Meet Indian genius who fled to Delhi from Pakistan, worked at two IITs, awarded India’s top science award for…

In the small village of Chahal Kalan, now in Pakistan, a boy born in 1933 would go on to become a titan in the world of physics. Kasturi Lal Chopra, after witnessing the upheaval of the Partition, moved with his family to Delhi, where his remarkable academic journey began. Topping his matriculation exams at DAV School in 1948, Chopra earned a BSc. (Hons.) in 1952 and an MSc. in Physics in 1954 from Delhi University.

His academic brilliance earned him a PhD in Low Temperature Physics from the University of British Columbia, Canada, as a World University Service Fellow. Chopra's postdoctoral journey took him to prestigious institutions such as the Royal Military College of Canada and the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin.

In 1970, Chopra returned to India, accepting a position as Senior Professor at IIT Delhi. There, he established the Thin Film Laboratory, spearheading groundbreaking research that positioned IIT Delhi as a leading centre for solid-state physics. His innovations in thin film technology led to numerous U.S. patents and significant know-how transfers to industries worldwide.

Chopra’s contributions extended beyond IIT Delhi. In 1987, Chopra's expertise led him to IIT Kharagpur as Director, where he founded the Microscience Laboratory and made significant strides until 1997. Post-retirement, he continued to influence the scientific community as Chair Professor of Renewable Energy at the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA). 

As the Director of IIT Kharagpur, he founded the Microscience Laboratory and continued to inspire and mentor students and faculty alike.  His work earned him over 400 published papers, authorship of several seminal books, and numerous recognitions, including the SS Bhatnagar Prize, the Padma Shri, the FICCI Award, and the Bhabha Award.

Prof. Chopra's legacy is not just in his research but in his dedication to education and ethical scientific practices. He served on editorial boards of international journals, delivered lectures globally, and held fellowships in prestigious academies, including the American Physical Society and the Indian National Science Academy.

Today, Prof. Kasturi Lal Chopra's story remains a light of inspiration, showcasing how perseverance and passion can turn adversity into triumph, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific world.