A. S. Rao

Dr Ayyagari Sambasiva Rao (1914-2003) was the founder of the Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India). [ [http://www.ecil.co.in/HISTORY.htm History of Electronics Corporation of India Ltd] ] [http://www.drasrac.org/drasrao.htm Dr A. S. Rao (1914-2003)] ] Rao worked in close association with Homi Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai, and shared with them a strong confidence in the competence and potential of India's young scientists and technologists. The trio, along with another of India's luminaries in science, S Bhagavantham, lent great prestige to the Electronics Committee widely known as Bhabha Committee, which prepared for the Government of India a well-detailed in-depth study on electronics in India with recommendations on the development of this industry. The Bhabha Committee Report became India's first blue-print for the development of electronics industry and it bears the imprint of Rao's convictions and practical experience. The publication of this Report accelerated the move to establish ECIL, which was duly incorporated as a fully Government owned company on April 11, 1967, with Sarabhai as the Chairman of its first Board of Directors and Rao as the Managing Director. During the first ten years of its existence when Rao was at the helm, ECIL achieved a truly remarkable growth in terms of its product range, turnover, ancillaries and employment potential. While nurturing ECIL, Rao's experience and counsel were also available to the Government of India through his role as Member of the Electronics Commission constituted in 1971.

Awards and Honours

Rao represented India at many international conferences on scientific development including UN conferences on peaceful uses of atomic energy. He also served on the editorial and advisory boards of many scientific journals including many international journals of repute. Recognition of his services to the nation has brought Rao many awards and honours: Padma Shri in 1960, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Memorial Award for Engineering Sciences in 1965, Doctor of Science degree, honoris causa, from Andhra University in 1969,Padma Bhushan in 1972, Fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences in 1974, FICCI Award for outstanding achievement in Engineering in 1976, National design Award form Institution of Engineers (India) in 1977, Outstanding Scientist Award from A.P. Academy of Science in 1988, Prof. Nayudamma Memorial Gold Medal in 1989, and others.

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