Dr APJ Abdul Kalam gave an impossible task to a young scientist and decades later his missile system protected India during Operation Sindoor
On the evening of May 8, 2025, news channels reported that Pakistani drones and missiles operation sindoora man watched quietly at home.For most Indians, this is a moment of relief.For Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, this is a very personal matter.retiree defense research and development organization The scientist was not just observing the operations of India’s air defense system, he was observing the results of a mission that would shape his life for 15 years.“This was the happiest day of my life,” he later said.More than forty years ago, a young scientist named Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam India entrusted him with one of the most challenging defense programs the country has ever undertaken. At the time, few outside the scientific community knew his name. Today, the technology he helped build has become one of India’s most important shields.
When Dr APJ Abdul Kalam asked a young scientist to build the impossible
The story goes back to 1983.India has just launched the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMPP), an ambitious initiative to design indigenous missile systems instead of relying on foreign technology.One of the five missile projects planned under the program is Akash, a surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept enemy aircraft and air threats.This is one of the most difficult projects in the program.The mission leader, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, entrusted this responsibility to a relatively young scientist – Prahlada Ramarao.The task is daunting.“I was young and afraid of taking on such a huge responsibility,” Prahlada later recalled.Kalam’s response was always simple.Get it done.
Fifteen years, 1,000 scientists and an indigenous defense system
Building Akash is more than just designing a missile.This means creating a complete ecosystem of advanced defense technologies that has never been built before in India.Prahlada coordinates the work of nearly 1,000 scientists across 12 DRDO laboratories to address challenges ranging from propulsion and avionics to radar systems and electronic warfare.One of the biggest breakthroughs is the Rajendra Radar, an advanced phased array radar capable of tracking multiple airborne threats simultaneously, even in environments where enemy aircraft attempt to jam or confuse radar signals.Akash missiles and Rajendra radar together form an integrated air defense system capable of detecting, tracking and attacking multiple air targets simultaneously.Perhaps even more striking is its cost.The indigenous system was developed at a fraction of the cost of similar foreign air defense systems while providing capabilities suited to India’s operational needs, the Defense Research and Development Organization said.In a few years, the system will also find international buyers, with countries such as Armenia placing export orders.Dr. Prahlada Ramarao was awarded the Padma Shri in 2015 for her contribution to India’s defense capabilities.However, outside defense circles he remains unknown.
The day his life’s work went into war
Scientists rarely get to see firsthand the real-world impact of the technologies they spend decades creating.Prahlada did it.During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, India deployed a layered air defense network to deal with incoming air threats.Looking at the reports of successful interceptions, the experienced scientist saw something more important than a successful military operation.He saw years of failure, experimentation, calculation, and persistence finally proving their worth.The missile system he started building in his thirties would become part of India’s defense shield more than four decades later.His emotional reaction reminded many that behind every major technological achievement there are thousands of engineers and scientists whose names rarely make the headlines.
A lesson for students: Great inventions take time
Dr. Prahlada Ramarao’s journey also makes us understand the true meaning of engineering.After graduating in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Visvesvaraya University, completing his Masters in Aeronautical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and subsequently completing his PhD, he has spent his career solving problems for which there are no ready answers.His work extends far beyond Akash and has contributed to projects involving Prithvi, Agni, Nag, Astra, BrahMos and several advanced aerospace technologies developed in India.Yet his greatest legacy may not be the missile system.It is believed that when scientists are given the freedom, resources and time to innovate, India can design, develop and perfect world-class technologies.For students who dream of becoming engineers, scientists or researchers, his story provides an important reminder.Not all achievements are measured by viral fame or instant success.Some projects take decades.Some breakthroughs require thousands of people working quietly behind laboratory doors.Sometimes the biggest rewards come years later, when you build something that helps protect an entire country.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information about Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, official reports on her career, and reporting statements regarding Operation Sindoor and the Akash missile program. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only.
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