Dr. Kumarasamy Thangaraj: Pioneer of Human Genetics in India

Dr. Kumarasamy Thangaraj is one of India’s most distinguished geneticists, whose career spanning over three decades has significantly advanced the field of human genetics, population genomics, and evolutionary biology. In 2026, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his sustained and path-breaking contributions to science and engineering — particularly in understanding the genetic roots and health of human populations.

Early Life and Academic Foundation

Born in the early 1960s in Cheyyur, Tamil Nadu, India, Dr. Thangaraj developed an early fascination with biological sciences. He earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Zoology and Genetics from the University of Madras, followed by M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in genetics. After completing his doctoral studies, he joined the prestigious Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad in the early 1990s, where he began his lifelong commitment to unraveling the genetic fabric of human populations.

Career and Scientific Endeavours

Dr. Thangaraj’s career at CCMB steadily evolved from foundational research scientist to Senior Scientist and Group Leader, with a core focus on human population genetics, evolutionary history, and medical genomics. Over the years, his work has not only deepened scientific understanding of how humans evolved and migrated across continents, but also helped illuminate how genetic diversity affects health outcomes in modern populations.

His research portfolio is diverse yet interconnected. It includes investigations into:

  • Origins of modern human populations, with an emphasis on the complex genetic composition of South Asian groups;
  • Ancient human migration patterns, including the genetic legacy of populations that moved out of Africa tens of thousands of years ago;
  • Genetic diseases and health, including how social practices like endogamy and consanguinity affect population-specific recessive disorders;
  • Molecular genetics of infertility, sex determination, and mitochondrial disorders;
  • Forensic genetics and the genomics of Ayurveda.

Landmark Contributions to Population Genetics

One of Dr. Thangaraj’s most influential contributions is his work on tracing human ancestry and migrations. His research played a crucial role in redefining the narrative of how ancient humans populated South Asia. In particular, he established that certain tribal populations — such as those in the Andaman Islands — descend from some of the earliest modern humans who migrated out of Africa along a southern coastal route roughly 65,000 years ago. This finding not only enriched our understanding of human dispersal patterns but also underscored the deep genetic diversity that characterises the Indian subcontinent.

His studies have also shed light on the Ancestral North Indian (ANI) and Ancestral South Indian (ASI) genetic components, helping clarify how these ancient lineages contributed to the contemporary Indian gene pool. These insights have monumental implications for anthropology, history, and medicine.

Another key area of his research has been the impact of endogamy and consanguinity on genetic health. Indian populations, due to long-standing social practices of marrying within local communities, have unique genetic structures that can increase the prevalence of population-specific recessive diseases. His work has helped emphasise how these practices have shaped both disease patterns and genetic diversity across generations.

The Genome India Project and National Scientific Missions

Dr. Thangaraj has been actively involved in initiatives that aim to map and understand the genetic architecture of India on a national scale. One of the most ambitious of these is the Genome India Project, which seeks to sequence tens of thousands of genomes from diverse Indian populations. By cataloguing millions of genetic variants, the project helps create a reference map that can be used for better diagnostics, personalised medicine, and public health strategies tailored to India’s unique genetic mosaic.

The insights generated from this and related efforts are critical for tackling inherited disorders, understanding population-specific disease susceptibilities, and informing healthcare policies in a country with one of the world’s most genetically diverse populations.

Awards and Global Recognition

Dr. Thangaraj’s work has been recognised both nationally and internationally. Prior to receiving the Padma Shri, he was honoured with prestigious scientific awards, including the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar and the CSIR-Bhatnagar Fellowship for exceptional contributions to biological sciences. He is also an elected fellow of India’s premier science academies, such as the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and the Indian Academy of Sciences – IASc.

His global impact is further evidenced by hundreds of research publications in high-impact journals such as Nature, Science, and The Lancet, and his work is widely cited by peers across disciplines.

Inspiring the Next Generation

In receiving the Padma Shri 2026, Dr. Kumarasamy Thangaraj not only achieved a personal milestone but also highlighted the importance of fundamental scientific research in India. He has consistently emphasised the value of curiosity-driven science and has encouraged young researchers to pursue careers in basic sciences — emphasising that rigorous inquiry and persistence can lead to international recognition and societal impact.

Legacy and Future Directions

As human genetics continues to evolve — propelled by technologies like whole genome sequencing and advanced computational analysis — Dr. Thangaraj’s work will remain a foundational pillar in the field. By combining rigorous research with a deep respect for India’s cultural and biological heritage, he has helped bridge science with society’s most profound questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? And how can our genetic past inform a healthier future?

Through his leadership, India has carved out a significant presence in global genomics research, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists dedicated to exploring the genetic code of humanity.

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