He revolutionised wireless in local loop technology in India. He founded the TeNet group (Telecommunications and Computer Networks) at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras. And he is a professor at the Telematics and Optical Communication Lab at IIT-M.
So who is he?
Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala is not just a man of many talents; he is a tenacious fighter too. For years he was campaigning against the Indian government's move to opt for an inefficient and expensive US technology, while discarding his invention of cheap phones to connect rural India. Eventually not only did the government relent, as a show of appreciation he was felicitated with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2002. He also received the Dr Vikram Sarabhai Research Award in 1997 and Shanthi Swaroop Bhatnagar Award in 1998.
As his dream to connect rural India through 200 million telephone and Internet connections continues to take shape, we take you through the journey that started years ago in Kolkata.
Text: Shobha Warrier
Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala
Photograph: Shreeram Selvaraj
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