Madira Scientist Chandramouli Receives Prestigious Padma Shri Honour
Renowned DRDO scientist Gaddamanugu Chandramouli from Madira has been selected for the Padma Shri award in recognition of his decades long contribution to India’s Akash missile programme and national defence research.
- Padma Shri honour for Madira scientist Chandramouli.
- Akash missile development played a key national role.
- DRDO service strengthened India defence systems.
A moment of pride has arrived for Khammam district as Madira native Gaddamanugu Chandramouli has been chosen for the Padma Shri award, one of India’s highest civilian honours. His journey from a small town to the country’s strategic defence programme stands as an inspiring story of dedication and quiet excellence.
Chandramouli devoted more than three decades to the Defence Research and Development Organisation, where he played a decisive role in the development of the Akash missile system. The surface to air missile, designed to counter enemy aircraft, became one of India’s most important indigenous defence achievements.
His association with the programme dates back to its early days. When former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam launched the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, Chandramouli was part of the core team formed under senior scientist Prahlada Ramarao. Over the years, his technical leadership and commitment helped shape the project into an operational success for the nation.
Born into a modest middle class family in Madira, Chandramouli completed his schooling locally before pursuing intermediate studies at a government junior college. He later earned a mechanical engineering degree from the Regional Engineering College in Warangal in 1981, followed by post graduation at IIT Delhi. After a brief stint in the private sector, he joined DRDO through UPSC in December 1983.
During his tenure, he rose to the position of project director and worked extensively at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory in Hyderabad. Under his guidance, the Akash missile was successfully developed using indigenous technology, reinforcing India’s defence self reliance.
Despite a demanding scientific career, Chandramouli maintained strong roots in his hometown. Friends and relatives recall that he made it a point to visit Madira whenever possible, staying closely connected with his people.
The Padma Shri recognition has brought widespread joy across Madira and Khammam district. For many, his achievement reflects how perseverance, education and service to the nation can take someone from a small town to national honour.
