Seen with Prof Ramaseshan (left) at a NAL party in the 1970's

Dr P Nilakantan
Dr S R Valluri
Professor R Narasimha
Dr K N Raju
Professor Satish Dhawan
Dr R A Mashelkar
Dr PRamamoorthy
Prof U R Rao
Dr B R Somashekar
Mr K Venkatachalam
Dr K S Yajnik
Dr M V V Murthy
Dr A C Raghuram
Dr Indira Rajagopal
Dr S Srinathkumar
Dr M Shivakumara Swamy
Dr S Nagabhushana
Dr J P Pichamuthu
Dr Srinivas Bhogle

Professor Dhawan has moulded the development of science and technology in India for half a century. .

Professor Satish Dhawan
Citation read out at the special NAL Foundation Day function held on 18 Jul 1997

National Aerospace Laboratories is privileged to honour Professor Satish Dhawan at today's special Foundation Day Function to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Indian Independence.

Professor Dhawan has moulded the development of science and technology in India for half a century. As Chairman, Space Commission and Secretary, Department of Space, Professor Dhawan led the Indian space programme to an astonishing state of maturity. In doing so he provided a model for the country on how to define, formulate and organise high technology projects, and deliver sophisticated products within stipulated time frames. As Director, Indian Institute of Science, Professor Dhawan led the Indian scientific community to newer heights of success, achievement and eminence.

NAL is singularly fortunate to obtain Professor Dhawan's advice, guidance and affection for nearly four decades. He was a member of NAL's Executive Council since its inception in 1963 and his formal association with NAL continued till he stepped down as Chairman, Research Council in 1994. Professor Dhawan's advice to NAL was always marked by scrupulous objectivity and a deep concern for its possible social relevance to the country.

As NAL completes 38 years of existence, all of us at NAL take pride in saluting one of the truly great builders of modern India.