
IIT Patna Mourns the Loss of Prof. Pushpak Bhattacharyya, Former Director and Renowned NLP Expert
IIT Patna is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Prof. Pushpak Bhattacharyya, the former Director of the institution, who passed away on the morning of October 5, 2025.
Prof. Bhattacharyya, a pioneer in the fields of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), left behind a significant legacy of groundbreaking research and mentorship. His contributions to the academic world, particularly in the realms of AI and NLP, have shaped the future of these fields.
During his tenure as Director of IIT Patna from 2015 to 2020, Prof. Bhattacharyya’s leadership greatly contributed to the growth and expansion of the institution’s academic programs. He was a mentor to countless students, who remember him not only for his deep knowledge but also for his genuine kindness and thoughtful guidance.
Prof. Bhattacharyya’s sudden passing has left a void that is felt deeply by his colleagues and students alike. A former student shared on social media, "Prof. Bhattacharyya was more than a teacher; he was a guiding light for all of us."
The IIT Patna community continues to mourn his loss, with official memorial services and tributes to be announced shortly. His contributions to academia and his nurturing spirit will be remembered for years to come.