Prof RP Bambah: Mathematics fraternity mourns loss of its great scholar

Today, the mathematics fraternity mourns the loss of one of its most revered scholars—Prof RP Bambah, former Vice-Chancellor and an iconic figure in Indian mathematics. He passed away peacefully on Monday morning, leaving behind a towering legacy of academic brilliance, institutional leadership, and personal warmth.

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Born into a middle-class family in Jammu, Prof Bambah’s journey into research in mathematics began at Government College, Lahore (GCL), where he was deeply inspired by his teacher, Prof Sarvadaman Chowla. It was under Prof Chowla’s guidance—following his MA and brief teaching stint—that Bambah secured a research scholarship at GCL, setting the foundation for his future achievements.

In 1948, while teaching MSc (Physics) students at Delhi University, he was awarded a two-year fellowship from the Royal 1851 Exhibition Fund, enabling him to pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge. He completed his doctorate in just two years—an extraordinary academic feat—and returned to India in 1951 to join Delhi University as a Research Fellow.

In 1952, he was appointed as a Reader at Panjab University (PU), Hoshiarpur. At the same time, he received an invitation to join the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, US.

With special leave from PU, he spent two years in the US before returning in 1954 to continue teaching alongside Prof Hans Raj Gupta, with whom he initiated MA classes in mathematics.

After a further stint (1957–58) at Notre Dame University, Prof Bambah returned to Hoshiarpur to help build a vibrant Department of Mathematics at Panjab University. Together with Prof Hans Raj Gupta—and with the support of visionary Vice-Chancellors and emerging UGC initiatives—they laid the groundwork for what would become the Punjab School of Mathematics, carrying forward the legacy of Prof Chowla.

By 1958, with a team of strong faculty in place, Prof Bambah was promoted to Professor. Under their leadership, the department soon gained national recognition as the first Centre of Advanced Study in the university system and became known globally for its contributions to number theory. He was awarded a DSc by Cambridge University in 1970 and was an Emeritus Professor at Panjab University since 1993. In 2016, PU conferred on him a DSc (Honoris Causa) for his exceptional contributions to mathematics.

A scholar of remarkable ability, he famously scored a perfect 600 out of 600 in his master’s examination—an unbeaten record—and continued to distinguish himself throughout his career. He also served as Professor at Ohio State University for five years but ultimately returned to his beloved Panjab University, where he played a central role in shaping its academic landscape.

As Vice-Chancellor of PU from 1985 to 1991, he led the university through a significant period of development and transformation. His contributions to mathematics and higher education were nationally recognised with prestigious honours, including the Padma Bhushan and the Ramanujan Medal.

Even in retirement, Prof Bambah remained intellectually active, keeping up with mathematical research through online platforms and university affairs. He was a man of deep kindness, integrity, and commitment—guided always by the ideals of scholarship and public service. In his final act of generosity, he chose to donate his body to medical research at PGIMER, a wish that his family will honour in full.

The Department of Mathematics, Panjab University, extends its deepest respects to Prof RP Bambah. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and celebrate the enduring legacy of a true scholar and visionary.

May his contributions continue to illuminate the path for generations to come.

(Prof Grover is former V-C, Panjab University, and Dr Kainth is Chairperson, Department of Mathematics, PU)