New Delhi: M.G.K. Menon, an acclaimed physicist, who had played a prominent role in the development of science and technology in the country over the last five decades, died today.
He was 88 years old and had been ill for some time.
Menon, who served as a minister of state for science and technology and education in the V.P. Singh government, had earlier worked as secretary in the departments of science and technology and environment in the Union government. He was also chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation in 1972 and director of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research at the age of 35.
A Padma Vibhushan award recipient, Menon worked on cosmic rays and particle physics, and distinguished himself with investigations in the field.
Menon was a member of the Planning Commission (1982-1989), scientific advisor to the prime minister (1986-1989), vice president, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (1989-1990) and member of parliament, Rajya Sabha (1990-96).
He was also a fellow at the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of London.