Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao FRS, also known as C.
N.
R.
Rao (born 30 June 1934), is an Indian chemist who has worked mainly in solid-state and structural chemistry.
He currently serves as the Head of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India.
Rao has honorary doctorates from 60 universities from around the world, and has authored around 1,600 research publications and 51 books.On 16 November 2013, the Government of India announced his selection for Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, making him the third scientist after C.V.
Raman and A.
P.
J.
Abdul Kalam to receive the award.
He was conferred the award on 4 February 2014 by President Pranab Mukherjee in a special ceremony in the Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.