Professor MGK 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 on Tuesday.
He was 88 years old and had been ill for sometime. He has left behind his wife, a son and a daughter.
Menon, who served as a Minister of State for science and technology and education in the VP Singh government, had earlier worked as Secretary in the Departments of Science and Technology and Environment in the union government.
He had also headed the Indian Space Research Organisation in 1972 as its chairman, and was the director of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) at the age of 35.
A recipient of Padma awards including Padma Vibhushan, Menon had done scientific work in cosmic rays, particle physics and distinguished himself with investigations in the field.
Menon was a member of the Planning Commission (1982-1989), was scientific adviser to the Prime Minister (1986-1989), vice president, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) (1989-1990) and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) during 1990-96.
He was also a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of London.