Chandrathil Gouri Krishnadas Nair is an Indian technocrat, teacher and metallurgical scientist known for his contributions in the field of aeronautical metallurgy. Dr Nair was awarded Padmashri by the Government of India for his contributions to science and technology in 2001.
C. G. Krishnadas Nair was born in Kerala on 17 August 1941. He had his early education in Kerala and continued his studies at IIT Madras to pass graduate degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1964. He obtained master's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1966 and earned PhD in 1968 from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
C. G. K. Nair started his career as an assistant professor in Regional Engineering College, Suratkal (present KNIT). Later, he worked as visiting faculty at University of Sheffield, UK when he quit teaching career to join Hindustan Aeronautics in the design and development department in 1971. Slowly he rose through the ranks to become the first professional engineer to become MD & Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Nair's efforts at HAL is said to have transformed the company into a globally competent aerospace industry through long term strategic plan with strong R&D, diversification, export, industry academy interaction and work culture based on ethics and teamwork.
Nair is also credited with efforts that led to the design and development of Advanced Light Helicopter, new Jet trainer and Light Armed Helicopter by HAL. He is considered as the influence behind the design of High Altitude Helicopter, Multi Role Transport Aircraft and many advanced aerospace equipments. In 1991, he founded the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries (SIATI) to train and support small and medium enterprises to develop aerospace components indigenously. He served as AICTE-INAE Distinguished Visiting Professor at IIT Chennai for two terms after his retirement from HAL when he was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of MATS University. In 2008, he was invited by Government of Kerala to head Cochin International Airport Limited as the Managing Director. He served CIAL till 2011.
C. G. K. Nair has presented and published 193 scientific papers at various conferences at national and international levels. He has authored 20 books. He is the Chairperson of National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC) since the end of his tenure at CIAL in 2011 and is also an independent Director at Global Vectra Helicorp.
C. G. K. Nair has held various positions in his career.
Chancellor of Jain University,Bangalore -India (CURRENT)Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.Independent Director at Global Vectra Helicorp Limited since May 4, 2012Non-Executive Independent Director at Titan Industries Limited since May 2, 2002Member - Scientific Advisory Committee to the Cabinet of IndiaMember - Enterprise Reform Committee to the Government of KeralaChairman of the Society of Defence Technologists (SODET)President of the Society of Indian Aerospace TechnologiesMember of Governing Council of MVJ College of EngineeringPresident of Aeronautical Society of IndiaPresident of Indian Institute of MetalsVice-Chancellor of MATS UniversityManaging Director, Cochin International Airport LimitedFounder of International Institute for Aerospace Engineering & Management (IIAEM), BangaloreChairman of National Institute of Technology CalicutAwards and recognitions
Nair received several awards and recognitions during his career.
Outstanding Aerospace Personality Award (2011) for the decade by Indian Aviation for outstanding contributions to the Indian Aerospace IndustryCentenary of Aviation Award (2010) by Society of Aerospace StudiesRajiv Gandhi 60th Birth Anniversary Rastriya Ekta Samman (2008) for contribution to National prosperity, unity and achievements.Life Time Contributions and Achievement Award (2007) from Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)IIM Platinum Award from Indian Institute of Metals (2004)National Metallurgist Award (2003) from the Indian Institute of Metals and Ministry of Steel and MinesScope Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management for best Managed Public Sector (HAL) (2003)Scope Award for Best Chief Executive and PM’s Gold Plaque (2002) Department of Public Enterprises and Ministry of Industries by Vice-President of IndiaPadmashri (2001) by the President of IndiaDr.Ambedkar Bharath Shree Award (2001) by Governor of KarnatakaGold Cross Award (International) (2001) by COMITE D’HONNEUR du MERITE ET DEVOUEMENT FRANCAIS, France.Rashtriya Ratna Award (2001) International Friendship Forum of IndiaSwadeshi Science Puraskara (2000)National Award for R&D (1998)Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award (1997)Hon. Fellow & Life Time Achievement Award from Aeronautical Society of India (1997)First Distinguished IIT Alumnus Award from IIT: Chennai (1996)Omprakash Bhasin Award in Space & Aerospace Application (1996)Hindustan Zinc Gold Medal (1993) by Indian Institute of Metals.Vasvik Research Award (1992) by Vibidhlaxi Audyogik Samshodhan Vikas KendraFIE Foundation Award (1991) from FIE Foundation, awarded by the Prime Minister of IndiaNational Award for R&D (1991) by Department of Scientific & Industrial ResearchIndira Gandhi Memorial National Award (1990) for Excellent Chief Executive, by Central Public Sector Employees Federation, HyderabadNational Award for Best Employer of Physically Handicapped (1990) by President of India.National Energy Award (1990) by the Institute of Indian Foundry menNational Aeronautical Prize (1990) from Aeronautical Society of IndiaNational Award for Best Employer of Physically Handicapped (1989) by President of IndiaBirla Gold Medal (1988) from Indian Institute of MetalsFerroguard Award (1979) from Electro-Chemical Society of IndiaBest Young Metallurgist Award (1975) from Ministry of Steel & Mines, Government of India.Fellow of Indian Institute of MetalsFellow of Institution of Engineers (India)Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering
