After writers and filmmakers, now a popular scientist PM Bhargava, founder-director of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has announced that he will be returning his Padma Bhushan award to protest against “government's attack on rationalism, reasoning and science”, according to TOI report.

Bhargava announced his decision to return after 107 senior scientists signed an online petition on Wednesday to support the protests carried out by writers and filmmakers.

He told The Times of India, “The Padma Bhushan had a special place in my collection of more than 100 awards for science. Now I feel no sentimental attachment to it when the government tries to institutionalise religion and curtail freedom and scientific spirit.”

He received the Padma Bhushan award in 1986 and said that this is his personal decision to return the award and he does not know if the other scientists will also do the same.

He added, "I, however, hope young scientists too will raise their voice,” according to a TOI report.