DRDO former chief V S Arunachalam passes away; PM Modi extends condolences

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• Aug 17, 2023 | Poonam Nath

V S Arunachalam, former DRDO chief noted for his contributions to engineering science and technology, passed away...

Digital Desk: V S Arunachalam, a former DRDO director general, passed away in the United States on Wednesday, confirmed his family in a statement. Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the demise of eminent scientist S Arunachalam aged 87 years.

"We would like to convey the death of Dr V S Arunachalam with great sadness and a sense of immense loss. He died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by close family in California," said the statement.

PM Modi took to the newly changed Social Platform X, where he wrote, “Dr V.S. Arunachalam’s passing away leaves a major void in the scientific community and the strategic world. He was greatly admired for his knowledge, passion for research and rich contribution towards strengthening India’s security capabilities. Condolences to his family and well-wishers. Om Shanti."

V S Arunachalam's Career and Achievements

V S Arunachalam's remarkable career included roles at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), the National Aeronautical Laboratory, and the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory.

From 1982 until 1992, Arunachalam led the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and served as the Defence Minister's Scientific Advisor.

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For his contributions to engineering science and technology, he received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in 1980, the Padma Bhushan in 1985, and the Padma Vibhushan in 1990.

Arunachalam served on the advisory and editorial boards of various institutions and organisations, including the Materials Research Society Bulletin, in addition to being the first Indian Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK).

He established three major programmes: the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) Programme, and the IGMDP (Integrated Guided Missiles Development Programme) to develop a family of strategic and tactical guided missiles.

Arunachalam received the DRDO's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 for his remarkable contribution to scientific research and technology.