Celebrity Scientist

In latest honor, UCI engineering professor accepts coveted medal from president of his homeland, India

April 30, 2014 - As a boy in India, Satya Atluri was thrilled to hear the voice of U.S. President John F. Kennedy on the radio, vowing to put a man on the moon. It fueled his own dreams, and he grew up to become an internationally recognized aviation and mechanical engineer.

On April 20, Atluri, now a UC Irvine Distinguished Professor, returned to his native country to receive its Padma Bhushan award “for distinguished service of high order in the field of engineering and science.”

In an ornate ceremony at the imposing governmental compound in New Delhi, Atluri clasped his hands together and gave a slight bow as the heavy pink-and-gold medal was draped over his shoulders by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. He was told it was the first such civilian honor conferred upon anyone in the University of California system.

You can watch the investiture ceremony here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjwZMmr4rhs. Atluri is the third recipient.

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