Dr. Eknath Vasant Chitnis, a distinguished Indian space scientist and a pivotal figure in the early development of India”s space program, passed away at his home in Pune on Wednesday morning due to a heart attack. He was 100 years old and had been experiencing health issues for some time.
Born on July 25, 1925, Dr. Chitnis was part of the first generation of Indian scientists who contributed significantly to laying the groundwork for the country”s endeavors in space exploration. He collaborated closely with Vikram Sarabhai and was instrumental in selecting the launch site for India”s inaugural rocket launch at Thumba, Kerala. In the early 1960s, he conducted a thorough survey of potential sites and successfully persuaded Sarabhai of Thumba”s strategic equatorial advantages.
A significant contributor to the evolution of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) into what is now the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr. Chitnis served as the Member Secretary of INCOSPAR. He played a critical role in initiating the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) program and in implementing remote sensing and space-based communication projects that enhanced television and telecommunications access in rural areas of India.
Dr. Chitnis held the position of the second director of ISRO”s Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad from 1981 to 1985. His contributions to science and national development were recognized in 1985 when he received the Padma Bhushan, India”s third-highest civilian award. Notably, he also reviewed the resume of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 1962 and recommended him for a NASA training program, a decision that significantly impacted India”s aerospace sector.
After retiring in 1989, Dr. Chitnis relocated to Pune, where he continued to inspire future generations by helping to establish the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) at Savitribai Phule Pune University. He remained active in academia for 20 years, focusing on development communication and media applications in science education.
This year, on his centenary, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, along with the National Centre for Science Communicators (NCSC) in Mumbai, hosted the Professor E.V. Chitnis Centenary Conference. The event, titled “Pioneering Space, Science, Policy & Innovation,” brought together senior ISRO scientists and emerging researchers, emphasizing his vital role in fostering a collaborative scientific community across India.
“His centenary was not just a celebration of a life well lived, but of India”s scientific vision,” said astrophysicist Ajit Kembhavi. He noted Dr. Chitnis”s remarkable ability to identify and nurture talent, reflecting the strength of his enduring legacy as scientists from various generations came together to honor him.
Dr. Chitnis was also closely affiliated with the Press Trust of India (PTI) for nearly three decades, where he served as president twice, making significant contributions to the advancement of science journalism in India. His son, Chetan Eknath Chitnis, is a prominent molecular biologist and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2023.
“Dr. Chitnis was a visionary who not only looked to the skies but ensured that the benefits of space technology reached the ground,” Kembhavi remarked. “His contributions continue to resonate in every ISRO launch, satellite transmission, and scientific institution he helped establish, leaving an illustrious legacy for future scholars in the field.”
