Remembering Prof. P. V. Joseph: A Monsoon Scientist, Teacher, and Mentor

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Prof. P. V. Joseph. His passing brings back many fond memories of my association with him, spanning my PhD days and subsequent research collaboration. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him, attend his lectures, interact with him, and eventually collaborate with him on scientific research.

My early association during PhD days (2005–2009)

My association with Prof. Joseph dates back to my PhD days (2005–2009). During this period, I had the opportunity to attend a few of his lectures and interact with him during his visit to Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, as well as while attending a few training programs in different cities. As a young researcher working in atmospheric and climate sciences, I found these interactions valuable and memorable.

I particularly remember his remarkably clear and powerful voice. He could address an entire classroom without needing a microphone! His voice was naturally loud, clear and commanding, making his lectures engaging and easy to follow.

One particular anecdote from one of his lectures has stayed with me over the years. While discussing the monsoon low-level jet, he humorously referred to the well-known Findlater Jet as the "Find Later Jet"! Behind this humorous remark was an interesting scientific observation. He may be referring to his earlier work (Joseph and Raman, 1966), which had already indicated the presence of the low-level jet over peninsular India, before the well-known paper by Findlater (1967, 1968, 1969). His playful way of making this point reflected his deep scientific knowledge and wonderful sense of humour. It also demonstrated his close familiarity with the historical development of scientific understanding of the Indian monsoon.

Even after all these years, I can still recall that moment from his lecture with a smile. Such little moments often leave the deepest impressions.

A memorable association during my research in Italy (2013–2014)

My association with Prof. Joseph continued during 2013–2014, when I was working at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC), Bologna, Italy, as part of an Indo-European collaborative research project.

During this period, I had the privilege of being hosted by him at the Nansen Environmental Research Centre (India), Kochi. I fondly remember the warmth and hospitality extended to me during my visits.

Those days provided wonderful opportunities to interact with him, exchange scientific ideas and discuss various aspects of the Indian summer monsoon. I particularly cherish our engaging conversations on monsoon dynamics, atmospheric circulation and the factors influencing Indian summer monsoon rainfall.

His deep understanding of the monsoon system and his perspectives on various scientific questions were truly enriching. These interactions were not only scientifically rewarding but also personally memorable.


A memorable moment with Prof. P. V. Joseph during my visit to the NERCI Centre, Kochi (28 January 2014)

One of the memorable occasions during this period was my participation in the India–EU Workshop II on Monsoon and Ocean Variability, Climate Change and Sea Level Variations, held at Bolgatty, Kochi, from 11–13 November 2013. I participated in the workshop and associated training programme as a resource person representing Italy, while working in Bologna. Prof. P. V. Joseph also attended the programme, along with several scientists and researchers from India and different parts of the world. It was a wonderful opportunity to interact with the international scientific community and exchange ideas on monsoon and ocean variability, climate change and related research. 

The group photograph from this event brings back fond memories of those scientific interactions and my association with Prof. Joseph.

Participants of the India–EU Workshop II on Monsoon and Ocean Variability, Climate Change and Sea Level Variations, held at Bolgatty, Kochi, on 11–13 November 2013. I am standing in the first row, behind and to the right of Prof. P. V. Joseph.

A scientific collaboration to cherish

Our association also extended to scientific research. I had the privilege of collaborating with Prof. P. V. Joseph on a research paper examining moisture variability over the Indo-Pacific region and its influence on Indian summer monsoon rainfall.

The paper, titled "Moisture Variability over the Indo-Pacific Region and Its Influence on the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall", was published in Climate Dynamics in 2016. The study investigated changes in atmospheric moisture over the Indo-Pacific region and their implications for Indian summer monsoon rainfall variability. It examined the contrasting moisture trends over the East Africa–Arabian Sea region and the western Pacific, and their influence on atmospheric circulation and moisture transport towards India.

This publication remains a special part of my research career, not only for its scientific contribution but also because of the opportunity to work with Prof. Joseph and other distinguished scientists.

Full reference:

Ratna, S. B., Cherchi, A., Joseph, P. V., Behera, S. K., Abish, B., & Masina, S. (2016). Moisture variability over the Indo-Pacific region and its influence on the Indian summer monsoon rainfall. Climate Dynamics, 46, 949–965. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-015-2624-z 

Our joint research publication in Climate Dynamics (2016)

Memories that remain

Looking back, I feel genuinely grateful for the opportunity to have known Prof. Joseph over the years—from my PhD days to our subsequent research collaboration. I will cherish the memories of his lectures, his distinctive sense of humour, his hospitality in Kochi and, above all, our engaging scientific discussions on the Indian monsoon.

Scientific collaborations are often remembered through research papers, publications and academic achievements. However, some associations become special because of the people involved and the experiences we share along the way. My association with Prof. Joseph was one such experience.

I will remember him not only as an accomplished monsoon scientist but also as a wonderful teacher, an engaging conversationalist, and a person with a distinctive personality.

His contributions to understanding the Indian monsoon and his scientific legacy will continue to inspire researchers working in monsoon meteorology.

My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and students.

May his soul rest in peace.

Dr. Satyaban Bishoyi Ratna
Scientist F, India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Pune, India







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