Eminent physicist G. Rajasekaran dies

G. Rajasekaran, renowned particle physicist and emeritus professor at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences died on Monday at the age of 87.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters. Born in Kamuthi in Ramanathapuram district in 1936, Guruswamy Rajasekaran did his undergraduate degree in Madras Christian College and was among the few who listened to a lecture by Nobel Laureate C.V. Raman.

He was among the first batch of students who trained under Homi Bhaba in the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. He later got his doctorate from Chicago University in 1962.

Rajasekaran joined the University of Madras and later moved to the Institute of Mathematical Sciences in the early 1980s. Until his retirement in 2001, he was its Joint Director. He has since been emeritus professor.

Fondly known as Rajaji to his associates and students, he has trained many in the field of particle physics and nuclear physics. Rajasekaran was involved in the Indian Neutrino Project. “It was his dream and ambition to establish the project,” a student of his, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled.

He has written books on science in Tamil and also penned his autobiography.