Dr. Eknath Vasant Chitnis, chief scientist of the Indian space program, died at his residence on Wednesday. Family members told that he was ill for the last few days. He suffered a heart attack in the morning itself. Dr. Chitnis celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday itself. His passing is a big loss for the Indian scientific community.
Early life and education
Dr. Chitnis was the hero of the early days of India’s space sector. He played an important role in the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). This committee later became the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).ISRO) Bunny. ISRO is today a big space organization in the world, which is known for missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. Dr. Chitnis had contributed to the birth of ISRO.
Selecting Thumba Launchpad
He also played a key role in choosing India’s first rocket launch site at Thumba, Kerala. Even today, Thumba is an important center of India’s space programme. When India’s space program was starting in the 1960s, Dr. Chitnis selected the land from where India’s first rockets flew. This site is on the seashore, which was very safe for rocket launch.
With profound grief, we mourn the passing of Padma Bhushan Prof. EV Chitnis – a visionary who worked alongside Dr. Vikram Sarabhai to lay the foundation of India’s space journey.
On this very day in 2008, #Chandrayaan1 took flight – a shining symbol of the dreams he helped… pic.twitter.com/QGFqcCIBrv
— Narottam Sahoo (@narottamsahoo) October 22, 2025
Leadership role in ISRO
From 1981 to 1985, Dr. Chitnis was the second Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Center (SAC). This center is in Ahmedabad. Here he worked on satellites and space technology. Many important projects were started under his leadership, which are still helping in the development of India.
Collaboration with Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
Dr. Chitnis was one of the last surviving colleagues of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is called the father of India’s space program. He laid the foundation of ISRO in the 1960s. Dr. Chitnis, along with him, strengthened India in the space sector. Even after the death of Dr. Sarabhai, Dr. Chitnis carried forward his dreams.
Also read: ISRO shows model of Indian space station: first module in 2028, complete station to be built by 2035
Guide of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
Another interesting thing is that Dr. Chitnis gave guidance to the young scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Dr. Kalam later became the President of India and was called Missile Man. Dr. Chitnis advised and inspired Dr. Kalam in his early days.
Honor and legacy
Dr. Chitnis was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third highest civilian award. He received this honor for his scientific work. He always lived with simplicity. He used to encourage young scientists.
Family and funeral
Dr. Chitnis is survived by his son Dr. Chetan Chitnis, daughter-in-law Amika and granddaughters Tarini and Chandini. Dr. Chetan Chitnis is also a scientist. He works in malaria research. The family told that the last rites will be performed in Ahmedabad only.
Dr. Chitnis’s life is the story of India’s space journey. He proved that big dreams can be achieved with hard work and dedication. His memories will always live in the history of ISRO.
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