Scientist who brought science to country’s living rooms dies at 90
Prof Yash Pal, one of India’s most respected scientists who brought popular science to the country’s living rooms, died on Tuesday. He was 90.
Sourced said he passed away at the Max Hospital in Noida on Tuesday morning.
Honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, Yash Pal featured in a popular science series, Turning Point, on Doordarshan in the 80s and became a household name for explaining scientific concepts in layman’s language.
In 2009, Unesco honoured him with the Kalinga Prize for popularisation of science.
In his report ‘Learning without burden’, Prof Yash Pal had raised concern over the load of school bags and rote learning.
Condoling the eminent scientists death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter, “Pained by Professor Yash Pal’s demise. We have lost a brilliant scientist & academician who made a lasting contribution to Indian education.”
The former University Grants Commission chairman, started his career at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
“Thank you Professor #YashPal for all the Science! It’s sad to see you gone, it’s a huge loss, but you’ll always stay with us. Om Shanti,” Minister of science and technology and earth sciences Harsh Vardhan tweeted.
“With his loss, the country has lost a link with the generation with that of Dr Homi Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai,” said VijayRaghvan, secretary, department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Satara Lok Sabha member Udayanraje Bhosale, who is facing extortion charges, was arrested by police on Tuesday morning. He has been sent to police custody.
A direct descendent of Shivaji Maharaj, Udayanraje was avoiding arrest for more than three months. He presented himself at Satara police station in the morning. People have been observing a bandh in Satara town and district to protest against the NCP MP’s arrest.
Udayanraje's bail was rejected by Bombay High Court last week, giving him two options — either to appeal in Supreme Court or surrender before the police. He was in town in Satara on Firday but police did not arrest him.
Police were planning to take him to government hospital for medical check up. But they had to give up the plan as a large number of his supporters had gathered outside the hospital. A medical team was called at government rest house, where medical check up was completed. He was later taken to Satara court.
Police deployment has been increased all over Satara district in view of law and order problem. Several social organizations have warned against his arrest. Police have put up barricades at all sensitive points as a precautionary measure.
Satara police registered a first information report (FIR) against Bhosale and few others following a complaint filed by Rajkumar Jain, who runs a manufacturing unit in Lonand industrial estate.
Jain, owner of Sona Alloyes, has complained that supporters of Udayanraje demanded protection money from him, FIR was lodged on 22 March.