Professor Akella Kameswara Rao, Founder President of the Indian Society for Advancement of Materials and Processing (ISAMPE) attained eternal peace on 10th December 2005. Known for his pioneering contributions in structural sciences, Prof Rao played a key role in bringing in profound changes in the aeronautical sciences in the country and inspired a galaxy of scientists, engineers and technocrats to work together in a multidisciplinary scenario that became the need of the hour. He networked many an institution and individuals into a cohesive force that later became a significant factor in the progress of several prestigious technological projects of national importance.

Born in 1929, Prof Rao had a brilliant career with distinguished academic achievements. After his graduation in engineering from BHU and post-graduation in IISc, he received his Ph D from the Imperial College, London. He worked at Folland Aircraft Company during 1955-59 before returning to India. He joined as faculty at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, IISc, Bangalore in 1959 and soon achieved a position of academic eminence. He retired from IISc in 1990, and took over as Director, Engineering Staff College of India, Hyderabad, a position, which he held till 1998.

During his long and celebrated tenure at IISc, Prof Rao guided a galaxy of Masters and Doctoral students that enriched the scientific scenario  - nationally and internationally – in various disciplines of structural sciences. He was instrumental in bringing in areas such as Finite Element Methods, Non-destructive Testing and Composite Materials into the main stream of structures activity. His vision of multidisciplinary research, inspired several scientists and institutional groups in diverse areas to work together and infused into the aero structures field various related disciplines such as materials science, electronics, chemistry, statistics and use of other mathematical theories.  His own work, documented in about 140 research papers which he authored, is a testimony to the brilliance with which he addressed a broad spectrum of topics.

In late eighties, his keen interest in the then emerging area of composite materials and his conviction that the materials and structures areas were intrinsically linked together led him to think in terms of creating a professional society for the interaction amongst people with diverse interests. Inspired by his vision, scientists, engineers, industrialists and academicians in the Structures, Materials and Process Community came together to form a common platform. This led to the formation ISAMPE on 28th November 1985 under the presidentship of Prof Rao. As a founder President of the Society, he nurtured the growth of the Society in its formative years. From 1985 to 1992, his guidance and foresight were extremely valuable in setting up the goals for the Society towards important areas, such as composite materials. ISAMPE conferred its Honorary Membership on Prof Rao for his meritorious services towards research and education in the field of Structural Mechanics in the Country.

Prof Rao was intensely associated with the activities of many other Professional Societies too.  He was President of the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), Indian Society for Theoretical and Applied Mechanics and Indian Society for Non-destructive Testing. He was the recipient of several prestigious awards from India and abroad.  He was consultant to International Institutions such as Lockheed Georgia Co. and Lockheed International Research Institute, USA and Visiting Professor to several universities abroad.

It is with great respect and reverence that we, the ISAMPE Members and well wishers pay our tributes to this great Guru.