The Birbal Sahni Medal was instituted in 1957 by Prof. T. S. Sadasivan to commemorate the memory of Prof. Birbal Sahni, his revered teacher and one of the founding members of the Indian Botanical Society. This medal is prepared out of the proceeds of an endowment of Rs.2,500/- and is awarded every year to a distinguished Indian Botanist (life member of IBS) for his/her contributions and devotion to the cause of Indian Botany on the recommendation of the Executive Council*. A special function of the society during the Botanical Conference is held annually in connection with the presentation of this medal and a special lecture by the recipient of the medal.