Scientist, academician Yash Pal passes away

Eminent Indian scientist Professor Yash Pal, noted for his contribution to the study of cosmic rays as well as for being an institution builder, died last night, his family said on Tuesday. He was 90.

Pal passed away around 8 pm on Monday at Max hospital in Noida due to age related illness, his son Rahul Pal, also a scientist with the Science and Technology ministry's Department of Biotechnology, said.

Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter, "Pained by Professor Yash Pal's demise. We have lost a brilliant scientist & academician who made a lasting contribution to Indian education."

The former University Grants Commission chairman, who started his career at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), had been awarded India's second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan. "Thank you Professor #YashPal for all the Science! It's sad to see you gone, it's a huge loss, but you'll always stay with us. Om Shanti," Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Harsh Vardhan tweeted. "With his loss, the country has lost a link with the generation with that of Dr Homi Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai," said VijayRaghvan, secretary, department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

His body will be cremated at the Lodhi Road electric crematorium here at 3 PM, his family announced in an obituary notice.