Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad   

ECIL architect passes away

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD Nov. 1. A distinguished scientist and the founding father of the prestigious Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Dr. A. S. Rao died at the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) here last night after a brief illness.

He was 89. He is survived by wife, four sons and three daughters.

Born on September 20, 1914, at Mogallu Village in West Godavari district, he obtained his Master of Science in Physics from Benaras Hindu University (BHU). Subsequently, he was selected for the Tata scholarship and obtained a Master's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University, USA. He later joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), beginning his close association with Dr. Homi Bhabha.

In 1953, he joined the Atomic Energy Establishment (presently Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) and was entrusted with the task of designing and building up the Reactor Control and Radiation Monitoring systems for India's first nuclear reactor, APSARA, commissioned in 1955.

A firm believer in self-reliance and the torch-bearer of electronics revolution in India, he conceptualised the need for setting up ECIL to support the Atomic Energy and Space Department programmes. He had served as ECIL's Managing Director since its inception in 1967 to 1978. He was a member of the Electronics Committee that brought out a blueprint for the promotion of electronics industry in the country. Dr.Rao represented India at many international conferences and UN conferences on the peaceful uses of atomic energy.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the nation in science and technology, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 1972. He was also a recipient of the Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar award in 1965.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• DD to telecast Athens Olympics
• ECIL architect passes away
• Central team to study drought situation
• Villagers thrash PW top gun
• Natalie beats odds, competitors
• Why not save Secretariat building?
• Colourful display marks AP Formation Day fete
• Official jailed for graft

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu