Great journeys rarely begin in comfort, and the life of Rajpal Singh Sirohi is a shining testimony to this timeless truth. Born on 7 April 1943 in the quiet village of Sehra in Uttar Pradesh, to a humble farmer’s family, his story is not just one of academic brilliance but of grit, clarity of purpose, and an unwavering belief in the power of education.
Rajpal Singh Sirohi: Early Life Rooted in Simplicity, Driven by Curiosity
Education for young Sirohi began in a basic village school, where resources were few but hope was abundant. His journey through Bhawan Bahadur Nagar and later SB Inter College shaped not just his intellect but also his resilience. From Meerut College to Meerut University, his love for physics began to crystallize.
Yet it was at IIT Delhi, where he earned both his Post M.Sc. Diploma (1965) and Ph.D. (1970), that the world of optical science opened up to him in full brilliance. This was the beginning of a lifelong relationship with optics—one that would later redefine India’s scientific contributions in this field.
From Scientist to Global Scholar: A Career of Impact
The career of Rajpal Singh Sirohi traverses continents, disciplines, and decades.
He began as a Scientific Officer at IISc Bangalore, sharpening his research instincts in one of India’s finest scientific institutions. His academic journey then took him to the University of Pennsylvania, an experience that deepened his global perspective and enriched his scientific worldview.
Upon returning to India, he joined IIT Madras, where he taught and conducted pioneering research for nearly three decades. His contributions in areas such as:
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Optical metrology
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Holography
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Speckle interferometry
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Laser instrumentation
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Whole-field optical measurement techniques
placed him among the foremost experts in optical engineering.
Across Germany, the United States, and Singapore, he served as a visiting professor, distinguished scholar, and Humboldt Fellow, representing India’s scientific excellence on the world stage.
Rajpal Singh Sirohi: A Transformational Leader: Director, Vice-Chancellor, Vision Builder
Leadership is most powerful when touched by vision—and Rajpal Singh Sirohi led with both.
At IIT Delhi, he served not just as an alumnus or faculty member, but as the Director, steering the institute through years of academic strengthening and global recognition. His administrative brilliance later guided universities across India, including:
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Barkatullah University
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Amity University Jaipur
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Invertis University
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Shobhit University
As Chairman of governing bodies such as NSIT Delhi and NCSM Kolkata, he shaped policies that continue to benefit India’s scientific ecosystem.
Even today, as the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Chair Professor at Tezpur University and Senior Editor of Optical Engineering (SPIE, USA), he remains a guiding force for the next generation of researchers.
A Legacy Etched in Awards, Books, and Global Recognition
Few scientists receive the sheer range of national and international honors that adorn the legacy of Rajpal Singh Sirohi. His awards include:
International Honors
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Humboldt Research Award (1995)
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Galileo Galilei Award (1995)
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Albert Einstein Silver Medal, UNESCO (2000)
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13th Khwarizmi International Award (2000)
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Gabor Award, SPIE USA (2009)
National Awards
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Sir C.V. Raman Award (UGC)
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NRDC Technology Invention Award
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Life-Time Achievement Award – Optical Society of India
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Distinguished Alumni Award – IIT Delhi (2013)
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Padma Shri (2004)
Among his most enduring contributions are his 430+ research papers and numerous books, which continue to serve as foundational references in optical metrology.