Dr Anil Kumar Srivastava Clone Man of India Passes Into History
Obituary: Dr. Anil Kumar Srivastava (1957–2025)
With profound sorrow, the dairy and scientific community mourns the passing of Dr. Anil Kumar Srivastava, esteemed former Vice Chancellor of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, who left us on 24th Dec 2025. Dr. Shrivastava — widely revered as the “Clone Man of India” for his pioneering work in animal biotechnology and reproductive sciences — was a colossus whose lifelong dedication to dairy science helped transform India’s dairy and livestock research landscape.
Born on 1 August 1957 in Varanasi, Dr. Srivastava’s academic journey began with his early education at Ashok Inter College and Queen’s College in Varanasi. He went on to earn his BVSc & AH in 1979, MVSc in 1981, and PhD in 1984, building a strong foundation that would anchor decades of trailblazing research and leadership. Unbounded by disciplinary limits, he also expanded his scientific horizons through advanced training at the GSF Institute of Toxicology, Munich, Germany (1988–90), enriching his global perspective and expertise.
Dr. Srivastava’s career began as an assistant professor, but his rare blend of intellectual brilliance, scientific curiosity and administrative acuity soon propelled him to the helm of major institutions. He served with distinction as Professor and Head of Pharmacology & Toxicology at SKUAST-Jammu, before his historic appointment as Director & Vice Chancellor of the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (2008–2017) — India’s premier dairy research institution. Under his leadership, NDRI expanded its horizons in genetics, reproductive biotechnology, dairy biochemistry, cloning science, and animal health, earning international respect and recognition.
Dr. Srivastava’s contributions went far beyond administrative leadership. Colleagues and students alike revered his immense grasp of numbers, data and complex biological systems, which he wielded with rare precision in both research and public discourse. His lectures, presentations and scientific orations were a signature mix of clarity, insight and analytical depth, leaving audiences enriched and inspired by both his content and his spirit.
Biography of Prof. (Dr.) A.K. Srivastava
Prof. (Dr.) A.K. Srivastava, who served as the Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, New Delhi, had previously been the Director and Vice-Chancellor of the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. He also held the position of Dean, followed by Director of Resident Instructions and Dean of Postgraduate Studies at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Jammu (J&K).
Prof. Srivastava served as the Vice President of the National Academy of Agricultural Science. He was the President of the National Academy of Dairy Science, the President of the Association of Mastitis-India, and the President of the Probiotic Association of India. Furthermore, he acted as the Chairman of the DBT Task Force on “Animal Biotechnology” and the Chairman of the R&D Executive Committee for the Ministry of Food Processing and Industries, Government of India. He was also a Member of the Governing Board of the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
Prof. Srivastava was a Patron of the Indian Dairy Association, New Delhi, and a Member of the Board of Governing Council of the “Agriculture Skill Council of India,” as well as a Governing Board Member of the Punjab Livestock Development Board and the Rajasthan Livestock Mission. He also served as an Authority Member of FSSAI, Government of India, and was the Chairman of the Sub-group of the Planning Commission Advisory Committee on the processing and value addition of milk and milk products.
Earlier, Professor Srivastava had served as the Secretary of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and as the Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Indian Agricultural Universities Association of Vice Chancellors. He was the President of the Indian Society of Pharmacology & Toxicology and the Founder Chief Editor of the Indian Journal of Pharmacology & Toxicology. Additionally, he was a Councilor for the Punjab Academy of Sciences and a Member of the J&K Council of Science and Technology.
Prof. Anil Kumar Srivastava was a distinguished fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and a member of the National Academy of Science, India, Allahabad. He was also a fellow of the National Academy of Veterinary Sciences, the National Academy of Dairy Sciences, the Punjab Academy of Sciences, and several other prestigious scientific societies, including the Society of Toxicology and the International Society for Ecological Communications.
Prof. (Dr.) A.K. Srivastava was decorated with numerous prestigious awards and honors, including the International NOCIL Award, the “National Alarsin Award,” the ICAR Jawaharlal Nehru Award, and the German Academic Exchange Fellowship. He was conferred “Life Time Achievement Awards” by the Indian Society for Buffalo Development, the Indian Society for Study of Reproduction and Fertility, and the Society for Community Mobilization for Sustainable Development. He also received the Chellappa Memorial, Dr. Rao Memorial, and Prof. M. Sabir Oration Awards. During that period, he was engaged in talent search and the recruitment of competent human resources for agricultural research and development in the country.
Dr. Srivastava’s influence extended beyond laboratories and lecture halls. He was a guiding light to a generation of scientists, veterinarians and dairy specialists who carry forward his legacy of scientific rigor, compassionate leadership and translational innovation. His efforts in animal cloning, reproductive physiology, molecular genetics and dairy science helped place Indian animal biotechnology on the world map — and more importantly, brought tangible benefits to farmers, breeding programmes and food systems across the country.
India has lost one of its greatest dairy scientists and scientific statesmen. Dr. Anil Kumar Srivastava’s legacy will endure in the institutions he shaped, the research he pioneered, and the countless lives he touched. In his passing, the nation’s dairy and agricultural research community bows in gratitude, mourning not only a remarkable scholar but a mentor, leader and visionary whose work will continue to inspire generations.
Dairy industry has lost one of its greatest star today. Dr Shrivastava was an epitome of knowledge about Indian dairy industry . His seamless explanations on salience of milk as well as his grasp on animal husbandry statistics of India as well as the world made him the greatest orator of Indian dairy industry whom I ever met . I am blessed to have closely interacted with him at a few forums and learnt a lot from him . May his soul attain Moksha and merge with the Supreme” . As a humble homage from my side, I am sharing the link to one of his greatest videos in which he told everything about goodness of milk In just a few minutes . 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💐💐💐💐 https://lnkd.in/gW87va-S
He is survived by his family, colleagues and a vast community of students — all of whom will carry forward his vision of a scientifically robust, socially inclusive and sustainably nourished India.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Dec 25th 2025 various sources