Eminent scientist & Padma Shri recipient Prafulla Kumar Jena is no more. He passed away at the age of 92 on March 7.
Jena had been instrumental in developing scientific infrastructure in Odisha. He made Odisha proud for being the first Odia to serve as the director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of the Government of India.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took to his Twitter handle to express his condolence at the passing away of the great scientist.
“Deeply saddened by the news of the demise of noted scientist & Padma Shri recipient Prafulla Kumar Jena. He will always be remembered for his contribution to the field of science and research, particularly in the field of metallurgy. I pray for the peace of the departed soul and express my sympathy for the bereaved family,” read the Odia Tweet.
The state government has announced that the final rites of the scientist will be performed with full state honours.
Jena played a key role in the establishment of 'Pathani Samanta' Planetarium, Institute of Physics, and the Science Park. He was the scientific adviser to former Prime Minister Late Indira Gandhi and one of the friends of former President of India Late APJ Abdul Kalam.