DIRECTOR - COMPUTER SCIENCE
IBM ALMADEN RESEARCH CENTER
USA

Dr Ashok Chandra is one of the most respected persons in the world of computer science research. Personally he is known for several path breaking concepts and results, some of which are now text book material (e.g. the nation of alteration). What possibly is unique about is achievements, in the context of computer science research, is that he has done fundamental work basing himself in an industry. He has demonstrated that it is possible to do research which is excellent both in academic standard, as well as in the standard of industry. His organization has found him to be very valuable, he has made several contributions which have been of immense benefit to IBM; and at the same time, his work has put him amongst the very top people in the theoretical computer science, usually considered an abstract area far from practice.

Dr Chandra graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur in 1969 earning Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. He was the winner of the prestigious President’s Gold Medal. Subsequently, he obtained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Sciences from the Stanford University in 1973. Since than, he has been with IBM, currently he is a Director of that organization.

Dr Chandra has rendered very valuable service to the profession through his professional activities. He has been the editor of an important journal (SIAM J of Computing), was responsible for starting what is now a very prestigious annual conferences (IEEE Symposium on Logic in Computer Science), has chaired on several occasions the programme, committees/conference committees of top conferences. Further, he is a member of Board of Directors of Computer Research Association, a body which acts as a liaison between the US Government and PhD granting computer science departments in USA. For granting computer scientists, in India his contributions as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Annual Conference on Foundations of Software Technology and Theoretical Computer Science Conference has immensely helped in attaining the international repute that is enjoyed today.

Dr Chandra has always been very supportive to the Computer Science and Engineering Department of IITK and has visited the department on several occasions. The CSE faculty and students have always found him to be a source of inspiration and help.

Dr Ashok Chandra is nominated for the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the Indian Institute of Technology for the outstanding contributions made in the Computer Science Research and realization of the fact that in these days of painful transition, when doubts are often raised whether IITK can keep up its motto of excellence in the face of the compulsions imposed by the new economy, by reminding ourselves through highlighting the achievements of Dr Chandra which prove beyond doubt that excellence can indeed be coupled with relevance.