Amitabha Bagchi

Amitabha Bagchi—devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, brilliant physicist, prolific writer, and humble community leader—passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, in Torrance, California. He was 79.

Early Life and Love of Learning

Born in Kolkata, India, on June 12, 1945, to Haridas and Kamala Bagchi (née Bhattacharya), Amitabha—affectionately called Chandan by his family—showed signs of deep curiosity and academic brilliance early on. As a teenager, he topped the all-Bengal Higher Secondary Examination, scoring higher than nearly 100,000 students. The following day, his photo in the newspaper lit up his family's home and brought pride to his community.

He studied at Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School and then at the Presidency College in Kolkata. At just 20 years old, he ventured to the United States on a scholarship. At age 25, he earned a Ph.D. in solid-state physics at the University of California, San Diego, studying under Nobel Laureate Walter Kohn.

Scientist, Thinker, Problem-Solver

Amitabha’s work in condensed matter physics helped shape our understanding of how electrons behave on surfaces and at the nanoscale. Following post-doctoral work at the University of Chicago and University of Illinois at Urbana-Chapaign, Amitabha taught at the University of Maryland at College Park. Later, he brought his scientific mind to the private sector, working at Xerox and AT&T Bell Labs. At Bell Labs, he contributed to innovations in fiber-optic communications that helped connect people around the globe.

Cultural Anchor and Community Builder

Science was just one side of Amitabha. He was also a passionate writer, editor, and cultural advocate. He served as president of Kallol, a Bengali community organization in Central New Jersey, and helped establish Ananda Mandir, a beloved temple and cultural hub. He cheered on his wife Dhriti’s work with Mrittika, a heritage language program for children, and he co-founded ImmigrantBengalis.com, a digital archive of Bengali American narratives, with Debajyoti Chatterji. They also co-edited the companion book compilation Bengali Americans: Making America Home.

A Life Well-Loved

Amitabha was a man of many interests—he loved classical music, Tagore’s poetry, cinema, wine, and spirited debates on politics, history, or whatever was in the morning’s New York Times. He brought warmth and humor wherever he went—Columbus (OH), Greenbelt (MD), Webster (NY), Manalapan (NJ), Torrance (CA)—and made every city his home. He was just as comfortable quoting Shakespeare as singing an old Bengali song or laughing at a clever pun.

Family and Legacy

He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Dhriti (née Ray); his children, Toopan and Pamina; his daughter-in-law, Jeris Stueland; his son-in-law, Anirban Ganguly; and his four beloved grandchildren, Vashti, Rithik, Hari, and Avinash, who lit up his world. He also leaves behind extended family and many friends who admired his gentle wisdom and generous spirit.

A Celebration of Life

Amitabha’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503. A live-stream link for those joining remotely is below.

Schedule (Pacific Time)

10:00 am - 10:30 am: Viewing

10:30 am - 11:30 am: Eulogies & Readings

11:30 am - 12:15 pm: Hindu RItuals

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm: Refreshments

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor his memory by donating to UC San Diego’s Physics Graduate Fellowship fund—supporting those following in his footsteps. (After selecting a donation amount, click “SAVE GIFT.” On the following screen, check the box “I'd like to give this gift in memory or in honor of someone,” click “In Memory,” and enter “Amitabha Bagchi.” There is no need to check the box for someone to be notified.) https://giveto.ucsd.edu/giving/home/gift-referral/a04df513-72c9-4185-ae29-3a8e1224e430

Let’s remember Dr. Amitabha Bagchi not only for his scientific contributions but also for the joy he brought, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely, by enjoying life to its fullest.

With thanks to Kamolika Das (Rubai) for this cherished photo.

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A recording of the service is available here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8HxF7aTIqw