Sikkim University grieves the loss of Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jyoti Prakash Tamang
Prof. Tamang had a long and fruitful association with Sikkim University. He joined the university on December 5, 2012, as its first Registrar.
LOCAL
Sikkim University is mourning the sudden and untimely death of its Acting Vice-Chancellor, Senior Professor Jyoti Prakash Tamang, who passed away on April 29, 2025. His passing has deeply shocked the university community, academic circles, and all who knew him.
Prof. Tamang was born on November 16, 1961, and was widely respected in the field of food microbiology. His research focused on the microbiome and the health benefits of fermented foods from different parts of the world. He used scientific evidence and modern research tools like multi-omics approaches to support his work. His contribution to science was not only recognized in India but also abroad.
Over the course of his long and distinguished career, Prof. Tamang published more than 200 research papers and wrote 10 books. His work has been cited more than 10,500 times by fellow researchers, and he had an impressive h-index of 55—an indicator of the significance and influence of his work. He was also a Fellow of all major science academies in India.
Prof. Tamang received the National Bio-Science Award from the Ministry of Science and Technology, one of the top awards in the field. He also held the prestigious position of Mountain Chair at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), further highlighting his deep commitment to scientific progress in mountain regions.
In addition to his research, Prof. Tamang served as the Chairman of the Scientific Panel on Alcoholic Beverages under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). His leadership helped shape important policies related to food safety and standards in the country.
Prof. Tamang had a long and fruitful association with Sikkim University. He joined the university on December 5, 2012, as its first Registrar. Later, he was appointed as a Professor in the Department of Microbiology on March 14, 2012. He eventually rose to become a Senior Professor in Microbiology and was serving as the Officiating Vice-Chancellor at the time of his passing.
His sudden death has created a huge void in the academic and research community of Sikkim and beyond. Students, colleagues, and staff remember him not only for his vast knowledge and dedication to education but also for his humble and kind nature. Many describe him as a teacher, guide, and visionary who always encouraged young minds to explore and question.
He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. The university community has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family. Plans are being made to organize a condolence meeting in his honor.