Sir,
It is sad that India lost two of its eminent scientists namely UR Rao and Yash Pal last week.While UR Rao, the celebrated scientist and former Chairman ISRO breathed his last in Bangluru at 85, Prof Yash Pal, another famed scientist and educationist, took his last breath at 90 in Noida.Both the world famous scientists had been conferred Padma Vibhushan, the second highest Indian civilian award for their exceptional contribution in the field of Science.
Prof U R Rao, the celebrated scientist remained Chairman of ISRO for ten years from 1984 to 1994. It was during his eventful tenure that India carried out 20 Sattelite Projects including Aryabhatta.He is credited with publishing 350 papers on scientific and technical topics including cosmic rays, interplanetary physics, astrophysics etc, besides publishing many books related to Space Research.He was inducted into ‘Satelite Hall of Fame’in Washington DC in 2013 and International Aeronautical Federation (IAF) Hall of Fame during the closing ceremoný of IAF Congress in Mexico in 2016.He also held the faculty position in University of Texas and MIT.
Prof Yash Pal, the renowned scientist and academician who made his appearance in the weekly Doordarshan Programme ‘Turning Point’ hosted by the thespian Girish Karnad ,used to explain scientific phenomena in a lay man’s language and pleaded for popularising Science and making Science learning a fun.He spoke against burden of bag and rote learning.He earned his Ph.D. in cosmic rays from MIT and made significant contribution in the field of Cosmic Rays, Astrophysics, High Energy Physics etc.Recepient of many awards, he held many positions including the Chairman of University Grants Commission.The sad demise of these two Indian scientists of international fame has created a void which will be difficult to be filled.They will be remembered for a long time for their exceptional contribution to science.May their noble souls rest in eternal peace!
Yours etc…..
Ankita Sharma,
Udhampur
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