P. K. K. Nair (1930–2017)

P. K. K. Nair, the father of Indian palynology and the most renowned palynologist of the 20th century, passed away on 21 January 2017 in Bengaluru. He was a distinguished palynologist, known for his dedication and excellence at work, integrity and humanism. He played a pivotal role in the spread of palynological science in India and contributed in the areas of palynotaxonomy, aeropalynology and pollen allergy, mellittopalynology and bee botany, palaeopalynology, copropalynology, pharmacopalynology and forensic palynology.