Dr Y S Rajan

Dr Y S Rajan is an accomplished Indian scientist, technologist, administrator, diplomat, academic, writer and poet. He has significantly contributed to India’s space research and technology since 1964, including shaping ISRO from its early experimental phases into a major service delivery organisation. He is also a well-recognised authority and thought leader in technology development, business management, and linking technology with society. He has shaped policies and implemented successful R&D projects involving industry and is a key figure in shaping “India Vision 2020”.

He is an expert in areas like satellite meteorology, remote sensing, mapping systems, and intellectual property rights. He has completed assignments for UN organisations. He has wide international experience and has led Indian delegations to the UN and visited about 40 countries for science/technology cooperation. He has been actively engaged with the academic world since 1976, by funding research, introducing new courses, and creating industry-academia centers. He has practical ground-level experience in developmental issues and has founded and built organisations like the Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), which he has led for about two decades.

After a 30-year stint with the Government of India (GOI), he joined the Confederation of India Industry, CII in 1996. He is a prolific writer and has authored/co-authored many books. He has written several poetry books and articles in English and Tamil.

He has been bestowed with prestigious awards like Padma Shri and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the India Geospatial Forum.