The K.R. Sarma Distinguished Lecture Series was instituted in the Electrical Engineering (EE) Department in 2008. The purpose is to hear from illustrious and distinguished experts on various academic topics. The lectures honour Prof. K.R. Sarma for his significant and continued contribution to our institute almost since its inception.

Professor Kalluri Ramalinga Sarma, affectionately known as 'KRS', can be best described as a creator of institutions. He joined the Electrical Engineering Department at IIT Kanpur in 1961 after completing B.Tech (Hons.,1957), M.Tech (1958) from IIT Kharagpur and Ph.D (1961) from Cornell University. Working closely with Prof. Kelkar, the visiting Professors from KIAP program and young colleagues, Prof. Sarma put together a curriculum that became a bench-mark for other institutions in the country. He was the Dean of Research and Development at IIT Kanpur and was also the Head of EE-ACES (76-79). Professor Sarma strove to build the institute in its research activities. His contributions dot the campus in the form of ACES, LTP, CAD Centre and the Television Centre. His latest addition in this list is the Samtel Centre for Display Technology, a unique blend of academic, industrial, and government collaboration. He is now a part of the National Advisory Board of the National Centre for Flexible Electronics where is continues to evaluate ideas and encourage product development.

In 1988 he moved to the DST in Delhi and played a key role as an advisor in National Programmes in Instrumentation, Lasers and Robotics. From 1991-97 he was the Director of the Central Scientific Instrument Organization (CSIO), Chandigarh. After retiring from CSIR, Prof. Sarma joined the Samtel Group as an Advisor. Professor Sarma is a recipient of the first Outstanding Teacher Award at IIT Kanpur. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, the Board of Governors of IIT Kanpur conferred upon Prof. KR Sarma the title of Honorary Institute Fellow of IIT Kanpur in 2007.

The Lecture series is instituted by Prof. Dr. K. Srinageswari, wife of Prof. KR Sarma as a recognition to his dedication to IIT Kanpur for 28 long years and which he continues to serve in various advisory capacities. Dr. Srinageswari did her MBBS from Banaras Hindu University, MD from GSVM Medical College Kanpur in Physiology. She worked as Scientific Officer at IIT Kanpur, Scientist at Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) and as Professor and Head of Physiology at Government Medical College Chandigarh and Hindustan Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Greater Noida. She has done pioneering work on "Microwave Radiation Effects on Biological Systems" and " Medical Education" and has 50 publications, 4 awards and has written 4 books in Physiology.