CHANDIGARH, May 26— Prof RP Bambah, renowned mathematician, former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University (PU), and past member of The Tribune Trust, passed away at his Sector 19 residence here on Monday morning. He was 99 and would have turned 100 this September.
A recipient of the Padma Bhushan and the Ramanujan Medal, Prof Bambah is survived by his daughters, Bindu A Bambah and Sucharu Khanna. “He lived a good life,” said Bindu. “He was a scientist till the very last and had pledged his body to PGI Chandigarh for research. The family will honour his wish.”
Born in Jammu to a middle-class family, Prof Bambah displayed exceptional academic brilliance early in life. He earned a perfect score — 600 out of 600 — in his master’s degree from Government College, Lahore, before completing his PhD from the University of Cambridge in just two years.
His academic legacy is deeply tied to Panjab University. Alongside Prof Hans Raj Gupta, he established the university’s Department of Mathematics in Hoshiarpur, later relocating it to Chandigarh, where it became the university’s first Centre of Advanced Study.
He also served five years as a professor at Ohio State University before returning to India, eventually leading PU as Vice-Chancellor from 1985 to 1991 — a period marked by significant institutional growth.
“Panjab University was preparing to celebrate both the centenary of the Punjab School of Mathematics and Prof Bambah’s 100th birthday this September. His passing is a monumental loss to mathematics, the university, and society,” said PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig.
The academic community has been left in mourning. Prof Rajinder Jeet Hans-Gill, one of his former students, recalled meeting him last week. “Even though he was unwell, he was alert and engaged — still discussing mathematical problems. His passing has come as a shock.”
A statement from the family underscored his deep commitment to academia: “The university was his whole life. Perhaps the only thing he cared about more was mathematics. He followed developments on YouTube and never missed reading the Chandigarh Tribune for updates on the university.”
The Panjab University Teachers’ Association, in a condolence message, said Prof Bambah had left “an indelible mark” on the institution. “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 lifelong dedication to advancing knowledge.”
