Prof. Dr. Sir Hari Om Srivastava: A Champion for Education, Agriculture, and Community Empowerment

A Life Dedicated to Service

Prof. Dr. Sir Hari Om Srivastava is a renowned scientist who has dedicated his life to improving the lives of people around the world. Guided by the belief that "Life is a waste if you have not served the people," Dr. Srivastava has made significant contributions to education, agriculture, and community development.

Education as the Cornerstone:

Dr. Srivastava recognizes education as the foundation for a better future. He played a key role in establishing the online distance education system for Indira Gandhi National Open University, the world's largest distance learning institution (2001). Additionally, he championed the establishment of TERI (Technical Education & Research Institute) (1992) and actively promoted computer and IT education across universities and higher learning institutes.

Revolutionizing Agriculture for Food Security:

Deeply concerned about global hunger, Dr. Srivastava tackled the challenge head-on. He pioneered the concept of Knowledge Agriculture (KA) to address the limitations of traditional methods and the unsustainable practices leading to environmental degradation (2018). This innovative approach promotes responsible farming practices by integrating a revamped curriculum for sustainable food production.

Empowering Farmers through Knowledge:

Beyond theory, Dr. Srivastava actively implemented KA solutions. He established an all-India agriculture channel using mass media to educate farmers (2003). In Bihar, he designed and implemented an "agriculture knowledge dissemination system" to connect scientists, extension workers, and farmers, empowering them to improve yield and income (2010).

Championing Community Radio

Dr. Srivastava is known as the "Father of Community Radio in India." He played a pivotal role in enacting the Government of India Act for its establishment (2002). Recognizing its potential for social upliftment, he developed cost-effective solutions and initiated community radio movements in India (2001-continuing), Nepal (2005), and Ethiopia (2015). These stations cater to local needs, empower communities, and provide platforms for local voices.

Dr. Srivastava: A Visionary Leader in Broadcasting Technology

Dr. Srivastava stands out as a pioneer in broadcasting technology, dedicating over 57 years to innovation that serves humanity. His forward-thinking approach is evident in his published works and technological inventions. Dr. Srivastava's visionary approach, groundbreaking inventions, and substantial research contributions solidify his position as a leading figure in shaping the future of broadcasting technology.

Predicting the Future of Broadcasting

Dr. Srivastava's book, Interactive TV Technology and Markets (2001), published by Artech House Boston, remarkably foresaw the rise of interactive TV technology two decades before it became commonplace. This included his innovative "Broadcast Markup Language" for interactive TV programming.

He further solidified his reputation as a visionary with prophecies like "Broadcasting in 2020: A Prediction" (2003) and "Broadcasting in 2030: Crystal Gazing" (2021). Many of his predictions have become reality, showcasing his keen understanding of future trends.

Shaping the Landscape of Broadcasting

Dr. Srivastava's inventions directly contribute to solving calamity. His "Hybrid Community Radio" concept, incorporating "Cloud Radio," was implemented during the COVID pandemic at Institutes in West Bengal, India, enabling interactive education.

He was ahead of his time with his 1996 concept of "Broadcasting in Cyberspace," published in IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics, a widely used technology now. • Similarly, his 1997 theory on "On-Line Broadcast Archives for Interactive Video," published in IEEE Transactions, underpins modern approaches to video archiving.

Modernizing Broadcast Infrastructure

Dr. Srivastava's contributions extend beyond education and agriculture. As Addl. Director General at All India Radio, he spearheaded the expansion of the national broadcast network, fostering greater connectivity and information dissemination (1972-2007). He also recognized the importance of Information Technology and established an IT department, laying the groundwork for a modernized broadcasting infrastructure in India (1982).

A Prolific Contributor

Dr. Srivastava's impact extends beyond individual inventions. His prolific research career has resulted in roughly 150 publications in esteemed national and international journals. This extensive research contributes significantly to the advancement of broadcasting and Information technology.

