SCIENTIST YASH PAL PASSES AWAY AT 90
NOIDA: Eminent scientist Professor Yash Pal, noted for his contribution to the study of cosmic rays as well as for being an institution builder, died Monday night. He was 90.
Pal was admitted to Max hospital on July 17 due to age related illness, said his younger brother Colonel (retd) Sunil Bhutani. Pal is survived by his wife, two sons and their families. “My brother took part in India’s freedom struggle. He was always very hopeful that our country will successfully deal with all the issues,” said Sunil. The scientist was also a follower of Gandhi. “He believed in non-violence. He took part in many rallies of Mahatma Gandhi,” added Sunil.
Yash Pal was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1976 for his contribution to science and space technology. The scientist also featured in a popular science series called Turning Point on Doordarshan in the 80s and became a household name for explaining scientific concepts in layman’s language.
Pal was also honoured with Indira Gandhi Prize for Popularisation of Science in 2000 and The Meghnad Saha Medal in 2006.
He also served as the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University from 2007 to 2012. In 2009, Unesco honoured him with the Kalinga Prize for popularisation of science.
His juniors remember him as somebody who explained scientific reasoning in simple language.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi were among those who paid tributes to Professor Yash Pal.
Modi said the country has lost a brilliant scientist and academician. “Pained by Professor Yash Pal’s demise. We have lost a brilliant scientist and academician who made a lasting contribution to Indian education,” Modi tweeted.