforts to combat tobacco use and its link to cancer. His campaigns have emphasized prevention and early detection, saving countless lives through awareness.

Locally, the government of Karnataka recognized Dr. Rao’s contributions with the Kempegowda Award, the highest civilian honor from the Bengaluru municipal corporation. His impact on the community was further acknowledged when he was named Kannadiga of the Year in 2018, receiving the Varshada Kannadiga Award for his contributions to science and technology.

One of Dr. Rao’s most notable achievements is the invention of a voice prosthesis for throat cancer patients, which earned him the Rotary Vocational Training Award in 2016. This innovative device has significantly improved the quality of life for those who have lost their voice due to cancer. His exceptional contributions to medical science were further recognized with an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Rao serves in several advisory roles, reflecting his expertise and thought leadership. He is a member of the consultative group to the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and a visiting faculty member for leadership programs at Johns Hopkins University. These positions underscore his influence in shaping cancer care policies and public health initiatives.

At the state level, Dr. Rao’s insights are invaluable to the High-Powered Committee on Tobacco Control and Cancer Control for the Government of Karnataka and the NCD Task Force for Bengaluru city. His contributions help shape policies that aim to reduce the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

Dr. Rao also plays a pivotal role in various committees, including the Ethics Committee on Biotechnology for the Karnataka Department of IT and Biotechnology and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) ethics committee. His involvement ensures ethical practices in medical research and biotechnology.

His commitment to community service is evident through his roles as a board trustee for the Namma Bengaluru Foundation and the Sathya Sai Trust (Karnataka). These positions allow him to contribute to the recognition of unsung heroes and the betterment of his community.

Dr. Vishal Rao’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public health. His numerous awards and appointments reflect not only his contributions to cancer treatment and tobacco control but also his influence in policy-making, ethical medical research, and community service. Dr. Rao continues to inspire and lead, making a lasting impact on the medical field and beyond.

source/content: zeenews.india.com (headline edited)

New milestone technologies, new logo mark Platinum Jubilee, Foundation Day

The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), a premier laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), entered its 75th year on Monday, Oct. 21. A series of events and product launches marked the Platinum Jubilee and Foundation Day celebrations.

Located on the 150-acre historic Cheluvamba Vilas Mansion campus, donated by the then Maharaja of Mysore, Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, CFTRI was established on Oct. 21, 1950.

The 75th Foundation Day celebrations, held at the IFTTC Auditorium at CFTRI yesterday, were inaugurated by N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology.

The event saw the presence of CSIR-CFTRI Director Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, former Directors, Scientists and distinguished guests. Kalaiselvi unveiled a special logo to commemorate the 75th Foundation Day and a photographic display chronicled CFTRI’s illustrious history and global impact in food science.

In her address, Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh highlighted the institute’s achievements, noting that CFTRI has developed over 1,000 technologies since its inception, with 400 currently available for transfer to industry. The institute has issued more than 4,100 licences for its innovations.

he also emphasised CFTRI’s success in designing food processing machinery, particularly for traditional Indian foods. Notable innovations include the leaf cup-making machine, papad press, maize milling system, versatile dal mill, rice bran stabiliser, and automated machines for making dosa, idli, chapathi, vada, and ragi mudde.

AI-driven technologies

Looking ahead, Dr. Singh mentioned CFTRI’s future focus on AI-driven technologies, personalised nutrition, mobile food processing, 3D printing, and Ayur Ahar. Over the past 74 years, CFTRI has significantly boosted India’s food industry and established itself as a global leader in food science research and industrial services, she said.

Dr. Singh further noted that CFTRI’s work spans five key areas: Training, technology, translational research, testing, and engineering. The institute has formed partnerships with numerous national and international organisations to advance its goals.

CFTRI has conducted over 1,100 training programmes, benefiting nearly 20,000 participants, including 3,000 individuals trained under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme, aimed at enhancing livelihoods and ensuring food security.

A global pioneer

In his address, former CFTRI Director Dr. V. Prakash highlighted that CFTRI was a global pioneer in developing convenience and instant foods, which became a game-changer in food technology worldwide. Reflecting on the institute’s growth, he noted that CFTRI advanced rapidly, gaining global recognition for its basic research and breakthroughs in food biotechnology and engineering.

