Homi Bhabha and the Computer Revolution

Description

In February 1960, India’s first full-scale digital computer—the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Automatic Calculator (TIFRAC)—was launched largely due to the efforts of Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909–1966). Paying tribute to the remarkable vision of Bhabha, this book looks at India’s past, present, and future in global IT and telecommunications. Tracing the country’s growth trajectory from Bhabha’s time, N.R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, Sam Pitroda, F.C. Kohli, and M.G.K. Menon among several leading scientists, policymakers, and industry leaders address indigenous efforts in telecom revolution and how computer and IT can bring about positive changes in our lives.   From computerization of services and e-governance to the computer’s impact on biotechnology, IT for power infrastructure, and transport—the essays address wide-ranging issues of tremendous topical relevance. Setting the tone of the volume, the Introduction looks at the contribution of Bhabha and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) to the computer revolution in its nascent stages, and later, when India gained prominence as a global player. With a Foreword by Ratan N. Tata highlighting the country’s journey towards self-reliance in IT and telecom, this volume will appeal to students and teachers of computer science and telecommunications, IT and telecom industry professionals, policymakers, and anybody interested to know more about the India story.