Remembering Dr. Pachauri

Family, Friends and Colleagues Mourn: Rajendra Pachauri Dies, His Legacy Lives On

Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri (born 20 August 1940), who has been a leading voice on climate change and environment, passed away peacefully in New Delhi at his residence on the evening of 13^th February 2020.

The former head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) recently underwent a major cardiac surgery. Before his health deteriorated, he was directing efforts towards two organizations which he recently founded POP (Protect Our Planet) Movement and the World Sustainable Development Forum. Preparations were full swing for the Second Edition of the World Sustainable Development Forum which was scheduled to be held in Durango, Mexico in March 2020. This event will go on as scheduled as a tribute to Dr. Pachauri.

R.K Pachauri was born in Nainital, India. He was educated at La Martiniere College in Lucknow and at the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in Jamalpur, Bihar. He belonged to the 1958 Batch of Special Class Railway Apprentices, a prestigious program which heralded the beginning of mechanical engineering education in India. He began his career with the Indian Railways at the Diesel Locomotive Works in Varanasi. He joined North Carolina State University in Raleigh, United States, where he obtained an MS in Industrial Engineering in 1972, and a PhD with co-majors in Industrial Engineering and Economics in 1974. His doctoral thesis was on energy demand forecasting.

Dr. Pachauri joined TERI as Director in 1982. His efforts and dedication ensured that TERI grew from a small documentation center to a multi-dimensional research institute with impeccable reputation over the world. Under his leadership, TERI undertook pioneering work in the field of climate change and sustainable development, with over 1200 employees. Dr. Pachauri was the chairman of IPCC, a post he held from April 2002 until February 2015, during which time the organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. At the Nobel Peace Prize Awards ceremony in Oslo, Norway, Pachauri referenced his belief that the Hindu philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', which means 'the whole universe is one family' in the context of international efforts to protect the global commons. He served as Assistant Professor (August 1974 – May 1975) and Visiting Faculty Member (Summer 1976 and 1977) in the Department of Economics and Business at North Carolina State University. He was a Visiting Professor of Resource Economics at the College of Mineral and Energy Resources, West Virginia University. On his return to India, he joined the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, as Member Senior Faculty (June 1975 – June 1979) and went on to become Director, Consulting and Applied Research Division (July 1979 – March 1981).

Dr. Pachauri has received the second highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, from the Government of India. In January 2008, the President of India awarded him the “Padma Vibhushan”, India’s second highest civilian honor, for his services in the field of science and engineering. He was also bestowed the ‘Officier De La Légion D’Honneur’ by the Government of France in 2006; the 'Commander of the Order of Leopold II' by the King of Belgians in July 2009; the 'Commander of the Order of the White Rose of Finland' by the Prime Minister of Finland in February 2010, 'The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star' by His Majesty Akihito, Emperor of Japan in April 2010 and Mexican Order of the 'Aztec Eagle' by the President of Mexico in June, 2012. In July 2013, he was conferred with the Pico della Mirandola Prize by the Foundation Cassa di Risparmio di Mirandola. Dr. Pachauri received more than 26 honorary doctorate degrees and distinguished awards from the various governments.

Dr. Pachauri had endured a lot of hardships, mental and physical, unfortunately, and his health took a turn for the worse. Dr. Pachauri dedicated his entire life to the cause of environment and sustainable development. His vision to establish the POP (Protect Our Planet) Movement was that it would be the youth who would be at the forefront of climate ambition and climate action. He envisaged that the World Sustainable Development Forum would serve a constructivist function of deliberations and outreach involving government, political representatives, business sector, celebrities, civil society, youth and thought leaders. His family and friends call upon well-wishers and like-minded people to support these efforts and help take his vision forward." RATHER than Dr. Pachauri has been enduring a lot of hardships, mental and physical, unfortunately, his health took a turn for the worse. Dr. Pachauri dedicated his entire life to the cause of environment and sustainable development. His vision to establish Protect Our Planet was that it would be the youth who would be at the forefront of climate ambition and climate action. He envisaged that the World Sustainable Development Forum would serve a constructivist function of deliberations and outreach involving government, political representatives, business sector, celebrities, civil society, youth and thought leaders. His family and friends call upon well-wishers and like-minded people to support these efforts and help take his vision forward.

Are you composing a Tagore song?

Dr. Anandajit Goswami | anandajit.teri@gmail.com

If you all think that this anecdote is about the noble bard you are deeply mistaken. But there is a nobel connection to the title. This was a question posed to me by another person who received the nobel peace prize on behalf of IPCC. Yes, this deep contextual teasing question would be posed to me by none other than our favorite angry Baba when I would miss any fiercely blasted shot or a catch coming straight at to me in the covers like a Canon ball but not as a cricket ball. He would expect me to catch hold of anything going within the neighborhood of 1 metre in the covers during his cricket match overs. This practice continued for 16 long years. So when I would miss a catch he would camouflage his passionate anger of a second through a deep teasing question and at the same time he would always tell me to be in covers and closer to him while he completed his overs. The teasing question of the deep humorist would be backed up by a faith bestowing statement - "Aap Fauladi Ho Isliye Covers Main Ho" for last 16 years. I would only smile at that moment of every Saturday when our matches used to happen. Why? I could only see a nature in him everytime with these statements - I saw the planet in him - angry, teasing, faith bestowing, satirical, humorous and to be cherished and remembered. Those statements and teasings still smile in me every Saturday.

