Yash Pal

Professor Yash Pal (born 26th November, 1926) is a noted Indian scientist and educator. Pal graduated with a degree in physics from Punjab University in 1949 and was awarded a PhD degree in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1958."iiasa.ac.at", [http://www.iiasa.ac.at/Admin/YSP/yssp2006/lecture-bgfiles/CV_Yash_Pal_18nov05.pdf "Yash Pal, CV"] , 18 November 2005, retrieved 5 July 2008] During a long academic and research career he served as a visiting professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, the California Institute of Technology and the Danish Space Research Institute.

Yash Pal has held several prominent positions during his career which includes Chief Consultant, Planning Commission (1983-84), Secretary, Department of Science & Technology (1984-86) and Chairman, University Grants Commission (1986-91).

Pal has been widely known for his regular appearances on the science programme "Turning Point" telecast on Doordarshan, and for his knack of explaining scientific concepts in layman's language. ["vigyanprasar.gov.in", [http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/Publication/newarrivals.asp Vigyan Praser Publications - New Arrivals"] (synopsis of a short biography), retrieved 5 July 2008] He has been on the advisory boards for several TV Science programmes like "Bharat ki chaap".

Awards and Recognitions

In 1980 Pal was made a Marconi Fellow for his work at the Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad, "To recognize wise and humane leadership in applying modern communications technology to meet the needs of isolated rural villagers in India". ["marconisociety.org", [http://www.marconisociety.org/fellows_pal.html "The Marconi Fellows - Yash Pal"] , retrieved 5 July 2008]

He was awarded with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 1976 for his contribution to science and space technology.

References