Mr. J. R. D. Tata signs the autograph book as some members of the faculty look on, 1969

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Visiting VIPs , Administrators , Faculty

In the early years of the Institute an autograph book was maintained and the visiting VIPs were requested to sign it. This book can now be found at the Heritage Centre. The photograph was taken in the Conference Room on the fifth floor of the Administration Block. The Administration Block had been completed and occupied in 1968.

Mr. Tata’s inscription in the autograph book reads, “I wish I could have spent more time in this fine institution. I hope to come again!” Mr. Tata did visit IIT Madras again in the 1980s, when he gave an extramural lecture at the Student Activities Centre (SAC).

From left, Mr. H. V. R. Iengar (Chairman, Board of Governors), Mr. J. R. D. Tata (Chairman, Tata Sons Ltd.), Prof. A. Ramachandran (Director), Prof. M. V. C. Sastri (Chemistry Department) and Prof. E. G. Ramachandran (Metallurgy Department).

Collection:

Gourishankar Collection

Album Name:

J. R. D. Tata Visit

Photograph ID:

001/0211/IMG_0233

Album ID:

0211

Date:

16 December 1969

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:

Visit of J. R. D. Tata

Place:

Conference Room, Administration Block