Dr. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, the officiating Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University and an internationally recognized food microbiologist, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 60 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Siliguri. Sources indicate that Dr. Tamang was admitted just a day prior due to a rapid decline in his health.
Born on November 18, 1961, in Darjeeling, Dr. Tamang was a prominent figure in the study of fermented foods and traditional alcoholic beverages across the Himalayan region and Southeast Asia. With nearly four decades of experience in research and academia, he was esteemed for his scientific work and was a fellow of multiple national science academies.
Sikkim’s Governor Om Prakash Mathur expressed profound sorrow over Dr. Tamang’s passing, describing the loss as “deeply saddening.” In his condolence message, he conveyed heartfelt sympathy to Dr. Tamang’s family, friends, and the academic community, noting that his death represents an irreparable loss to both the scientific fraternity in the region and the nation.
Dr. Tamang began his academic journey in 1986 and joined Sikkim University in 2011. During his tenure, he advanced to the position of Senior Professor in Microbiology, serving in significant roles such as Registrar, Dean of the School of Life Sciences, and eventually as the Officiating Vice Chancellor. His unmatched contributions to the university and the broader scientific community were widely acknowledged.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Tamang received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the National Bioscience Award for Career Development in 2004 and the Gourmand World Cookbook Award in 2010. He was honored as a Kimchi Ambassador by the South Korean government and held the ICIMOD-Mountain Chair, signifying his influence and importance in his field.
Chief Minister PS Golay also mourned Dr. Tamang’s untimely passing. He spoke highly of Dr. Tamang as an exemplary academic and a dedicated leader, emphasizing the indelible impact his research and commitment to academic excellence have left on Sikkim University and the wider educational sphere. Golay extended condolences on behalf of the people of Sikkim and prayed for peace for Dr. Tamang’s soul, hoping his legacy would inspire future generations.
Dr. Tamang is survived by his wife, son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista reflected on his lasting contributions as a pioneering microbiologist and respected food scientist, noting his dedicated focus on studying fermented foods from the Himalayan regions. Bista expressed deep condolences to Dr. Tamang’s family and friends, highlighting the significant loss felt by the academic community in Darjeeling and Sikkim.
Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling also paid tribute, emphasizing Dr. Tamang’s pioneering work on ethnic fermented foods that has enriched the understanding of traditional knowledge systems. Chamling recognized Dr. Tamang as not only a dedicated scholar but also an influential academic leader, expressing condolences to his family and colleagues.
The Citizen Action Party Sikkim president, Ganesh Rai, lamented Dr. Tamang’s sudden death, calling it an “irreplaceable void” in the region’s academic and intellectual circles. He remembered Dr. Tamang as a brilliant scholar and compassionate leader whose contributions will resonate for generations.
Sikkim University, where Dr. Tamang made significant contributions, also mourned the loss of their officiating Vice Chancellor. Over his distinguished career, he authored over 200 research papers and 10 books, gaining more than 10,500 citations, a testament to his influence in the field. Dr. Tamang also chaired the Scientific Panel on Alcoholic Beverages of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Dr. Jyoti Prakash Tamang’s legacy as a transformative figure in food microbiology and higher education stands as a guiding light for future scholars and researchers.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/eminent-educationist-jp-tamang-passes-away
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