Nanasaheb Ramji Tawde obtained PhD (1934) from University of London, UK. He was Professor and Head, Department of Physics, Institute of Science, Mumbai, and Karnataka University, Dharwar; Visiting Professor under India Wheat Loan Exchange Programme, Universities of Chicago and California (Berkeley), USA (1956-57); Acting Vice-Chancellor, Karnatak University (1962); and Vice-Chancellor, Marathwada University, Aurangabad (1964-71).

Academic and Research Achievements: Tawde did theoretical and experimental studies on the spectra of some diatomic molecules, occurring particularly in astral sources and in combustion and chemical reactions. On the basis of the results, he uncovered the electronic structure of many molecules.

Other Contributions: Tawde served as Member, INSA Council (1953-55, 1957-59, 1962-64).

Awards and Honours: Professor Tawde was elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, Institute of Physics, London, Institution of Nuclear Engineers (England), Maharashtra Academy of Sciences; and President, Physics Section, Indian Science Congress (1953).