OBITUARY-Prof. R. K. Ray
OBITUARYProfessor Ranjit Kumar Ray (Passed away on June 24, 2025)  With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Professor Ranjit Kumar Ray on June 24, 2025. A towering figure in the field of Metallurgical Engineering, Professor Ray's academic and research contributions have left an indelible mark on materials science both in India and across the world. Professor Ray held B.E., M.E., and Ph.D. degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from Calcutta University, and earned a second Ph.D. in Physical Metallurgy and Science of Materials from the University of Birmingham, U.K. His illustrious teaching career spanned over four decades, beginning with Bengal Engineering College, Shibpur (now IIEST Shibpur), where he served for more than 11 years. He then taught at IIT Kanpur for 28 years, followed by over a decade as Visiting Scientist at the R&D Division of Tata Steel, Jamshedpur. From 2014 to 2019, he was a Visiting Professor at IIEST Shibpur, and from 2019, he served as an AICTE-INAE Distinguished Visiting Professor at SRM University, Chennai, and CMR Institute of Technology, Bangalore. Professor Ray was the recipient of numerous national and international honors, including the Best Metallurgist Award, the National Metallurgist Award, the GD Birla Gold Medal (IIM), the Outstanding Teacher Award (INAE), and Honorary Membership of the Indian Institute of Metals. His global recognitions included the Commonwealth Scholarship (U.K.), Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (Germany), SERC Fellowship (Canada), and JSPS Senior Invitational Fellowship (Japan). Recently, he was named among the top two percent of scientists globally, as per the Stanford University list. He was a Visiting Professor or Scientist at several prestigious institutions worldwide including Carnegie Mellon University, McGill University, Birmingham and Aston Universities, University of Metz, Aachen and Clausthal Technical Universities, Kyoto University, and Riso National Laboratory, among many others. He was invited to deliver lectures at renowned institutions across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. A Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, Indian Institute of Metals, and Institution of Engineers (India), Professor Ray was also the first Indian member of the International Committee on Textures of Materials (ICOTOM). His pioneering work in Crystallographic Texture of Materials laid the foundation for its growth in India, both academically and industrially. In honor of his lifetime achievements, a special symposium was held in his name during the 20th International Conference on Textures of Materials, Metz, France, in July 2024. His research spanned high strength steels, low-density steels, intermetallics, aluminum and copper alloys, and high entropy alloys. He published over 250 peer-reviewed papers, authored one textbook, edited three others, and contributed several acclaimed review articles. Professor Ranjit Kumar Ray will be remembered not only for his profound scholarly impact but also for his inspirational teaching, global collaborations, and unmatched dedication to advancing materials science. He is survived by his family, students, colleagues, and a grateful scientific community that mourns the loss of a visionary.
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My association with Prof. R. K. Ray
ReplyDeleteIt was 1991 July, when I took admission in IIT Kanpur as M. Tech. student. Thereafter, it was nearly 6 years (5 years and 9 months precisely), I had the opportunity to have intense interaction with Prof. R. K. Ray, as I completed both my M. Tech. and Ph. D. under his supervision (I never had any co-supervisor), and in this process, a life long association was initiated.
He was my teacher in true sense. My M. Tech. work was based on texture study during grain growth of a series of Ni-Co alloys, and the Ph. D. work was based on microstructure and texture study during deformation and recrystallization of Ni3Al(with B and Zr) type two phase intermetallic compound. Not only the subject – from carrying out a research project, to technical writing and technical presentation, he taught me everything. During my Ph. D., there was not a single day when I booked a TEM slot and Prof. Ray did not come to ACMS and accompany me for the entire duration. Even just about 12 years back, when I was already in Tata Steel, visiting BESU a few times to use their TEM facility, at least 3 times (as I remember), Prof. Ray came to BESU campus and spent the entire day with me in their TEM room. So, I have no hesitation to say that whatever I have learnt, it is because of him only.
In July 1996, a few months before my Ph. D. thesis submission, I was offered a permanent faculty position in Bengal Engineering College (presently IIEST). While I was about to join there, it is Prof. Ray, who strongly encouraged me to join industry, specifically Tata Steel. That is why I joined Tata Steel, where I am still working.
