Padma Shri for India’s Akash Missile Architect: Ex-DRDO Scientist Chandramouli Gaddamanugu from Telangana Honored Under Science & Engineering

Madhira, Khammam, Telangana: Chandramouli Gaddamanugu, a former scientist of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and one of the principal architects of India’s Akash missile system, has been conferred the Padma Shri under the Science and Engineering category.

The prestigious civilian honor recognizes his 34-year long contribution to strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities. The Padma Shri honour not only celebrates an individual scientist’s lifetime of dedication but also stands as a tribute to India’s growing prowess in homegrown defence technology and the quiet perseverance of the minds behind it.

Mr. Chandramouli Gaddamanugu was born in Madhira located in Khammam district of Telangana and is a mechanical engineering graduate from National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal, and holds an M.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

His journey with the Akash missile began in the early 1980s when he was part of the maiden three-member team entrusted with the ambitious project by noted scientist Rama Rao Prahalada, under the vision of former President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, who was then leading the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.

Recalling those formative years, Mr. Gaddamanugu says Dr. Kalam firmly believed that “first develop technology; the rest will follow.” What followed was a 14-year-long scientific mission, involving relentless work on missile design, ground-based radar systems, propulsion and warhead integration.

He recalls the skepticism that surrounded the project in its early days. “Very few believed we could build a potent missile that would one day become the backbone of India’s air defence. There was cynicism everywhere, and scrutiny at every stage. Yet, we remained calm, patient and persevered,” he says.

As a core member of Project Akash at DRDL–DRDO, Mr. Gaddamanugu led and coordinated teams across multiple organizations, contributing to the successful design, development, flight testing and user trials of the missile system from its inception in 1983 until his superannuation in 2018.

The first successful flight of Akash took place in 1994, followed by final evaluation trials during 2006–07. Under his leadership, the Akash missile system was formally inducted into both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force in 2015, marking a major milestone in India’s defence self-reliance.

With this achievement, India became only the second country after Russia to design, develop and produce a solid ramjet propulsion-based supersonic missile system. After assuming charge as Project Director in 2011, Mr. Gaddamanugu played a crucial role in streamlining the production, delivery and induction of Akash.

He coordinated efforts among 13 DRDO laboratories, nine defence public sector units and five ordnance factories, enabling the transfer of complex missile technologies to Indian industries for large-scale production. Even after retirement, his association with Project Akash continues.

Mr. Chandramouli Gaddamanugu is currently preparing a book chronicling the journey of Akash, offering an insider’s account of one of India’s most significant indigenous defence programs.