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for computer graphics. He later went to Canada and mastered the subject at the Montreal
University’s computer graphics department. His sting there resulted in a paper, on fractals,
which Mehta presented at Sigraph 1989, the annual computer graphics show in the US.
Fractals has opened new creative possibilities for those making computer graphics. And
Mehta has been quick to explore the opportunity for his animation films. “Today, there is a
lot of software available to get basic graphics requirements like introducing different light
intensities in the films. But I learnt the game when we had to create a light source and
mix it with the image. Hence, I can get special effects which can be unique,” says Mehta.
Of late, Mehta has been spending more time developing customised software, mostly for
use in the field of graphic generation and computer animation. Indian Research in Image
Simulation (IRIS) — developed by Mehta, along with three others in London, has found
success in the US. He is also working on a library package that would have a collection
of nearly 5000 basic frames required for computer animation films. This package, once
complete, will be hawked in the international market.
But for the moment there are other things occupying Mehta’s mind.While his childhood
obsession with medicine died a premature death, he has turned to computers for solace.
At one point, he was dreaming of setting up a full-fledged graphics studio. But the plans
misfired. So this time around he is chasing his other dream—to build a hospital near Pune.
His last wish is to retire at the age of 32. But given his ambitions and dreams that yet
remain unfulfilled, it seems unlikely to happen soon. For Mehta, dreams are always larger
than reality.
Gita Vittal
Freelance journalist , New Delhi
The year was 1987. Harish Mehta and I were representing the software industry in the
Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT). At that time, MAIT
accorded the same importance to both software and printers.This was grossly inappropriate.
Besides, any representation to the Ministry had to be routed through the MAIT hierarchy.
After working for a couple of years within MAIT, Harish came up with a proposal to
set up a body devoted entirely to the software industry. This led to the formation of the
National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) in 1988, and we
parted company with MAIT.
Dr. Saurabh Srivastava was the first Chairman of NASSCOM, and he was assisted by
the then leaders in software. Harish Mehta assumed Chairmanship in 1990 at the Delhi
conference. It was Harish Mehta who brought in
Dewang Mehta
.
At that time, Dewang
used to write on IT for
The Economic Times
,
and was in charge of IT for Orissa Cement.
Two things happened. Harish and Dewang had similar ideas for growing IT, and Harish
asked Dewang to join NASSCOM as Executive Secretary.
Dewang accepted and that
was the start of an active NASSCOM.
Dewang was technology savvy, understood the potential of IT and IT industry.
He was
a relationship builder,
and could build ties with the government and industry. Due to
his efforts,
software gained status as a distinct industry.
Dewang also built a strong
organization which supported his efforts. NASSCOM recognized Dewang’s potential
and elevated him to the position of its President in 1991.
Dewang held some special human qualities that were unparalleled.
He was a friend of
everybody.
Yet, he was not so successful in his personal life. He was moving towards an
alliance with my active support, but then, we lost him in his sleep in Sydney, Australia. It
