Noted scientist Govind Swarup passes away

Renowned radio astronomer and scientist Govind Swarup died on Monday night in a private hospital in Pune, Maharashtra following illness, the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics said in a statement.

He was 91.

Swarup, the doyen of Indian radio astronomy, was the founding director of the NCRA, which is part of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

"National Centre for Rdio Astronomy with a very heavy heart, announces that our renowned scientist, great radio astronomer Prof. Govind Swarup passed away on Monday 9 pm at a private hospital following illness," the NCRA said.

Born in 1929, Swarup was one of the pioneers of radio astronomy in India, it said.

"He was known not only for his important research contributions but also for his leadership in building highly innovative, world-class radio telescopes such as the Ooty Radio Telescope and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, which firmly established India as one of the leading countries for radio astronomy research," the NCRA added.

Swarup obtained his M.Sc from Allahabad University in 1950 and his Ph.D. from Standford University in the USA in 1961.

He returned to India in 1963 and joined the TIFR at the invitation of Homi Bhaba, it said.

He received several distinctions throughout his career, including Padma Shri, the Bhatnagar award, and the Grote Reber medal.

Swarup was a fellow of many distinguished academics, including Fellowship of the Royal Society, the NCRA said.