I warmly congratulate you on the award of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2009. This high honour is just and due recognition of your exceptional scientific achievements in your chosen field of study. The work done by you and the other prize winners in furthering the scientific understanding of one of life's core processes has major applications in the field of medical science and drug development.

It is a matter of great pride for India that a brilliant scientist, who has gained the highest international recognition, should have done most of his education in India. It is a tribute to the educational system in our country and the dedication of the teaching community that we are able to nurture such international excellence in the sciences. The work that you have done to extend the frontiers of Molecular Biology will be an inspiration to thousands of Indian scientists, researchers and technologists, who strive to follow in your footsteps. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours and hope that you will continue to make outstanding contributions to the scientific progress of humankind.