Dr. Ashok Kumar Gupta was born on 8th Oct., 1955 at Nabha
(Dist. Patiala, Punjab). After his school education from Ideal school and
Govt. Hr. Secondary school, Hisar , he got his Bachelors degree (Science)
in 1975 from Govt. College, Hisar. He obtained his Master's and Doctorate
degree (Biochemistry) in 1978 and 1989, respectively from Haryana Agricultural
University, Hisar (Haryana), India.
He started his scientific career in 1978 as ARS Scientist S-1 (Biochemistry)
at Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur. Presently he is working
as Principal Scientist (Animal Biochemistry) at National Research Centre
on Equines, Hisar. In a span of 24 years, he contributed appreciably in
the field of Animal Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Animal Nutrition. He
had also been to Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, U.K and National Institute
of Biological Standards and Controls (NIBSC) for specialized training on
Equine Biotechnology and vaccine preparation.
His main contribution includes sequencing of anitgenically important genes
of equine influenza virus, PCR, RT-PCR, Hot Probes and ELISA based diagnostics
for detection of important equine viral diseases, development of low cost
killed inactivated equine influenza vaccine, baseline data on various biochemical,
haematological and physiological indices in indigenous breeds of equines,
molecular variability studies in different equine viral isolates, charaterization
and mechanism studies of regulatory enzymes of Pentose Phosphate Shunt,
immobilization of enzyme amyloglucosidase, draught power of equids, etc.
Field oriented ELISA based immunostick kit developed for detection of antibodies
against EHV-1 is also under the process of patenting.
For his valuable contributions in the field of vaccine development against
equine influenza virus, he alongwith other team members was awarded 'One
Time Special Award' in July,1998 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research,
New Delhi . His work on disease diagnosis and animal production aspects
has also been appreciated at different scientific fora.
Dr. Gupta has about 57 research papers published both in International and
National Journals and has also edited a book 'Shalihotra' (in Hindi) related
to equines.
Dr. Gupta has also guided a number of students for their Master and Doctorate
degrees. He is also on the panel of Indian Veterinary Research Institute,
Izatnagar, a Deemed university, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra and
CCS HAU, Hisar as experts, examiner and guide.
Presently, he is working on pregnant mare serum gonadotropin for its isolation,
purification and characterization along with molecular studies related to
characterization of different indigenous breeds of horses in India.
Involvement in current
research projects of NRCE
