Joined January 2026
anirbang1@iisc.ac.in
Integrated BS-MS in Chemistry at NIT Agartala (2014-2019)
PhD at chemistry under Dr. Ramesh Rasappan at IISER Thiruvananthapuram (2019-2026)

Anirban was born and raised in Agartala, Tripura. He completed his B.S.-M.S. (Dual Degree) in chemistry
from NIT Agartala in 2019. Then he joined IISER Thiruvananthapuram as a PhD scholar under Dr. Ramesh
Rasappan and worked on “Application of Solid Silylzinc Reagents in Cross-Coupling Reactions”. After
completing his PhD, he joined Dr. Vignesh Palani lab at IISc Bangalore as a postdoctoral fellow from
January 2026

Publications
1. Rakesh Parida, G. Naaresh Reddy, Anirban Ganguly, Gourisankar Roymahapatra, Arindam Chakraborty and
Santanab Giri, On the making of aromatic organometallic superalkali complexes, Chem. Commun., 2018, 54,
3903-3906.
2. Arnab Bhattacharya, Jhinuk De; Sutapa Deb; Anirban Ganguly; Abhay Shankar; Manojit Roy; Ranendu
Kumar Nath, Hydrogen-bonding supported supramolecular assembly of dihydropyrimidinone with behenic
acid – physicochemical and computational investigations. Inorganica Chimica Acta, 590, 2026, 122976.
3. Vetrivelan Murugesan, Anirban Ganguly, Ardra Karthika, Ramesh Rasappan, C–H Alkylation of Aldehydes
by Merging TBADT Hydrogen Atom Transfer with Nickel Catalysis, Org. Lett. 2021, 23, 5389–5393.
4. Venkadesh Balakrishnan, Anirban Ganguly, Ramesh Rasappan, Interception of Nickel Hydride Species and
Its Application in Multicomponent Reactions, Org. Lett. 2022, 24, 4804–4809.
5. Anirban Ganguly, Revathi Chandrasekaran, Bala S. S. Balamurugan, Ramesh Rasappan, Application of
Solid Me3SiZnI for the Synthesis of Aryl and Alkyl Trimethylsilanes, Adv. Synth. Catal. 2024, 366, 1442-
1447.
6. Anirban Ganguly, Sundar Rajaraman, Venkadesh Balakrishnan and Ramesh Rasappan. Diastereoselective
Synthesis of Vinylsilanes using Solid Silylzinc Reagent. Org. Lett. 2025, 27, 7284-7290

joined August 2023
lohithah@iisc.ac.in
M.Sc. (2021), Central University of Kerala
B.Sc. (2019), Mangalore University

I am a native of Kodagu (Coorg) district in Karnataka and completed my preliminary education in my hometown. I obtained my B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) in 2019 from Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa College, affiliated with Mangalore University. I then pursued my M.Sc. in Chemistry from Central University of Kerala, graduating in 2021. During my master’s, I worked on the synthesis and photophysical property studies of organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications under the guidance of Dr. Ravikumar Kanaparthi.

In 2023, I joined the Department of Organic Chemistry at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for my doctoral research in the group of Dr. Vignesh Palani. My research interests focus on molecular editing of saturated systems through functional group translocation and atom-swapping approaches.

Beyond my research, I have developed a keen interest in organic farming and enjoy solo traveling.

Joined August 2024
ananyab@iisc.ac.in
M.Sc. (2022), Visva Bharati University
B.Sc. (2020), University of Calcutta

Ananya was raised in the beautiful and spiritually rich village of Jayrambati. She completed her schooling at the Ramakrishna Mission, where she cultivated a strong academic and moral foundation. She went on to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Calcutta, graduating in 2020, and subsequently earned her Master’s degree from Visva-Bharati University in 2022.In 2023, Ananya distinguished herself by securing an impressive All India Rank of 14 in the CSIR NET, and also successfully qualified the GATE examination.Beyond her academic pursuits, Ananya possesses a deep appreciation for literature. She is particularly fond of the works of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Suchitra Bhattacharya, and Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, whose storytelling continues to inspire her. Artistically inclined, she enjoys drawing, painting, and engaging in various forms of arts and crafts. She also finds joy in dancing and cherishes spending time with dogs—a fondness that blossomed through her beloved pet, Sondesh.She possesses a graceful fondness for adorning herself in sarees, embracing the elegance and cultural richness they embody. Ananya shares a profound connection with nature, which she regards as a source of healing and inner balance. fondness that blossomed through her beloved pet, Sondesh. Ananya shares a profound connection with nature, which she regards as a source of healing and inner balance.

Joined August 2024
devagin@iisc.ac.in
M.Sc. (2023), Pondicherry University
B.Sc. (2021), Bishop Heber College, Trichy

Devagi was born in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu, where she completed her schooling. She later moved to Tiruchirappalli for her higher secondary education and subsequently pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Science at Bishop Heber College, graduating in 2021. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Chemistry from Pondicherry University in 2023.
In 2024, she joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to pursue her doctoral studies. She is currently a graduate student in Dr. Vignesh Palani’s research group in the Department of Organic Chemistry. Her research focuses on the structural modification of saturated systems using molecular editing strategies.
In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and exploring new places.

