Eminent mathematician and former Panjab University V-C RP Bambah passes away at 99

Prof RP Bambah, former vice-chancellor of Panjab University and a former member of the Tribune Trust, passed away at his Sector 19 residence here on Monday morning.

The 99-year-old eminent mathematician would have turned 100 this September.

A recipient of Padma Bhushan and Ramanujan Medal for mathematics, Prof Bambah  is survived by daughters Bindu A Bambah and Sucharu Khanna.

“He was a scientist till the very last as he had pledged his body to the PGI, Chandigarh, for research. The family will honour his wish. He lived a good life,” said Bindu, his daughter.

As the family prepares to fulfil his wish, a pall of gloom descended on the academic circles where he continued to serve the cause of mathematics as Professor Emeritus, Department of Mathematics, Panjab University.

A statement by the family said the university was Prof Bambah’s whole life. “He cared about it till his last breath. Perhaps the only thing he cared about more was mathematics. He was interested in knowing the latest developments on YouTube and wanted us to read Chandigarh Tribune for the latest updates on the university,” the statement added.

Born into a middle-class family in Jammu, Prof Bambah rose to prominence due to his brilliance. Having got a record 600 out of 600 marks in his master's degree at Government College, Lahore, he went to University of Cambridge to obtain his PhD in a record two years.

He, along with Prof Hans Raj Gupta, established the Department of Mathematics at Panjab University in Hoshiarpur, which then shifted to Chandigarh, where it became the first Centre of Advanced Study in the university.

Having spent five years at Ohio State University as professor, he came back to Panjab University, where he was the Vice-Chancellor from 1985 to 1991, a period that saw the university grow.

“Panjab University was preparing to celebrate a century of the Punjab School of Mathematics and the birth centenary of Prof Bambah in September this year. His passing away is a big loss to mathematics, the university and society,” Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig said.

Prof Rajinder Jeet Hans-Gill, his student who met him last week, says he was still concerned about solving mathematical problems. “His passing away has come as a shock since we were still discussing only mathematics when I met him on Wednesday. He was unwell but alert,” she said.

Condoling the death, the Panjab University Teachers' Association said Prof Bambah left an indelible mark on the institute. During his tenure  as V-C, he spearheaded the university's development, showcasing his visionary leadership.

“We remember him as a kind, conscientious, and duty-bound individual who embodied the spirit of a true scientist. His selfless decision to donate his body reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge,” the statement said.