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.