Architect of India’s Digital Dawn: Legacy of V. Rajaraman
Context:Padma Bhushan awardee Prof. Vaidyeswaran Rajaraman (1933–2024), a pioneer of computer science education in India and a key architect behind the nation’s software revolution, passed away on November 8, 2024.
Contributions of V. Rajaraman :-
- Among the first to introduce computer programming education at IIT-Kanpur in the 1960s, long before formal computer science courses existed.
- Academic Reforms:
- Conducted short-term Fortran courses for researchers and professionals.
- Authored India’s first affordable Fortran programming book (1968), making computing knowledge accessible.
- Institutional Legacy:
- Spearheaded the launch of B.Tech. in Computer Science (1979) at IIT-Kanpur.
- As head of the Computer Manpower Committee (1980s), conceptualized the MCA programme, expanding skilled manpower in IT.
- Research Leadership:
- Directed the Supercomputer Education and Research Centre (IISc, 1982–94) to strengthen India’s computing capabilities.
Significance
- Catalysed India’s transition from academic computing to a global software powerhouse.
- Built a sustainable academic–industry link crucial for India’s IT export growth.
- Embodied the spirit of self-reliant technological education — aligning with today’s Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
