Article Posted on : - Mar 28, 2012

Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, Distinguished Scientist & Chief Controller (R&D), DRDO & Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, BrahMos Aerospace.

KURUKSHETRA (BNS): Dr. A Sivathanu Pillai, CEO and MD, BrahMos Aerospace, has been conferred the degree of D. Sc. Honoris Causa in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards development of the nation.

Dr. Pillai who is a distinguished scientist and Chief Controller of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was honoured at 9th convocation of National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra.

Addressing students at the convocation ceremony he said, scientists have worked for two years to create 'Technology Vision 2020' giving a roadmap to make India a developed nation.

He said the students now have a defined path to carry out the missions to make the country a great nation. "The future is bright and you have tasks to do."

However, "Success can only come to us by courageous devotion to the task lying in front of us. What we lack is perhaps courage, what we lack is perhaps driving force, which takes one anywhere" he said quoting the words of Sir CV Raman.

He said now wars have extended to space and cyber world explaining to them the importance of development of the missile weapon systems such as BRAHMOS, Agni, Prithvi, Akash and Nag and the hypersonic reusable missile system.

He also pointed out the significance of the teachings of the Mahabharata, the Patanjali and the advance technology used by Tipu Sultan in his war against the British.

Dr. Pillai has made significant contributions to the country's satellite and missile technology programmes. He was involved in the development of Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3), Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and Agni, Prithvi, Nag and Akash missiles.