Ashok Kumar, Sr. Scientist, CIFT, RIP

[Sailor John]

Ashok passed away last night at 10:45 pm from cardiac arrest. He was a member of this group. My heartfelt condolences to his family and those close to him.

[Sailor John]

Obituary and tribute posted by his colleague: 

Deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected demise of Dr Ashok Kumar K, Principal Scientist  and Head of Fish Processing Division, CIFT, Kochi.

He  left us for heavenly abode yesterday night.

He was at work in the office till late evening.

Dr Ashok was from the 1984 batch of Industrial Fisheries.
He completed his PhD from CUSAT in 1991.
Started his career in the seafood industry. Worked for Volta’s International.
He was selected as Scientist through the ARS examination and joined as Scientist in CIFT in 1986. Became Principal Scientist in 2008 and was serving as the Head of Fish Processing Division.

Dr Ashok had an illustrious academic, research and administrative career spanning four decades.

He had undergone training in various reputed institutions in India and abroad in areas of National Agricultural Innovation systems, IT in Agriculture, Food Hygiene and Handling, Advanced Practical Application of HACCP, Retort Pouch Packing, Modified Atmospheric Packing, Fish Inspection and Quality Assurance & Agriculture Research Project Management.

He was a member of the various groups constituted by the Ministry of Agriculture, GOI.
He was a member of the Indian delegation to the 7th meeting of ISO/TC 234 Fisheries and Aquacultural Technical Committee,   Expert Group for review of standard conditions for sanitary import of various fish and fishery products,
Panel of Experts for drafting ISO standards.

Was a recognised guide for Ph D students in CIFE & CUSAT. Reviewer for research articles and peer reviewed National Journals. Published more than 70 research papers, authored 3 books and published scores of articles in technical journals .
Served in the editorial board of Fishery Technology, Lead auditor for QCI,BIS.
He has filed patents in the areas of Energy Efficiency for Effluent Treatment Plant, Package for Practice of Export of fresh Fish and Rapid Test Kit for identification of White Spot Disease and stress in Shrimps.

He leaves behind a legacy of a brilliant scientist, able administrator, good teacher and a helping fellow worker.

His funeral is to take place today at 5pm.