Dr. Gopal Charyulu Kilambi passed away on 13 July 2025 following a sudden fall and subsequent cardiac arrest. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he could not be revived. His passing marks the end of a distinguished life dedicated wholly to the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of astronomy. Dr. Kilambi earned his Ph.D. in 1975 from the University of Pennsylvania under the mentorship of Dr. Robert H. Koch. During his academic career, he collaborated with several eminent researchers, including Dr. William Blitzstein and Dr. Binnendijk. Following his doctoral studies, he served as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Astronomy at Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Canada.
In 1981, he joined the Department of Astronomy at Osmania University as a Reader. Over the years, he held several key academic positions and played a vital role in shaping the department’s curriculum. He introduced numerous courses and was instrumental in fostering the growth of astronomy as a discipline at the university. Dr. Kilambi retired in 2001, leaving behind a legacy of academic rigor and mentorship. His research focused primarily on photometric studies of galactic clusters and variable stars. He was also an active participant in the development of the Astronomical Society of India (ASI), serving as its Treasurer during 1995-1997 and 1998-2000.
A lifelong bachelor, Dr. Kilambi devoted himself entirely to teaching and research. His passion for the cosmos was infectious, and he remained ever-curious about the mysteries of the Universe. He will be remembered fondly by colleagues, students, and the broader astronomical community for his quiet dedication, scholarly excellence, and enduring enthusiasm.
-Dr. K. Sriram