He was born in Chinani, India and, after receiving a variety of graduate degrees in both India and England, he joined the Cornell University faculty in 1958. His career was characterized by innovative research and rigorous teaching. From 1975 to 1985, he was Director of the Cornell Laboratory of Plasma Studies and from 1985-87, he was Director of a recently established Center for Theory and Simulation in Science and Engineering.

His many awards included the 1989 Maxwell Prize in Plasma Physics of the American Physical Society, of which he was a Fellow. He was a past Chairman of the Plasma Science Committee of the National Research Council and also a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He published over 225 papers.

In 1996 he suffered a major medical setback that ended his active research career. He made a remarkable recovery, however, that allowed him to host visiting scientists and graduate students and to attend occasional conferences.

He is survived by his wife, Dipali, a daugther, Rajani, a son, Ranjeet, two grandchildren, and a brother, Virenda.

A memorial honoring his life is planned at Cornell University on Saturday, August 29, beginning at 3 PM. Persons wishing to send condolences or to request information on the memorial event should contact his daughter Rajani at rsudan@mail.smu.edu