A great teacher and scientist, Roddam Narasimha, 87, died on December 14, 2020. He was one of the doyens of Indian science. A multi-faceted personality, he was associated with India’s space programme, defence programme, and even nuclear policy for decades. His main work was in the field of fluid dynamics-the behaviour of liquids and gases. In this field, his original work was so influential that while he was still pursuing his PhD at Caltech (California Institute of Technology), he had been hired as a consultant by NASA, while frantically building up its space programme after the erstwhile Soviet Union sent the first satellite to space in 1957. Besides, he was as at ease with Indian philosophy and history, having very good knowledge of Sanskrit, and of philosophical texts, such as Yog Vashishtha and Charak Samhita. He was also interested in international affairs, geopolitics, nuclear policy, and strategic affairs.
His Works The original concept for a Light Combat Aircraft is said to have come from him. He was appointed director of National Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL), where he remained for almost 10 years. He was invited to help India’s space programme, which was in its infancy, and also to help the ongoing projects at the NAL (then National Aeronautical Laboratory) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). While at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), he played a great role in setting up the Centre for Atmospheric Sciences, which evolved into one of the leading research centres on Indian monsoon. Recently, he was closely involved in shaping India’s science policies, serving in advisory capacities for several governments and as member of many committees. He also spoke frequently on India’s nuclear programme and related strategic issues.
He was instrumental in establishing a major parallel computing initiative in the country as a member of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s Scientific Advisory Council. He was also president of the prestigious Indian Academy of Sciences from 1992 to 1994. He also established the journal, Resonance, and other academy programmes involving teachers and students.
He occupied the Pratt and Whitney Chair in science and engineering at the University of Hyderabad. He authored 17 books and published more than 230 research publications.
Award He was awarded India’s second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2013. The last major honour bestowed on Narasimha was a lifetime achievement award from Nature magazine in 2019 for ‘Mentoring in Science’.