Khanna-born scientist in Stanford varsity list

Lovleen Bains

Doraha, December 10

Born in Khanna, Dr Jatinder Vir Yakhmi, an eminent scientist who was Advisor to Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, and Associate Director of Physics Group of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) before his retirement in 2010, has made it to the world’s top 2 per cent most-cited scientists as per a list published by Stanford University.

Dr Yakhmi did his schooling at AS Higher Secondary School, Khanna, featuring in the merit list in 1962. His name is also listed in the “Hall of Fame” of the school.

After obtaining an honours degree in physics from Kurukshetra University, he shifted to Mumbai in 1965 to join the chemistry division of BARC, then called Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay, as a scientist. Over the years, he acquired specialised multi-disciplinary research expertise in condensed matter. A 1975 PhD in physics from Mumbai University, his focus of research has been in the areas of magnetism, superconductivity and soft matter.

Before his retirement from BARC, he had the distinction of heading for nearly 10 years its technical physics and prototype engineering division, a beehive of innovations in applications, devices and development of indigenous instruments for applied research. He is credited with initiating a programme of research on the use of molecular materials for the fabrication of magnets, sensors, bio-sensors and organic electronic devices at BARC.

Dr Yakhmi, who did all his school studies in the light of a kerosene lamp, there being no electricity at his home, has done his town proud.

A part of his heart is always in Khanna. Three years ago, he wrote an article on the current state of education in AS Senior Secondary School in Khanna after his nostalgic trip to its campus. Currently, he dedicates his webinars to his trigonometry teacher in 1962, KL Batta. He reverently explains that he has not come across a better mathematics teacher all his life. He also gives full credit to his proficiency in English language to Principal Madan Gopal Chopra of his school.

Principal, AS College Khanna, Dr Rajtinder Jhanji, who has great reverence for this esteemed personality, said, “Dr Yakhmi visits his joint family in Khanna once a year. He talks to me on phone sometimes to check about the current goings-on in the education of school and college students at Khanna.”

A much sought-after speaker, he has delivered over 425 invited lectures, of which 150 were delivered in reputed international labs in North America, Europe, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, Thailand, Singapore and Russia, and 48 other conferences, including the prestigious Gordon conferences.

An author of 450 publications, including those in peer-reviewed international journals, and review articles, he holds a US and European patent on artificial heart.

Dr Jatinder Vir Yakhmi is among the world’s top 2 per cent most-cited scientists as per a list published by Stanford University.

An inspiring career

Dr Jatinder Vir Yakhmi, a 1975 PhD in physics from Mumbai University, has researched in areas of magnetism, superconductivity and soft matter. He is credited with initiating a programme of research on the use of molecular materials for the fabrication of magnets, sensors, bio-sensors and organic electronic devices at BARC. A much sought-after speaker, he has delivered over 425 invited lectures, of which 150 were delivered in reputed international labs in North America, Europe, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, Thailand, Singapore and Russia, and 48 other conferences, including the prestigious Gordon conferences.