I consider myself so fortunate to have a long association with such a wonderful person like Prof. Ray. The discussion may be academic, or may be absolutely casual – his presence, the way he used to speak, his friendly behaviour with his students – something phenomenal. And if I also consider simultaneously his knowledge, his ability as a researcher, or a classroom teacher, I am sure there are very few persons on earth with a combination of so many excellent human qualities.
Now all my interactions with him remain as memory. Last year he came to my place for an evening – and now I realize, it was the last time. While attending ICOTOM last year, it was my last extended interaction with him over a few days. Then I met him for the last time in Jamshedpur this year – only for one evening. And now he is no more; I will never hear his voice. Hard to believe.
In the last ICOTOM, there was a dedicated session in the name of Prof. Ray. Perhaps an academician like him deserves something like (a) a conference/seminar in his name every year or every alternate year; (b) a memorial lecture in IIM-ATM every year; (c) an IIM award in his name, etc. I do not know how much feasible these would be, but such possibilities need to be thought over.
One page write up is not appropriate to describe my interaction experiences with Prof. Ray. So I think I should stop here. May God give him the best Place in His Heaven to rest in peace.
For ever a student of Professor Ranjit Kumar Ray
Basudev Bhattacharya
It is with a deep sense of sorrow and disbelief that I learned of the passing of Professor Ranjit Kumar Ray — a towering figure in the field of metallurgical engineering, and to me, much more than just a teacher or thesis supervisor. He was a mentor, a critic, a guide and above all, a source of immense inspiration.
ReplyDeleteMy interactions with Professor Ray left a lasting impression not just on my academic journey but on my life as a whole. I still remember vividly the first time I approached him as a student, uncertain of my research direction. He looked at me calmly and his advice at that time changed my perspective on research forever. Under his guidance, learning became an exciting exploration rather than a task. It’s his passion and dedication that made us possible to get Ph.Ds in the area of crystallographic texture.
Whether during lectures or informal corridor discussions, Prof. Ray’s insights were always laced with depth, clarity and challenge. His constructive criticism pushed us to do better, to think more deeply and to work with integrity. He was always for the students.
What set him apart was not just his knowledge, but the dignity with which he carried it. Even after I moved on from IIT Kanpur, his influence remained — in the way I analysed problems, mentored others and stayed committed to continuous learning. Conversations with him, even years later, were full of intellectual rigor and warmth.
Professor Ray’s passing is a personal loss that words cannot fully express. He leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, humility and mentorship that will continue to guide us in both our professional and personal lives. The academic world has lost a brilliant mind, but we — his students — have lost a father figure in scholarship. His legacy lives on in the minds he shaped, the standards he set and the values he quietly instilled. I owe much of what I am today to his guidance.
May his noble soul attain eternal peace and may we continue to honour his memory through our work and values. My deepest condolences to his family and to all who had the privilege to know and learn from him.
With heartfelt respect and gratitude,
Sandip Ghosh Chowdhury
(Student of Professor Ranjit Kumar Ray, CSIR-NML)
My memories of Professor R.K. Ray
ReplyDeleteThis space is rather insufficient to describe the great memories of Professor Ray. My interaction with him started at IIT Kanpur as a master’s and then a PhD student in his group. I spent almost six years with him, and I cherished every little bit of it spent with him.
My PhD thesis was on the cube textured nickel substrate tapes for coated superconductors. The subject of cube recrystallization texture was much closer to his heart, partly because he researched on the origin of cube texture during his PhD at the UK, and partly, he truly believed that we still didn’t know much about it. Although I couldn’t attend the symposium in his honour at the ICOTOM 2024, I learned that he was talking about cube texture. He preserved his interest in this topic even after so many years!
Professor Ray, needless to say, was an excellent teacher and mentor. I often think he was blessed with a lazy elegance and brilliance about research. He wasn’t very methodical (at least in terms of structured group meetings, PowerPoint presentations, and other usual practices of a research group), but brilliant at picking up a cue out of nowhere and then shaping it into beautiful explanations. I still remember the long discussions we had while sipping a cup of hot tea in the lab or walking from the lab to his apartment. Many of the interesting ideas came out during these informal and unstructured discussions.
Professor Ray was a man of passion for research and compassion for his students and the people he knew. He was truly an academician, a gentleman, and a person of high moral and ethical standards.
My tribute to his departed soul.
Rest in peace, Professor Ray!
