With profound sorrow, we note the passing of Professor P Ramarao. He was the first chairperson of the Board of Governors of IISER Mohali (2007-2010) and provided strong support and guidance to the young institution in its formative years.
Born in 1937, his higher studies were in Madran University and Andhra University followed by PhD from IT BHU. He served science and country in many different capacities, including but not limited to: Director, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Science and Technology and Ocean Development & Chairman, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. He was a fellow of all the science academies as well as the Indian National Academy of Engineering. He served as the vice Chancellor of University of Hyderabad.
He has been president, Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore (1995–98), Indian National Academy of Engineering (2001–02), ISCA (General President) (1997–98), IIM (1990–91), Materials Research Society of India (1992–94), Indian Nuclear Society (2008–09), and International Congress on Fracture (1989–93); and vice-president, International Union of Materials Research Societies (2002–03). The American Society of Materials awarded him their Distinguished Life Membership in 2004.
His contributions were recognised through many awards and prizes: from the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Engineering Science in 1979 to the Padma Vibhushan, 2011.
IISER Mohali offers sincere condolences to friends and family of the departed soul.
A tribute penned by Professor N. Sathyamurthy, the founder director of IISER Mohali - Click Here