It is with deep sadness that I convey to you the heartbreaking news of the demise of our colleague and friend, Dr Alok Jha, ILRI Regional Representative, South Asia.

Dr Jha passed on at 3.00 a.m. this morning in his Delhi home. The indication is that Dr Jha died of a heart attack.

This is truly a great loss to ILRI. We have lost a friend and valued colleague. His demise will leave a major gap in ILRI’s ongoing work, not only in India, but also in the region. Dr Jha will be profoundly missed by those who knew him.

Dr Iain Wright will be travelling to India immediately and I am also planning to do so as soon as possible subsequently. My office will communicate my travel in due course.

Once we learn more about his family’s plan for his internment, we will let you know.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children and other family members at this time.