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National Institute of Amateur Radio (NIAR)
founded by Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY at Hyderabad was registered as a Public
Society on 21st June 1983.
From 1970, Amateur radio activities were conducted from HAL Amateur Radio
Club, VU2HAL where he was employed..
Later in 1975 Andhra Pradesh Amateur Radio Society, VU2APR was
formed and then in 1983
National Institute of Amateur Radio.
VU2NRO.
Details of some special events
and achievements of NIAR for the promotion of Amateur Radio in the
country are highlighted here in chorological order.
1970:
HAL Amateur Radio Club, VU2HAL was
inaugurated.
1971:
Members of HAL Amateur Radio Club,
Ex-servicemen Association, members of the HAL Workers Union together organised a “Jawans Stall” at Secunderabad Railway station under the
leadership of Mr. S. Suri, VU2MY
1972:
Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister
received a cheque of Rs. 30,000/- from Mr. Suri, VU2MY representing HAL,
Hyderabad division. An autograph by her was got in 1978 after presenting a
report on Hams role in Morvi disaster.
1975:
Registration of A.P. Amateur Radio
Society (APARS).
1976:
A.P Govt. constituted a committee
under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Technical Education, Employment &
Training with Director, Employees & Training and Director, Technical
Education. This committee after going through lot of process and
discussions with Mr. Suri, the founder gave a report on the usefulness
of Ham’s during natural calamities and other areas and on APARS to
Government of AP. Later Mr. T.Anjaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister approved
several proposals including the release of first AP grant of Rs.1,00,000
in 1980.
1977:
APARS members provided emergency communications after the
cyclone in Divya Seema, Andhra Pradesh.
1978:
AP Hams Convention was conducted by APARS
at JNTU on 12th August 1978.
1982:
A major All India Hamvention was
conducted by APARS at Hyderabad which was attended by former Prime
Minister Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi ,VU2RG.
APARS provided Amateur Radio network
during the 9th Asian Games - Asiad’82 held at New Delhi with
callsign AU9BSG.
1983:
APARS provided communication network
at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meet (CHOGM) held at Goa.
A team of three members led by Mrs.
Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI operated expedition station at Lakshadweep
Islands with callsign VU7WCY.
NIAR was established. Mr. V.N.
Gadgil the then Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications, GOI,
inaugurated it.
Mr. S. Suri, VU2MY was sent on global tour for two months to
study many international Amateur Radio organisations. This was approved
by Mrs. Indira Gandhi as Minister for Electronics & Prime Minister.
NIAR emerged as a National Organisation in
promotion of Amateur Radio. Dept. of Electronics, Govt. of India
decided to recognise it as an Apex organisation and funding it to the
tune of Rs. 95 lakhs.
1984:
NIAR office was established at P.S. Nagar,
Hyderabad.
(Mr. Suri’s residence)
1985:
NIAR office was shifted to Road No.1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Ms.M.Bhanumathy, VU2BL represented NIAR at SEA Net Conference held in
Philippines.
1986:
NIAR constructed its own buildings and moved to Rajbhavan Road, Hyderabad.
NIAR delegates Participated in RSGB (UK) and AMSAT (UK)
conferences.
NIAR provided emergency communications
during floods in Andhra Pradesh.
1987:
NIAR conducted a major Dxpedition to
Andaman & Nicobar Islands with a team of 30 members lead by Mrs. Bharati
Prasad, VU2RBI. with callsign VU4APR (Port Blair) & VU4NRO (Nicobar). As
a result Ms. Bharathi became number one among woman Hams and was Awarded
“ Ambassador on the Air” from DX
Association, New Orelans, USA. Her name appeared in Limca Book of
Records for her activity from Andaman.
NIAR provided emergency communication
after a major train accident at Mancherial in July 1987.
1987 ~ 1992:
All India Hamventions were held at
NIAR HQ Hyderabad annually.
