ISRO Legend Eknath Chitnis Dies at 100: Architect of India’s Telecom Revolution
ISRO pioneer Dr. Eknath Chitnis, architect of India’s telecom revolution, dies at 100.
Dr Eknath Chitnis, a towering figure in India’s space research history, passed away in Pune on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the age of 100. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 1985, Chitnis was instrumental in the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its early milestones. His contributions, particularly in developing India’s first telecommunication satellite, INSAT, transformed the nation’s communication landscape and cemented his legacy as a visionary scientist.
Working closely with Dr Homi Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India’s space programme, Chitnis played a pivotal role in shaping ISRO’s foundation. As one of Sarabhai’s last surviving colleagues, he was a bridge to the formative years of India’s space ambitions. His mentorship of a young Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who later became a renowned scientist and President of India, further underscores his influence on the scientific community.
Chitnis’s most notable achievement was his leadership in the development of INSAT, India’s first telecommunication satellite, which revolutionized connectivity and information access across the country. His initiatives in the 1970s made television accessible to millions, ushering in a new era of mass communication. This groundwork laid the foundation for India’s advancements in satellite technology, benefiting both urban and rural populations.
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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar expressed profound grief over Chitnis’s passing, describing him as a visionary whose contributions reshaped India’s scientific and technological landscape. The loss of Chitnis marks the end of an era for ISRO and the nation’s scientific community, but his legacy endures through India’s continued strides in space exploration and communication technology.
Dr Chitnis’s life and work remain an inspiration, highlighting the power of dedication and innovation in advancing a nation’s capabilities. His contributions will continue to resonate as India pushes the boundaries of space research and connectivity.
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