Professor Rohini Godbole was an internationally renowned theoretical high-energy physicist, known for her contributions to particle physics. She specialized in elementary particle physics, field theory, and phenomenology, and hypothesized that the standard model for fundamental particles is incomplete, thus encouraging the scientific community to develop new frameworks to explain antimatter.

           
Rohini was born and brought up in a middle class household in Pune. In her
school in those days only Home Science, but no General Science was taught up to
Class 7^th. Rohini wanted to appear for a State Scholarship in Class
7^th.  but that had a paper in Science, and therefore she
had to take special private lessons to learn Science. She enjoyed these
lessons, and was one of ten to win the State Scholarsip. By the time she took
admission in a Pune College, she had won the ‘National Science Talent
Scholarship’ which allowed her financially to chose to study away from home.
She joined IIT Bombay for her Masters, and was quite worried about having to
study in English medium. But she loved the exposure, peer group interactions
and the depth in teaching. By the time she completed her M.Sc. from IITB as a
silver medal winner, she was confident and independent enough to decide to go
to USA to carry out her Ph.D. work.

           
Rohini completed her PhD in 1979 in theoretical physics from the State
University of New York at Stony Brook. Amongst all the post-doctoral offers
world-wide, she chose to join Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR),
Mumbai, in the Theory Physics Group. Subsequently Rohini joined the Department
of Physics, University of Bombay in 1982, but continued her research work in
collaboration with scientists from TIFR, and continued to publish very well.
This was, however, a hard period for her as she would have to commute from
Andheri to TIFR physically to avail library and such facilities, and to discuss
with her collaborators. In mid-nineties she joined the Centre for High Energy
Physics, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, as an Associate
Professor. She worked at IISc for more than 25 years and continued there as an
honorary professor after her superannuation.

           
Rohini received several awards and accolades including the Padma Shri, Civilian
Honour of India, in 2019 and Ordre National du Merite, Civilian Honour of
France, in 2021. Rohini’s scientific achievements include – honorary doctorate
from Shiv Nadar University 2023, honorary D.Sc from Indian Institute of
Technology (Kanpur), 2021, D. Litt. (Honoris Causa), from S.N.D.T. Women’s
University, 2013, Satyendra Nath Bose Medal for Theoretical Physics from the
Indian National Science Academy, 2008; Meghnad Saha Medal for Theoretical
Physics of the Asiatic Society, 2007; Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Indian
Institute of Technology, Powai, India 2004 etc. Rohini was an elected fellow of
all the three academies of Science of India and also The World Academy of
Sciences. She was an excellent teacher, and has delivered several talks on
physics to diverse audiences.

           
Part of Rohini Godbole’s fame and success came from her fearless approach in
questioning and putting her ideas forward, quite distinct from the average low
key docile presence of women in general, even amongst those in science or in
other challenging professions. A woman wearing a saree, she would stun and awe
theory physics colleagues during her work presentations. At such an
international conference, Rohini became aware that she had become a role model
for women in science, in particular in the apparently male bastion of theory
physics. That was when Rohini decided to actively take up the mandate of
increasing womens representation in science. She worked relentlessly to create
opportunities and support for women in academia, helping to pave the way for
future generations of female scientists. She was one of the Founder Members of
‘Women in Science’ Panels of different Science Academies in India. She was
editor/author of several reports on women in science in India, a steering
committee member of the Inter Academy Panel (IAP) for Women in STEMM, and the
Standing Committee for Women in Science of the GOI. She had been involved in
various national and international advisory committees till date, and put in
enormous of work for science, as well as science administration. Rohini edited
the book Lilavati’s Daughters containing life-stories of about 100 Women
Scientists of India, with Prof. Ramakrishna Ramaswamy.

           
Professor Godbole’s legacy is marked not only by her ground breaking research
but also by her unwavering commitment to diversity and equality in science
along with her inspiring leadership. Prof. Godbole, was a visionary and a true
leader Her impact will be felt for years to come, inspiring future generations,
in particular the women scientists.

 Prof. Rohini Godbole and the Inter-Academy
Panel (IAP) for Women in Science:

Professor Rohini Godbole was a Steering Committee
member, a foundation pillar and source of enormous strength and inspiration for
the Inter-Academy Panel for Women in STEM. Following are specific comments and
tributes from IAP members:

 With the demise of Prof. Rohini Godbole, we have
lost a very dear friend. In her own field she was a stalwart, who was
recognized world-wide, and received many accolades. In our context, it is the
huge contributions of Rohini towards the emancipation of women in science which
has been so very remarkable. She will leave a vacuum which will be extremely
difficult to fill.

We offer sincere condolences to the family and
friends. We will miss her dearly.

Shobhona Sharma

Rohini was a very close friend, not only mine, but to
my full family. Our association started about 45 years ago, when both of us
were postdocs at TIFR. It has been very nice to meet her at different
conferences, and private dinners and related to organizational works…

Her loss will be felt by many people, but her
commitment to science, and women’s participation in it in India will be
remembered, and she managed all these with a very cheerful disposition. 
That is what will be with me.

