Ajudhya Nath Khosla obtained his BSc (Eng) (1916) from the University of Roorkee; PhD (hc) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA and University of Roorkee and DSc (hc) from Sambalpur University. His specialization was in irrigation engineering and civil engineering. He was Chief Engineer, Irrigation Branch, Punjab, and Secretary to Punjab Government (1943-45); Consulting Engineer, Government of India; Chairman, Central Water and Power Commission and Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Works, Mines and Power (1945-53); Special Secretary to the Government of India (1953-54); Vice-Chancellor, University of Roorkee (1954-59); Member, Planning Commission (1959-62) and Governor, Orissa (1962-68).

Academic and Research Achievements: Khosla was the doyen of irrigation engineering in India. He worked on the problems of leveling across rivers (he invented the Khosla disc), concrete, reinforced concrete and precast units; hydraulics, particularly flow of water in porous sub-soils, designs of weirs on permeable foundation and uplift pressure under dams; silting of reservoirs, and also off-rainfall relationship and flood intensities. He carried out investigations for Bhakra Dam Project and the headworks of the Sutlej Valley Project. Khosla established River Discharges Division and constructed Suleimanke and Trimmu barrages, constructed Khanki barrage and carried out large-scale drainage and reclamation works, and prepared several storage and power projects in Punjab.

Other Contributions: Khosla served as Vice-Chancellor of University of Roorkee. He was instrumental in creating the Water Resources Development Training Centre and School of Research and Training in Earthquake Engineering. He was Member, Rajya Sabha (1958-60); Chairman, Board of Consultants of Bhakra Project, Sabargiri Board, Beas Board, Balimela Board, Yamuna Board, Maneri Bhali Board and Ram Ganga Board (till 1975). Khosla was Honorary Life Member of Institution of Engineers (India) and also served as the institution's President; Member, American Society of Civil Engineers, and American Concrete Institute.

Awards and Honours: Khosla was recipient of Padma Bhushan (1954), Padma Vibhushan (1977) and SS Bhatnagar Medal of INSA (1974). He was President of INSA (1961-62).