A Legacy of Service

Prof. Dr. Sir Hari Om Srivastava's life exemplifies the power of dedication and innovation. His tireless efforts continue to benefit countless individuals across India and the globe, empowering them through education, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering stronger communities.

Dr. Srivastava: A Globally Recognized Leader

Dr. Srivastava's dedication to improving lives extends beyond his inventions and publications. His exceptional contributions have garnered prestigious recognition on a global scale.

Accolades for Innovation

Dr. Srivastava received the Lifetime Achievement award for the most significant contribution in broadcasting by the Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers (India). This prestigious award highlights his enduring impact on the field.

A truly remarkable feat, Dr. Srivastava is the only individual worldwide to receive the Asia Pacific Broadcasting award six times, consecutively from 1984 to 1990. This recognition underscores the consistent excellence of his work.

International Recognition and Expertise

Dr. Srivastava's expertise was sought after internationally. He served as a Commonwealth Expert (1991) and ITU Expert (1992), sharing his knowledge of audio-video archiving and computer-based inventory systems with countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

His commitment to knowledge transfer extended to Vietnam in 1995, where he served as an ITU Representative from India, contributing to the development of online learning systems.

A Lifetime of Achievements

Academic Achievements

Dr. Srivastava earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Poorvanchal University in 1996, followed by another Ph.D. in Information Technology from BITS Pilani in 1998. In 2017, he was honored with a Doctor of Letters degree, Honoris Causa, from KEISIE International University in South Korea.

Chairman of Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (India)

He served as Chairman of IETE Delhi, and reformed electronics and telecommunication education, particularly by strengthening online learning via satellite systems.

Scientist of the Month

The Science Center, Gujarat, India, further solidified his reputation as a scientific leader by declaring him "Scientist of the Month" in May 2020.

Scientist of the Month

Dr. Srivastava, the President of the World Development Foundation, has been a continuous consultant to the Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG) Council since 2017. GLG is a prominent American expert network that provides independent consulting services to business professionals worldwide.

Advisor to VisaQ

Since 2019, Professor Dr. H. O. Srivastava has served as an expert advisor to VisaQ, a leading expert networking service in Japan. VisaQ collaborates with top enterprises and regional banks to address critical social issues, including open innovation, rural revitalization, and workstyle reform.

International Recognitions

Dr. Srivastava's inclusion in renowned publications like International Who's Who (1998) and Marquis Who's Who in the World (2001) signifies his standing as a prominent figure.Br>

Recognition from the Embassy in Ethiopia

The project aimed at enhancing mass media for agricultural improvement and social development in Ethiopia received high praise from the Indian Ambassador at the Embassy in Ethiopia. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Professor Dr. Hari Om Srivastava was honored with the Exemplary Star Medallion for Leadership and Management during the Asian African Leadership Forum Summit, held in New Delhi on March 23, 2019. The award was presented by His Excellency Mr. Maxwell Ranga, the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to India, alongside His Excellency Mr. George Mkondiwa, the High Commissioner of Malawi to India.

"Ghazipur Gaurav" (Pride of Ghazipur, his birthplace)

His contributions were acknowledged closer to home when he was declared "Ghazipur Gaurav" (Pride of Ghazipur, his birthplace) in 2009.

Knighthood and International Recognition

On November 29, 2017, Dr. H. O. Srivastava received a prestigious knighthood during a colorful investiture ceremony in Colombo. He was also awarded a gold medal by the United Nations for his exemplary contributions.

Prof. Dr. Sir Hari Om Srivastava bestowed with Ecumenical Medical-Humanitarian Order Knights of St John of Jerusalem in Colombo on 29/02/2017

Among the top ten Indian scientists

More recently, Dr. Srivastava was recognized among the top ten Indian scientists in 2021 by Indian Amino, a prestigious organization with a significant global membership.



These numerous accolades serve as a testament to Dr. Srivastava's exceptional contributions to society, solidifying his position as a globally recognized leader in using innovative technologies to benefit countless populace across India and the globe, enriching their lives through education, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering stronger communities.