Deepak Dhar

I woke up to this news today, and am still in denial.
This is a loss that can never be recovered. She was a shining daughter of
Lilavati. May she keep inspiring many future women and girls.

Anindita Bhadra

Although I knew Rohini was unwell I never expected
this and I am still in shock.
Being in the same field and a woman we had so much overlap and she was always
someone to look up to and ask for advice and help on every occasion. I remember
how she pursued me in submitting my contribution to Lialavti’s daughters –once
she scolded me saying — “Srubabati don’t tell me you are busier than
me”! and that made me submit the article.

There are so many things that I recall. It’s a great
loss for all of us.

Srubabati Goswami

Deeply saddened to read this news. Rohini’s excellent
articulation of all issues affecting women in science in India will be missed
greatly. Her ability to identify the reasons why growth of women in science
continues to lag behind in our country and then go onto suggest ways of how to
resolve this long-standing issue, was unparalleled. 

Gaiti Hasan

Very sad to hear this news early this morning. I had
very warm friendship with Rohini. Fantastic scientist. Most respected in the
community. She always made us conscious of injustice meted to women in science.
Was a role model for all us. Personally, I received a lot of help while IISER
Pune was being established. 

LS Shashidhara

She was an esteemed scholar recognized worldwide and a
passionate champion for women in science, leaving an enduring and invaluable
legacy. My deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and friends. Her presence
will be profoundly missed.

Madhu Dikshit

This is very sad and unexpected news. She was so
lively and active in all meetings. She was inspirational.

Shilpa Sharma

She was a guiding light for us and always motivated
us. Our deepest condolences to her.

May her soul rest in peace and  God give
enough strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. Her
presence will always be missed by the scientific community, especially the
women scientists.

Archna Pant

This is really shocking. Indeed a vacuum has been
created.

Hema Rajaram

Its really very sad to know about demise of Dr. Rohini
Godbole who was an inspiration as well as a role model for women in science.
Her contribution to hand hold and encourage women will be remembered for long
time to come. Great loss to scientific fraternity.

Namita Gupta

It is really shocking news and very sad for the entire
scientific community and especially women scientists of whom she was a huge
champion.

Had the opportunity to work with her in couple of
committees in the past few months and admired her tremendous energy and
passion.

It is a huge loss for the country.

Geeta Vani Ravasam

Very saddened to hear this unbelievable news. Her
ideas on various issues were always very positive and implementable. Her
efforts in encouraging women scientists to come in the forefronts of science
will always be remembered.

Madhoolika Agarwal

Dr. Rohini will always be amongst us through the dent
she has made in her own area as well as for science in general and women
scientists in particular.

G. Taru Sharma

Very sad news. Great loss to Scientific Community.

Smita Mahale

 This is an irrepairable loss.The vacumn will not
be filled 

Rohini was not just an extraordinary scientist but
also an extraordinary human being .Her commitment and passion towards Women in
STEM was immense  .

Very sad to have lost a dear friend 

Renu Swarup

I was very sad to hear of Rohini’s passing away. I
first met her in the early 1990’s, at TIFR , Mumbai, where she was a familiar
presence in the TIFR Theory group corridors, even though she was then at the
University of Mumbai. I got to know her better through the years after that. We
had many friends in common. I’d wind up meeting her once or twice a year,
usually in Chennai or Bangalore, but in the last few years our meetings were
more uncommon, even though we served on some committees together.

           
My own lasting memory of her is the following. About a decade and a half ago, I
was giving a talk at Saclay, just outside Paris. We took the TGV to the
station, a few friends and I, and got off the train. Far in the distance, once
the crowd had dispersed, there remained one tiny figure, dressed in a sari,
standing a little wanly. On closer inspection, it turned out to be Rohini,
waiting to be picked up by her host, who had got his times mixed up. She didn’t
seem particularly surprised to see me, although the odds of finding a friend in
a foreign country, at a station, going to the same place was then, as it is
now, reasonably small. We took her with us, of course.

           
I’ll remember her in many ways, especially for her leadership on
women-in-science issues, but most of all as that small figure in a sari,
waiting patiently at a French station, unfazed by anything, full of energy as
I’ve always seen her, beaming her characteristic smile.

Gautam Menon

Padma Shri Dr Rohini Godbole is no more with us .This
was one of the most shocking news .A strong voice for woman scientists ,Rohini
was an outstanding Scientist recognised and acclaimed nationally and
internationally , a great mentor ,guide and friend to many , and above allt she
was an Excellent human being ,with the special qualities of grace ,humility and
warmth .Her contributions to the field of Physical sciences , specially
particle physics ,have been important and her expertise in collider physics has
been widely recognised .

A role model for many young scientists, she was an
inspiration for young students. We lost our ‘Lilavati’s daughter ‘ too soon .I
lost a good friend ,it has been a personal loss .Will miss the engaging
discussions and conversations on how to build the ecosystem to attract more
women to science specially young students . 

Our biggest tribute to Rohini will be to keep her
energy alive .

We miss you Rohini, you will always be with us . 

May God rest her Soul in peace.

Renu Swarup