1988:
International Amateur Radio Union
President and two other representatives visited NIAR.
NIAR provided emergency communications after Bihar earth quake.
1989:
Lakshadweep Dxpedition
was conducted by NIAR with a team of 5 members with callsign VU7APR &
VU7NRO from Kavaratti Island.
1990:
NIAR delegates Participated in RSGB (UK) and AMSAT (UK)
conferences and Amateur Convention in Leningrad, Russia.
1991:
NIAR participated in National Jamboree of Bharat Scouts & Guides held at
Bhopal.
Mr.N.Janardhan Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh released the NIAR
Study Manual during the All India Ham Convention in February 1991.
Major Policy -
Introduction of
Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) as an activity under Work Experience from
Class-IX onwards in all CBSE affiliated schools.
NIAR delegation Mr. Mr.P.V.Narasimha Rao, Prime Minister of India at New
Delhi and discussed about Amateur radio matters.
At the request of Govt. of India, NIAR provided emergency radio link
with the Indian Embassy in Lusaka (9J2QV) at the time of elections in
Zambia on October 31, 1991.
1992:
Mrs. Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI met
Mr.Venkatraman, Honb'le President of India at Bharat Scouts & Guides HQ,
New Delhi
Mr.M.Balamurali Krishna, VU2BBG of NIAR
provided communications to Indian Civilian Everest Expedition team.
Mr.N.Vittal, IAS, VU2NVO, Secretary, Dept.
of Electronics inaugurated NIAR's Delhi Office on 16 July 1992 and
expanded its activities in North India.
NIAR members provided emergency communications during floods in
Bhadrachalam, Khammam Dist, Andhra Pradesh in August 1992.
A cover page article on
Mr.S.Suri appeared in Reader's Digest September 1992 issue.
NIAR delegation met the Hon'ble Chief
Minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr. K.Vijaya Bhaker Reddy.
NIAR members provided communications
during Krishna Pushkarms held at Vijayawada during 7 to 23
Septembet 1992.
1993:
Mr. S.K. Arora, IAS, became NIAR Chairman.
A team of 3 members under his leadership with Mr. M.G. Gopal,
IAS and Mr. S. Suri VU2MY visited Japan and other South East Asian
countries and interacted with officials of IARU, JARL and others.
NIAR established an Amateur Radio
Communication Network in Andhra Pradesh state by establishing Centres in
9 coastal & 1 flood prone districts with support from Govt. of
Andhra Pradesh &
World Bank. A total of 300 Amateur Radio sets were issued under this
project. (10 HF, 10 VHF Base & 10 VHF handies per centre)
NIAR team provided emergency
communications after Latur earth quake in Maharashtra on 30th Sept 1993.
NIAR received “Golden Antenna” from
German & Dutch Society - Mr. S.K. Arora, IAS represented, NIAR at Bad
Bentheim, Germany in the presence of Indian Embassy officials and other
high dignitaries including the Mayor.
NIAR developed low cost HF transceivers
for 2 bands with support receievd from DOE, Govt. of India.
1994:
NIAR delegation met Ms.Sonia Gandhi, VU2SON on 24 March 1994 at Raj
Bhavan, Hyderabad and discussed about Amateur Radio
Collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi
Foundation (RGF) and establishment of R.G. Amateur Radio Club, VU2RG.
An All India Hamvention was held at
Bangalore on 9th & 10th April 1994. Many politicians, IAS, IPS, representative of R.G.F. were among
the dignitaries who attended. Special callsign VU94NRJ was used then.
1995:
NIAR delegation met Mr.N.T.Rama Rao, Chief
Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
An All India Conference was conducted by
NIAR at Delhi.
Dr.Shrikant Jichkar,VU2SJA, MP, Rajya Sabha who is also highly qualified
person in India took over as Chairman of NIAR. He was also a former IPS/IAS,
Ex-MLA, Minister.
A high power delegation from China visited
NIAR on 26th March 2005 to study about Amateur Radio.
