Kailash Chandra Malhotra obtained his PhD degree (1996) from the University of Poona with specialization in biological anthropology and human ecology. He was Professor of Anthropology and Human Ecology, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata; and Visiting Professor, at the Centre for Population Genetics, University of Texas, Houston, USA (1976, 1978, 1983); Washington Medical School, St Louis, USA (1983-86); Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (1978-88); and National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan (1991).

Academic and Research Achievements: Malhotra has carried out extensive studies on morphological, biochemical genetic markers and dermatoglyphics, which have helped in understanding the peopling of India, evolution of social organizations, and affinities among castes and tribes. He demonstrated niche diversification among sympatric endogamous communities and studied the ecology of pastoral and nomadic populations as well as of the cultural dimensions of the ecological problems.

Other Contributions: Malhotra served as Chairman of National Advisory Board of 'Save the Western Ghat' and National Expert Committee on Drinking Water, Health and Genetic Disorders (DST). He was Member of Commission on Health and Commission on Nomadic People (IUAES) as well as of the Committee on Genetic Counselling (Japan). He was Editor of Bull Int Dermatoglyp Assoc and served as Member of Editorial Boards of several journals such as Journal of Human Evolution, International Journal of Anthropology, Bionature, etc.

Awards and Honours: Malhotra is a Fellow of International Association of Human Biologists; Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore; International Dermatoglyphic Association (sometime President); Indian Anthropological Society (sometime Vice-President); and Indian Anthropological Association. He is the Founder Member of Indian Society of Human Genetics (sometime President). Malhotra is a UGC National Lecturer, and was conferred LD Sanghvi Oration Award Lecture and SS Sarkar Memorial Lecture of UGC.