Seven patents to his credit, ‘Science Man of Punjab’ dies
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, November 19
Dr Raghbir Singh Khandpur (77), referred to as the ‘Science Man’ of Punjab, breathed his last on Tuesday morning at a private hospital in New Delhi after prolonged illness. He was born at Safdarabad in Pakistan in 1942.
With seven patents to his credit in the bio-medical field and having chaired various bodies of the Department of Science and Technology, Dr Khandpur was a celebrated scientist with several books and awards to his credit.
Dr Khandpur was instrumental in the setting up of the Science City and served as its Director General for 12 years. He joined the Science City in 2002 and was responsible for the structure and vision of the establishment when it was inaugurated in 2005.
Earlier, he served as Founding Director General, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, Mohali. In 2017, Dr Khandpur was given the National Award for Outstanding Efforts in S&T Communication. He had a significant contribution in the first cancer diagnostic machine of the country.
His contemporary Amarnath Chaudhary, Chief Engineer (retd), PWD, said, “Dr Khandpur was a genius student and topped the state in matric. He was highly qualified. Before setting up of the Science City, he visited 50 to 60 science establishments of the world with the help of the Ford Foundation.”
Chaudhary said, “He specially ensured ‘Transparent Man’ exhibit at the Science City by making special arrangements after seeing the original in Germany. The first 3-D laser show in Punjab and a state-of-the-art climate change theatre are other examples of the feats he pulled off.”
Rajiv Grover, Director, Science City, Kapurthala, said, “Dr Khandpur transformed a landscape of mud and mounds into the Science City. He has set an example for scientists in the state to emulate.” Dr Khandpur is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. His last rites were performed at Mohali today.
