Academic record : B Tech (Aero) from IIT-Kharagpur, M E (Aero) from IISc, Bangalore with 4.0/4.0 Grade-point Average. Ph D from CIT-Cranfield ( UK ). Educated in renowned schools of aeronautics, mostly topping in the class.

R&D contributions : Major technical contributions as a practising engineer in developing techniques and methodology for aerospace vehicle design incorporating advanced concepts of structural dynamics & aero elasticity, aero-servo-elasticity, load estimation and optimisation with composite structures. The contributions cover both analysis and experiments including full-scale tests on aircraft such as structural coupling tests, and aeroelastic model studies of aircraft and launch vehicles in wind tunnel. The technical work spanned the primary disciplines of aircraft design, namely structures, aerodynamics and controls. These techniques and methodologies have been applied in an aerospace programme for the first time in India and have become standards for similar work subsequently.

Professional experience : Initially scientist at NAL; later, Deputy Project Director, Group Director and Project Director at ADA . for LCA development. Successfully handled responsibilities growing from Group Leader (Str Dyn) to Project Director for Structural Technologies covering the above mentioned areas and also advanced materials (carbon fibre; high-temp composites), damage tolerance, software technologies, composite component and smart systems development, testing technologies etc. Currently (since Sept 2003) Associate Programme Director (LCA Navy), responsible for Full Scale Engineering Development of LCA Navy, a Rs 950 Crore programme sanctioned in March 2003 jointly by DRDO and Indian Navy, involving design and development of naval version of LCA (a trainer and a fighter) capable of ramp take-off and arrested recovery on an aircraft carrier, and also a shore based test facility. Concurrently holding the position of Programme Director (since Jul 2001) for the National Programme on Smart Materials, a Rs 75 crore programme covering interdisciplinary areas from Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) to large smart structures. Interacted closely with specialists from reputed aircraft industries and universities from abroad in these areas.

Team building & Human relations : Co-ordinated various multidisciplinary efforts and other activities involving numerous work-centres. Successful in building teams of scientists and engineers to carry out goal-oriented developmental and project tasks. Established excellent human relations with employees spanning all major aeronautical institutions. Promoted science and technology development and professional growth of scientists and engineers through professional societies (immediate past President, ISAMPE; former Treasurer, ISSS; former Member, Board, AeSI, Bangalore Chapter and former Member, Executive Council, AeSI). Served as Chairman of various specialist committees and as Chairman of ADA Employees' Welfare Association. Also, involved in various community activities.

Organisational capability : Organised major events such as National and International Conferences, seminars and workshops. Successfully organised the prestigious event of LCA Naming Ceremony by the Prime Minister of India, involving close coordination with central and state agencies.

Vision : To harness the R&D potential in the country to develop aerospace technologies and competence to be on par with the advanced countries. To excel in knowledge-based technology developments relevant to aerospace.