Yelavarthy Nayudamma Biography 
Yelavarthy Nayudamma was a chemical engineer and a scientist killed on Air India Flight 182 in Emperor Kanishka bombing. The blast took away the life of 329 people on board, which also included Inder Thakur, an Air India purser, actor and model best known for playing Sachin’s elder brother in Nadiya Ke Paar. As a scientist, for his immense contributions to the field of science, Government of India honored him with Padma Sri in 1971. He was also conferred with the prestigious Raja-Lakshmi Award in 1983 from Sri Raja-Lakshmi Foundation, Chennai, two years prior to his death. After his death, Dr. Y. Nayudamma Memorial Award was instituted in his name, which rewards leading scientists of the country.
He was born into an agricultural family of Yelavarru village near Tenali in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh on 10 September 1922. He was married to Y. Pavana, and had three children including one daughter. He spent his early days in his village where he completed his schooling. He graduated in Chemical Technology from Banaras Hindu University and later did a course in leather technology at Madras Institute of Leather Technology. After his studies, he gave some significant contributions to the field. His contribution to initial development of the Central Leather Research Institute at Chennai and attempts to give an international image to the institute are noteworthy.
He was a recipient of numerous and awards including Padma Shri, for his contributions towards science. A member of several Indian and international committees, other elite positions held by him include - the Director General of CSIR at New Delhi and also 4th Vice-Chancellor of JNU, New Delhi during 1981 - 1982. His death happened in Atlantic Ocean, South of Ireland in 1985 while he was travelling in Air India Flight 182.
Published: N/A
Updated: June 10, 2018
