Pune: The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune inaugurated a landmark Centenary Celebration Conference to honour Prof Eknath V Chitnis, a trailblazer of India’s space programme and a close collaborator of Dr Vikram Sarabhai.
The inaugural session began with the unveiling of the “India in Space” exhibition, featuring scale models of India’s key launch vehicles – SLV, PSLV, GSLV – and prominent missions including Chandrayaan-3.
The showcase highlighted Prof Chitnis’s pivotal contributions to the evolution of India’s satellite and launch vehicle programs under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
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Dr Sunil Bhagwat and A P Deshpande opened the session by recalling Prof Eknath V Chitnis’s commitment to scientific excellence and his role in shaping India’s early space ambitions.
Dr A P Jayaraman, Chairman of the National Centre for Science Communicators, provided a historical narrative of Prof Chitnis’s collaborations with Dr Sarabhai and his vision for indigenous space capabilities.
Former ISRO leaders including Dr Pramod Kale (ex-Director, SAC) and Dr Kiran Karnik (ex-Director, DECU) shared heartfelt tributes and emphasized his legacy as a strategist, mentor, and ethical leader during ISRO’s formative years.
A deeply personal tribute was delivered by Dr Chetan Chitnis, offering rare insights into the values, personal humility, and intellectual rigor that defined Prof Chitnis both at home and in his scientific endeavors.
Prof Eknath V Chitnis: One of Most Influential Minds Behind India’s Space Narrative
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr A S Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of ISRO, who emphasized the institutional foundations laid by Prof Chitnis that continue to shape the scientific culture at ISRO today.
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Citing the acclaimed book “From Fishing Hamlet to Red Planet,” Dr Kumar described Prof Chitnis as one of the most influential minds behind India’s space narrative.
The session brought together scientists, science communicators, educators, and students from across the country, celebrating the life and legacy of a man who played a foundational role in India’s space journey.
With this centenary event, Prof Eknath V Chitnis is rightfully remembered not only as a space pioneer but also as a builder of institutions, scientific thought, and national pride.
