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 Ambika, 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

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