Dr.Vasudha S. Keskar
Dr.Vasudha S. Keskar : A Pioneering Force in Analytical Chemistry and the Global Sugar Industry
Dr.Vasudha S. Keskar stands as a distinguished figure at the intersection of scientific innovation, industrial leadership, and international policy-making. As the Managing Director of Maarc Labs Pvt. Ltd. and the Vice President of the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA), she has dedicated her career to advancing the science of sugar quality and championing Indian industry on the world stage.
With a strong academic foundation, holding both a Master of Science and a Doctorate in Analytical Chemistry, Dr. Keskar began her career as a Scientist at the prestigious Vasantdada Sugar Institute. For over a decade, she honed her expertise in the analytical aspects of sugar, molasses, and alcohol quality, mastering sophisticated instrumentation to push the boundaries of research and education.
Her transition into the international arena has been marked by a series of historic firsts. Dr. Keskar shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first Indian to be appointed as a Referee by ICUMSA, a testament to her profound expertise. Her leadership was further solidified with her election as Vice President of ICUMSA in 2006.
Perhaps her most significant contribution was securing global recognition for India's Plantation White Sugar. Through her effective advocacy and deep technical knowledge, she successfully led the creation of a new General Subject (GS-9) within ICUMSA, giving Indian sugar a formal and respected place in global quality standards for the first time.
Beyond ICUMSA, her influence extends to the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) and the Sugar Processing Research Institute (SPRI), where she has presented her research in Colombia, Brazil, and the USA.
For two decades, Dr. Keskar works for shaping India's sugar quality standards. As the Convener of the FAD 2 committee for sugar at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), she has directed efforts to align national standards with global best practices.
Notably, she successfully led the revision of IS 15279, the definitive Indian standard for methods of sugar analysis. Her leadership ensured that the revised standard incorporates the latest advancements in analytical techniques, reflecting recent global changes in the field.
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Keskar's leadership has been celebrated with numerous prestigious awards, including the "G. S. Parkhe Industrial Merit Award" from the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce. She has also won the "Woman Entrepreneur of the Year" award multiple times. Her work continues to shape national standards through her role on the Sugar Industry Sectional Committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), New Delhi.
Dr.Vasudha S. Keskar career is a compelling story of scientific dedication, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
- Executive Leadership: Managing Director, MAARC Labs Pvt. Ltd.
- International Governance: Vice President, ICUMSA.
- Pioneering Achievements: First Indian appointed as an ICUMSA Referee and first Referee for the GS-9 (Plantation White Sugar) subject.
- Global Recognition: Secured a dedicated ICUMSA classification for Indian Plantation White Sugar.
- ICUMSA Commendation: Twice honored by ICUMSA (2018 and 2025) for her excellent work as a Referee for Plantation White Sugar.
- Global Contributor: Presented research at 11 ICUMSA Sessions since 2000; contributed numerous methods to the official ICUMSA Methods Book.
- Award-Winning Entrepreneur: Honored with multiple awards for industrial merit and female entrepreneurship.
- Academic Excellence: Holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry and has guided doctoral students.
A driving force in the field of microbiology and sugar technology, Dr. S.S. Nimbalkar is a distinguished scientist and a key figure in the success of MAARC Labs. His extensive expertise and innovative contributions have significantly impacted the sugar industry in India and abroad.
Dr. Nimbalkar's career is built on a strong academic foundation, holding a Ph.D. in Microbiology. His exceptional research was recognized with the prestigious S.P. Agharkar Gold Medal for his doctoral dissertation. As a founder, Director, and Quality Manager of MAARC Labs, he has been an indispensable partner to Dr. Vasudha Keskar since the lab's inception. In his role as Quality Manager, he has been instrumental in implementing the rigorous ISO/IEC 17025 quality system.
Dr. Nimbalkar was a pivotal figure in the success of the Sucroscan system, a revolutionary tool for sugar analysis. His innovative efforts in converting the model into the automatic "Sucroscan Classic" earned MAARC Labs the prestigious Harimalini Joshi Award from the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA). He is a recipient of the “Industry Excellence Award“ from STAI, New Delhi in 2016.
Dr. Nimbalkar's influence extends to consultancy and training across the sugar industry. He is renowned for:
- Conducting Audits: He carries out audits of sugar factories for major international clients like Coca-Cola.
- Quality Improvement: Guides factories through colour balance studies for enhanced product quality.
- Expert Training: Conducts programs on sugar colour and dextran, uplifting industry practices.
Through his multifaceted roles as a scientist, leader, and educator, Dr. S.S. Nimbalkar continues to be a vital contributor to the advancement of sugar quality and analysis.
Dr. Nimbalkar's interaction with the Indian sugar industry includes guidance in the following areas:
• Quality control lab set-up of sugar and water analysis
• Assessment of sugar factories for supplying sugar to institutional buyers
• Training personnel on sugar quality, water quality, boiler water problems, and dextran formation
• Visited more than 300 sugar factories in India for training and consultancy
• Innovated the automatic Sucroscan Classic model, earning the 2015 Harimalini Joshi Award (MCCIA)
Dr. Sai holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune.
She brings 15+ years of experience in analytical chemistry, quality assurance, and laboratory management. Her expertise in method development and validation for GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS, and HPLC plays a central role in MAARC Labs’ high-quality standards.
She oversees ISO/IEC 17025 implementation, QA/QC protocols, regulatory audits (NABL, FSSAI, BIS), and development of new testing methods that meet industry needs.
Before rejoining MAARC Labs in 2013, she worked at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (Michigan State University, USA) and Praj Industries. Her research includes lignin characterization and high-throughput analytical methods.
- Quality Management: ISO/IEC 17025, internal audits, documentation.
- Analytical Methodologies: GC/MS/MS, LC/MS/MS, HPLC method development and troubleshooting.
- Residue Analysis: Pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminants as per FSSAI.
- Laboratory Operations: Proficiency testing, equipment oversight, staff training.
- Research & Development: Published author in biomass chemistry and biobased polymers.
