Pune: Renowned Scientist Prof Govind Swarup passed away
Pune, September 7, 2020: The doyen of Indian Radio Astronomy, and the founding director of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research here in Pune today at 9 pm due to old age. He was 91 years old and survived by wife, children and grand children. His last rites were to be performed late night today.
Pioneer of Radio Astronomy in India, he was also known for his leadership qualities in building highly innovative, world class radio telescopes such as the Ooty Radio Telescope and Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT). This established India as one of the leading country for Radio Astronomy research in the world.
Born in March 23, 1929 at Thakurwada, he received Padma Shri award from the Department of Atomic Energy. He was promoter of all inclusive science teaching and along with Prof. VG Bhide was instrumental in establishing Indian Institute of Science, Research and Education (IISERs’) in the country.
Prof. Swarup obtained his M.Sc. from Allahabad University in 1950 and his Ph.D. from Standford University in the USA in 1961. He returned to India in 1963, and joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research at the invitation of Prof. Homi Bahba. There he built a strong radio astronomy group, that continues on today at the NCRA. He received several distinctions throughout his career, including the Padma Shri, the Bhatnagar award, and the Grote Reber medal. He was a fellow of many distinguished academies, including Fellowship of the Royal Society.
