Dr. E.V. Chitnis, Esteemed Indian Space Scientist, Dies at 100

Post by : Raina Nasser

Dr. E.V. Chitnis, a distinguished Indian space scientist, passed away at the age of 100 on Wednesday morning at his home in Pune due to a heart attack. A visionary in India’s nascent space programme, Dr. Chitnis was integral to the evolution of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Born on July 25, 1925, he was part of the pioneering cohort of Indian scientists who collaborated with Vikram Sarabhai, establishing the groundwork for today’s advancements in space exploration.

Dr. Chitnis played a crucial role in the selection of Thumba, Kerala, as the site for India’s inaugural rocket launch, recognizing its optimal equatorial position in the early 1960s. His involvement in the transformation of INCOSPAR into ISRO allowed the establishment of essential programmes like the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT), which significantly improved telecommunication and television access in rural India. His contributions to areas like remote sensing and space communications solidified his stature as a foundational figure in the country’s scientific trajectory.

Between 1981 and 1985, Dr. Chitnis served as the second director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, steering the development of satellite technologies for various applications, including communication and education. Recognized for his enduring contributions, he received the Padma Bhushan in 1985, underlining his lasting influence on India’s space initiatives. He also played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of future leaders, notably reviewing A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s résumé in 1962 and recommending him for NASA training.

Post-retirement in 1989, Dr. Chitnis continued to be a prominent figure in academia and science communication. He settled in Pune and contributed to the establishment of the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SSPU), dedicating over two decades to advancing science education through media. His passion for the Indian space programme and educational outreach has inspired numerous students and researchers, embodying his belief that the advantages of space technology should be accessible to all.

This year, Dr. Chitnis celebrated his centenary with a conference at IISER Pune, organized by the National Centre for Science Communicators (NCSC) in Mumbai. This event honored his vast contributions to science and policy, bringing together senior ISRO members and emerging researchers. Astrophysicist Ajit Kembhavi remarked on Dr. Chitnis's exceptional ability to cultivate talent, leaving an impactful legacy in the Indian space arena.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Dr. Chitnis contributed to journalism as president of the Press Trust of India for nearly thirty years, enhancing public understanding and communication of science in India. His son, Chetan Eknath Chitnis, a renowned molecular biologist and recent Padma Shri recipient, carries forward his father's legacy of scientific excellence. Dr. Chitnis has left an indelible mark on India’s space development, inspiring future generations of scientists to explore and innovate in the realm of outer space.