Thiruvananthapuram: Noted geologist Dr. V. Sasikumar has passed away after a month-long illness on Thursday. He was 72.

Originally hailing from Kottayam, Sasikumar had been residing in a rented house in PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram, for the past few years. 

While at the Centre for Earth Science (CESS), Sasikumar carried out thorough research on thunderstorms, lightning, and coastal areas in Kerala. After resigning from CESS, he immersed himself in promoting free software, serving as the director of the Free Software Foundation of India.

Sasikumar was an active member of the Sastra Sahitya Parishad, maintaining an independent stance free from ideological affiliations. He has also authored several acclaimed books.

He is survived by his wife, Kalpana Sadasivan, and children, Unni and Aisha. As per his wishes, his body will be donated to medical students for study purposes.