NPL FSF

We, the Members of the NPL-Former Scientists Forum (NPL-FSF) deeplymourn the sad demise of Prof. Dr. Shri Krishna Joshi, a lifelong scientist and educationist and one of the founding Patron of our Forum.

A great scholar, he obtained his Ph.D. degree from Allahabad University in the year 1962. He headed the Department of Physics from 1967 to 1986 at the Uni. of Roorkee, moved to National Physical Laboratory as Director in 1986 and rose to the position of Director General, CSIR in 1991.He finally retired in 1995. His defining moment in fact came after his retirement when he became a most sought after person to head many statutory organizations.He was the chairman of RAC (DRDO), RAB (CSIR) and many Governing Boards of IITs and research institutions all across the country. He played a leading role in the creation of many IISERs and NIESRs. He had been the President of INSA and served all the Academies in India in one capacity or the other. He guided about 20 students for their Ph.D. Degrees. He was the recipient of Padama Shri in 1991 and Padma Bhushan in 2003.

In spite of his association with such vast number of organizations and tight schedule he never missed Meetings of the NPL Former Scientists Forum [NPLFSF] if he was in the city. He attended the AGM of the Forum on June 19, 2019 and delivered a lesson “How to keep fit after the retirement”. He was then in perfect health. Alas! we will be missing him. He was a hugely disciplined person, an early riser, did his elaborate Puja, had his breakfast before starting the day’s hectic work and so on. He used to study a lot. Every morning all new arrivals in the NPL library used to reach his office table.

His illness forced him to confine to home during last few months. Even in his moments of acute suffering, he braved it and showed strong resilience to fight back. Despite immense human care by his wife Mrs. Hema Joshi, a devoted male nurse, and the best available medical treatment from AIIMS, his life came to a halt in the evening of 15th May 2020. His softness, polite nature, humility, and caring attitude made him endearing to all those who came in contact with him. He was loved by one and all for his qualities.

We the members of the Forum shell cherish forever the fond and everlasting memories of Prof. Joshi. The members of the NPL-FSF offer heart-felt condolence on Prof. Joshi’s demise and deepest sympathy to Mrs. Hema Joshi, son Mr. Sanjay and other members of the family.