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Mr. C. Subramaniam addresses the audience during the inauguration of the Computer Centre, 1973

Administrators , Faculty , Inaugurations

In the book ‘Computer Education in India: Past, Present and Future’, there is a mention of a report which was published in The Hindu with regard to the Computer Centre inauguration at IIT Madras. It is said that Mr. Subramaniam, in his speech, noted that “the message of science and the marvels of technology should be taken to the common man as part of an attempt to educate and improve his thinking, to change his outlook and to bring about a more rational view of his natural environment and of his own capabilities.”

IBM made a large mural specifically for the occasion, using a photograph of the IBM 370 taken at the Computer Centre. It was made upon Prof. Mahabala’s request. The mural was placed behind the stage of the Central Lecture Theatre (CLT). In this image, it is visible behind the distinguished guests who are seated at the stage. It was around 25 feet long and approximately 6-8 feet high, providing a clear image of the machine. After the inauguration, the mural was kept in one of the classrooms in the Building Sciences Block (BSB) where M.Tech. classes were held. 

From left, Mr. C. Subramaniam (Union Minister for Industrial Development and Science and Technology), Prof. S. Sampath (Deputy Director), Prof. A. Ramachandran (Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India), Dr. Erhard Eppler (Minister for Economic Co-operation, Federal Republic of Germany and chief guest), Mr. K. T. Chandy (Chairman, Board of Governors), Prof. K. A. V. Pandalai (Director) and Prof. H. N. Mahabala (Professor-in-charge, Computer Centre).

Collection:
Central Photographic Section Collection
Photograph ID:
001/0030/IMG_0897_1
Album ID:
Date:
17 November 1973
Event:
Inauguration
Place:
Central Lecture Theatre (CLT)

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