Renowned scientist and radio astronomer, Professor Govind Swarup has passed away due to illness on Monday at the Ruby Hall Clinic Hospital in Pune. He was 91.

He was in the hospital since 10 days due to weakness and other complications.

Prof Swarup, who is known for pioneering radio astronomy in India, was the founding director of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

NCRA's head of administration and finance Dr J K Solanki said he established India as one of the leading countries for Radio Astronomy research.

"Prof Swarup, who was born in 1929 at Thakurwada, Harayana state was a world-famous astronomer, and one of the pioneers of radio astronomy in India. He was known not only for his important research contributions but also for his leadership in building highly innovative, world-class radio telescopes such as the Ooty Radio Telescope and the Giant Metrewave RadioTelescope (GMRT)," he said.

The GMRT, which was recently upgraded, continues to be one of the most sensitive radio telescopes in the world, at the frequencies at which it operates.

Prof Swarup received several distinctions throughout his career including the Padma Shree, the Bhatnagar Award and the Grote Reber medal.

His funeral was held at the Aundh crematorium at 11:30 PM.