Obituary - Dr Adhikarimayum Surjalal Sharma
- 10 January 2024 : NAMA (North American Manipur Association) -
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Dr Adhikarimayum Surjalal Sharma
Dr. Adhikarimayum Surjalal Sharma, an esteemed astrophysics scientist and educator at the University of Maryland, USA passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. His departure has left a profound void felt not only within scientific circles but also among the entire Manipuri diaspora in North America. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dilli Sharma, and their two adult sons, Tonku and Khagi.
Dr. Surjalal Sharma was born to Adhikarimayum Amuba Sharma and Adhikarimayum ongbi Sanatombi on October 1, 1951 at Brahmapur Aribam Leikai, Imphal, Manipur, India. He grew up in Imphal where he attended Johnstone Hr. Secondary school.
Subsequently educated at the University of Delhi and the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, Prof. Surjalal’s global journey mirrored his dedication to fostering collaborations in research and education.
Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Sharma traversed the globe, contributing to various renowned institutions. His tenure included significant roles at esteemed institutions such as the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy, the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Germany, and the UKAEA Culham Science Centre in the UK. His journey led him to the University of Maryland in the United States where he made substantial contributions as the Director of the Goddard Planetary Heliophysics Institute and as an esteemed astrophysics educator.
Returning to his roots, Prof. Sharma played a pivotal role as the founding director of the Research Institute of Science and Technology in Imphal. His invaluable leadership and vision guided the institute towards excellence in scientific pursuits.
Prof. A. Surjalal Sharma’s distinguished career was adorned with numerous accolades and honors, including the NASA Group Achievement Award, American Geophysical Union Lorenz Lecturer, and the University of Maryland Distinguished Research Scientist Prize, among others. His impact extended beyond borders, being recognized as a Foreign Fellow of the Indian Geophysical Union and a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
Prof. Surjalal was not only a scholarly luminary but also a guiding force at NAMA (North American Manipur Association). As a founding member, past president and Chair of its Board of Trustees, he played a pivotal role in nurturing Manipuri heritage in North America and, supporting educational and humanitarian causes in Manipur.
NAMA, a non-political and secular organization dedicated to fostering and promoting the social, cultural, and educational heritages of the people of Manipur in North America for more than 30 years, benefited immensely from Prof. Surjalal’s unwavering commitment and visionary leadership. Known lovingly to all as Tamo Surjalal, his efforts fortified NAMA's unwavering stance in defending any just cause affecting Manipur and its people, regardless of community or origin.
Dr. Surjalal Sharma’s life was an exquisite tapestry interwoven with academic brilliance and a spirit for adventure. From scaling the heights of scientific research to conquering Mt. Fuji alongside an international team of scientists, Dr. Surjalal’s legacy extends far beyond academic boundaries. His profound impact on scientific inquiry, dedication to Manipuri heritage preservation, and commitment to fostering academic collaborations will forever resonate within the academic community and the Manipuri diaspora.
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Prof. Sharma cherished his family and community dearly, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration. His life's work, interwoven with NAMA's noble mission, illuminates a path for those fortunate enough to have been touched by his brilliance and warmth.
In honoring Prof. Surjalal Sharma’s life and contributions, we commemorate an exceptional scientist, an inspiring educator, a visionary leader, and a genuinely compassionate human whose legacy will endure through future generations of scientists and Manipuris worldwide.
The NAMA Executive Team
http://www.namaonline.org/
https://www.facebook.com/nama.manipur
* This info was provided by The NAMA Executive Team who can be contacted at namagroups(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was posted on 11 January 2024 .
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