Interview with Padma Shri Kota Harinarayana Sir

Kota Harinarayana, an aviation engineer and former chairman of the board of governors of IIT (BHU), Varanasi, was born in Brahmapur, Odisha in 1943. He obtained his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from IIT (BHU) Varanasi in 1964, and received master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Indian Institute of Science. He got his Ph.D from IIT Bombay. He also holds a bachelor's degree in law.

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2002 for his exceptional contributions to the field of aviation engineering, particularly for his role in the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

He was programme director and chief designer of India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Programme. He has also served as vice-chancellor of the University of Hyderabad and president of the Aeronautical Society of India.

In addition to his academic and administrative achievements, Harinarayana has made significant contributions to the field of aviation engineering. He has been instrumental in the development of several advanced aircraft technologies, including the LCA Tejas. He has also served as a consultant to various government agencies and private companies on aerospace engineering matters.

Harinarayana has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field of aviation, including the Life Time Achievement Award-2007 from the DRDO. He is a fellow of the Indian National Academy of Sciences, the Indian Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Sciences.