The IBM 3215 console terminal and printer being shown to the distinguished guests during the Computer Centre inauguration, 1973

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Institute Events , Administrators , Visiting VIPs

The device was used to control the operations of the Main Frame (IBM 370/155). Once started, messages were printed on the fan fold pack (a sheet of paper) which would indicate the status of the system. Computer Operators were trained to work with the device in scheduling programs submitted on punched cards. They were also trained to attend to various devices such as the printer, tape drive and disk packs.

Seen in the image, from left, Mr. A. L. Taylor (Regional General Manager, IBM, India), Mr. K. T. Chandy (Chairman, Board of Governors), Mr. C. Subramaniam (Union Minister for Industrial Development and Science and Technology), Prof. H. N. Mahabala (Head of Computer Centre), Mr. C. V. Sethunathan (Registrar, fourth from right) and Mr. Kapoor (IBM Systems Engineer) is seated at the terminal. Also seen in the image is Mr. S. Srinivasan (Systems Manager and 1964 B.Tech. Mechanical Engineering Alumnus). (Mr. S. Srinivasan was identified by Mr. Achuthan Mohan, M.Tech. in Computer Science, 1977).

Collection:

Gourishankar Collection

Album Name:

1. Special Convocation for Dr. Erhard Eppler 2. Computer Centre Inauguration

Photograph ID:

001/0266/IMG_0114

Album ID:

0266

Date:

17 November 1973

Photographer:

C. Gourishankar (1936-2002). A geologist by qualification, Gourishankar started his career as a photographer after working for many years with the Geological Survey of India. In everything that he did, Gourishankar strove to achieve flawlessness and impeccable quality. Thus his photography too was characterised by this drive for perfection. Every photograph that Gourishankar took was meticulously planned and shot and printed with diligence and patience. Gourishankar carried out most of the official photography at IIT Madras in the 1960s.

Event:

Inauguration of Computer Centre