Panjab varsity pays tribute to its celebrated VC Prof Bambah, reflects on his legacy

With the centenary of Prof Ram Prakash Bambah, who passed away today, approaching on September 30 this year, Panjab University reflected on his legacy that shaped the institution and inspired generations of students and scholars. The academic community, family and his students paid heartfelt tribute to the mathematician.

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In a condolence meeting on the campus, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig described Prof Bambah as “a globally acclaimed mathematician, a towering figure in Indian academia, and one of the most distinguished former Vice-Chancellors of Panjab University”.

She praised his rare combination of brilliance and humility, and his unwavering belief in the power of education.

Prof Bambah’s association with Panjab University began in 1952, after he earned his PhD at St John’s College, Cambridge, under the guidance of legendary mathematician Louis J Mordell.

He became a professor in 1957 and later served as Vice-Chancellor from 1985 to 1991, a tenure marked by academic expansion and institutional consolidation.

Even after retiring in 1993, he remained deeply involved as Professor Emeritus and a long-standing member of the PU Senate.

Prof Vig highlighted several milestones under his leadership, including the establishment of India’s first Centre for Advanced Study in Mathematics at PU, which greatly elevated the university’s academic standing. Internationally recognised for his research in number theory and discrete geometry, Prof Bambah made notable contributions to lattice coverings and Ramanujan’s tau function.

Former PU VC Prof KN Pathak recalled Prof Bambah’s instrumental role in bringing Prof Arun K Grover, another former VC, to the university and encouraging Pathak himself to remain in PU. “He was a great mathematician and a very humble man,” said Pathak. “He called me personally when I was invited to join Allahabad University, advising me to stay in PU. I ended up serving in the institute for 55 years.”

Several senior PU officials, including Dean of University Instruction Prof Yojna Rawat, Registrar Prof YP Verma, Controller of Examinations Prof Jagat Bhushan and Professor Emeritus Prof Pam Rajput, along with faculty and staff from across departments, paid tribute to Prof Bambah.

Prof Bambah received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards. Yet beyond these honours, he is fondly remembered for his mentorship, institutional dedication, and lifelong curiosity.

Students, friends remember Prof

Prof Rajinder Jeet Hans-Gill, Professor Emeritus and a former student of Prof Bambah, recalled how he combined high standards with personal warmth. “He was caring, punctual, and always encouraged us to pursue higher studies—even abroad,” she said. “Even in his final days, bed-ridden, he remained curious about developments in mathematics.”

She met him just days before his passing. “In March, when I was injured, he called to check on me. That was the kind of person he was—deeply engaged and always thinking of others.”

Madhu Raka, Emeritus Scientist at PU, who accompanied Hans-Gill to visit Prof Bambah, shared a similar experience. “Even at 99, his memory was exceptional. A year ago, when I was struggling with a problem while co-authoring a book, he guided me to a specific page in a book from his shelf—he knew exactly where to look.” Raka, a “grand-student” of Bambah through Hans-Gill, remembered discussing Wood’s Conjecture with him during their last meeting. “His gates were always open—even when he was VC. He once came to the department just to discuss a problem with me when Prof Gill was away.”

Paying his condolences to the family, Atul Khanna, Director, Durga Das Foundation, said Prof RP Bambah was a rare blend of educator, visionary and institution builder, remembered for his lasting impact on Panjab University and nearly three decades of guidance at the Durga Das Foundation.

Khanna added, "His passion for accessible, globally relevant education and sharp intellect inspired generations. A mentor and conscience keeper, he championed international curricula, faculty development, and student excellence. Prof Bambah remained deeply engaged and forward-thinking till the end, leaving behind a legacy of patriotism, wisdom and academic brilliance."