NIAR facilitated Ms.Rekha, Student of
Little Lilly English School, Bangalore who spoke to Astronauts in space
shuttle under SAREX project
NIAR delegation met Ms.Sonia Gandhi, VU2SON on 22 December 1995 at Raj
Bhavan, Hyderabad and discussed about Amateur Radio.
1996:
Mr.P.V.Narasimha Rao, The Prime Minister of India inaugurated "Vaartha"
News paper at 10 centers in Andhra Pradesh through Ham Radio stations
set up by NIAR and greeted hams.
MPLAD scheme approves setting up
of Amateur Radio clubs in schools.
NIAR provided emergency communications
during Amarnath Yatra tragedy in August 1996.
NIAR members provided relief communications in Kakinada after
cyclone hit the area 0n 6th November 2006.
1997:
Mr. N. Vittal, IAS recommended Public
Sector Enterprises to establish Amateur Radio Clubs in their schools.
Several clubs were established under this scheme at Dehradun,
Rajahmundry, Mehsana,Vadodara etc.
NIAR participated in WANDR/GFNDR and NCCEM
Conference in USA during September 2007.
1997~98:
The Govt. of India entrusts a
study of Socio-Economic Viability of Village Public Telephones to NIAR
which was successfully completed.
NIAR participated in National Council for
Emergency Managers (NCCEM), Global Forum of Natural Disaster Reduction (GFNDR)
at Phoenix, USA and Disaster-98 at Orlardo, USA.
NIAR has reached an MOU with Disaster
Emergency Resource Agency (DERA) USA to work out some details for
further improvements in taking up Emergency Management areas through
voluntary action.
1998: Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY visited the Amateur Radio club at European
Parliament at Strasbourg, France
1999:
National Control Room for Amateur Radio
was inaugurated at NIAR on 8th July 1999 by Mr.N.Vittal, VU2NVO,Central
Vigilance Commissioner, Govt. of India.
He also inaugurated the Disaster relief
Vehicle (Ambulance with Amateur Radio HF/VHF/UHF Communications) which
was purchased under MPLADS funds provided by Mr. Rumandala
Ramachandrayya, MP (RS).
NIAR team provided emergency
communications after the Orissa Super Cyclone on 30th October 1999.
2000:
Senior Amateurs Meet was held at NIAR
on 19 Oct 2010.
NIAR delegates (VU2SJA, VU2MY, VU2MWA, VU2MYH)
represented NIAR at Dayton Hamfest in USA.
Mr.S.Suri represented NIAR at Ham Radio meet at Friedrichshafen, Germany. He also visited Amateur Radio clubs in France,
Italy, UK and European Parliament.
Mr.S.B.Ram, VU2LIC of NIA visited Singapore Amateur
Radio Transmitting Society.
2001:
NIAR received Award for Excellence in
Public Service from DERA USA.
NIAR team provided emergency communications at the
Gujarat earth quake.
NIAR team provided emergency Communications during
floods in Orissa during 18 to 27 July 2001.
Hamfest India 2001 was conducted by NIAR at Nagpur
on 27 & 28 October 2001.
NIAR established Amateur Radio Clubs in 4 Schools
in Hyderabad under MPLADS of Mr.Denzil B. Atkinson, MP
2002:
.NIAR conducted a meeting on the occasion of World
Amateur Radio Day on 18 April 2002.
The special callsign AT0NG was
used by NIAR members for 32nd National Games held at Hyderabad during 1
to 31 December. 2002
2003:
NIAR builds partnership with UNDP and
CARE to promote Amateur Radio.
The 20th NIAR foundation Day was celebrated at NIAR
with a program on "Two Decades of NIAR in Public Service".
NIAR team met Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, President of
India on 26 Aug 2008 at Rashtrapathi Bhavan New Delhi..
