Bhubaneswar: Padma Shri Dr Prafulla Kumar Jena, a prominent scientist and a key figure in the establishment of science infrastructure in Odisha who was a close friend of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, passed away at his residence here on Tuesday. He was 92.
Dr Jena was the first Indian to be the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India. He played a leading role in establishing the Institute of Physics, Science Park, RRL and Pathani Samantha Planetarium.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep condolences at the passing away of Dr Jena. In his message, the Chief Minister said that Dr Jena was a genius scientist who encouraged, and inspired scientific research, especially in metallurgy.
With his sustained research, Dr Jena pioneered waste management processes as well as metal value recovery processes from industrial and mining wastes. He was instrumental in popularising science among students and played a key role in the establishment of several institutions of science and technology in Odisha, Patnaik said.
Describing Dr Jena’s death as a great loss to the state, the Chief Minister wished peace and tranquillity to the departed soul and conveyed his deep sympathies for the bereaved family members.
The state government has decided that the departed scientist will be cremated with state honours.
