IC 10059 Maj (Dr) R Thiagarajan, MBA (DU), PhD

Thiag was commissioned in Corps of Signals on 15th Dec 1957. His performance in Military College as a direct entry cadet earned him the appointment of JUO.
His dogmatic determination to uphold the highest values of the Corps of Signals and the writing in Chetwode Hall found himself hounded out of Uniform, he prided himself in. But his thoughts helped to enrich the nation to the (then) revolutionary concepts of computers and IT.
As an Instructor at School of Signals, his concepts and teaching techniques found appreciation of all the officers’ who attended courses. His impartiality, willingness to share knowledge won him respect. He took time off in teaching through out his able days, whether it be, telecom, automation, IT, networking, management or culture and thus won well wishers in all walks of life.
He was one of the first to do computer course in Statistical Research Institute Calcutta, where Mr Mahalanobis took a liking to his genious.
His honesty, sincerity, impartiality, fair play, discipline and highest state of signalman ship was not in tune with the then CO 25 IDSR. He had a tough time and was moved to Eastern sector. There his over exertion told on his health and he landed in JCEC. He was not a file pusher and started craving for soldierly activities.
While serving in JCEC he happened to give a talk on automation. Prof MGK Menon (Secretary to GOI/ Cabinet Minister/ and etc) was present and took an immediate liking. MGK rang up Def Secy next morning and asked for the services of Thiag in his dept. MS branch applied their standard formula of QR etc. There was a lull. About a month later MGK bulldozed and the very next day Thiag found himself standing before him.
He retired from the Army on completion of 20 years of Service.
He was the brain behind automation in India. He lectured and demonstrated networking even prior to the concept entered our borders. He was ably guided and encouraged by Maj Gen A balasubramaniam, Brig VM Sundaram and others. Prof Yashpal encouraged him and Seshagiri took his assistance to establish NIC.
Mr Seshan involved him in Planning Commission.
During these periods he found himself invited by international organizations on automation and IT to conduct seminars/present papers/participate in discussions and toured world wide touching every person and city that had interest in computers/IT.
He found himself guiding the likes Nadar, WIPRO, CSI, ministries, universities.
Mr DY Patil and one Mr Kulkarni in Maharashtra took a lot of help from him.
He set up a management training institute with blessing from Shri Shankaracharya of Shringeri Mutt.
His untiring hard work took a heavy toll and he was almost bedridden by the time he reached his date of retirement.
He retired at Addl Secretary level in Ministry of SC & Tech.
He never showed any favours. Even he did not use his clout to settle his children and expected them to grow up on their strength. They struggled for admission to colleges, get jobs, and even to get their passport. He has two daughters and a son who are all married and well settled.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE AND WITH HIS SOUL REMAINS A LOVE TO OUR GREAT CORPS.
Brig G Natarajan (Retd)