Satish Dhawan is one of the leading lights of aerospace engineering in India, but not much is known of him as a person. Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) offered a peek into the person he was, organising an exhibition of his memorabilia and works over the weekend on its campus.
Visitors got to see a copy of his doctoral thesis in fluid dynamics apart from his pioneering book ‘Bird Flight’. Also, the notes that he prepared to teach his students at IISc. were exhibited.
The event was held as part of the platinum jubilee celebration of the aerospace department.
Display screens screened two video interviews, one with Satish Dhawan's daughter Jyothsna Dhawan, a renowned biologist; and the other with his student and noted scientist Roddam Narasimha who described Dhawan as an exemplary teacher who shaped his life.
Also on display were documents related to the purchase of India's first wind tunnel, signed by O.G. Tiet Jens, who once headed the IISc.
“The exhibition is very informative. It reveals the contribution of this department to aerospace engineering in India. However, I was expecting display of models. Also, the event could have been more interactive,” said Mahesh, a visitor.
Various exhibits and documents portrayed the journey of the aerospace department since its inception.
