Eknath Vasant Chitnis, a distinguished scientist and educator who played a crucial role in advancing India’s space ambitions, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 100. Chitnis, who was unwell for several days, succumbed to a heart attack.
He worked closely with the renowned space pioneer Vikram Sarabhai and leaves behind a remarkable legacy of building institutions and fostering technological innovation. Born on July 25, 1925, Chitnis was among the first generation of Indian scientists who laid the foundation for the nation’s space endeavors. His critical contribution included identifying the site for India’s first rocket launch at the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Kerala, a decision that profoundly influenced decades of scientific progress. In the early 1960s, Chitnis’s survey of Thumba and his successful advocacy to Vikram Sarabhai highlighted its strategic equatorial advantage.
Chitnis was a pivotal figure in the transformation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (Incospar) into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) that we know today, serving as its member secretary. He was instrumental in the launch of the INSAT program, the development of remote sensing applications, and the establishment of space-based communication projects. These initiatives were crucial in bringing television and telecommunication services to rural India.
From 1981 to 1985, Chitnis served as the second director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, succeeding Yash Pal. His significant contributions to science and nation-building were recognized in 1985 when he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor.
Beyond his direct contributions to space, Chitnis also played a quiet yet historic role in shaping the career of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. In 1962, Chitnis personally reviewed a young Kalam’s resume and recommended his inclusion in a NASA training program, a recommendation that significantly altered the trajectory of India’s aerospace development, according to eminent astrophysicist Ajit Kembhavi.
After retiring in 1989, Chitnis relocated to Pune, where he continued to inspire students and academics. He was instrumental in establishing the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SSPU). For two decades, he remained active in academia, focusing on development communication and the application of media in science education.
Earlier this year, in celebration of his 100th birthday, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, in collaboration with the National Centre for Science Communicators (NCSC), Mumbai, organized the Prof. EV Chitnis Centenary Conference on ‘Pioneering Space, Science, Policy & Innovation’. This event brought together senior ISRO scientists and young researchers, underscoring his vital role in fostering a nationwide scientific ecosystem.
“His centenary was not just a celebration of a life well lived, but of India’s scientific vision,” Kembhavi remarked. “He had an uncanny knack for talent-spotting and nurturing, and it was touching to see scientists across generations and institutions unite to honour him. That unity reflects the strength of his legacy.”
Chitnis also maintained a strong association with the Press Trust of India (PTI) for nearly three decades, serving as its president twice. His son, Chetan Eknath Chitnis, is a distinguished molecular biologist who received the Padma Shri in 2023.
“Dr Chitnis was a visionary who not only looked to the skies but ensured the benefits of space technology reached the ground. His contributions continue to echo through every ISRO launch, satellite transmission, and scientific institution he helped build. He has left a highly illustrious legacy for the youngsters and current scholars of the field to follow,” Kembhavi added.