IIT Delhi sets up chair for research in chemistry

Institute alumni and their siblings endow the chair in honour of their father, NK Jha.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has established NK Jha Chair for research in chemistry to honour the former professor of the department. The children of NK Jha, a former member of the chemistry faculty at IIT Delhi, have endowed the chair to support research and training in the chemistry department of the institute.  

NK Jha was among the earliest members of the chemistry department starting as a lecturer in 1965 and retiring as professor in 1997 and serving as head of the Department and Chairman of Departmental Research Committee. He is known for his work on the discovery of hitherto unknown noble gas compounds that he did for his PhD with Neil Bartlett at the University of British Columbia.  

Jha’s children said, “It is a privilege for us to establish the professor NK Jha Chair in honour of our father. We hope that the establishment of this chair will further advance research and teaching in the department, which has always been dear to our father.” 

Narayanan Kurur, head of the Department of Chemistry said, “It is a pleasure to establish the NK Jha Chair in chemistry. He has been a distinguished faculty member from 1965-1997 and a well-known researcher in the field of inorganic chemistry. The confidence of the benefactors in the department inspires us and their generosity propels us forward.” 

V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi, said, “We hope that Prof Jha’s dedication towards teaching and research inspires every occupant of this chair to give their best to the institute and the country. There can be no better way to honour the legacy of a parent and we are grateful to his children for such a wonderful gesture.” 
Read more: 

• JNTUH invites applications for dual degree courses 
• IET Lucknow to hold spot counselling for MTech admissions 
• Andhra Pradesh reserves 35% BTech, agri seats in pvt universities, fixes fee structure