Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 19:30 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 02:34 [IST]
GANGTOK, : Sikkim University officiating Vice Chancellor and internationally
acclaimed food microbiologist Dr. Jyoti Prakash Tamang passed away on Tuesday
while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Siliguri. He was 60.
According
to sources, Dr. Tamang had been admitted to the hospital a day earlier
following a sudden deterioration in his health.
Born
on November 18, 1961 in Darjeeling, Dr. Tamang was a leading authority on
fermented foods and traditional alcoholic beverages of the Himalayan and
Southeast Asian regions. With nearly four decades of research and teaching
experience, he was widely recognised for his scientific contributions and was a
fellow of several national science academies.
Governor
Om Prakash Mathur expressed deep sorrow on the passing of Prof Dr. Jyoti
Prakash Tamang, acting Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim Central University.
“The
news of the demise of Professor Jyoti Prakash Tamang, Acting Vice-Chancellor of
Sikkim Central University and Senior Professor (Microbiology), is deeply
saddening,” said the Governor in his condolence message.
“I
extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the academic
community. His demise is an irreparable loss to the scientific fraternity of
the region and the nation,” said the Governor.
Dr.
Tamang began his academic career in 1986 and joined Sikkim University in 2011,
where he rose to the rank of Senior Professor in Microbiology. He held several
key positions at the university, including Registrar, Dean of the School of
Life Sciences, and eventually Officiating Vice Chancellor. His contributions to
the university and the broader scientific community were immense.
He
was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the National
Bioscience Award for Career Development in 2004, the United Nations Association
of University Women Award in 1996, and the Gourmand World Cookbook Award in
2010. He was also conferred the title of Kimchi Ambassador by the Government of
South Korea and held the ICIMOD-Mountain Chair.
Chief
Minister PS Golay expressed grief over Dr. Tamang’s demise.
“I
am deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Dr. Jyoti Prakash
Tamang, Officiating Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim University, who left us this
morning.
Dr.
Tamang was an esteemed academician and a dedicated leader in the field of
higher education. His valuable contributions to research and academic
excellence have left an indelible mark on Sikkim University and the academic
community at large.”
“On
behalf of the people of Sikkim, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his
family, relatives, colleagues, and students during this difficult hour of
grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace and his legacy continue to inspire
generations to come,” wrote the Chief Minister in his Facebook post.
Dr.
Tamang is survived by his wife, son, daughter, son-in-law and grandson.
Darjeeling
MP Raju Bista recalled Dr. Tamang’s contributions as a pioneering
microbiologist and respected food scientist.
“..he
devoted 39 years to studying fermented foods and alcoholic beverages of the
Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Southeast Asia… During this
difficult time, I share my deepest condolences to his family, friends and the
academic community of our region. His death is a grave loss for the people of
Darjeeling-Sikkim region, and the scientific community in India..,” Bista
wrote.
Former
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling also paid his tribute, remembering Dr. Tamang as
a dedicated academic leader and research scholar.
“..Dr.
Tamang’s pioneering research on ethnic fermented foods and beverages of the
Himalayan regions and beyond has left an indelible mark on the scientific
community and enriched our understanding of traditional knowledge systems.
A
dedicated scholar and academic leader, Dr. Tamang also served in various key
capacities, including as Senior Professor of Microbiology, Registrar, Dean of
the School of Life Sciences, and Officiating Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim
University.
His
loss is not only a profound one for the university but for the entire State. My
thoughts are with his family, colleagues, students, and all who mourn his
passing. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to guide and
inspire,” Chamling wrote in his Facebook post.
Citizen
Action Party Sikkim president Ganesh Rai also condoled Dr. Tamang’s death,
stating, “…His sudden passing this morning in Siliguri has left an
irreplaceable void in the academic and intellectual community of our region.
Dr. Tamang was not just a brilliant scholar but also a compassionate leader
whose contributions will be remembered for generations. My heartfelt
condolences to his family, colleagues, and students. This is a monumental loss
for Sikkim and the entire Northeast”.
Sikkim
University also mourned the sudden demise of its officiating Vice Chancellor.
During
his career, Dr. Tamang published more than 200 research papers, authored 10
books with more than 10,500 citations with an h-index of 55. He was also the chairman of Scientific Panel on Alcoholic Beverages of Food
Safety and Standards Authority of India.
