Manas Bihari Verma: The Visionary Scientist Who Helped Build India’s Tejas Fighter Jet

India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence technology has been shaped by several brilliant scientists whose contributions often remain away from the public spotlight. Among these remarkable personalities was Dr. Manas Bihari Verma, an eminent aeronautical scientist whose work significantly contributed to the development of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. While his achievements in aerospace engineering earned him national recognition, his dedication to educating rural children after retirement made him an inspiration far beyond the scientific community.

Awarded the Padma Shri in 2018, Dr. Verma believed that scientific knowledge should not remain confined to laboratories. Instead, he devoted his later years to nurturing curiosity among children in remote villages, proving that true greatness lies in giving back to society.

Early Life and Education

Manas Bihari Verma was born on 29 July 1943 in Bour village of Darbhanga district in present-day Bihar. Growing up in a modest family, he displayed an early interest in mathematics and science. His education began at Jawahar High School in Madhepur before he pursued engineering at Bihar College of Engineering (now NIT Patna). Later, he completed higher studies through Calcutta University, laying the foundation for an outstanding career in aeronautical engineering.

Even during his student years, Verma believed that engineering should serve national development. This philosophy would guide his professional journey for decades.

A Distinguished Career at DRDO

Dr. Verma joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), where he worked for approximately 35 years in India’s aeronautical research programme.

His career took him to various defence establishments in Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Koraput, where he gained extensive experience in aerospace engineering. During this period, India was striving to reduce dependence on imported military aircraft by developing indigenous fighter jets.

Verma became one of the key members of the team responsible for designing India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, one of the country’s most ambitious defence projects.

His expertise in aircraft mechanical systems made him an invaluable contributor to the programme, and he eventually became responsible for the design of critical mechanical systems for the aircraft.

Contribution to the Tejas Fighter Aircraft

The development of the Tejas fighter aircraft marked a turning point in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

Designed as a lightweight, multi-role supersonic fighter, the Tejas project involved thousands of engineers and scientists over several decades. Dr. Manas Bihari Verma served as one of the senior scientists in the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), which spearheaded the project.

He was closely associated with the full-scale engineering development of the aircraft and helped coordinate complex engineering challenges during its development.

The Tejas programme demanded expertise in aerodynamics, avionics, structural engineering, and advanced mechanical systems. Verma’s leadership ensured that many of these engineering components were successfully integrated into the aircraft.

Today, the Tejas stands as a symbol of India’s growing defence self-reliance and technological capability, and Dr. Verma’s contribution remains an integral part of this achievement.

Working with Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

One of the most inspiring aspects of Dr. Verma’s career was his close association with Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, often called the “Missile Man of India.”

The two scientists shared a common vision of making India technologically self-reliant through indigenous innovation.

Their professional relationship extended beyond scientific collaboration. Kalam’s belief in empowering young minds deeply influenced Verma’s later work in rural education.

Inspired by Kalam’s philosophy that children are the nation’s greatest resource, Verma decided that retirement would not mark the end of his service to the country.

Recognition and Awards

Throughout his career, Dr. Verma received several prestigious honours for his contributions to aerospace engineering.

Among them were:

• Scientist of the Year Award, presented during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Technology Leadership Award, presented during the tenure of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
• Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, conferred in 2018 for his outstanding contribution to aeronautical engineering and science.

The Padma Shri brought national attention to a scientist who had quietly served the nation for decades without seeking publicity.

A New Mission: Bringing Science to Rural India

After retiring from the Aeronautical Development Agency in 2005, Dr. Verma returned to his native village instead of settling in a metropolitan city.

He believed that the next scientific revolution in India would emerge from rural classrooms.

In 2010, he launched the Mobile Science Lab (MSL) initiative, a unique programme that carried science laboratories to villages across Bihar.

The Mobile Science Lab used specially equipped vans carrying scientific instruments, computers, and educational materials. Students who had never seen laboratory equipment could perform experiments, interact with instructors, and develop practical scientific understanding.

The programme operated through the Lab in a Box (LIB) concept with support from IBM and collaborated with educational organisations to reach schools in Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Supaul districts.

Champion of Equal Educational Opportunities

Dr. Verma strongly believed that talent exists everywhere, but opportunities do not.

His educational initiatives particularly focused on children from economically weaker and socially disadvantaged communities.

Through the Viksit Bharat Foundation, he promoted scientific thinking, computer literacy, and innovation among rural students.

Rather than simply delivering lectures, he encouraged hands-on learning, allowing students to conduct experiments themselves.

His philosophy was simple: curiosity grows when children experience science rather than merely reading about it.

Personal Values

Despite his national achievements, Dr. Verma led a remarkably simple life.

He avoided publicity, preferred living in his hometown, and remained deeply connected with ordinary people.

His humility earned him immense respect among students, educators, and fellow scientists.

He frequently said that education should produce problem-solvers rather than individuals who merely memorise facts.

This practical approach reflected his own career, where innovation and engineering solutions contributed directly to India’s strategic capabilities.

Legacy

Dr. Manas Bihari Verma passed away on 4 May 2021 following a heart attack at the age of 77. His death was widely mourned by the scientific community, educators, and public leaders across India.

Today, his legacy lives on through two remarkable achievements.

The first is the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, a symbol of India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities and technological independence.

The second is the countless rural children whose interest in science was awakened through his Mobile Science Lab initiative.

His life demonstrates that the highest purpose of scientific knowledge is not only to strengthen a nation technologically but also to empower its people intellectually.

Conclusion

Dr. Manas Bihari Verma exemplified the ideal scientist—innovative, patriotic, humble, and deeply committed to society. His contributions to the Tejas fighter aircraft helped strengthen India’s defence preparedness, while his work in rural education inspired a new generation to dream beyond their circumstances.

His journey from a small village in Bihar to becoming one of India’s leading aeronautical scientists illustrates the transformative power of education, perseverance, and national service. As India continues to advance in aerospace technology and scientific innovation, the legacy of Manas Bihari Verma serves as a lasting reminder that true success is measured not only by professional accomplishments but also by the lives one inspires.