Dr. Jyoti Prakash Tamang, the officiating Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University, passed away while undergoing treatment in Siliguri. His demise has left the academic community in shock, as faculty, students, and peers remember him for his immense contributions to higher education and research. He breathed his last late on Monday, after being admitted to a hospital in Siliguri following a sudden health complication.
Dr. Tamang, a respected microbiologist and professor in the Department of Microbiology at Sikkim University, had been serving as the officiating Vice Chancellor since late 2023. Known for his quiet demeanor and scholarly rigor, he was a leading expert in fermented foods and had worked extensively on traditional Himalayan food cultures. His research gained international recognition, and his work placed Sikkim and its food heritage on the global scientific map.
The university administration confirmed the news of his passing early Tuesday morning. Students and faculty members gathered on campus to pay their respects. A condolence meeting was held at the Central Library Hall, where emotional tributes poured in from colleagues, researchers, and the student community. Many spoke of his humility, visionary academic leadership, and tireless efforts to strengthen Sikkim University’s research ecosystem.
Local and state dignitaries expressed grief over his sudden demise. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang extended his condolences and described Dr. Tamang as a “pillar of knowledge” whose absence would be deeply felt across the academic and scientific communities. The Chief Minister also acknowledged Dr. Tamang’s efforts in promoting indigenous knowledge systems through modern scientific methods.
Under his leadership, the university had recently initiated several new research projects and collaborations with national and international institutions. Colleagues noted that Dr. Tamang was committed to enhancing the quality of education and providing a global platform for students from Sikkim and the Northeast. He advocated for curriculum reforms and emphasized interdisciplinary research, especially in food science, microbiology, and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Tamang held several academic and administrative roles over the course of his career. Before becoming the officiating Vice Chancellor, he had served as Dean of School of Life Sciences at Sikkim University. His scholarly contributions included several published books, peer-reviewed research articles, and academic lectures delivered worldwide. He received multiple national and international awards for his pioneering work in microbiology and food fermentation.
Family members, relatives, and close friends gathered in Siliguri as the arrangements were being made to bring his mortal remains to his hometown in Sikkim for the final rites. Several universities from across India sent their condolences, and many plan to hold remembrance events in honor of his legacy.
Sikkim University declared a day of mourning and suspended all classes and administrative work for Tuesday. The university flag flew at half-mast as students and staff members lit candles and observed a two-minute silence. University officials said they will soon set up a memorial committee to honor Dr. Tamang’s contributions and establish a research scholarship in his name.
As news of his death spread, tributes flooded social media. Former students remembered him as a compassionate mentor who never hesitated to support young researchers. Messages from national and international academic circles reflected the far-reaching influence of his work. His dedication to traditional knowledge and scientific innovation will continue to inspire future generations.
Dr. Jyoti Prakash Tamang’s passing marks the end of an era at Sikkim University. His vision, leadership, and scholarship played a vital role in shaping the institution’s identity. As the university and the larger academic community mourn his loss, they also prepare to carry forward his legacy with renewed purpose and gratitude.
Following the news of Dr. Tamang’s passing, the academic community across the Northeast began organizing memorial lectures and seminars to celebrate his scientific contributions. Several universities, including North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and Assam University, announced plans to host events in his memory, emphasizing his role in promoting regional knowledge systems through a global lens.
Many of Dr. Tamang’s colleagues from international institutions, such as universities in Japan, South Korea, and Germany, where he had previously collaborated, issued heartfelt statements expressing their admiration and grief. They highlighted his rare ability to bridge traditional practices with advanced scientific methodologies, particularly in the field of probiotics and indigenous food preservation.
In the days leading up to his illness, Dr. Tamang had been actively involved in drafting a new academic policy to promote local language publications and facilitate multilingual learning at Sikkim University. The proposal, which was still under review, reflected his broader commitment to inclusive education and regional empowerment.
His students plan to compile a special academic journal edition featuring his most impactful work, alongside tributes from peers and mentees. The project aims to preserve his insights for future scholars and to serve as a permanent reminder of his academic legacy.
With his passing, Sikkim University loses not just an administrator, but a visionary scientist and mentor. The institution now prepares to transition leadership while holding firm to the values he championed—excellence, inclusivity, and cultural respect rooted in scientific progress.