#memory
Prof. Yashpal.
24 July is the death anniversary of Prof. Yashpal (1926-2017), the great scientist, educationist and educator.
Born in Jhang, in British Punjab ( now in Pakistan ), Yashpal joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research( TIFR). He went to the USA to obtain a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and returned in 1958 to do pioneering research in Cosmic ray physics.
In 1973, he was invited by Dr Satish Dhavan to head the Space Application Center Ahmedbad, where he gave shape to the dream of Vikram Sarabhai, of bringing satellite education to the rural children.
He returned after his deputation to the TIFR, where he continued till 1983.
As Chairman of UGC during 1986-1991, and as Vice Chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University during 2007- 2012, he continued his relentless pursuit of bringing science education to the rural masses.
His program ‘Turning Point ‘ in Doordarshan, was one of the most popular science education programs which won worldwide acclaim, and he was invited to serve as an Advisor to the UN.
Prof. Yashpal was able to shape the NCERT syllabus in 1993, which gave a fillip to science education in the country. He also wrote a popular question – answer column in the Tribune.
Prof. Yashpal was awarded the Macroni Prize in 1980, the Kalinga Prize in 2009, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2013.
– Joy Kallivayalil.
