NIAR PROFILE

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.