Great ideas should outlive their creator.
Introducing the
'Free to Die' series
by Prof. V.C. Malshe
The title of one of Todd Henry’s books reads ‘Die Empty’! They say, the richest place on earth is the graveyard, full of dreams, never realized, ideas never shared, and potential never fulfilled. In simple words, don’t take your greatness to the grave! The ideas should be shared so that they can be converted into reality.
Following this principle, NICHEM’s Chief Technology Director, Prof. V.C. Malshe, has decided to give away his unrealized ideas, to inspire innovative minds, in a hope that maybe someday these ideas will see the light of the day.
As Prof. Malshe celebrated his 78th birthday on 28th February 2025, which also happens to be our National Science Day, NICHEM wishes to take this opportunity to launch his series, ‘Free to Die’! This is a repository of scientific ideas penned down by Prof. Malshe for the benefit of society. These ideas can be used by companies, government authorities, individuals alike. These ideas are also published in ‘Free to Die’ Series on 4th Thursday of every month in Chemical Weekly Magazine for easy reference.
Why should you pay attention?
His ideas have the potential to create innovative & profitable business organizations like NICHEM.
Prof. Malshe earned his Ph.D. Tech (Chemical Technology), from Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, India in 1975. He worked in the industry for 20 years, before joining ICT as a Professor of Paints Technology in 1993. At ICT, he guided 19 Ph.D., 3 External Ph.D., 12 M.Sc. (Tech) students and 1 M.Sc. Tech by Research. He has over 60 publications, 30 granted patents & over 100+ applied patents to his credit. He holds a legacy of guiding numerous students who have become successful entrepreneurs or hold high-level R&D positions in renowned organizations.
In addition to the above, he has been a consultant to many companies in chemical industry for last 35 years. Since 2014, he has been Chief Technology Officer at NICHEM, heading its R&D and Innovation Center.
Prof. Malshe has invented disrupting chemical technologies at NICHEM. Thanks to him, NICHEM now has a rich basket of 150+ products in the domains of Polymer, Agriculture, Drinking Water and Home and personal Care additives. NICHEM is standing tall & growing by leaps & bounds on these ideas converted to products by Prof Malshe.
Prof. V.C. Malshe has been an innovator all his life. He has put several of his unique ideas to practice during his industrial career. However, he has had several technical solutions to common challenges that were not implemented either due to not finding the right executioner or simply because the ideas were ahead of time! Inspired by Todd Henry’s book, ‘Die Empty’, he thought of penning down his inventive solutions for the benefit of the society.
The launch of the ‘Free to Die’ Series is an invitation to visionaries, entrepreneurs, and scientists to explore and bring these ideas to life. May these seeds of innovation grow into transformative solutions for the betterment of society.
Free to Die
Episode 1
Joints on roads and bridges: How to fix the problems
Episode 2
Rainwater harvesting in cities with good rainfall
Episode 3
Why not consider cellulose derivatives for single use applications?
Episode 4
Managing speed breakers, water flooding and traffic on our roads
Episode 5
Vertical installation of solar panels
