Umesh Chandra Agarwala obtained his PhD (1960) from Boston University, USA with specialization in inorganic chemistry. He joined the Chemistry Department, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur in 1964, and during his tenure there, rose to the position of Professor and Head.

Academic and Research Achievements: Agarwala discovered a new route to synthesize thionitrosyl complexes of transition metals with all possible modes of coordination, a breakthrough. His other achievements include stabilization and activation of small molecules having transitory existence like SO, S2, NOS, and COS by bonding them through transition metal ions. His contribution to the synthesis of a number of isomers of various thiocyanate complexes of ruthenium amines is notable. He devised a novel method of reduction NO to ammonia and prepared two new versatile nitrosylating agents.

Other Contributions: Agarwala served INSA as Council Member (1984-86).

Awards and Honours: Agarwala is a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad and Member, Sigma Xi.