Bangalore, November 13, 2006 (The Hindu)

He still travels home once in a few months. To Cherthala near Alapuzha in Kerala. Ramachandran Rajesh, son of a bank official and college teacher, is today busy with interpretation of data from radars for the armed forces.

This young scientist with the Centre for Airborne Systems of Defence Research and Development Organisation was clear about his career choice. "By the time I reached the final year at the Regional Engineering College, Kozhikode, I knew a career in defence-related research was what I wanted. More challenges and opportunities to serve my country with skills I possess,'' he says. Signals processing is what his team is working on and this involves collating data gathered from radars and other systems, including those on aircraft and the ground. "For example, we get a signal from a radar about an approaching aircraft. We need to identify and locate it within a close distance so that appropriate information can be given to intercept or possibly neutralise it,'' Rajesh explains.

A more difficult project with enough technology involved to satisfy even his demands, is how to prevent our own geographical positioning systems (GPS) from being jammed by the enemy. Like all armed forces, India's too relies on GPS for many purposes, both in peace and at war. But the enemy can jam them so that they cannot send accurate data when most needed. Building GPS devices robust enough to withstand enemy jammers will be crucial for the armed forces.

"We are a team of 15 scientists and work on projects most days from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. or beyond. There are mid-morning meetings when we review the work done and plan for the next day as well. There are also meetings with other teams and with the senior scientists. Long hours are part of the job but so are the rewards and the satisfaction level,'' he remarks.

Problems do crop up during intense work on a project and troubleshooting and sometimes going back to the drawing board are taken for granted. Lives will depend on the result and the security of the country.

Soon he will be "Dr" Rajesh. DRDO has recognised the potential in this young scientist and has sponsored him for doctoral studies with the Indian Institute of Science. There are in-house training sessions and seminars at technical institutions. Recently he was deputed to present a paper at an international technical conference in Shanghai, China.

It is not all work. He gets enough time for pastimes, including playing competitive shuttle badminton. "I am also fond of soccer and rooted for Argentina in the World Cup,'' he says in parting.