NEW DELHI: Visit Google s India page today, and you will find a picture of a gentleman in suit and tie, holding what looks like a satellite against the backdrop of space, and a view of Earth taken from a distance.
Hiver your mouse, and it tells that its Udupi Ramachandra Rao s (better known as UR Rao) 89th birthday.
UR Rao needs no introduction. An eminent scientist, he was Isro chairman between 1984-94.
He is credited with many firsts. Rao undertook the responsibility for the establishment of satellite technology in India in 1972.
Under his guidance, beginning with the first Indian satellite Aryabhata in 1975, over 18 satellites were designed, fabricated and launched for providing communication, remote sensing, and meteorological services.