Dr (Miss) Swaraj Ghai (15 August, 1934

Dr (Miss) Swaraj Ghai (15 August, 1934 – 30 August, 2025)

Swaraj Ghai born 15th August, 1934, retired as the Head, Professor and Principal Scientist in the Division of Entomology, ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. She graduated in B.Sc. (Hons) in Zoology, and M.Sc. Zoology with specialization in Entomology, from the University of Delhi with Ph.D. (Entomology), Post-Graduate School, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Swaraj Gahi underwent post-doctoral training at the erstwhile CABI International Institute of Entomology, London, U.K. She had the opportunity to undertake management studies, at the Commonwealth Agriculture Bureau International, U.K. Her research experience spans over 39 years with a teaching experience of 30 years. Swaraj Ghai is known for her taxonomy contributions, in particular on mites of agricultural importance. She has >90 research publications including a book. Swaraj has been a relentless crusader for taxonomy and has guided more than 12 researchers as Chairperson in addition to many others on their advisory board.

Swaraj Ghai’s few notable achievements include taxonomic studies on Acarina, focusing on morphology and traditional taxonomy covering >250 species of phytophagous and predatory mites under 52 genera and 15 families. She has to her credit 56 new species and 42 new records. The monograph on the taxonomy of mite pests of vegetables and fruit crops of Delhi and surrounding areas is an exemplary contribution. This has the taxonomic treatment of 41 species under two families. During those times when the resources and state of the art tools were unavailable, she has persisted upon herself to get these at any cost, which resulted in scanning electron microscopy evaluations and validations. This dedication enabled placing taxonomy of mites on advanced grounds. One of her monumental contributions to acarology is the review of the Oriental Tenuipalpidae with their hosts, distribution, and other essential data. Equally significant was her ability to guide, train and accomplish capacity building in taxonomy of many agriculturally important insect groups. These include 184 species of Coleoptera and Diptera. These resulted in seven new genera, 43 new species and 15 new records. The revision of curculionid genera namely Myllocerus Schoenherr and Tanymecus Germar with 19 new species, checklists (336 species of Myllocerus, 151 species of Tanymecus) will stand testimony for her capacity building credentials. Swaraj Ghai explored the ecology of some important mites, in addition to undertaking physiological and toxicological aspects of few mites which lead to notable contributions of significance to acarology Her devotion to insect taxonomy still reverberates in the >100 years old National Pusa Collection of insects and mites at the IARI. The role she played for the National Identification Service, which served the Indian entomologists and acarologists is commendable. As Head and Professor in the Division of Entomology, IARI she always remained truly devoted and earned the good will of students, scientists and other users. Her positive approach, kind heartedness, simplicity and kindness will be cherished by all those who came into contact with her. May her soul rest in peace.

Vilayanoor Venkataraman Ramamurthy

“Who will ever remain her student”

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