Yelavarthy Nayudamma

This is not the profile or an account of the scientific contributions of an individual but a sharing of personal experience with a visionary, missionary and grass-root researcher — Yelavarthy Nayudamma — who made the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) rise to glory. His is a life that raises the hopes and aspirations of youth from small towns. His contributions are part of a living legacy. His research on the shrinkage¹ phenomena of leather and the theory of tanning has stood the test of time. His leadership qualities carry many lessons for leaders of scientific establishments for generations to come. The League of Nations heeded as Nayudamma spoke for the cause of developing nations and for connecting science to development. Theory and practice for him were like two eyes essential for depth vision. For many who knew him he is a living inspirational spirit — his legacy lives long after his passing away in a tragic air crash in 1985.