‘Be curious to solve issues and start from scratch’: Isro scientist Eknath Vasant Chitnis, who turns 100 today

At 100, the former scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) remains fit, attributing his health to “enough sleep”, living without medication, and a simple philosophy.

“Don’t be bogged down by the fast pace of technological advancement. Be curious to solve issues and start from scratch,” he tells young scientists.

To honour him and recognise his contribution, Prof Chitnis’s centenary conference will be held on July 26, at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (ISER), Pune, with former Isro chairman Dr Kiran Kumar as the chief guest.

From Kolhapur to US

Born in Kolhapur in 1925, Chitnis lost his mother at eight and his father at 16, and was raised by his grandmother and extended family. His upbringing was enriched by a connection with his grandfather, Malhar Khanderao Chitnis, through his work, Wonders of Space in Marathi, published in 1896. This early exposure to astronomy sparked his interest in space.

Chitnis excelled academically, earning a Master’s in Physics from Pune University with first-class honours. After clearing the UPSC examination, he was offered a lucrative position with All India Radio at a salary of Rs 500 per month, a substantial sum at the time.

However, destiny intervened when he heard a young scientist speak at the Indian Science Congress in Pune in 1950.

That scientist was Vikram Sarabhai, who described his vision for establishing a space physics laboratory in Ahmedabad. “Working with Vikram Sarabhai was enriching,” recalls Prof Chitnis, reflecting on his decision to decline the stable government job.

He chose to work voluntarily at the fledgling Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), initially teaching at a local college in the mornings and conducting research in the afternoons.

At PRL, Prof Chitnis embarked on groundbreaking research in space physics. During his doctoral studies, he built a Cerenkov Counter and associated electronics to study cosmic rays. From 1956 to 1958, he constructed an array of Cerenkov Counters in Kodaikanal for an Extensive Air Shower Experiment, studying cosmic rays at high altitude in collaboration with Professor Bruno Rossi’s group at MIT.

This work caught international attention, and Prof Rossi invited Chitnis to join his team at MIT in 1958. For three years, he worked in the US.

‘A teacher in the sky’

When Vikram Sarabhai called him back to India in 1961 with plans for sounding rockets and satellite applications, Prof Chitnis returned to establish India’s first Satellite Telemetry Station at PRL, and contributed to pioneering space-based astronomy experiments.

Prof Chitnis became the Member-Secretary of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, which later evolved into Isro. His contributions were instrumental in selecting the location for India’s first rocket launching station at Thumba. Under his supervision, India’s first rocket, the Nike Apache, barely larger than a Diwali cracker, was launched in 1963.

His contributions were instrumental in selecting the location for India’s first rocket launching station at Thumba.

His most significant contribution came through the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in 1975-76, which he directed. This project connected educational programmes to 2,400 villages across six states using Nasa’s ATS-6 satellite.

“After this, we could say that the satellite became a teacher in the sky,” Chitnis says, describing how the experiment demonstrated space technology’s potential to bridge the urban-rural divide.

After SITE’s success, Prof Chitnis worked on the Kheda Communication Project, exploring how television could drive socio-economic change in rural areas. The success of SITE laid the foundation for India’s INSAT satellite system, and proved that advanced technology could effectively serve rural populations. “These early experiments in satellite communication have evolved into today’s digital revolution, connecting millions through technology,” says Chitnis.

After retiring from Isro, where he served as the director of the Space Applications Centre in Gujarat, Prof Chitnis returned to his alma mater, Pune University. For 25 years, until the age of 89, he taught at the Department of Communications. “Interaction with young students kept me going,” he says.

Prof Chitnis also served on the Board of Directors of Press Trust of India from 1983 to 2010, twice serving as its chairman. His diverse contributions earned him the Padma Bhushan in 1985. His son, Dr Chetan Chitnis, received a Padma Shri this year, making them a rare father-son Padma awardee.

“If I had to live my life again, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he says at his house in Aundh as he gets ready for the big day with his son, who has flown down from Paris to be with him.

(Shubham Kurale is an intern with The Indian Express.)