Remembering Jayant Sahasrabuddhe: A Life in Service of Indigenous Science

Life has to end for everyone, but the sudden departure of great souls is a matter of particular surprise and sorrow. In this sense, the untimely demise of Shri Jayant Sahasrabuddhe ji is an irreparable loss. He worked continuously for many years for the indigenous science movement. He continuously tried to highlight scientific awareness in social and public life in the light of Indian knowledge tradition. 

Jayant Sahasrabuddhe ji was born on 17 April 1966 in Girgaum Mumbai; his father Shrikant Sahasrabuddhe was also associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He obtained his BE degree from the University of Mumbai, after which he worked for some time at BARC, Mumbai. In 1989, he left the job and became the pracharak of the Sangh. Jayant ji was the National Secretary of Vigyan Bharti since 2009. His image was that of an influential and skilled educator and organiser. His lectures on Art and Science, Nataraja and Science, Swami Vivekananda Ji and Science, the lives of Indian Scientists, including Mahendra Lal Sarkar, Prafulla Chandra Rai, Jagdish Chandra Bose, Meghnad Saha, CV Raman, etc. are unforgettable.

Jayant Rao ji gave his lectures in seminars and workshops and in many educational institutions of the country. On a similar occasion, on the occasion of World Environment Day, a tree plantation drive was conducted under the leadership of Jayantrao ji on the campus of Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi. Now, those plants have become trees and their foliage and shadows grace the area. Jayant Ji played an important role in reviving Indian culture and highlighting the importance of the ancient science of India.

His tireless efforts to preserve our rich tradition and spread awareness about the deep knowledge of our forefathers cannot be appreciated enough. Although he did not like to be praised,  today when he is no longer physically present in this world his talents and contributions should be celebrated. Jayant Ji had many dreams about which he used to inform his workers from time to time.

We all have to work together to take forward those dreams of Jayant ji. I myself was always inspired by his unwavering commitment and conscientious personality. His invaluable contribution has left an indelible mark on the lives of many of us, inspiring countless individuals to embrace our cultural roots and focus on scientific temper to serve the well-being of humanity. His selfless spirit and his positive impact influenced many lives. He supported the work of the National Service Scheme (NSS) running in the college and promoted its methods and objective. This is the reason why Jayant Ji not only became everyone’s favorite in small meetings but also made them his own. Once if he gave a suggestion, he used to bring it up in the next meeting in order to remind others of it.

Being himself a man of wisdom and deep-rooted knowledge and ideas, he also had great integrity. He dedicated his entire life selflessly to the nation. On his suggestion, Deshbandhu College’s newly created science section was named after the best scientist of India, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy. Getting people involved with science and serving humanity were his twin life missions. 

His spontaneous, soulful and intellectual personality will always give us strength. At the organizational level, he inspired many youths across the country to explore indigenous science for nation-building. His efficiency at work, leadership ability, versatile personality, singing talent and dedication will remain exemplary and unforgettable. This world is subject to the laws of nature, and change is the universal law that everyone has to accept. The body is only a means to serve certain ends. May God give the best place to the pious soul of Jayant Ji. Om Shanti!

Note: The author has closely worked with Jayant Ji as an activist of Vigyan Bharati (Vibha-RSS).