Space scientist Chitnis, who passed away, hired Dr Kalam in ISRO
Veteran space scientist Professor Eknath Vasant Chitnis, who passed away aged 100 on Wednesday, was credited with hiring young APJ Abdul Kalam into ISRO. Chitnis guided the budding scientist in Kalam after recognising his potential. Chitnis, who also received a Padma Bhushan, played an important role in selecting the site for India's first rocket launch at Thumba in Kerala.