URAEOTYPHLUS OOMMENI

Dr. Oommen V Oommen strolled by at CSI Christ Church, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram. We were there to attend a wedding. At home as I scanned ‘The Hindu’ newspaper of 12th July, 2012 I was startled to hit upon the smiling face of  Dr. Oommen V Oommen. The caption read ‘Biodiversity Board gets a new chief’.

The Special Correspondent from Thiruvananthapuram wrote on, “ Emeritus Scientist of the CSIR 

Oommen V Ooommen has been appointed chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. He is scheduled to assume office on Thursday. Already a member of the Board, he succeeds R V Varma as chairman. 

Dr. Oommen retired as the head of the Department of Zoology, University of Kerala in 2009 with 35 years of teaching experience.

He has since served as an Adjunct Professor at the Central University, Kasaragod, and as a visiting professor at the IISER here.

In recognition of his research work, scientists at the Natural History Museum London have named a legless amphibian - Uraeotyphlus Oommeni – after Dr. Oommen.”

Dr. Oommen V Oommen is unassuming.  He never craves for fame and recognition.  Passionate in his research humility makes him   an all time great. He sets himself as an example for all of us.