NIAR members operated with the special callsign
AT0AAG to mark the 1st Afro Asian Games Games held at Hyderabad
during 24 October to 1 November 2003.
2004:
NIAR conducted DXpedition to Port Blair,
Andamans from 3rd December 2004 with the callsigns VU4RBI & VU4NRO..
The members were VU2RBI Team Leader,VU2DBP, VU3DVS, VU2MYH & VU3RSB.
Mr.S.B.Ram, VU2LIC of NIAR participated in the
Seminar on "ICT 4 D - Role of Amateur Radio" held at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
On 26th December 2004 during the Dxpedition there
was a major earth quake and Tsunami. The team converted the Dxpedition
into Emergency Communications. Other members of NIAR joined them and
provided emergency communications from various affected islands.
2004-05:
NIAR implemented a project of Dept. of
Information Technology, Govt. of India and established 10 Amateur Radio
Centres in different parts of the country.
2005:
NIAR team met Dr.Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of
India on 5 March 2005 who signed on the VU4NRO & VU4RBI QSL cards
also.
Mr.Dayanidhi Maran, VU2DMK, Hon"ble Minister for
Communication & IT, Govt. of India presented Appreciation Certificates
to volunteers who participated in Tsunami Relief operations. He also
released VU4NRO & VU4RBI QSL Cards.
An International Seminar on Amateur Radio in
Disaster Management was held at Chennai on 18 April 2005, World Amateur
Radio Day. This was attended by many foreign delegates also.
Mrs. Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI made key note
presentation at the International DX convention held at Visalia,
California, USA held between April 16 to 17, 2005.
NIAR Team consisting of Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY,
Mrs. Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI, Mr.D.B.Prasad, VU2DBP along with Mr.Ajeer
Vidya, Joint Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Govt. of
India attended Dayton Hamfest held in USA during May 2005.
Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY represented NIAR at Ham Com 2005 Dx
Convention held on 3 to 5 June 2005 in Texas, USA.
NIAR delegation consisting of Mr.S.Suri,
VU2MY, Mrs. Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI and Mr.D.B.Prasad,
VU2DBP represented NIAR at the first Global Amateur Radio Emergency
Communication Conference (GAREC) held in Finland during 13-14 June
2005..
NIAR delegation consisting of Mr.S.Suri,
VU2MY, Mrs. Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI and Mr.D.B.Prasad,
VU2DBP, Mr.S.B.Ram VU2LIC and Mr.S.Satyapal, VU2FI represented NIAR at Ham Radio
meet held at Friedrichshafen, Germany during 24 to 26 June 2005.
Mr.S.Ram Mohan, VU2MYH gave a special presentation
(live through internet) on NIAR VU4 Tsunami Relief operations during
RSGB HF Convention held in UK during 7 to 9 October 2005.
NIAR team represented NIAR at the 15th National Jamboree of Bharat Scouts & Guides held at Haridwar during 16 to 22 October 2005.
2006:
The NIAR Dxpedition to Andamans VU4RBI & VU4NRO received ARRL
International Humanitarian Award for its operations for Tsunami relief.
Mrs.D.Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI represented NIAR at the Asia
Pacific Dx Convention held in Japan. During the Convention, she received
the 2nd Annual Lynch Memorial Award by Tokyo International Amateur Radio
Association, Japan.
Hamfest VU4 India was conducted at Port Blair
during April 2006. As part of the celebrations Indian and Foreign
delegates operated with the callsign VU4AN.
Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY represented NIA at SEA Net Convention 2006
held at Osaka, Japan.
Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY & Mr.S.Ram Mohan, VU2MYH
represented NIA at
the second Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communication Conference (GAREC)
held in Finland during 19-20 June 2006.
Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY & Mr.S.Ram Mohan, VU2MYH
represented NIAR at
the Ham Radio meet held at Friedrichshafen, Germany during 23 to 25 June
2006.
NIAR implemented the project "Propagation
Conditions in Amateur Radio Communications for Coastal Areas" supported
by Dept. of Information Technology, Govt. of India.
