K.P.P. Nambiar helped Kerala make immense contributions in the electronics sector, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.
He was speaking after unveiling a bust of the technocrat, who was the first chairman and managing director of Keltron, at the Keltron compound here on Friday. The bust was sculpted by Kanayi Kunhiraman.
The Chief Minister said the government was trying to take big steps in science and technology, for which Nambiar’s memories were an inspiration.
Nambiar was very particular about utilising his technical expertise for the benefit of the State. He worked in many institutions in high positions, but his work as founder chairman of Keltron and Technopark’s first project implementation committee chairperson gave him the most satisfaction.
Industries to villages
“He said on many occasions that he felt fulfilled only upon working for the State. When he took over as Keltron CMD, he strived to find sectors with fresh possibilities and at the same time entrusted work related to electronic equipment to rural women groups and societies, thus taking industries to villages.”
As Electronics Secretary, Nambiar implemented new projects in the research and production sector. He foresaw the developments in the electronics sector and planned projects so that the State would be found wanting, Mr. Vijayan said.
Keltron, he said, overcame many challenges under his leadership and made a name for itself in electronics, aerospace electronics, IT software, and educational services.
Mr. Vijayan stressed the need for scientists to reinvent themselves constantly and pass on their knowledge to society. The unveiling of Nambiar’s bust would help the young generation remember the great personality.
Smart meter project
Minister for Industries A.C. Moideen said the government was taking steps for the development of Keltron. It had earmarked ₹40 crore for hardware development.
Administrative sanction had been given for a smart meter project. A detailed project report was being prepared for a ₹30-crore project for manufacturing solar panels. A joint venture with UST Global was in the works.
The aim was to take Keltron’s turnover to ₹1,000 crore. As a tribute to Nambiar, the government was committed to taking Keltron to greater heights, he said.
Nambiar’s wife Uma, Mayor V.K. Prasanth, Keltron MD T.R. Hemalatha, and sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman spoke. Industries Secretary Sanjay Kaul was present.
