Dr. h. c. Heinrich Luebke and the German delegation being led by Prof. B. Sengupto and Mr. R. Natarajan, 1962

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Institute Events , Administrators

This photograph was taken during the foundation stone laying ceremony of IIT Madras. Dr. Luebke (President of the Federal Republic of Germany) was the chief guest for the event.

Prof. R. Krishnamurthi, in his article titled ‘3rd December 1962 – A Red-Letter Day’ in the Fourth Annual Number, writes: “Temporary gates and arches had been erected all along the roads to welcome the distinguished visitor. Even half-complete buildings put on fresh look. The open-air theatre, which had been got ready within a few weeks, was having the final touches given to it. The central stage as well as the arena displayed the national flags of both West Germany and India side by side. The Madras Police Band was in attendance. Paper and floral decorations and festoons were waving in the air in their multi-colours.”

It is possible that this photograph was taken while the distinguished guests and administrators were on their way to the Open Air Theatre (OAT). Prof. B. Sengupto (Director) is seen talking to Dr. h. c. Heinrich Luebke (holding hat in hand), Mr. R. Natarajan (Registrar) is behind Dr. Luebke, and Mrs. Wilhelmine Luebke is seen to the left of R. Natarajan.

Collection:

Gourishankar Collection

Album Name:

Visit of the German President and Buildings of IIT Madras, 1962

Photograph ID:

001/0259/IMG_0346

Album ID:

0259

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:

Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony

Place:

Possibly near Open Air Theatre (OAT)

Date:

3 December 1962