In a profound tribute to the acclaimed space scientist, the late Professor 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 embraced ‘The Life and Times of U.R. Rao: From Humble Origins to Space Legend – A Biographical Account’ by Prashanth G.N. To ensure wide accessibility, 400 physical copies of the book will be distributed to students free of charge, with a digital version also made available online through a dedicated repository. This book will form a crucial component of a course that delves into the rich history of Indian space exploration and highlights India’s pivotal role and collaborations in the global space community.
Further solidifying its commitment to Professor Rao’s enduring vision, the autonomous college has also established two significant initiatives: 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 ventures: “We have instituted the U.R. Rao-RVCE Award for Best Space Company in Bangalore, which will annually honor the best space company in terms of technology with a substantial grant of Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, RVCE has established the U.R. Rao Chair. Under this prestigious chair, we will invite esteemed space entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, CEOs, and space professionals from across India and the world to deliver lectures, share their invaluable expertise, conduct cutting-edge workshops, train students in advanced research, and undertake dedicated research for one month each year, backed by an initial grant of Rs 5 lakh.”
Shyam passionately underscored Rao’s monumental contributions, recalling, “When India possessed minimal resources in the early 1970s, Professor U.R. Rao spearheaded a paradigm shift. He was instrumental in initiating and executing the manufacture, production, and deployment of satellites, beginning with the groundbreaking Aryabhata. His pioneering efforts not only laid the robust foundation for the country’s satellite systems but also firmly established India as a formidable spacefaring nation. Significantly, Professor Rao was also the visionary behind RVCE’s own satellite initiative.”
In recognition of his fundamental role in conceptualizing, defining, operationalizing, and setting the framework for India’s Satellite Development, Padma Shri M. Annadurai, Chairman of the Board of Governors at the National Design and Research Forum, has formally proposed Professor U.R. Rao for the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.