IT stalwart DB Phatak receives Padma Shri

Dr Deepak B. Phatak, the man behind the notable work done for upgradation of world's cheapest tablet ‘Aakash', has received the Padma Shri Award for his contribution in science and technology. Apparently, he was the only face from IT industry to receive any Padma Award this year.

Dr Pathak is well known computer scientist and academist from Maharashtra. He is known for his notable work for upgrading World's cheapest tablet Aakash.
He was also ranked one of the 50 Most Powerful people in India.

He is a fellow of CSI, and of IETE. He continues to work on many Government, AICTE and NASSCOM Committees.

Dr Pathak has been a consultant and adviser to many organizations on various issues related to Information Technology. In the financial sector, he has involved in a major effort by Industrial Development Bank of India to use relational data bases on Unix platforms in late 80's.

Under his guidance, two unique programs were initiated and developed at the Institute. One was in the form of an IT business incubator while the other offered live courses through a distance education program using VSATs.

Both these initiatives have now matured as regular activities in their respective spheres through the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), and the Centre for Distance Engineering Education Program (CDEEP).