Pinaki Bhattacharjee
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering
IIT Hyderabad
My memorable journey with Prof. R. K. Ray
ReplyDeleteMy memories with Prof. R.K. Ray truly special. My first Interaction in the month of December 2001, in Phase Stability Laboratory, Western Lab, IIT Kanpur. Prof. R.K. Ray kindly accepted my request to join as a Ph.D. student under his supervision. I feel fortunate and proud to have him as a mentor. Several positive impact he had on my academic and professional journey.
Prof. Ray was full supervisor for my Ph.D. thesis. After his superannuation in December 2006, he moved to R&D, Tata Steel but ensured I faced no issues in submitting my thesis. I Joined R&D at Tata Steel a few months later, and we continued to work closely together. Our association continued over 24 years until June 25, where I enriched my experience extensively during interaction with him. He is my teacher and mentor.
With Prof. Ray I 've had an impressive and impactful Ph.D. journey. I worked in the area of Texture and microstructure development in severe cold rolled and annealed Interstitial Free (IF) and AK steel. He always provided clarity on complex concepts and direction. Key contributions from our research: Severe plastic deformation (SPD) by cold rolling method, Fabrication of nano-ufg structure, investigated the mechanisms behind excellent deep drawable texture in steel, explored the relationship between Coincident Site Lattice (CSL) boundaries and texture, Analyzed texture development mechanisms. The key achievements were patents and publications in prestigious international journals including: Scripta Materialia, Materials Science & Engineering A, Metallurgical Transactions A, ISIJ International etc.
I had an enriching experience during Ph.D. studies. Few memorable instances: Casual and informal discussion our laboratory the evening with cup of lab prepared black tea. His guidance to prepare TEM samples without twin jet polishing or ion milling. Sitting beside during TEM sample examination and guide, tips in capturing TEM image on film. Listening manual X-ray texture measurement techniques in older days was very interesting. We learnt from him how to prepare presentation, reports, research manuscript etc. In ACMS of IITK, he established the first SEM based -EBSD laboratory, which opened new avenues in our research studies.
We enjoyed different way during our long association. Few recent memories: We met in ICOTOM Conference in France 2024 and shared conversations during evening walks in Metz city and enjoyed dinner together. We met physically during his visit to Jamshedpur in March 25, when he delivered a lecture at the Centre for Excellence (CFE), Tata Steel on the spread of texture research across India. Very recently we exchanged good wishes and discussed research activities prior to his USA trip and after reaching there and he was fine and happy. Now he is no more. Difficult to imagine, we will not hear his voice again.
It's a great loss not only for Indian texture society but also for global texture community.
To remember Prof. Ray and his contribution forever, it would be great to introduce conference / symposium or special session in conference dedicated to him
May his soul rest in peace. May god gives strength to his family to withstand this situation.
Sir, we will miss you and your guidance.
Rajib Saha
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and some cherished memories of my interactions with Prof. Ray. I first met him inperson at the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, IIEST Shibpur, in 2014, when he joined the institute as a visiting facultymember. Although his official association with the institute continued until 2017, our bond extended far beyond those years, deeply rooted inour shared research interests.
ReplyDeleteDuring that period, we collaborated in multiple capacities, and I consider myself—and my research group—fortunate to have worked closely withhim. Prof. Ray was always generous with his time and guidance, whether it was taking extra classes beyond his formal responsibilities,engaging in academic discussions, or providing thoughtful feedback on manuscripts authored by my students.
One moment that remains etched in my memory is his definition of a true teacher. He once said that a teacher is someone who carries the torchof knowledge to illuminate the path of wisdom for students—but only up to a certain distance. Beyond that, the students must find their wayforward on their own. That powerful metaphor reflects his wisdom and teaching philosophy.
His passing is a profound loss to the scientific and academic community. Prof. Ray was not only an
Prof. Manojit Ghosh IIEST Shibpur
ReplyDeleteI am deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. R.K. Ray.
He was not only a brilliant scientist but also a wonderful mentor during my Ph.D. days.
Prof. Ray believed in me even more than I believed in myself.
He taught me how to represent even the simplest result in the most impactful way.
His clarity of thought, patience, and humility left a lasting impression on me.
The two months he spent in Kyoto with us were truly special, both personally and professionally.
He always made time for detailed discussions, never rushed, and always listened with care.
