Prof Vaidyeswaran Rajaraman: The Visionary Who Coded India’s Tech Destiny

The world bids farewell to Professor Vaidyeswaran Rajaraman (1933–2025), the trailblazer who transformed India from a technological backwater into a global IT leader. Often called the “Father of Indian Computer Science,” Rajaraman’s textbooks, institution-building, and policy advocacy created the foundation for India’s digital dominance.

How Rajaraman Revolutionized Computer Education

From Wisconsin to IIT Kanpur: India’s First Computer Course

After earning his PhD at the University of Wisconsin, Rajaraman launched India’s first computer science engineering program at IIT Kanpur in 1963—when most universities hadn’t even seen a computer. His hands-on approach used donated IBM machines to give students rare practical experience.

The Textbooks That Taught a Nation to Code

His seminal works became the backbone of Indian tech education:
– Computer Programming in FORTRAN (1969)
– Fundamentals of Computers (1982)

Written in simple, conversational English, these books broke linguistic and socioeconomic barriers. Former students like Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy credit them for making programming accessible to non-elite learners.

Policy Architect: Building India’s Digital Infrastructure

Advising Governments on Tech Sovereignty

As a key figure in India’s Electronics Commission and C-DAC, Rajaraman:
– Championed indigenous supercomputing (leading to the PARAM series)
– Pushed for computer literacy in schools and colleges
– Designed curricula adopted by universities nationwide

His 1980s warnings about relying on foreign tech paved the way for India’s self-reliance in IT.

Institutional Legacy: Where India’s Tech Leaders Were Nurtured

Creating Centers of Excellence

• Founded Supercomputer Education and Research Centre (SERC) at IISc Bangalore
• Shaped IIITM Kerala as its first director
• Mentored generations of engineers who now lead Google, Microsoft, and Indian startups

Tributes to a National Icon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him “the Bharat Ratna of technology,” while industry leaders noted:

“Every Indian programmer stands on Rajaraman’s shoulders.” — Nandan Nilekani

The Unfinished Code: Rajaraman’s Living Legacy

From UPI payments to AI startups, his vision thrives in:
✅ India’s $1 trillion digital economy
✅ 5.4 million STEM graduates annually
✅ Global recognition as the “world’s back office”

As we honor his memory, Rajaraman’s greatest lesson endures: Technology, when democratized, can uplift entire nations.