Dr Ram Narain Agarwal, known as the "Father of Agni Missiles", passed away in Hyderabad on Thursday, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials said. He was 84.
Dr Ram Narain Agarwal was the first Programme Director of the Agni missiles, India's iconic long-range ballistic missile programme. He led the programme for over twenty years before retiring as ASL director. The nation honoured his contributions by presenting him with the Padma Shri (1990) and Padma Bhushan (2000) awards. In 2005, he was awarded this year's DRDO's Lifetime Achievement Award "for pioneering the development and establishment of long-range missiles systems".
Renowned DRDO missile scientist Ram Narain Agarwal— also known as the Father of Agni Missiles, passed away today in Hyderabad at the age of 84. He played a crucial role in the long-range ballistic missile programme in the country and was the first Programme Director of the Agni… pic.twitter.com/O2LoTPapBx
— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2024
"He played a key role in establishing the re-entry technology, all composite heat shield, on board propulsion system, guidance and control etc for missiles," DRDO mentioned in its obit statement.
With profound grief and sorrow, DRDO offers the condolence on the sad demise of Dr Ram Narain Agarwal outstanding aerospace scientist and Padma Shree, Padma Bhushan awardee, who was instrumental in the development of India’s long range missile, Agni. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/WbsSA1bael
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) August 15, 2024
Senior serving and former DRDO scientists condoled the death of Dr Agarwal. "Former DRDO chief and missile scientist Dr G Satheesh Reddy said the country has lost a legend with his passing away. He said Dr Agarwal played a crucial role in expanding the long-range missile manufacturing and launch facilities in the country," news agency ANI quoted DRDO officials as saying.
It was none other than Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who entrusted Agarwal with the responsibility to build the Agni missiles, a report said.
Born into a family of traders in Jaipur, Agarwal developed an interest in flights and joined the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore to obtain a master's degree in aeronautics engineering. The confidentiality of the nuclear arsenal and IRBMs meant that much of his valuable contributions had to be kept under wraps.
When he started heading the Agni missile project in 1983, even allies like the Soviet Union were not willing to share technology to build ballistic missiles with New Delhi. However, under Agarwal's leadership, DRDO did find a way to replenish India's defences with the mighty IRBMs.
