AMN / WEB DESK
VS Arunachalam, a former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) director general, died in the US on Wednesday, his family said in a statement. He was 87.
“With great sadness and a sense of immense loss, we would like to convey the demise of Dr VS Arunachalam. He passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by close family in California,” the statement said.
His distinguished career spanned across Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), National Aeronautical Laboratory, and Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory.
Arunachalam helmed the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and was the Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister from 1982-92.
He was conferred the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1980), Padma Bhushan (1985), and Padma Vibhushan (1990) for his contribution to engineering science and technology.
In addition to being the first Indian Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), Arunachalam served as a member of the advisory and editorial boards of several universities and foundations, including the Materials Research Society Bulletin.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the passing away of eminent scientist and former DRDO Chairman Dr. V.S. Arunachalam. In a message, Mr Modi said, Dr. Arunachalam’s passing away leaves a major void in the scientific community and the strategic world.
The Prime Minister said Dr. V.S. Arunachalam was greatly admired for his knowledge, passion for research and rich contribution towards strengthening India’s security capabilities. Mr Modi expressed condolences to his family and well-wishers. Dr. Arunachalam passed away in California USA yesterday at the age of 87. He also served as Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister. He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1986 and Padma Vibhushan in 1990.