The Birth Centenary of Prof. G.S. Ramaswamy was celebrated with great enthusiasm on 3 October 2022, at the CSIR Campus in Taramani, Chennai, by CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC).
The Birth Centenary function was presided over by Dr N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC and Coordinating Director, CMC. A customary shawl was presented by Dr J. Rajasankar, Chief Scientist, to the chief guest of the day, Shri Zacharia George, Former Scientist, CSIR-SERC and Principal Structural Consultant, M/s. Pithavadian and Partners.Also the guest of honour, Dr S. Rajasekaran was welcomed customarily by Dr G.S. Palani, Chief Scientist.
In her address, Dr Anandavalli welcomed the invitees and all the attendees, especially from neighbouring organisations such as Dr Narayanan, Dr Goswami, Dr C.V.R. Murthy, and Professor Sekar retired scientists of CSIR-SERC. She then welcomed the first woman Director General of CSIR & Secretary DSIR, Dr N. Kalaiselvi who could not attend the celebrations due to previous engagements.
Further in her talk, the Director pointed out that civil engineering is all about planning, teamwork, experience and preparing for the unexpected. Structural engineering is the art of using materials that have properties widely which can only be estimated to build a real structure that can only be approximately analyzed to withstand forces that are not accurately known. Also, structural engineering deals with the application of scientific knowledge to develop and improve infrastructures such as buildings, bridges, roads, railways and common utilities. Therefore, the role of a structural engineer exists in every walk of life and infrastructure is the backbone of any nation and thus should be environmentally friendly and economical.
She also welcomed Shri Vasanth the nephew of Dr G.S.Ramaswamy as a representative member of Dr Ramaswamy’s family. Dr Anandavalli then briefly talked about the far-sighted vision of Dr Ramaswamy which led to the establishment of CSIR-SERC as a national laboratory on 10 June 1965. She then touched upon the path taken by Dr Ramaswamy from his education to his professional achievements. Dr Anandavallialso highlighted the passion of Dr Ramaswamy for the design and analysis of funicular shells, stating that “you could not separate GSR and shells”. The work done by Dr Ramaswamy culminated in him authoring several books and the accolades received, she said, were commendable.
Next Dr Ramaswamy’s contribution towards grip bars along with Shri Zacharia was highlighted, the technology which was later commercialised by TATA Iron and Steel company. Dr Anandavalli stated that Dr Ramaswamy was also responsible for the establishment of many testing facilities on this campus, such as TTRS, FFL, etc., which is a result of his far-sightedness. She then read the felicitation messages sent by Professor Prem Krishna, Dr Bhandari and Dr NageshR.Iyer for the inaugural function of the yearlong birth centenary celebrations of Dr G.S.Ramaswamy.
A special message was sent by Dr Kalaiselvi for the occasion which was broadcast virtually. Dr N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary DSIR’s virtual address highlighted the example set by Dr Ramaswamy as a legendary leader in pursuing his passion for research and writing even to his days. She drew parallels of his work to John B. Goodenough, a world-class physicist and chemist who is credited for the identification and initial development of the first lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and later on a new, ultra-efficient, low-cost battery that uses sodium or lithium-coated glass electrolyte at the age of 94. She stressed that the work and passion of such legends should serve as an example for all.
Dr J. Rajasankar, Chief Scientist & Head, SHRDD, introduced the chief guest, Shri Zacharia George to the audience. Shri Zacharia George, in his talk, touched upon his work and collaboration under Prof. G.S. Ramaswamy and Professor GSR’s passion for shell structures. He further elaborated on some of the projects that were carried out by him under the guidance of Prof GSR such as the Ambala military housing project for 1500 houses, temple structures, the patented grip bar work, etc. He reiterated that when “it comes to design and construction you have to be specific to the region in which you are not only country but the region”. Also, he said that “you can adopt any material to any specification of any country but when it comes to the question of design and construction you have to follow the Indian code…, particularly the structures section”. He concluded by briefly talking about his work at CSIR-SERC and other organisations.
Dr G.S. Palani, Chief Scientist, introduced the guest of honour, Prof. S. Rajasekaran, former Professor of Civil Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore. Prof. S. Rajasekaran in his Birth Centenary address declared that Professor G.S.Ramaswamy was “the greatest engineer cum scientist cum administrator” and he was proud to have been associated with him. He spoke briefly about the work and interactions he had with Professor GSR and other notable scientists from the field of civil and structural engineering such as Clough, Penzien, Timoshenko, etc. Finally, he stated that he would like to see at least or more than 2% of scientists from CSIR-SERC among the high-ranking structural engineers of the world.
Names of octogenarian members of CSIR-SERC and CMC were read out as they could not make it to the function. Dr Anandavalli then presented mementoes to the chief guest and guest of honour.
Dr K. Sathish Kumar, Chief Scientist & Head, BKMD, proposed a vote of thanks at the end of the function.
