Renowned Mathematician and Former PU Vice Chancellor Prof. R.P. Bambah Passes Away

Renowned Mathematician and Former PU Vice Chancellor Prof. R.P. Bambah Passes Away

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ May 26,2025

Panjab University (PU) today organised a condolence meeting to mourn the demise of former PU Vice Chancellor and Professor Emeritus, Professor R.P. Bambah.

Offering rich tributes to Padma Bhushan awardee Prof. Bambah, PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig described him as a globally acclaimed mathematician, a towering figure in Indian academia, and one of the most distinguished former Vice Chancellors of Panjab University. “Remembered for his extraordinary blend of brilliance, humility, and institutional devotion, Prof. Bambah inspired countless students, faculty, and administrators. His belief in the transformative power of education remains a guiding light for the academic community,” she added.

While recalling his contributions to the University, Prof. Vig said that during his tenure as Vice Chancellor from 1985 to 1991, Prof. Bambah steered Panjab University through a defining era marked by academic growth, infrastructural development, and a steadfast commitment to excellence—even during challenging times. Post-retirement, he continued to guide the University as Professor Emeritus and as a long-serving member of the PU Senate, providing invaluable intellectual and moral leadership, added Prof. Vig.

Prof. Vig said that under Professor Bambah’s guidance, PU became home to the country’s first Centre for Advanced Study in Mathematics — a milestone that significantly enhanced the University’s academic standing. She referred to Prof. Bambah’s pioneering work in number theory and discrete geometry, particularly in lattice coverings and Ramanujan’s tau function, which garnered international recognition.

While extending heartfelt condolences to his family, students, colleagues, and admirers, Prof. Vig said, “In his passing, we have lost a giant — but his legacy will continue to illuminate our path for generations to come.”

Renowned Mathematician and Former PU Vice Chancellor Prof. R.P. Bambah Passes Away. Reflecting on his legacy, former Vice Chancellor Prof. Arun K. Grover said, “Prof. Bambah was not just a mathematician of international renown but a statesman of Indian higher education. He was a mentor to many, and his vision and values shaped the academic culture of Panjab University for decades. His scholarship elevated Indian mathematics on the world stage, and his personal integrity set a benchmark for academic leadership.”

Dean of University Instruction Prof. Yojna Rawat, Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma, Controller of Examinations Prof. Jagat Bhushan, Finance & Development Officer CA Vikram Nayyar, Professor Emeritus Prof. Pam Rajput, Dr. Surinder Pal Singh Kainth, Chairperson, Department of Mathematics, along with various senior faculty and staff members, also paid tributes in the meeting.