Born at Aluva ( Cochin ) in a farmer’s family, Reghunadhan Nair did his schooling in Govt schools in and around Aluva and Graduation in chemistry from Union Christian College affiliated. His Master’s Degree was in Applied Chemistry from Cochin University of Science and Technology. After a short tenure at KELTRON’s Material Development Centre at Trivandrum, he moved on to Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC) of ISRO in the same city at their Polymers and Special Chemicals Division and started a new career in thermally stable polymers.
While there he was selected for the sole position under the scientific exchange program of the Indian and French Governments, and went to Strasbourg in the Alsace region of France. At the Institut Charles Sadron. Effectively, during 1985 -89 he was a French Government Fellow for conducting research into his PhD.
Nair’s research has been mainly in fundamental chemistry mostly related to polymer science. His areas of research include materials for space, polymer chemistry, free radical chemistry and propellants. He has specialized in mission-oriented research and was an authority in chemical-related matters at ISRO. He was associated with the major programs of ISRO such as SRE, Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, GSLV etc…
While at Cochin, a city notorious for mosquito breeding and related diseases, he diverted his attention towards evolving a harmless chemical based mosquito repellent. He evolved a combination 4-5 naturally derived terpenes to create a unique formula, That was nontoxic, echo and baby friendly. It worked on the principle of self evaporation. Since the vapor pressure is very small the number of molecules in air at a given time will be some 0.2 % of the air molecule. This is more than enough to drive off mosquitoes and pests. At that concentration, the air is safe to breathe for infants and the elderly.
Based on that same formula, is this new product All-Nite Natural ®, brought to you by Griha Engg & Home Solutions and Engg Solutions, Edayar. The team consists of Sri Anwer, K.G. Shine and Sri Rahul with Dr. Nair behind the curtain.