Prof. Gupta, how did you develop your interest in toxicology?

First of all let me inform you that basically I am a veterinarian and received my Masters degree in medicine. Initially my interest was the development of new drugs that were inexpensive in order to reach the poor population of India. To fulfill this goal, in 1968, I began a PhD program leading to a degree in Pharmacology. My advisor suggested to me a scientific problem that led to my specialization in toxicology. This is how I took the fork in the road to toxicology instead of pharmacology.

During those days in India, toxicology did not have a bright future. However, a landmark of that era was the publication of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. It focused on both human health impacts of chemicals and effects on the total ecosystem, of which people were but one part. Her book was one of the key stimuli to a tidal wave of legislative actions all over the world, in particular the United States. The book was concerned with issues such as clean air and water; safe food, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides and consumer products, and a safe working environment. It made me realize that the issues surrounding toxicology as a science were not new, and further strengthened my desire to pursue this area of specialization.

The impact of the book triggered awareness in India too, and in the 1973, I was honored to be able to serve the Nation as the first Scientist- In-Charge of the safety evaluation chemical laboratory at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, then known as Industrial Toxicology Research Centre (ITRC),located in Lucknow.

To my surprise one fine morning in 1976, I received a letter from Dr John Autian, then Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Director of the Material Science Toxicology Laboratory in the University of Tennessee Medical Heath Centre indicating that he was extremely impressed with my research findings and would like to invite me to share his experiences in the field of toxicology. At the same time I received another letter from Dr John Thomas of the West Virginia University, Morgan Town. During this period I had the privilege to review different drafts formulated by the USEPA and FDA, including draft documents on Good Laboratory Practice, and was able to visit the National Center for Toxicological Research in Little Rock, Arkansas and other well known toxicological laboratories in the US. In addition I had the opportunity to participate in discussions about the creation of the International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX) and was elected as one of its founding directors.

Professor, can you explain the genesis of Society of Toxicology in India?

In 1979, when I returned to India, I was full of ideas and had the desire to strengthen teaching and research in toxicology in India. I thought that, apart from the conventional choices, there could be fascinating career options for toxicologists. This most dynamic science prompted me to initiate programs, in toxicology and form an association of scientists having an interest in toxicology. At that time, very few scientists were interested in toxicology. Initially it was a difficult for me to convince scientists to form an association. Ultimately, in November 1979, the Society of Toxicology (STOX), India was inaugurated as an official Society to promote the science of toxicology in India. In 1980, the Society became a founding member of IUTOX. Since then, the society has conducted annual meetings, arranging workshops and symposia in specialized area of toxicology, in order to update the knowledge of young graduates interested in a career in the field of toxicology.

In order to update my own skills and experiences in different areas of toxicology, I visited many toxicology laboratories, such as BIBRA in the UK, the BASF research centre in Manheim and others, enabling me to pass on my experiences to my younger colleagues, and stimulate interest in different branches of toxicology.

At that time, the cost of available books was beyond the reach of students. To address this gap, teaching and reference books were prepared using less expensive paper and bindings, adequate for instructional purposes. I served as editor of a comprehensive three volume set on "Modern Toxicology". The chapters were contributed by leading toxicologists of the world, and the book was made available at a nominal cost to the Indian scientists.

To build upon these activities, another key event was the introduction of a research journal. In 1994, the Society introduced its official research publication, "The Indian Journal of Toxicology," and I was designated as its founding Editor-in-Chief. The journal is concerned with many aspects of toxicology including humans, animals,plants and the environment and publishes peer reviewed research articles, general articles, opinions, comments, news highlights, book reviews and letters to the editor.

In 2003, the "Indian Journal of Toxicology" was upgraded and re-named "Toxicology International". The Journal is an indexed open access online journal: a platform for toxicologists to convey their valuable research to the broader scientific community.

In addition, the Society has initiated teaching and training programs for scientists having interests in wider areas of toxicology and provides a platform to qualify for the examination of the Diplomat of American Board of Toxicology (DABT), for candidates of this region.

What do you do to be in touch with other parts of the World or with the latest development in the field of toxicology?

We sponsor and encourage our young candidates to attend scientific meetings, participate in training programs organized by IUTOX (International Union of Toxicology), including RASS (Risk Assessment Summer School). Some of them get sponsorship either from their parent organization or from IUTOX.

Do you think we have enough trained toxicologists in India?

Yes, I would say so. At present there are more than 400 active members of STOX. A large number of institutions/organizations have courses in toxicology and award specialized degrees in toxicology. I think as far as toxicology is concerned, the situation in India is quite good, and we may be more fortunate in this respect than some other developing countries.

Do you think Indian scientists need specialized training in toxicology?

Yes. In some of specialized areas of toxicology there is a need to train scientists. For example, areas such as regulatory affairs,development of in vitro models and creating awareness in Good Laboratory Practice. I would advise both industry and IUTOX to come forward to sponsor such programs. These programs can be arranged in India, provided enough resources are made available by funding agencies.

Are you satisfied with your efforts?

As a Patron and Founder of the Society of Toxicology, India, it gives me immense pleasure to inform the scientific community that our family of toxicologists has grown not only in size, but has also produced quality research conducted in well noteworthy laboratories, and that our graduates are spread throughout the world. We are proud to be able to do our part to enrich this dynamic science.

I am honored to have inaugurated this interview section for the World Library of Toxicology's India pages. More will follow. We hope the scientific community will find them useful.

Interview with Dr. PV. Mohanan, Country Correspondent, WLT
Posted on 23 August 2010