It’s a happy co-incidence that both Dr. Deshpande, the eminent professor of Chemistry and Holkar College came into existence in the same year 1891.
Dr. Deshpande had been a meritorious student all through his career. Besides being a devoted professor he was also a keen researcher. Dr. Deshpande’s career sparkles with extra-ordinary brilliance. He did his Ph.D. from England under the supervision of Nobel Laureate Dr. J.F. Thorpe in 1922.
Dr. Deshpande started post graduate studies in Chemistry (M.Sc.) in Holkar College in 1931 and gave himself heart and soul to make it emerged as a prominent center of teaching and research. He became the Principal of Holkar College in 1944. He worked in close association with Nobel Prize winner scientist Prof. Ruzicka in 1937. He also worked with Prof. Ingold of England. He served Holkar College as Prof. Emeritus until he breathed his last. (September 6, 1975).
Vikram University, Ujjain conferred upon him D.Sc. degree in 1972. Dr. Deshpande firmly believed that it the quality of the work and not the quantity that counts. Throughout his life he stuck to the motto “work is worship”. He pursued science as his religion.
It was in 1945 that Dr. Deshpande added yet another glorious chapter to the annals of this historical institution when he brought Nobel Laureate Dr. C.V. Raman to the college as the chief guest of the annual function.
Dr. Deshpande did major research in the areas of natural product, his most striking work is on essential oils which contain pleasant smelling Terpenoids. The fragrance of his research work still pervades the premise of this college. Deshpande award is a humble tribute of Holkar Science College to his extraordinary skills and wisdom.