R. K. Baliga
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Ram Krishna Baliga (December 29, 1929—October 26, 1988) is regarded as the father of the Electronics City in Bangalore India.
According to the Indian Express[1], in the early 1970's Mr Baliga envisoned making Bangalore the "Silicon Valley of India" and it was met with skepticism. However, the then Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs of Karnataka decided to support him and made him the Chairman of the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation [Keonics] in 1976[1]. In 1978 Keonics established Electronics City on 332 acres in Konappana Agrahara and Doddathogur Village, near Bangalore[2]. He completed his term as Chairman of Keonics in 1983 during which period he saw the establishment of several firms. The development of the Electronic City gained substantial momentum after India liberalized its economy in early 1990's. According to the Keonics website the Electronics City today houses over 100 information technology and electronics companies who employ over 30,000 personnel[2].
He was also president of the Indian Institute of Plant Engineers which comprised of 4000 members according to the Deccan Herald[3], president of International Club at Westinghouse Electric Corporation (USA)[4], president of Karnataka Productivity Council[1] and President of Rotary Club of Bangalore where he initiated the Burns Ward[5].
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Indian Express, Bangalore Edition, Nov 6, 1988
- ^ a b http://www.keonics.com/infra_elecity1.htm
- ^ Deccan Herald, Oct 28, 1988
- ^ Times of India, Nov 1, 1988
- ^ http://www.rotaryclubofbangalore.co.in/html/outstandingproj.htm
