Zee Media Bureau
Washington: Indian-American scientist Akhouri Sinha got a rare honour with a mountain named after him in Antarctica in recognition of the pioneering biological research expedition he has done which provided critical data about animal populations.
Sinha, adjunct professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development at the University of Minnesota, was recognised by the US Geological Survey, which named the mountain Mt Sinha, for the research he did as an explorer in 1971-72.
Sinha was a member of the team that catalogued population studies of seals, whales and birds in the pack ice of the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas using US Coast Guard Cutters Southwind and Glaciers in 1972 and 1974.
The mountain was named by Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) and the US Geological Survey.
Mt Sinha is located at the southeast extremity of Erickson Bluffs in the south part of McDonald Heights, overlooking lower Kirkpatrick Glacier from the north in Marie Byrd Land.
“Anyone can see the Mt Sinha, Antarctica on Google.com or Bing.com,” Sinha was quoted as saying to PTI in an interview.
“Show to the world that you are capable, don`t be afraid to contact people out in the field today, and grab every opportunity,” added Sinha.
Sinha completed his BSc degree from Allahabad University in 1954 and MSc degree in Zoology from Patna University in 1956.
He said he was invited to conduct research on reproduction of Antarctic seals by the National Science Foundation Antarctic Program.
Before coming to the US, Sinha also taught in the Department of Zoology at Ranchi College from November 1956 to July 1961.
Sinha`s forefathers migrated to Buxar in Bihar from Delhi after Nadir Shah of Iran invaded Delhi in 1739.
(With Agency Inputs)
