The Extraordinary Journey of Prof. H. P. Gandhi: The Father of Indian Freshwater Diatom Science
Prof. Hemendrakumar Prithviraj Gandhi, a man of extraordinary dedication and passion, earned the title of ‘Father of Indian Freshwater Diatom Science.’ Throughout his 46-year career, he tirelessly collected and recorded diatom samples from across India, leading to the discovery of 299 new diatom taxa – a feat unmatched in Indian diatom research to this day.
Despite facing challenges such as lack of funding, transfers, and bureaucratic obstacles, Prof. Gandhi’s commitment to his research never wavered. His unwavering pursuit of science and principled life, however, did not always earn him favor. Nevertheless, his groundbreaking work eventually gained recognition, and he was posthumously bestowed with the title of ‘Father of Indian Freshwater Diatom Science’ in 2008.
Prof. Gandhi’s fascination with diatoms began at Wilson College in Bombay, where he studied under phycologist A Ella Gonzales. His meticulous research, which commenced in 1944, soon transformed into an all-consuming passion. By the time he submitted his master’s thesis in the 1950s, he had described 10 new species, 21 new varieties, and 40 new forms of algae.
Gandhi’s uncompromising scientific ethics led to frequent transfers and disagreements with his research guides. He firmly believed that co-authorship by research guides who had not contributed to the work was unethical. Despite these challenges, he continued his groundbreaking work on diatom systematics, taxonomy, and ecology, highlighting their potential in water quality assessment, environmental monitoring, and biostratigraphy.
In 1949, Gandhi joined Karnatak College in Dharwad, where he faced a disagreement with his guide over the manipulation of chemical analysis data. This disagreement led to a series of unfortunate transfers, including to MN College in Gujarat, IY College in Bombay, and Rajaram College in Kolhapur.
Despite these setbacks, Gandhi remained undeterred and even turned his transfers into opportunities for field research. He organized field visits for students and collected valuable diatom samples. His research took him to sites across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, including Dharwad, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, Jog Falls, Hirebhaskar Dam, Mugad, Panhalgarh Fort, Ahmedabad, Salsette Island, and Lonavala Hills.
Between 1959 and 1971, Gandhi published 35 research papers in renowned journals like Hydrobiologia, Bombay Natural History Society, and Nova Hedwigia. His publications became essential references for phycological research, particularly in the Earth’s tropics.
Lack of funds forced Gandhi to rely on his ingenuity. He obtained wooden boxes from Junagadh fruit vendors and converted them into smaller boxes to store his slides. He collected waste paper from local printing presses for rough notes and precision drawings, and repurposed discarded injection vials from clinics and hospitals to store diatom specimens.
Gandhi’s unwavering dedication extended beyond his research. He was a skilled craftsman proficient in carpentry, radio repair, photography, tailoring, horology, and bookbinding. To support his family, his wife Nirmalaben took up tailoring and shorthand classes, while Gandhi himself used his expertise in radio repair to fund his education and purchase books.
In his later years, Gandhi’s health declined, and he became bedridden. However, his passion for diatoms remained strong. In 2006, diatom scientist Karthick Balasubramanian contacted Gandhi, who was initially unresponsive. But when Balasubramanian showed him diatom screen savers on his laptop, Gandhi’s memory returned, and he named the diatoms. Balasubramanian was able to collect some of Gandhi’s slides and samples, which were later donated to the Centre for Ecological Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore.
Today, Prof. H. P. Gandhi’s legacy continues to inspire diatomists and researchers worldwide. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for diatom research in India and beyond, contributing to our understanding of these microscopic algae and their importance in various fields. As a pioneer and dedicated scientist, Prof. Gandhi remains an exemplary figure, reminding us of the profound impact that passion, perseverance, and integrity can have on the pursuit of knowledge.