In the death of Dr. Raghunath Prasad Asthana at Allahabad on July 24. 1965, India has lost an eminent plant pathologist and a renowned teacher. 

Born at Gorakhpur (U. P.) on February 20, 1906, Asthana received his early education at various places in U. P.; obtained M. Sc. degree in Botany from the University of,Allalia­bad in 1930 and Ph. D. and D. I. C. from the University of London in 1932. 

On his return from London, Asthana joined the Department of Botany, Allahabad University, for a short period and left in 1935 to take up an appointment in the Agra College as Assistant Professor of Botany. From 1941-46 he was Mycologist to Government of Central Provinces and Professor of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Nagpuf, and was Principal from 1956 till his retirement from service in 1961. He was also Dean, Faculty of Agri­culture, Nagpur University as also Member of its Academic and Executive Councils. After his retirement from Government Service, Asthana continued his researches in the Department of Botany, Allahabad University, with the financial assistance of Indian Council of Agricultural Research under their scheme of "Utilization of the services of retired scientists in the field of Agriculture" and at the same time he maintained his interest in teaching as Hony. Director and Professor of Plant Pathology, K. A. College of Agriculture, Allahabad. 

Asthana was connected with several scientific societies. He was once a Vice-President and the Editor-in-Chief of Indian Phytopathological Society and Indian Phytopathology. respectively ; Fellow of Linnean Society, Indian Botanical Society, Indian Academy of Sciences and Indian Phytopathological Society. He was a member of Plant Diseases Committee of Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Technical Advisor to State Public Service Commission, Nagpur. and to Union Public Service Commission. New Delhi. 

Apart from the persuit of Plant Pathology as a career, Asthana had varied interests in social and cultural activities. He was Past Master, Free Masonic Lodges at Nagpur and Allahabad, and Member of Rotary International. He was a popular figure amongst the staff and students and was respected and loved for his keen interest in sports, dramatics, music and all activities concerning students' welfare.