Anand Mahindra Praises IISc Scientists Working on High-Speed Flight and Aerospace Research

Two scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have attracted attention for their research into high-speed flight, fluid dynamics, combustion and propulsion. Associate Professor Duvvuri Subrahmanyam and Assistant Professor Pratikash Panda are working on areas of aerospace science that could contribute to the development of future flight technologies in India.

Their research recently received recognition from industrialist Anand Mahindra, who highlighted their work in a post on X and described their research into high-speed flight as cutting-edge science.

The recognition comes as India’s aerospace and space sectors continue to expand, with growing activity from private companies alongside research at institutions such as IISc.

Subrahmanyam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IISc and heads the Turbulent Shear Flow Physics and Engineering Laboratory. His research focuses on aerodynamics and fluid dynamics, particularly turbulent flows in subsonic, supersonic and hypersonic conditions.

He studied aerospace engineering at IIT Madras before earning his MS and PhD from Caltech. He subsequently completed postdoctoral research at Princeton University and returned to IISc in 2018. He became an associate professor in 2024.

Panda is an Assistant Professor in IISc’s Department of Aerospace Engineering. After completing his mechanical engineering degree at NIT Rourkela, he earned his MS and PhD from Purdue University. His professional experience includes work as a postdoctoral associate at Sandia National Laboratories and as a senior research scientist at FM Global.

He joined IISc in 2018 and works across fluid mechanics, combustion, advanced laser diagnostics, rocket propulsion, air-breathing propulsion, cryogenic combustion and micro-thrusters using greener propellants.

The two researchers have also contributed to work beyond their core aerospace research. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they were involved in IISc’s Project PRAANA, an initiative that developed an indigenous, low-cost ICU-grade ventilator. The project brought together researchers, engineers and medical professionals and progressed from an initial concept to a working prototype within weeks.

Their professional journeys also reflect the growing movement of highly trained researchers choosing to build careers in India after studying or working at leading international institutions. Both scientists gained experience abroad before returning to IISc and continuing research in advanced aerospace technologies.

Their work in high-speed flight, propulsion and related fields comes as India’s private space industry and aviation ambitions continue to develop. The country’s space ecosystem has seen increasing participation from start-ups, while academic institutions are advancing research into technologies relevant to the next generation of flight.

The attention on Subrahmanyam and Panda highlights how developments in Indian aerospace are emerging not only through major launches but also through long-term research taking place inside laboratories. Their work at IISc represents one part of the broader scientific and technological effort shaping India’s future capabilities in aerospace.