The month of August 2008 was indeed a black month for Indian Metallurgy. Three stalwarts of this field died during this month. Professor D. S. Sarma, teacher and researcher, Dr.Placid Rodriguez and Professor C. V. Sundaram, scientists of the Indian Atomic Energy establishment, leave behind a tremendous legacy of hard work and great achievements. All three of these metallurgists had their initial training at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Prof. Sarma spent nearly forty years of his life at the Department of Metallurgical Engineering, BanarasHinduUniversity teaching and guiding research. He was an authority on steels and an excellent transmission electron microscopist. Unmindful of awards and recognitions, he immersed himself in teaching and research till he retired from the University. The fact that he was engaged in research activities till the sudden end of his life on 16th August 2008 is ample testimony to his devotion and love for this profession. As a student and colleague, I express my sincere condolences to the family of this great Metallurgist.
Dr. Rodriguez was a Nuclear Metallurgist of great distinction. Specialized in Mechanical Metallurgy, he contributed immensely to the growth of the nuclear field in India. He started his career at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay, and retired as the Director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam. Besides his contributions to the field of Metallurgy, he guided and nurtured a whole generation of scientists at these nuclear establishments. His sad demise on 31st August 2008 has robbed the nation of a great leader. My sincere condolences to his family.
Prof. Sundaram was a pioneer in the field of reactive & refractory metals in India. A gentle and genial person, he had the steely resolve to make India self-reliant in metals like zirconium, beryllium, tantalum, and titanium. He initiated researches on the extraction of titanium in India and established the first pilot plant for the same. He has been referred to as the Titanium man of India. The Development of the fast breeder reactor in India started under his leadership at Kalpakkam. Prof. Sundaram expired on 15th August 2008. I offer my sincere homage to this great personality.
Metallurgy is defined as the art and science of metals. Bronze age,Iron age,Aluminium age,Titanium age etc indicate advances in our civilization. Technology owes its existance largely to metals. Today young people seem to have lost interest in the study of Metallurgy. Is the traditional metallurgy dead? What should be the approach to this problem?
Metallurgy is defined as the art and science of metals. Bronze age,Iron age,Aluminium age,Titanium age etc indicate advances in our civilization. Technology owes its existance largely to metals. Today young people seem to have lost interest in the study of Metallurgy. Is the traditional metallurgy dead? What should be the approach to this problem?
I am a Metallurgical engineer interested in all aspects of metals and alloys. I did my Ph.D. in Materials and did research in Hydrogen damage and Corrosion of metals.
I am concerned with various social attitudes and behavior, technological developments, and human health and well- being.I am currently working as a Metallurgical consultant and an Insurance Advisor
