In Memoriam

ICTP learned  with great sorrow of the demise of Narendra Kumar on 28 August 28 at the age of 77. An eminent Indian theoretical condensed matter physicist and native of Madhya Pradesh, Kumar first graduated from IIT, Kharagpur, then got his physics PhD from IIT, Bombay in 1971. He soon became a long-time professor and chairman of physics and mathematics at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, later also directing the Raman Research Institute, until his formal  (but never substantial) retirement about ten years ago.

Kumar had worked extensively and very broadly on central condensed matter problems such as Anderson localization related issues, quantum transport, superconductivity,  and also in statistical physics problems involving stochastic processes, diffusion, phase transitions, fluctuation-driven phenomena, turbulence and chaos. His intellectual and human influence, which helped shape generations of Indian physicists, has been monumental. His corresponding list of well-deserved awards is impressive.

Beginning with his very early presence in Trieste, Narendra Kumar’s ties with ICTP have been probably the strongest, most regular and fruitful among all scientists from the Indian subcontinent. He was an ICTP Senior Associate, as well as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences. More than that, he has been a constant and generous presence and stimulus for the ICTP community, as well as a promoter of younger colleagues and visitors brought to ICTP in his wake. ICTP wishes to mark all that with immense gratitude.