Kolkata, May 18, 2025

 

It is with profound sorrow that the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) announces the sad demise of Dr. Saroj Ghose, an iconic figure in India's science communication landscape and a pioneering force behind the science museum movement in the country. Dr. Ghose breathed his last on May 17, 2025 at 11:35 am Pacific Time in Seattle, USA, at the age of 89. As per his wishes, his mortal remains are being donated to the Washington University for scientific research. This was shared by his family members.

 

A globally respected museum specialist and science communicator, Dr. Ghose was the founding Director General of NCSM and served in that capacity from 1979 to 1997 and is fondly remembered as the architect of India's network of science centres and museums. He envisioned and executed the development of a decentralised model of science museums across India, making science accessible, interactive, and inspiring to millions. His tireless efforts earned him the title of "Bhishma Pitamah of Indian Science Museums".

 

Dr. Ghose’s illustrious career was marked by numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan (2007), and the Padma Shri (1989), awarded by the Government of India. He also served as President of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in Paris. He was one of the founding fathers of NCSM and played a crucial role in designing landmark institutions such as the Science City in Kolkata, the National Science Centre in New Delhi, and the Nehru Science Centre in Mumbai.

 

A brilliant academician, he held degrees from Harvard University. Even after retirement, he continued to advise national and international bodies on museum development, heritage preservation, and science communication strategies. Some of his major contributions after his retirement from NCSM were Town Hall Museum at Kolkata, Parliament Museum, New Delhi and Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum, New Delhi. He also played a key role in the development of Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad.

 In his passing, India has lost a visionary who laid the foundations for a scientific temper in society through informal education.

 Dr. Saroj Ghose’s life will continue to inspire generations to come.

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SSS/18.5.25/....

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