I will forever cherish his calm presence and the way he simplified complex ideas.
His mentorship has shaped the way I think and work, and his values will stay with me always.
Rest in peace, Sir you will be dearly missed and always remembered.
- Dr. Avala Lavakumar
IIT Ropar
A Short Memoir in Honour of Prof. R. K. Ray
ReplyDeleteIt is deeply painful to bid farewell to Prof. R. K. Ray—a mentor, a thinker, and a soul whose humility and wisdom touched the lives of many, including mine.
My connection with Prof. Ray began during my Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, where I worked on third-generation γ titanium aluminide. I was fortunate to have had several technical discussions with him, made possible through Prof. Satyam Suwas. These conversations left a lasting imprint on my academic journey. The clarity and depth of his insights were unlike any I had encountered—he didn’t just offer suggestions, he opened new ways of thinking. Prof. Ray had a rare blend of intellect and warmth. His approach to mentoring went beyond scientific instruction—it was a form of mental and moral training that helped me see the larger purpose in my work. I often felt that his presence carried a quiet wisdom, a kind of strength that was gentle but firm, and always compassionate. I had the privilege of collaborating with him on several presentations. Working closely with him during those times was more than an academic exercise—it was an enriching experience that sharpened my understanding and deepened my respect for him. Those presentations are still with me today, and each slide brings back a moment of learning and humility.
My family—my parents and my wife—also met Prof. Ray. They, too, were touched by his kindness and grace, and they remain grateful for the warmth he extended to them.
Every meeting, every exchange with him, has stayed with me. His mentorship went beyond the laboratory—it gave me strength in my personal life and instilled a discipline of thought that I carry with me to this day. He wrote several letters of recommendation for me, each one a gesture of belief in my potential, which helped shape the path I now walk.
His technical guidance was never just about materials or mechanisms—it was about cultivating deep thought, careful reflection, and doing meaningful work. Some moments we shared have been captured in photographs—during ICOTOMB at IISc Bangalore, during his personal visits, and in quiet interactions where knowledge flowed with generosity. These images now serve as gentle reminders of his presence and spirit.
Figure 1:(a) A moment spent with Prof. R. K. Ray—an interaction etched in memory and (b) A concept developed collaboratively while working under his guidance—reflecting the clarity and depth he brought to every discussion.
Prof. R. K. Ray’s impact on my life is beyond words. He was a true teacher, one whose memory will always remain close to my heart. I feel honoured to have known him, and I will continue to carry his values forward.
May his legacy live on through all the lives he inspired.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Nitish Bibhanshu
Assistant Professor, IIT Ropar
I was deeply saddened to learn that Prof. Ranjit Ray has passed away.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing the information.
It is a laudable initiative by INAE to hold a memorial session in honour of
the departed soul.
I have known Prof. Ray personally and professionally since 1981. As
Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Guest Scientist at the Aachen Technical
University during 1980 & '81 I had collaborated there on texture studies on
bcc metals using the new ODF analysis, with Prof. Kurt Luecke, the Director
of the Institute of Physical Metallurgy and Metalphysics. Prof. Ray came
from IIT Kanpur, also as a Humboldt Fellow, a few weeks before my return to
India to the Research & Development Centre for Iron & Steel (RDCIS),
Ranchi. He was accompanied by his wife and a young daughter. My family was
also there at Aachen and we came to know each other well. Upon my departure
from Aachen, he took the accommodation which I had at the University's
Guesthouse complex.
Post Aachen, Prof. Ray remained in texture studies all his life, focussing
on fcc metals. After my publication in the early 1980s of a review on
textures in bcc metals in the International Metals Reviews, Prof. Ray
Ranjit followed up some years later with a review of textures in fcc metals
in the same journal.
Over the years, I have had many occasions to meet Prof. Ray at various
conferences in India, as late as last year. He almost always came with his
wife and we would have a chat that would, of course, cover the latest
findings on textures, but will also go beyond textures into enquiries about
our children.
Prof. Ranjit Ray was a successful researcher and a committed teacher. His
long innings in texture work is well recognised in this field of study. I
wish he had many more years to live and contribute further.
I regret very much that I will not be able to participate in the memorial
session; I am away in the USA and will be travelling at the time of the
session. I convey my best wishes for the event.
Regards,
Dr. Sanak Mishra