JOIN USVeteran scientist Prof Vasant Gowarikar, a former Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister, passed away in Pune on Friday aged 81.
Dr Gowarikar, who had made remarkable contributions in the field of space research, had also served as Vice Chancellor of University of Pune, now known as Savitribai Phule Pune Vidyapeeth, from 1995-98.
Dr Gowarikar was handpicked by Dr Vikram Sarabhai for the SLV programme of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
For some time, he was the Secretary of Science and Technology Department. He was the Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister from 1991 to1993. Under his leadership, many new and important projects were initiated, like weather predictions, schemes to make businessmen of technicians, attracting back Indian researchers who had migrated, deciding and promoting government’s scientific policy etc.
Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have condoled the death of Dr Gowarikar.