Yash Pal is an Indian scientist, educator and educationist. He was born on 26 November 1926 in Jhang, British India. Yash Pal did his PhD (1958) from Massachusetts Institute of Technology specializing in high-energy physics, astrophysics, communication, science policy and space technology. He was Professor, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Director, Space Applications, Centre, Ahmedabad (1973-81), Chief Consultant, Planning Commission (1983-84), Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (1984-86) and Chairman, University Grants Commission (1986-91), New Delhi.

Yash Pal's administrative assignments at the Government level and beyond began with his appointment as the Secretary General of the Second United Nations Conference on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (1981–82). He held the posts of Chief Consultant, Planning Commission (1983–84) and Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India (1984–1986), after which he was appointed chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) (1986–91).[5] During his tenure as UGC chairman, he advocated the setting up of Inter-University Centres funded by the UGC, on the model of the Nuclear Science Centre (now Inter-University Accelerator Centre), New Delhi. Institutions such as the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) emerged from this vision. Yash Pal received the Marconi International Fellowship Award (1980), GP Chatterjee Memorial Award (Indian Science Congress Association) (1987), Association of Space Explorers Award (1989) and Padma Bhushan (1976). He was President, Indian Physics Association, and has been elected Fellow, Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore, National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad, Gujarat Science Academy, and Indian Astronomical Society. He was National Fellow, National Institute of Education; Member. In 2013, he was awarded India's second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan.