BioVoice News June 2017 Issue 1 Volume 2 | Page 43

ministry that fell vacant after the death of Anil Madhav Dave. Dave had passed away on May 18 after suffering cardiac arrest. He was 60. The government had subsequently handed over the additional charge of the ministry to Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan. After taking charge, Harsh Vardhan planted a sapling on the premises of the ministry in memory of Dave. Plant trees if you want to cherish my memories, Dave had said in his will while emphasising that he did not want any statue, memorial or award instituted in his name. “I was with Anil Madhav Dave ji till late last evening, discussing key policy issues. This demise is a personal loss,” the PM Modi said in his tweet. “Anil Madhav Dave ji will be remembered as a devoted public servant. He was tremendously passionate towards conserving the environment,” the PM added. The prominent members of bioscience community have expressed deep shock at the news. Dr Harsh Vardhan takes over as new Environment Minister Union minister Harsh Vardhan today took over the charge of the environment BIOVOICENEWS.COM 43