Prof EV Chitnis, Vikram Sarabhai's associate and APJ Abdul Kalam’s guide, passes away at 100

Legendary scientist Prof Eknath Vasant Chitnis, one of the last surviving associates of the iconic Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme , passed away in Pune. 

It was Professor Chitnis, who guided the then budding scientist Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, later Director General of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and then the  President of India. 

Prof Chitnis was 100.

He is survived by his son Dr Chetan Chitnis, daughter-in-law Amika, and grand-daughters Tarini and Chandini.

Poof E V Chitnis, as he was popularly known, passed away on 21 October. 

“Prof E V Chitnis was a visionary scientist, institution builder, and one of the true architects of India’s space programme.  It is sad…he is no more,” said  Suhas Naik-Satam, General Secretary, National Centre for Science Communicators.

“When he turned 100 on  25 July 1925 a grand felicitation was organised for the legend,” he recalled about the Pune event. 

Professor Chitnis played a crucial role in the early years of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which later transformed into the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 

A founding member of INCOSPAR, he played a decisive role in identifying Thumba as the nation’s first rocket launch site and was instrumental in the launch of India’s first sounding rocket, the Nike-Apache, in 1963 — an event that marked the dawn of India’s space journey.

A gifted mentor, Prof. Chitnis recognized and nurtured young talent. He personally guided Dr Kalam, nominating him for the satellite launch vehicle  project and for advanced international training — shaping a scientific leader who would later become the President of India.

As Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, Prof Chitnis led pioneering efforts in satellite technology, remote sensing, and space-based applications, transforming India’s space research into tools for national development. His leadership combined technical brilliance with humility and quiet determination, inspiring generations of scientists and engineers.

Recipient of the Padma Bhushan (1985), Prof. Chitnis’s contributions extend far beyond individual achievements — they form a vital chapter in India’s scientific evolution. His centenary year stands as both a celebration of his life’s work and a tribute to India’s spirit of innovation and discovery, which he so passionately embodied.