New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) director general Dr VS Arunachalam, who passed away on Wednesday. PM Modi said his passing would leave a major void in the scientific community.
“Dr. V.S. Arunachalam’s passing away leaves a major void in scientific community and the strategic world. He was greatly admired for his knowledge, passion for research and rich contribution towards strengthening India’s security capabilities. Condolences to his family and well wishers. Om Shanti,” said PM Modi.
The former head of DRDO, aged 87, breathed his last in California, USA, as stated by his family in an official statement.
Dr. VS Arunachalam, recognized as a material scientist, held the distinction of being the first DRDO scientist to lead the organization and assume the role of Scientific Advisor. His tenure spanned a decade, from 1982 to 1992.
DRDO stated that Dr VS Arunachalam launched three major programmes -Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) under an autonomous body Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA); Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Programme; and IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missiles Development Programme) – in order to develop a family of strategic and tactical guided missiles.
The scientist’s career spanned across the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), National Aeronautical Laboratory, and Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory.
Dr VS Arunachalam was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 1985 and the Padma Vibhushan on 1990. Arunachalam had received DRDO’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the field of scientific research and technology in 2015.
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