The award, which carries cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a citation and a memento, was first conferred in 1983, by the trustees of Tilak Smarak Trust Dr Bhatkar, who has advanced a new vision for network virtual universities and network virtual schools, led the development of PARAM supercomputers, GIST language technology, and C-DAC's Advanced Computer Training School (ACTS). As chairman of the ETH research lab, he believes in bringing education to millions of homes, transcending the barriers of geography, economic levels, and language, using information technology.

Mandalekar suspends clerk
SOLAPUR: Municipal Commissioner D N Mandalekar has suspended senior head clerk R M Bhandari on the charges of alleged misuse of office.

The action is believed to be Mandalekar's drive to cleanse the administration. Incidentally, his actions have left the municipal corridors, restless.

Several complaints against Bhandari had cropped up, it was stated. According to sources, Bhandari allegedly has to his credit a few uncleared advances from the civic exchequer. He was found to have taken vehicle loans thrice between 1994 and 1998 which he never paid back, it was stated.

Bhandari has been directed not to leave the city without prior permission, it was stated.

Mandalekar has so far suspended fire brigade superindentent Manoj Kumar Chatterjee and B S Bhosale and R S Gaikwad from tax assessment department while city engineer R K Badruwale has been sent on a compulsory leave facilitating certain inquiries against him.