The inauguration of the Computer Centre at IIT Madras, 1973
Administrators , Inaugurations , Visiting VIPs
The inauguration of the Computer Centre saw a turning point in the history of computing at IIT Madras. According to Campaschimes, “Thousands of IITians learnt computer programming using the IBM 370 on campus (...) The computer centre was an impressive place with glass doors and air conditioning in those days of simpler living.” The inauguration marked a crucial point in IIT Madras history. The arrival of the IBM 370 to IIT Madras with the help of German support under the Indo-German Agreement meant that IIT students would not have to travel to IISc Bangalore to conduct their research, as they had a powerful computer on their very own campus.
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 Prof. S. Sampath (Deputy Director), Prof. A. Ramachandran (Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India), Dr. Erhard Eppler (Minister of Economic Co-operation, Federal Republic of Germany), Mr. K. T. Chandy (Chairman, Board of Governors), Mr. C. Subramaniam (Union Minister for Industrial Development and Science and Technology) and Prof. K. A. V. Pandalai (Director).
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