The PARAM supercomputer is a milestone in India’s technological history. It represents India’s journey towards self-reliance in high-performance computing and marked the country’s entry into the global supercomputing field.
Background (Late 1980s)
In the late 1980s, India faced technology denial regimes and could not import advanced supercomputers.
To overcome this challenge, the Indian government decided to develop an indigenous supercomputer.
As a result, C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) was established in 1988.
Birth of PARAM 8000 (1991)
India’s first supercomputer, PARAM 8000, was launched in 1991.
The project was led by Vijay P. Bhatkar, known as the Father of Indian Supercomputing.
PARAM stands for PARAllel Machine.
PARAM 8000 used parallel processing technology and achieved performance comparable to global supercomputers of that time.
Growth of the PARAM Series
After the success of PARAM 8000, many advanced versions were developed:
PARAM 10000 – Improved speed and performance
PARAM Padma – Used for scientific and engineering research
PARAM Yuva & Yuva II – Installed at research institutions
PARAM Siddhi–AI – One of India’s fastest supercomputers, focused on Artificial Intelligence
These systems are used in weather forecasting, space research, defense, healthcare, and AI research.
PARAM and National Development
PARAM supercomputers play a key role in the National Supercomputing Mission.
They support institutions like ISRO, IITs, IISc, and research laboratories.
PARAM strengthened India’s “Make in India” vision in advanced computing.