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Eminent scientist Yash Pal dies at 90: 10 facts to know about academician Padma Vibhushan Professor

Yash Pal Is Known For Regular Appearances On The Science Programme Turning Point Telecast On Doordarshan And For Explaining Scientific Concepts In Layman's Language, Along With Participation On Advisory Boards For Televised Science Programmes Such As Bharat Ki Chaap

News Nation Bureau | Edited By : Neha Singh | Updated on: 25 Jul 2017, 10:22:50 AM
Indian scientist Yash Pal dies at 90: 10 facts to know about him

New Delhi:

Yash Pal, an Indian scientist, educator and educationist who is known for his contributions to the study of cosmic rays died at his residence in Noida on Tuesday at the age of 90.

While the cause of death was not immediately known, he had reportedly recovered from cancer a few years ago. His last rites will take place at 3 pm.

Here is all you need to know about Yash Pal:

1. Yash Pal took charge as the first Director of the newly set up Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, in 1973. At the same time, he continued to be on the faculty of TIFR.

2. He held the posts of Chief Consultant, Planning Commission (1983–84) and Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (1984–1986), after which he was appointed chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) (1986–91).

3. In 1993, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, set up a National Advisory Committee, with Yash Pal as chairman, to go into the issue of overburdening of school children. 

4. Yash Pal is known for regular appearances on the science programme Turning Point telecast on Doordarshan and for explaining scientific concepts in layman's language, along with participation on advisory boards for televised science programmes such as Bharat ki Chaap

5. In 1976 the Indian government awarded Pal the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to science and space technology

6. A fellow of Indian National Science Academy, Pal was made a Marconi Fellow in 1980 for his work at the Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad.

7. In October 2011 he was also awarded the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for excellence in public administration, academics and management.

8. He was the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi from March 2007 to March 2012. From 2011 to till date. He has been assisted by Rajesh Yadav, who is also working on his book "Random Curiosity" in JNU. 

9. First Volume of book "Random Curiosity" has been published and second volume is in under process.

10. He has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan (1976) and the Padma Vibhushan (2013), the third and second highest Indian civilian Honours

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First Published : 25 Jul 2017, 09:23:57 AM

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