Laxman Datta Deshpande obtained his MSc in Engineering (1931) from the University of Manchester, UK with a specialization in mechanical engineering. He worked as Chief Engineer, SI Works before becoming a Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Principal of Trivandrum Engineering College. He later became the Dean, Travancore University; Director, Bihar Institute of Technology, Sindri; and Director, Technical Education, Bihar.

Academic and Research Achievements: Deshpande made significant contributions relating to the improvement of efficiency of propellor pumps in Kuttanad, flow through short pipes, confluence of channels, experimental work on charcoal gas for automobile engines, produce, cleaners and mixer design, water injection in diesel engines, torsional properties in timber, design of cement concrete mixes for dams and the investigations on the stability of masonry foundations in previous soils.

Other Contributions: Laxman Deshpande was well known for organizing the Central Training Institute at Bilaspur and the Bihar Institute of Technology. He had held complete charge of the Central Workshop of the GBS Railways and was responsible for the erection of locomotives and diesel-engine railcars, broad-gauge, narrow-gauge and metre-gauge railway tracks and the repair and building of carriages and wagons. He was a true professional to take up any job, no matter how menial, and turn it into an activity, which measured up to his own engineering standards.

Awards and Honours: Professor Deshpande was the winner of the Rajya Seva Pravina Award of the State of Bihar. He was a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad; a Member of the Institution of Engineers (London), Institute of Engineers (India), Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Institution of Production Engineers, Institute of Metals (London), Institution of Electrical Engineers (London), and American Society of Engineering Education.