Dr. Kota Harinarayana: A Visionary Leader Who Shaped UoH with Innovation and Social Responsibility

 

 

When Dr. Kota Harinarayana took charge as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad (UoH) on 6th November 2002, he was already a towering figure in Indian Science & Technology. Known as the “Father of the Light Combat Aircraft” for his role as Chief Designer of Tejas, India’s fourth-generation fighter jet, Dr. Kota was a legend in aeronautical engineering. Yet, for UoH, his tenure was much more than the arrival of a renowned scientist; it marked the beginning of a period of unprecedented innovation, institutional strengthening, and social engagement.

 

Early Life and Academic Journey

Born on 14th May 1943 in Berhampur, Odisha, Dr. Kota Harinarayana pursued a career path marked by intellectual brilliance and national service. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT (BHU), followed by a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering from IISc Bengaluru, and a Ph.D. in Aircraft Design from IIT Bombay. Later, he also obtained a Bachelor of Law from Bangalore University, reflecting his multidisciplinary interests.

 

 

His professional journey included key roles at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), where he spearheaded the Tejas programme. He also contributed significantly to unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft safety, and systems engineering. For his contributions, he was honoured with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 2002, the Lifetime Achievement Award from INAE, DRDO, and multiple honorary doctorates from leading universities/organisations.

 

Transformative Leadership at UoH

Though his tenure as Vice-Chancellor lasted less than three years (November 2002 – July 2005), Dr. Kota left an indelible mark on the University. A senior faculty member once remarked that “he completed five years’ work in half the time,” a tribute to his dynamism and clarity of vision.

Strengthening Research and Infrastructure

Dr. Kota’s scientific background enabled him to secure unprecedented funding for UoH. He mobilized around ₹80 crores from the DRDO and the Department of Science & Technology to establish three world-class centres:

• Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM) – funded with ₹36 crores.
• Centre for Nanotechnology – funded with ₹24 crores.
• Centre for Modelling, Simulation and Design (CMSD) — funded with ₹20 crores.

These centres laid the groundwork for UoH to be recognized internationally in niche areas of scientific research.

 

 

During his tenure, the Centre for Earth and Space Sciences (renamed Centre for Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences) was established to address aspects related to ocean, earth and atmosphere in an integrated manner.

During his tenure, a multinational company (Pratt &Whitney), for the first time, established a Chair in the University.

 

Bridging Sciences and Social Sciences

Dr. Kota firmly believed that universities must not remain confined to disciplinary silos. At UoH, he consistently encouraged collaboration between the sciences and the social sciences promoting interdisciplinary research. This holistic approach enriched academic life on campus and ensured that research had wider relevance for society.

During his tenure, he established strong linkages with ISRO who supported research not only in Science & Technology but also Social Sciences with projects to Dr. K.P. Rao, Department of History, titled “Remote Sensing for Identification and Study of Palaeo Channels and Archaeological Sites”, Dr. Vinod K Jairath, Department of Sociology, titled “Participation and its Impact on Sustainability of Natural Resources: A Sociological Study in Mahaboobnagar” and Dr. R Siva Prasad, Department of Anthropology, titled “Socio-Cultural Dynamics of Watershed Development Programme: A Cross-Cultural Study in India”.

 

 

Literacy as a Social Mission

Perhaps the most unique and human dimension of his tenure was his adult literacy programme for the communities surrounding the campus. On his rounds of the University, he noticed semi-slum settlements of migrant workers, many of whom were illiterate. Determined to bridge the gap between the University and its neighbourhood, he launched a literacy campaign with active participation from students, faculty, and non-teaching staff.

The programme used computer-based lessons in Telugu, developed in partnership with Prof. P.N. Murty of TCS. Nearly 10,000 people enrolled, with around 5,000 completing the course—remarkably, 80% of them women. A convocation was held for the neo-literates, complete with certificates, symbolizing the University’s commitment to social change.

To sustain literacy, UoH collaborated with Eenadu newspaper to bring out a weekly newsletter for new learners. Faculty and students prepared the content, while Eenadu published and distributed it. This initiative was hailed as unique in Indian higher education, blending academics with social responsibility.

 

Reforming Administration

On the governance front, Dr. Kota introduced fortnightly review meetings with administrative officers to monitor workflow and resolve issues amicably. This system of accountability improved efficiency and created a culture of responsibility that continued after his tenure.

 

Contribution to State of Telangana

He worked closely with State Government and played a key role in the establishment of India’s first Aviation Park at Adibhatla on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

 

Continuing Association with UoH

Even after the end of his Vice-Chancellorship, Dr. Kota remained closely associated with UoH. He was instrumental in shaping the School of Engineering Sciences and Technology (SEST), contributing to its curriculum design and academic vision. As Pratt & Whitney Chair Professor from 2010 to 2013, he helped bring prestigious projects to SEST, including those from the Aeronautical Development Agency and the National Programme on Micro and Smart Systems.

In 2024, at the SEST Day celebrations marking its 15^th anniversary, Dr. Kota returned to campus as a mentor figure, sharing research directions and encouraging young scholars. His bond with UoH continues to this day, reflecting his deep commitment to the institution.

 

A Legacy That Endures

Dr. Kota Harinarayana’s legacy at the University of Hyderabad is one of vision, innovation, and compassion. He strengthened the University’s research foundations, integrated diverse disciplines, and built bridges with society through literacy initiatives. He demonstrated that the role of a Vice-Chancellor is not only to manage but to inspire, to innovate, and to engage with the world beyond the campus walls.

In the long history of UoH, his tenure stands out as a period where the University not only grew academically but also discovered new ways of fulfilling its social mission. For future generations, Dr. Kota’s story serves as a reminder that the true measure of leadership lies not just in academic excellence, but in creating meaningful impact on society at large.

-By Mahi Sharma, MA Communication (Media Studies)