The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Tuesday felicitated noted scientist CNR Rao on being awarded the August-Wilhelm-von-Hoffmann Medal, describing it is a matter of great pride for the country's scientific community. In a congratulatory letter to Dr Rao, he said, it is just and due recognition not only for the pioneering scientific achievements in the field of Chemistry but also for the seminal efforts he has made for development of science in India. The award given by the German Chemical Society is the highest international medal in chemistry and this is also the first time that it has been awarded to an Indian scientist.