HYDERABAD: The entire country is indebted to Suri Bhagavantam’s vision to make India self-reliant in defence-related technology and equipment, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister VK Saraswat has said.
Hailing Bhagavantam as the architect of defence research in independent India, Saraswat said, ``He opened up the horizons of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and helped develop major systems like radars, missiles, tanks for which India had to depend on imports.’’ The scientific advisor made these remarks while delivering the first commemorative lecture on the theme of `New Vistas in Defence R&D’ as chief guest during the birth centenary celebrations of renowned scientist Suri Bhagavantam at Osmania University here today.
Osmania University, in association with APSCHE, Andhra University, DRDO, NGRI and Andhra University Colleges Alumni Association, organised the celebration as a tribute to the great son of India.
In his inaugural address, AP State Council of Higher Education chairman KC Reddy said that Suri Bhagavantam had epitomised a legacy of scholarship, tradition of excellence in scientific research and a grand vision for Indian science and technology.
``Prof. Suri Bhagavantam was a rare combination of a brilliant scientist, outstanding academician and skillful administrator,’’ Reddy said.
Glowing tributes were paid by the speakers to the eminent qualities and outstanding contributions of Bhagavantam.
Recalling the association of Bhagavantam with the Osmania University, Vice-Chancellor T Tirupati Rao said that Osmania University would institute an annual memorial lecture in honour of Prof. Suri Bhagavantam at the Department of Physics from next year. Bhagavantam’s students DRDO Chief Controller (R&D) M Krishna Murthi and R Hrudayanath paid eloquent tributes to the genius of Bhagavantam.
A mild tension prevailed at the venue with some students choosing it as an occasion to condemn the arrest of Sudarshan, a research scholar and contributor of a Telugu daily.
The protesters dispersed when securitymen prevented them from entering the Committee Hall.