2007:
Hamfest 2007 was held at Kadamat, Lakshadweep
in January 2007. As part of this, Indian and Foreign Hams operated from
Kadamat, Agatti and Bangaram Islands with the callsign VU7RG. Another
team of NIAR operated from the rare Minicoy Island with the callsign
VU7MY. This expedition "DXpedtion of the Year" Award from South West
Ohio DX Association, USA and also GM DX Group.
Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY addressed the exhibition held at
European Parliament, in Brussels, Belgium during 5 to 9 March 2007.
Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY represented NIAR at the Amateur Radio
Exhibition meeting held at Montichiari, Italy during 10 to 11 March
2007.
Mr.S.Suri visited Amateur Radio Associations in
Poland and Austria.
Mrs.D.Bharathi Prasad, VU2RBI & Ms. Mahathi VU3DSM
represented NIAR at Dayton Hamfest held in USA during May 18 to 20, 2007
and "Ham Com 2007" held in Texas, USA during June 8 to 9 , 2007.
NIAR sponsored 8 Members for Disaster Management
Training in Austria in June 2007.
They also represented NIAR at the "32nd
International Amateur Radio Exhibition : Ham Radio 2007" held at Friedrichshafen, Germany
during 22 to 24 June 2007.
Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY & Ms.S.Yamini, VU2YAM visited REF
Union , the French Amateur Radio Club's HQ.
NIAR members operated with the special
callsign AT60MY to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Indian
independence.
Mr.S.Ram Mohan, VU2MYH. Director represented NIAR
at SEA Net conference held at Lampang, Thailand during 8 to 11 November
2007.
2008:
Swami Vivekananda Hall located in NIAR Campus was
inagurated on 16th March 2008.
Ms.S.Yamini, VU2YAM of NIAR participated in the
International DX pedition TI9KK to Cosos Island, Costa Rica in Central
America.
Her name was
entered in Limca Book of Records for this activity. She also received
DERA Gold Medal Award and Certificate at a function held at Dayton, USA
on 17 May 2011.
Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY, Dr.P.Sudhakar Rao, VU2SH and
Ms.S.Yamini, VU2YAM represented NIAR at Dayton Hamfest in May, 2008.
NIAR Silver Jubilee Foundation Day was
celebrated with a Seminar on "Amateur Radio for Next Generation" at Hyderabad on 21 June 2008.
NIAR Silver Jubilee Convention "Hamtech 2008
International Expo & Conference" was held at
Hyderabad in during 18 to 20 October 2008.
NIAR presented 20 nos. of MFJ QRP 20 M transceivers presented
by G QRP Club & QRP ARCI of USA to different clubs / individuals in India during the occasion.
AT25MY & AT25RG callsigns were used by members of
NIAR during July 2, 2008 to October 22,2008 to celebrate the Silver
Jubilee of NIAR..
As part of the celebrations , the following Dxpeditions
were conducted during 24th October to 3rd November 2008
1. VU4MY : Port Blair, Andamans
(VU2BL,VU2MYH,VU2YAM)
2. VU4RG : Port Blair, Andamans (DL5DSM, DJ7JC)
3. VU7SJ : Agatti Island, Lakshadeep (DL9GFB, DF7TT VU2JOS)
4. VU7NRO : Kadamat Island, Lakshadweep (VU2UWZ,VU2NIS)
VU4RG & VU7SJ received plaques for participating in
CQ WW SSB Contests.
NIAR members participated in Mock Exercise on Mass
Causality organised by local administration at Secunderabad
Railway station on 26th November 2008. On the next Republic Day ie
January 26, 2009, The District Collector , Hyderabad presented
"Meritorious Award Certificate" to the participants.
2009:
NIAR members participated in IOTA
DXpedition AT9RS on Goa Coast during April 5 to 8, 2009.
