Success is the acronym of hard work and perseverance and who knows it better than Y. Gopala Rao, Chairman and MD of Bharat Electronics Limited, who has tasted the sweet fragrance of success all through his varied career - thanks to his hard work and perseverance.

Known for tiding over adverse circumstances, Rao took over the mantle of the premier Defence Public Sector Undertaking in 2003 from Dr. V.K. Koshy. Since he got the command, he achieved one landmark after another, steering the course of the company towards growth and prosperity.

As a man holding the fortress of the BEL, Rao has committed himself to the effective and efficient design and development of value-added products. Alumni of the prestigious IIT Madras, Rao also dabbled in teaching for some time before realising that his real strength lay in corporate world. He soon jumped into the world of real action by joining BEL's Bangalore unit as Senior Engineer.

During his career at the BEL, Rao made rapid progress and shone brilliantly in areas like quality, technology and innovation. He soon became the source of inspiration for hundreds of his colleagues and co-workers.

A man, known for his knowledge of technology, Rao's expertise in manufacturing of professional electronics equipment and components helped him become a dynamic leader. He has unfailingly impressive contribution to the growth of the company.

Rao has to his credit several technical publications in international journals in the area of active filters and impedance converters. With strong specialization in microelectronics, Rao has also been instrumental in giving BEL a respect, it richly deserved.

It was in March 1995 that Rao was appointed as a full-time Functional Director on the board of BEL and was in command of the operations of BEL's Bangalore till April 2001. He has also been Director in-Charge of Operations of BEL's eight other Units. Prior to this, he was General Manager of BEL's Chennai Unit and BEL, Bangalore.

Rao has also been responsible of infusing fresh blood into the BEL and played a key role in giving a new vision to research and development. In fact, under his stewardship, the R&D pool swelled to 1,120 scientists or 40 percent of the engineering pool of 2,880. This speaks volumes of Rao's dedication and vision - a vision which believes in technological innovations.

Surely, it goes to Rao's credit that the BEL today is among the fastest growing PSUs in the country. Undeniably, the man who has made it possible is no other than Rao, whose labour and unwavering dedication have yielded stimulating results.