A rare find and a catalyst of growth – this is how colleagues define the life and legacy of Professor Jyoti Prakash Tamang, dedicated researcher and educator.
Prof Tamang served as the HUC- ICIMOD Mountain Chair from 2019 to 2021. His tenure revolved around his work with the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC). As a food microbiologist, he dedicated his time with HUC conducting research on ethnic foods and promote regional collaboration for research on mountain issues. He broke barriers and transcended boundaries as one of the few Indian researchers to conduct research in Myanmar and China. His legacy goes beyond the recesses of his research work as he proved to be a catalyst of growth, encouraging and supporting next generations of scholars in the academia.
Prof Tamang left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of everyone he connected with. One among them is Dr. Christopher Scott, Goddard Chair and Professor at the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, ICIMOD Mountain Chair, 2020-2022. Having the opportunity to live the unique culture and share with the natural bounty of the Himalayas through Prof Tamang, Dr. Scott shared, “Prof. Tamang was a truly inspirational leader and committed transdisciplinary scholar. Jyoti (as he humbly requested we call him) opened my eyes to an entirely new area of HKH science and practice, not only instructing me in some of the many Indigenous foodways of the Eastern Himalayas, but also insisting that I visit Lal Bazaar in Gangtok to try kinema (fermented soybeans), where I also had the rewarding opportunity to meet the sellers and buyers. He and his family warmly hosted me in their home. We remained in frequent contact until the day before his passing. I will always carry with me his kindness, intellect, and fun-loving spirit.”
From the words of Phanchung, former Director General, Department of Research and External Relations, Royal University of Bhutan from 2015 to 2022 and ICIMOD Mountain Chair 2017 – 2019, “Prof Jyoti Prakash Tamang was passionate about promoting food microbiology of the mountain people. I had the privilege to facilitate an online lecture series to the undergraduate students of food science and technology of the Royal University of Bhutan during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Since then, we have maintained virtually our professional connection. It was a pleasure to meet him face to face in June 2024 when the HUC Secretariat facilitated the Thematic Working Group members of the mountain food systems for the inaugural meeting and capacity enhancement through participation in the Foresight for Food workshop in Dhaka. I extend my profound grief and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace.”
Dr Chubbamenla Jamir, Director & Founder, Native Foodscape Foundation, Co-Lead of HUC Thematic Working Group on Himalayan Food Systems, recalled: “I had the privilege of knowing Prof. Tamang through the Himalayan University Consortium and more recently as a fellow Advisory Member of the Native Foodscape Foundation. His deep knowledge, especially in food security, and his humble, approachable nature made every interaction meaningful. We have lost a brilliant scholar and a true mentor. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the important work he championed. He will be deeply missed.”
A true pioneer, who promoted the nexus of ethnic food microbiology, regional collaboration and commitment to development work, his contribution to the academic community resonated beyond the halls and walls of his academic niche and will continue to reverberate in the mountain communities. Prof Tamang remainsis a trailblazer and an inspiration to emulate an enduring forebearer of Himalayan knowledge, here and beyond.