Ms. Zainab Yusufzai

itszainab@gmail.com

This day was a very beautiful day, and is etched in my memory like a one of the most sweetest memories. My team at TERI planned a surprise party for my farewell. I was about to move to Canada.

Dr Pachauri was on his way for a meeting. He was in his car, but he returned his car and came back, to attend and be part of my farewell surprise get-together. I was so touched and we had a wonderful lovely last official lunch party together at TERI. He was a humble man and the most adorable boss. Our beloved Dr P.

!Dad forever in our hearts and thoughts!

Dr. Norma Patricia | norma@thepopmovement.org

Happy days together in Monterrey!

The most wonderful and unexpected experience in my life was meeting an outstanding scientist not only for his knowledge and wisdom but also as a sensitive, calm, affable and caring human being. The meeting with Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Patchy, was at my Institution during an extraordinary conference given for hundreds of young people eager to meet and listen to a Nobel Prize winner. A pleasant breakfast, in a place full of memories, was the ideal place to share with Patchy a first moment in the professional level, from this moment our first experience arose. Months later I was fortunate enough to accompany Patchy and Ash Pachauri in a series of meetings for the organization of the World Forum for Sustainable Development in Monterrey, Nuevo León and after long days and weeks, this experience became, on a personal level, the most heartfelt and wonderful sign of friendship, affection and respect between us. Finally came the unforgettable, the family relationship built with trust, love and an incredible affection that will last for the rest of our days. Today the Pachauri Family, my Family is part of my being and my existence as the greatest sample of what can be achieved with true feelings and great love among our great Family. Live forever among us dear Patchy.

Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr R.K. Pachauri

Dr Bharati Paliwal

Fellow, Area Convener, TERI Librarian, TERI University Librarian (1985 - 2016) (paliwalb@hotmail.com)

A tribute to Dr R K Pachauri, my humble thoughts and memories. Dr Pachauri - I will always miss you, I am deeply grateful and thankful to you. Dr Mrs Saroj Pachauri - I will always be with Pachauri family. Dr Rashmi, Dr Shonali and Dr Ash Pachauri – As you told me, “Dad left us one big family. We will always be that way.”

More...

Sunya Bhai- Cover page of my father first book 'Song of Life'

Mr. Rama Kant | kant.rama@gmail.com

Dear R.K.Pachauri Sahib,

It is heartening to learn about your cordial association with the saint of silence, Sunya Bhai. I too has warmed up myself with the speaking silence for several decades. On his way to Delhi in winter, he used to bless my home in Bareilly. Since my wife belongs to Almora, I used to visit Kalimath every year. For the last time I met in Almora, when he was to fly to the USA, but never to return in body. So sad it had been.

An idea, to publish his words of wisdom in printings within-I have some 200 handwritten letters and picture postcards, besides the typed ones. Please ponder over the issue. No hurry please. May the speaking silence of the Himalaya bless you with loving joyous ease.

Oh! What a great moment, Congratulations for Nobel prize for peace. I knew Mr. Algore and he has promised me to do something for the Himalayas Ecology. But I never heard about you. Indian media can not think beyond politicians, film stars and cricketers.
Now I have found one in you who can raise my voice to save the Himalayas.

Sincerely Yours
Radhey Shiam
17/27 Adarsh Nagar
ROORKEE-247667

Dr Pachauri's life was also influenced by Sunya Bhai very few close friends knew about this. My father's literary work also was a gift from Sunya Bhai. So Dr Pachauri helped us to publish legacy material to the website.

The Missing Bag

Sonal Bajaj | sonalb@teri.res.in

It was 2005, I had just joined TERI, I had a habit of putting my handbag on the top of my work-station, one day I had gone out for a meeting and when I came back, I realized that my handbag was missing. I asked everyone on the floor if anyone had seen my bag or did anyone come to my desk in my absence, but got no answers. I was feeling really sad, and by the end of the day, a little sour too as my licence, et al were in the handbag. It was then, Mr Sudheer Katoch suggested that I go and have a word with Dr Pachauri regarding the missing bag. I called Dr Pachauri’s office and asked if I could see Sir for 5 minutes, I went to his office and before I could say anything, he said that one should be more careful about one’s belongings and not tempt anyone, Dr Pachauri made me promise that I shall be more careful with everything. I was instructed to talk to Mr Vasan about the missing handbag. I came down and went straight to Mr Vasan, It was then that he narrated what happened, while Dr Pachauri was on a “Round” (all of us who have worked with him are familiar with this term), he looked at my desk and immediately gave some instructions. Mr Vasan was asked to HIDE my handbag for the day and was told that only after I met Dr Pachauri, the handbag should be handed back to me.

Dr. Nitya Nanda

For the last few years, it became a routine to wish Dr. Pachauri on his birthday, August 20. This is the first time, I will simply remember him, but he will not be there to appreciate my wish! Great men have great qualities. One great quality that I observed in him is that he always responded to all the messages - every mail, every SMS and every whatsapp message. He would even respond to not so significant forwarded messages! On one occasion, he was unwell and in hospital, yet he responded to my message taking the help of someone else! He always made you feel that you are important to him.

Memories