NIAR team provided communication in West Bengal
after cyclone Aila hit the region in June 2009.
NIAR team set up communication in flood affected
Avanigadda in Krishna Dist. of Andhra Pradesh in October 2009.
The Chief Minister of Orissa
honored NIAR on 29 Oct 2009 on Orissa Disaster Prepardness Day and
National Day for Disaster Reduction.
He also inagurated the Ham Radio
Communication Network in Orissa consisting of 21 stations installed by
NIAR.
2010:
Mr.S.Suri, VU2MY represented NIAR in the following
Ham Conferences:
2nd China Ham Expo 2010 at Shanghai during 3 to 5
April 2010
Ham Radio 2010 at Friedrichshafen, Germany during 25
to 27 June 2010.
Global Amateur Radio Emergency Conference (GAREC)
2010 at Curacao during October 11 to 12, 2010.
Amateur Radio Museum was inaugurated at NIAR on 18
April 2010, World Amateur Radio Day.
Mrs.D.Bharati Prasad, VU2RBI, Chief Coordinator,
NIAR presented a testimony on Commonwealth Observance Day on 8th March
2010 at London. It was attended by Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles,
High Commissioners of Commonwealth Countries etc.
Mrs.D.Bharati Prasad, VU2RBI, Chief Coordinator,
NIAR received a "Thanks Badge" from the President of India H.E.Smt.
Pratibha Devi Singh Patil for her meritorious services to the Bharat
Scouts & Guides.
2010-2012:
"Amateur Radio Advanced Digital
Communication Network" project of Department of Information Technology,
Govt. of India is being implemented by NIAR. As part of the project 30
digital communication stations are set up by NIAR in different parts of
the country.
2011:
NIAR participated in 16th National Jamboree of
Bharat Scouts & Guides held at Shakerpally. The special callsign AT16BSG
was used then.
Mrs.D.Bharati Prasad, VU2RBI, Chief Coordinator, NIAR represented NIAR
at Dayton
Hamfest 2011, USA.
A 3 day JOTA Transceiver Workshop was held at NIAR during July 7 to 10,
2011 where participants assembled low power transceivers successfully.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
NIAR has been regularly conducting Awareness programs and training
classes for getting licence in different parts of India.The Amateur population in India which was
around 1500 (in 1982 before NIAR was established) has raised to nearly
15,000 through its consistent promotional activities. This is ten fold
increase.
NIAR has a full fledged Club station with the callsign VU2NRO in its
premises which is active regularly. It members have received many awards
of achievement for participating in contests from this station. Special
callsigns are being used from here from time time also.
The Radio Amateurs Civil Emergency Service (RACES) wing of
NIAR is ready with equipment and man power to swing into action during
ay emergencies.
NIAR has a QSL Buro, Library, Lab, Museum, Conference Hall, Class Rooms, Guest House
facilities along with its offices in
its campus located in the eco friendly prime area of Hyderabad.
NIAR regularly publishes Ham News and also Study Material, Brochures
etc.
NIAR is active in its website, yahoogroups & facebook to convey
messages to its members and others..
NIAR has sponsored many members to several international Meetings / Conferences / Hamventions
/ Seminars.
NIAR interacts with government agencies for promotion of Amateur
Radio in India.
NIAR promotes Amateur Radio club activates
in India.
The Electronic Media and the press
has been quoting APARS AND NIAR activities extensively. Doordarshan TV had telecast Video produced by NIAR (22 Minutes) in its prime
time channels as well as in its news coverages. Some DX magazines even gave
front page coverage making NIAR’s events as main news. During this period several prominent
leaders, eminent persons & Hams, people all walks of life from India and
abroad have visited NIAR and appreciated its activities.
A peoples movement in Information
Technology is launched by NIAR.
We at NIAR thanks all its members for
rendering their enormous support and encouragement to all its activities
over the years. NIAR has reinstated its commitment in Nation
Building activities by service through Amateur Radio. |
