At the Computer Centre inauguration, 1973

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Institute Events , Administrators , Inaugurations

The Computer Centre was inaugurated by Mr. C. Subramaniam, while Dr. Erhard Eppler was the chief guest for the occasion. The inauguration also marked the entry of the IBM 370 computer system to IIT Madras.

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.

Seen in the image, from left, Dr. Erhard Eppler (Minister for Economic Co-operation, Federal Republic of Germany), Mr. K. T. Chandy (Chairman, Board of Governors) and Mr. C. Subramaniam (Union Minister for Industrial Development and Science and Technology).

Collection:

Gourishankar Collection

Album Name:

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

Photograph ID:

001/0266/IMG_0115

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

Place:

Central Lecture Theatre (CLT)