Contribution to Defence Programs

Dr. A.S. Pillai played a key role in progressing the development of the critical technologies overcoming control regimes and technology denials. He also contributed in establishing link between R&D, academic institutions & industries for providing a combined strength for development of critical systems and technologies. Successful completion of AGNI and PRITHVI are examples of his tremendous contribution to bring the team together with focused action and problem solving. The other three missile systems - TRISHUL, AKASH and NAG are in the advanced stage of completion.

Apart from the IGMDP, Dr. Pillai has made significant contributions in conceiving and evolving new missile systems and their configurations, which are currently in progress. He has also played a very important role to build multi-institutional partnership and expanding the infrastructure for the emerging systems. The key achievement is in the development of critical and newer technologies giving challenge to the control regimes of technology denials. Many technology development programmes have been steered by him and are in the development stage.

Papers by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

Publications & Technical Reports by Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai

Scientists & Technocrats

Greetings to Scientists and Technocrats! India becoming a developed nation by 2020 is no longer a dream. We have witnessed a renaissance in Science & Technology in the first half of the 20th century. There has been a tremendous growth in S&T infrastructure from the time of independence in 1947. Significant achievements have been made in the areas of nuclear and space science, electronics and defence.

Transformation of India should become a national and social commitment in order to make our country a developed nation. This needs the contribution of our great Indian family not only within the country but also spread all over the world in terms of knowledge, expertise, business acumen and management skills to start a well-synchronised economic revolution through well-conceived missions, strategies, goals and policies. We should strive to achieve key objectives in innovation areas such as technological self-reliance, innovation and global competitiveness in critical technology. We must not forget that we are living in a troubled neighbourhood. With the help of right technology we can tackle national security.

In the words of Edward Teller: “The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.” We need to invent, reinforce and visibly demonstrate the capability of India's science and technological advancement in various areas.

If we have to succeed in our endeavour of inclusive growth and development, we need to come up with innovative solutions both at the level of society and the nation. The important thrust will be on the growth in the number of creative leaders in every laboratory, institution, every industry, every department and finally every organisation in the ministry. The world is going through a major technological transformation with the increase in knowledge. This revolution will go on. Therefore we must take advantage of the technological revolution, which can make our country a developed nation in the years to come.

Inspiration for Youth

India today is in a unique position in the world attracting all developed countries to look at it because India is the best resource hub of young intelligent minds. The history of India dominating during the civilizational age is coming back when the society has moved from agriculture to knowledge. This is a point of greatest advantage for all of us and it provides an opportunity for India to become an economic power.

The strong 580 million youth and children have the tremendous responsibility to shape India’s future. And this emergence of new technologies is going to play a very important role to bring out this economic revolution. India is already moving in that direction. There are three elements required to succeed in the mission. They are: (1) Aim high; (2) Work hard and (3) Perseverance

Only this matrix structure based program management helped to resolve conflicts, assign priorities, avoid duplications and enable lucid control of the process to stick to the schedule adhering to the objectives of IGMDP. Networking with multiple organisations and industries for technology development gave a real challenge for effective management along with inherent complexities. The complexities were multi-faceted - Networking of establishments and related management, Time criticality and Technology criticality and so on. Above all the multiple technology developments were intertwined multiple missile developments. Networking of establishments and activities monitoring was a hectic process in IGMDP. Today, we have internet that brings the world in our finger tips - the only issue is to use our fingertips on the keyboard. But in those days internet was just a concept in India. In those days in India computers were primitive, with monochromatic monitors displaying green fonts in a black background, being operated only in air conditioned rooms. In those days even a television was a rarity, a home with an antenna (dipole antenna) served as navigation references in residential areas. The younger generation would not have heard about these antennae lest to see. Today it is the era of DTH with DVD quality video and audio. In that era with Dr. Pillai at the helm, the programme management board had to find various industries, research laboratories and academic institutions manually through reports or personal contacts. They had to understand their expertise and capabilities and to delegate works.

Everyone should fix a goal for themselves. There should always be a thirst in themselves to achieve the goal. The empowerment of Indian youth depends on the technological progress that can reform the politics of economic competitiveness and societal prosperity by bringing in newer and ground breaking changes. In the future of India the budding intellectual minds, therefore, can play a crucial role by igniting the spark lying within the human potential to reach the pinnacle of glory in our nationhood.

I wish youth of India all success in your endeavour.

God bless you.

Inspirational message on innovation, creativity & leadership

Turning the pages of our glorious past, I am reminded of our great nation and the compassion and commitment of its leaders. As I continue to contemplate, I am also reminded of a statement that troubles me a lot. Quite a few people have this feeling, "we have an absence of leaders, a void in societal leadership." I believe the individuals who share this sentiment are looking for leadership through "old-fashioned strategy”. The idea of one leader at the top of the stack, with everyone else below, is no longer the recommendation for today’s scenario.

If we are waiting for one or two people to rise up and be the leaders that set strategy and solve key issues, our wait may have to wait too long. Those seeking the "one" must adjust their lenses to see the "many" who are taking responsibility for our nation. These leaders, of which I speak, are enthusiastic and well thought-out around key issues such as transportation, housing, security, education and economic development - just to name a few. Each one requires a troupe of knowledgeable, cooperative and specialist leaders - to make an impact.

Many amidst you may have been involved in partnerships, coalitions and collaborations. Through these effective groups, your leadership is evident; you have a seat at the table. Habitually, we don't hear about the collaborative leadership or your individual successes, for that matter. However, we must remember that it is not about one, but many - it is not about us, but others.

Again, our issues are too complex for us to look to one or two individuals for solutions. Working together as sub-leaders or co-leaders, in a collaborative manner, is the succeeding formula for the future. Our success depends upon those sitting at the table and their abilities to work in this environment. I would like to quote a statement from a book, that a successful collaborative leader "has the ability to share power; is flexible; can see the big picture; is trustworthy and possesses patience, abundant energy and hope." Those leaders exist right here within us and our system(s) must be committed enough to making sure our collaborative leaders have the tools to be successful. It is simply the time to upgrade our vision.

"Diversity for growth and innovation" is one of the values and essential part of business strategy today. It is well known that understanding and drawing on the strength of diversity means meeting the needs of people around the world, building strong relationships, and fully engaging the talents of our people in the right direction. Or one can say is simple words, making the most of our diversity has always been the right and the smart thing to do.

We recognize the value and power of tapping into the full spectrum of ideas and abilities that people possess. Strength comes from the combination of some common factors, like our shared values, vision and purpose, as well as what makes us different, like experiences and perspectives.

We may grow as part of some organisation and as people when we encourage different viewpoints and ways of thinking — differences that come through diversity. That is what leads to true insights and innovative practices.

Supporting diversity for growth and innovation is a long term journey. Rewards have been and continue to be seen for the efforts made and the spirit of looking forward to do more - to helping create better futures for the nation as a whole.