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The Special Convocation was held to confer the honourary degree of Doctor of Science to Dr. Eppler. In an article published in The Hindu, it is mentioned, “Prof. S. Sampath, Deputy Director, read the citation which described Dr. Eppler as a scholar-statesman of outstanding eminence.”  The Special Convocation was held before the Computer Centre inauguration earlier in the afternoon according to Prof. K. A. V. Pandalai’s speech which has been documented by the Archive of IIT Madras. On the stage, from left, Prof. S. Sampath (Deputy Director), Mr. C. V. Sethunathan (Registrar), Mr. K…

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…

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…

The Special Convocation was held to confer the honourary degree of Doctor of Science upon Dr. Erhard Eppler who was the Minister for Economic Co-operation for the Federal Republic of Germany at the time. Honourary degrees are given by colleges and universities to persons who have contributed immensely to a particular cause. The convocation was held on the same day as the Computer Centre inauguration at the Central Lecture Theatre (CLT).   Ms. H. Sudha (Mathematics Department) is to the extreme left at the podium and next to her is Ms. Gowri (M. Tech. student). Wearing convocation…

Dr. Eppler (Minister for Economic Co-operation for the Federal Republic of Germany) was the chief guest at the inauguration of the Computer Centre at IIT Madras. Prof. Ramachandran, the former Director of IIT Madras, was working as Secretary to the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. In the image, the tape drives of the IBM 370 computer system are seen. The IBM 370 was the newly installed computer at IIT Madras. Campaschimes, the coffee table book about IIT Madras, notes that the tape drives were installed in a hall beyond the card readers (where decks of cards…

According to a report in The Hindu, Prof. Pandalai welcomed the gathering and said that he hoped IIT Madras would become “self-reliant” when German aid would end, and not be reliant on other Institutes or organisations in the future. The Computer Centre was inaugurated on 17 November 1973, around a month and a half after Prof. Pandalai became the Director of the Institute. The previous Director was Prof. A. Ramachandran (also in photograph). Prof. S. Sampath (seated to Prof. Ramachandran’s right hand side) officiated from 11 May 1973 until Prof. Pandalai officially became Director. The…

This photograph was taken at the Special Convocation held on 17 November 1973. The convocation was held to confer the honourary degree of Doctor of Science upon Dr. Erhard Eppler who was the Minister for Economic Co-operation for the Federal Republic of Germany at the time. Honourary degrees are given by colleges and universities to persons who have contributed immensely to a particular cause. The convocation was held before the Computer Centre inauguration at the Central Lecture Theatre (CLT). Seen in the photograph, seated, from left, Prof. S. Sampath (Deputy Director), Dr. Erhard Eppler…

This photograph was taken during the inauguration of the Computer Centre in 1973. The venue can be determined by the mural, which is partly visible behind the chairs. IBM had printed a large mural on Prof. Mahabala’s request. It was placed behind the stage. In his speech at the inauguration, Prof. K. A. V. Pandalai (Director) revealed that a “Special Brochure” about the computer system was released by Dr. Eppler. The brochure contained facts about the IBM 370 and also the important features of the Indo-German Agreements. From left, Prof. A. Ramachandran (Secretary, Department of Science…

Dignitaries seated on the dias, from left, Dr. Pfauter, Dr. Karunanidhi, Prof. A. Ramachandran, Prof. Sampath

The chief guest being welcomed by Prof. A. Ramachandran.

Dr. M. Karunanidhi honoured with a garland. Also seen, Prof. Sampath

Dr. Pfauter addressing the audience. Seated are Prof. A. Ramachandran, Dr. M. Karunanidhi, Prof. Sampath

Prof. A. Ramachandran addressing the audience.

Dignitaries seated on the dias, from left, Dr. Pfauter, Dr. Karunanidhi, Prof. A. Ramachandran, Prof. Sampath

Dr. M. Karunanidhi addressing the audience. Also seen Dr. Karl Pfauter