Joined January 2025
guhana@iisc.ac.in
M.Sc. (2024),Bharathidasan University, Trichy
B.Sc. (2022), Sri Ramakrishna College Of Arts and Science

Guhan A was born and raised in the serene hill town of Ooty, where he completed his early education at Woodside School. He later moved to Coimbatore to pursue his undergraduate studies at Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science (SRCAS), laying a strong academic foundation in the chemical sciences. Driven by an enduring passion for chemistry, he went on to earn his Master’s degree from Bharathidasan University (BDU) in Tiruchirappalli.
In 2025, he embarked on his doctoral journey at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), joining the research group of Prof. Vignesh Palani. His academic pursuits are complemented by a vibrant personal life—he enjoys unwinding through gaming, music, and spending quality time with friends. A devoted coffee enthusiast, he often finds solace and rejuvenation in a well-brewed cup, his quintessential mood-lifter.Beyond his academic endeavors, Guhan leads a vibrant and well-rounded life. He unwinds through engaging conversations, casual gaming, and an eclectic taste in music. He also relishes exploring new destinations—whether for leisurely outings or refined culinary experiences.  Above all, he values meaningful connections and consistently seeks the company of thoughtful and inspiring individuals, cherishing the presence of quality people in his life.He is a devoted nyctophile, finding profound solace in the quietude of the night, and delights in the contemplative art of stargazing beneath the celestial expanse.

 

Joined August 2025
sakthivels@iisc.ac.in
M.Sc. (2024), Bharathidasan University
B.Sc. (2022), Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science

Sakthivel hails from Thoppu Thottam, a village near Coimbatore, where he was born into a farming family. Growing up close to nature shaped his curiosity and quietly nurtured his interest and gradually transformed into a strong fascination for science during his school years. He pursued his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemistry, where his interest in organic chemistry began to take a more defined direction. During his MSc, he had the opportunity to work under the guidance of Prof. S. Muthusamy (Retd.), focusing on the chemistry of diazo compounds for nearly ten months. This experience introduced him to research at a deeper level and strengthened his understanding molecules.
Driven by a growing passion for organic synthesis, Sakthivel joined the research group of Prof. Vignesh Palani at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). This step marked an important milestone in his academic journey and brought him closer to his long-standing goal to pursue research. Currently, his work focuses on translocative functionalization of saturated carbocycles, with an emphasis on peripheral editing strategies. When away from the lab, he likes to cook, travel, connect with friends, and unwind with good music. ♡♫!

Joined January 2026
rikkasundar@iisc.ac.in
M.Sc from Andhra University(2025)
B.Sc from Sri Kumar Degree College, Haripuram(2023)

Ritu is from Nainital, Uttarakhand. She completed her schooling at Hermann Gmeiner School, Bhimtal, and went on to pursue both her Bachelors and Masters in Chemistry from the University of Delhi. During her masters, she worked under the guidance of Professor Ramendra Pratap on a review project titled Recent advancements in the synthesis of fused thienopyridines and their therapeutic applications, which was published in the European Journal of Chemistry. This research experience sparked her interest in pursuing a career in scientific research.
Currently, she is pursuing her PhD under the guidance of Professor V. Palani. She is enthusiastic about learning new techniques, and contributing to impactful research.
Beyond academics, Ritu enjoys journaling, singing, and exploring new places. She believes these interests help her stay creative, maintain a balanced lifestyle, and approach research with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Int. PhD, joined August 2023
mukulshukla@iisc.ac.in
B.Sc., Hons. (2023), Banaras Hindu University

Rooted in the historic city of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh,I began my academic journey with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry (Honours) from Banaras Hindu University.
Today, I continue to explore the depths of science as a doctoral researcher at the Indian Institute of Science.
Beyond the realm of molecules and research,I find solace in nature and simple joys—in the quiet companionship of cats and dogs,in nurturing life through gardening,and in wandering through new landscapes.
Traveling and trekking are not just hobbies,but a way of discovering both the world and myself.

Int. PhD, joined June 2025
parikshitm1@iisc.ac.in
B.Sc. (2024), Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centernary College

Parikshit was born and raised in Purba Bardhamann, West Bengal. He remained in this area to obtain his B.Sc. degrees in Chemistry from the Ramakrishna Mission(RKMVCC). To pursue a Int.PhD, he joined the lab of Dr. Vignesh Palani working on Methodology at the Indian Institute Of Science. Outside the lab he enjoys gardening, loves playing cricket , cooking, and traveling.

Dharani. P
Project Associate
Joined August 2026
dharanipulukuri949@gmail.com
Integrated BS-MS (2025), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati

I was born and raised in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, where I completed my schooling at B.C. DAV School. I then joined the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati to pursue an Integrated BS-MS in Chemistry. I carried out my master’s thesis research at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Chada Raji Reddy. My research focused on the synthesis of aza-spirocyclic compounds through radical-mediated dearomative cyclization. This work resulted in a publication in Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry thereby strengthening my interest in the development of new synthetic methodologies. I joined the research group of Dr. Vignesh Palani at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where I am currently working as a Project Associate. Through this opportunity, I aim to further expand my research experience in the field of organic synthesis by exploring emerging methodologies and synthetic strategies. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, watching web series, and spending quality time with my
friends.