A Trailblazer’s Legacy: U.R. Rao’s Biography Integrated into RVCE Aerospace Program
In a significant tribute to the legendary space scientist, the late Prof. U.R. Rao, RV College of Engineering (RVCE) has officially incorporated a biographical account of the former ISRO chairman into the core curriculum for its aerospace engineering students.
RVCE has enthusiastically adopted the book titled ‘The Life and Times of U R Rao: From Humble Origins to Space Legend – A Biographical Account,’ authored by Prashanth G N. To ensure wide accessibility, the college will distribute 400 complimentary copies to students, with a digital version also being made available in an online repository. This comprehensive biography will be a crucial component of a course exploring the history of Indian space endeavors and India’s pivotal role and global partnerships in space exploration.
Beyond the curriculum integration, the autonomous institution has further solidified Prof. Rao’s enduring influence by establishing the ‘U R Rao-RVCE Award for Best Space Company in Bangalore’ and the ‘U R Rao Chair’ at RVCE.
RVCE President M P Shyam elaborated on these prestigious initiatives: “We have established the U R Rao-RVCE Award for Best Space Company in Bangalore, which will annually recognize the leading space company in terms of technological advancements with a substantial grant of Rs 5 lakh. Furthermore, the U R Rao Chair will invite distinguished space entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, CEOs, and space professionals from both India and across the globe. These esteemed individuals will deliver lectures, share their invaluable expertise, conduct cutting-edge workshops, mentor students in research methodologies, and undertake dedicated research for a month each year, supported by an initial grant of Rs 5 lakh.”
Shyam highlighted Prof. Rao’s visionary leadership, stating, “In the nascent years of the 1970s, when India’s space capabilities were minimal, Prof. U.R. Rao spearheaded a transformative shift. He initiated and oversaw the manufacturing, production, and deployment of satellites, commencing with the iconic Aryabhata. His pioneering efforts not only laid the groundwork for a robust national satellite system but also cemented India’s status as a formidable space-faring nation. It is noteworthy that Prof. Rao himself was instrumental in launching RVCE’s own satellite initiatives.”
In recognition of Prof. U.R. Rao’s monumental contributions, Padma Shri M Annadurai, Chairman of the Board of Governors at the National Design and Research Forum, has advocated for him to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, acknowledging his foundational role in conceptualizing, defining, operationalizing, and structuring India’s Satellite Development program.