Dr Upadhya is the right combination of a scientist, technologist and team builder, a rare person indeed. He is capable of synthesizing multiple disciplines to solve a complex problem. He always retained interest in emerging technologies even while being deeply involved in day-to-day programme pressures. It is this trait that enabled us to choose him as the programme director for the National Programme on Smart Materials. Again, when there was a need to integrate Aeroelasticity with Control, his team building activity and grasp of multiple technologies helped in solving problems of Aeroservoelasticity.

His leadership in the aeroelastic design of LCA is well known. Thanks to him and his team, LCA design emerged as an optimum solution.

Upadhya is a human being par excellence. He always displayed that innate ability to respond to human needs of his colleagues and worked to create a true team.

He has that rare ability to be both analytical and be able to synthesize a design. It is these qualities of being a scientist, technologist and a human being par excellence, which endears him to all colleagues.

Kota Harinarayana led the LCA (Tejas) development programme for 15 years.