The introduction of short-term industry courses further solidified its leadership both nationally and scientifically, drawing the attention of policymakers and visionary leaders. This support led to significant funding, bolstering CFTRI’s infrastructure, including state-of-the-art facilities for instrument research, cell biology, and fundamental food science.

Humanitarian aid

Dr. Prakash also recalled CFTRI’s pivotal role in providing food relief during disasters, notably its 2004 efforts following the tsunami, where the institute delivered safe, hygienically processed food along the east coast for two weeks. Earlier, CFTRI responded within 24 hours to the Gujarat earthquake, showcasing its readiness to address food crises and earning international recognition for its swift action, even from critics.

Former CFTRI Director Dr. Ram Rajasekharan stressed the need for innovation in the field of nutrition, calling for a shift in approach. “We must focus on the nation’s nutrition, not as supplements but as integral food,” he emphasised.

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who was the chief guest at the event, could not make it to the function but sent his message on the momentous occasion of the country’s premier food technology lab. Former CFTRI Director K.S.M.S. Raghava Rao was present.

Product launches at CFTRI

Biodegradable cutlery

Under Project SHREE ANNA – The Millet Mission, CFTRI has developed biodegradable cutlery and tableware using millet by-products, addressing plastic waste concerns. High tea was served on biodegradable plates as part of a trial. Future innovations aim to create edible cutlery.

Probiotic carrot nectar

A vegetable-based beverage enriched with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231, this probiotic carrot nectar offers a non-dairy alternative for probiotics. It meets FSSAI standards and provides over 50 percent of the daily Vitamin A requirement.

Gluten-free bread premix

This premix, made from proso, foxtail and barnyard millet, enables convenient gluten-free bread production. It meets rising demand for gluten-free products and supports millet utilisation.

Multigrain waffle

A healthier waffle variant made with whole wheat, pearl millet and finger millet flours. It offers higher fibre and minerals with lower calorie content than standard waffles, catering to the growing demand for nutritious snacks.

Instant masala tea premix

A convenient premix blending traditional Indian spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves and cinnamon, offering the rich flavour of masala tea in single-serve sachets. Available in multiple sweetener options, it’s ideal  for on-the-go use.

Ethylene scavenger technology

This innovation, using agricultural and industrial by-products, extends the shelf life of fruits by scavenging ethylene. It offers a sustainable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical-based scavengers.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

The Tata family’s association with Karnataka goes back decades, when Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata along with the then Maharaja of Mysuru helped set up the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in the early 1900s.

Eminent industrialist Ratan Tata, who breathed his last on Wednesday, had a strong connection with Karnataka, something that he fostered over the years, keeping with the legacy of the Tata family.

The Tata family’s association with Karnataka goes back decades, when Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata along with the then Maharaja of Mysuru helped set up the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in the early 1900s.

This relationship would continue for years to come, with Ratan Tata, as chairman of Tata Sons, later becoming the president of the IISc Court, the highest decision-taking body of the prestigious institute.

But it didn’t end there.

A frequent attendee at Bengaluru’s Aero India air shows, Ratan Tata took audiences by surprise in 2007 when he flew a Lockheed Martin F-16 jet.

A few years later in 2011, Tata, then aged 74 years, flew in on an F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Commenting on his experience in flying the advanced fighter jet in 2011, Tata said at the time, “During the ride, we performed aerobatics. We flew low, high and went through some accelerations. I loved it and I would not mind doing it all again.”

“This is not my first time flying in fighter jets but definitely my favorite one. The Bengaluru aero show gave me a terrific experience,” he added.

Although the industrialist did not fly any sorties after 2011, he was still a frequent attendee, and was spotted at many editions thereafter.

As Bengaluru and Karnataka prospered, Tata also saw it as an opportunity, and highlighted the state’s potential in sectors such as information technology (IT) and aerospace, and pitched Karnataka as a state ripe for investment.

During the Invest Karnataka Global Investors’ Meet in Bengaluru in 2016—attended by then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister Arun Jaitley, among others—Ratan Tata asserted that the state “boasts remarkable human capital.”

“I’m not making this statement based on promises but on my own interactions and experiences with the state over the years,” he said.

source/content: deccanherald.com (headline edited)