IIT-Kanpur Director Abhay Karandikar Takes the Helm at India's Department of Science and Technology

In a significant development for the field of science and technology in India, Professor Abhay Karandikar, the esteemed director of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), has taken on the role of Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the country's science and technology landscape as Prof. Karandikar steps into this important position, succeeding Dr. Rajesh Gokhale. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this appointment, Prof. Karandikar's remarkable background, and his contributions to the telecommunications sector, frugal 5G, rural broadband, and more.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar: A Remarkable Journey

Professor Abhay Karandikar has a distinguished career as an electrical engineer and academician. His journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and his appointment as Secretary of DST is a testament to his dedication and expertise.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar's Appointment as DST Secretary

• The Transition:
  Prof. Karandikar officially took over as the Secretary of DST, succeeding Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, who had been holding the additional charge alongside his role as Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology.

• Appointment Approval:
  The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Prof. Karandikar's appointment as Secretary of DST, effective from the date of assuming office until he reaches the age of 60 years or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.

Contributions to the Telecom Sector

Prof. Karandikar has made significant contributions to the telecommunications sector in India. His work and research have had a far-reaching impact, and he continues to shape the industry in various ways.

• Telecom Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI):
  Prof. Karandikar was one of the founding members and also served as the chairman of TSDSI, the country's telecom standards body. This role allowed him to play a pivotal role in defining the standards and direction of the telecom industry in India.

• Frugal 5G and Rural Broadband:
  His research interests include frugal 5G and rural broadband. These areas are critical for ensuring that advanced telecommunication technologies reach even the remotest corners of the country, bridging the digital divide.
  

BharatNet: Bridging the Digital Divide

One of Prof. Karandikar's notable roles is as a consultant for the design and implementation of BharatNet. This government project aims to provide broadband connectivity to rural India. Improved connectivity not only empowers rural communities but also enables services like tele-consultations with expert doctors in remote locations, improving healthcare access.

National Supercomputing Mission

Prof. Karandikar's expertise extends to high-performance computing. He has worked with the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), which is leading the implementation of India's National Supercomputing Mission. This ambitious initiative envisions a grid of over 70 supercomputers across academic institutions in India, boosting computational capabilities.

Patents and Innovations

Prof. Abhay Karandikar is not only a visionary but also an innovator. He holds more than 20 patents to his credit, showcasing his commitment to advancing technology and solving complex problems.

In appointing Prof. Abhay Karandikar as the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, India has chosen a leader with a proven track record in driving innovation, improving connectivity, and advancing the nation's technological capabilities. His contributions to the telecommunications sector, rural broadband, and the National Supercomputing Mission demonstrate his commitment to shaping India's future. As he takes on this new role, we can look forward to further advancements and breakthroughs in the field of science and technology under his leadership.