Conference Celebrates Centenary of Entomologist T.N. Ananthakrishnan

The Entomological Society of India is set to host a conference titled the National Dialogue on Insect in Health, Agriculture and Environment at the ICAR-NBAIR Yelahanka Campus in Bengaluru on December 15 and 16, 2023. This event commemorates the birth centenary of the renowned entomologist T.N. Ananthakrishnan, whose significant contributions to the field of entomology are widely recognized.

The two-day conference will feature a series of sessions dedicated to Ananthakrishnan’s legacy. Among the notable presentations are “You are how much you eat: Caste and nutrition in the Indian paper wasp” by Raghavendra Gadagkar and “Signal transduction and omics in plant defence mechanisms under insect attack” by Madhavan Soundararajan. These discussions aim to shed light on contemporary issues in entomology while honoring Ananthakrishnan’s extensive research and influence.

A special session will also focus on Indian Thysanoptera, a group of insects that Ananthakrishnan studied extensively. He authored the book titled Taxonomy of Indian Thysanoptera, which is pivotal in understanding these agricultural pests.

In addition to the sessions, the conference will see the launch of a special edition of the Indian Journal of Entomology, celebrating one hundred years of Ananthakrishnan’s life and work. This edition aims to encapsulate his contributions and inspire future generations of entomologists.

Born in Taracad, located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, Ananthakrishnan began his academic career at Madras Christian College before moving to Loyola College in Chennai. He later became the founder director of the Entomology Research Institute and served as the Director of the Zoological Survey of India. His pioneering research on Thysanoptera has led to the identification of around 400 new nominal taxa, making him a critical figure in the study of these crop-damaging insects.

The upcoming conference not only serves as a tribute to Ananthakrishnan’s work but also emphasizes the ongoing relevance of entomological research in addressing challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Participants from various backgrounds will gather to engage in discussions that reflect both historical insights and modern advancements in the field.

By celebrating the legacy of T.N. Ananthakrishnan, the Entomological Society of India aims to reinforce the importance of entomology in understanding ecosystems and improving agricultural practices.