Avtar Singh Saini, a pivotal figure in the development of the renowned Pentium processor during his tenure at Intel, tragically passed away in a road crash on Palm Beach Road in Mumbai. The 68-year-old, known for his significant contributions to the technology sector, was struck by a speeding taxi while riding his bicycle in the early hours of Wednesday.
Saini, a former director at Intel’s South Asia division, played a crucial leadership role in the design and development of the Pentium processor, a milestone in computing history. His expertise and dedication left an indelible mark on the evolution of microprocessors.
According to police reports, Saini was a passionate cyclist and had been enjoying a ride when the unfortunate incident occurred. Despite efforts to rush him to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. His son and daughter, who reside in the United States, have been notified and are en route to India to attend to the situation.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, with fellow cyclists describing Saini’s commitment to safety and his immediate actions following the accident. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Saini remained conscious and even entrusted his phone to others to notify his friends about the incident.
Saini’s illustrious career spanned over two decades at Intel, where he co-led the development of the Pentium processor, a groundbreaking innovation that revolutionized the computing industry upon its introduction in March 1993. He also played a significant role in the initial phases of the Itanium Processor, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the field of microprocessors.
Following his tenure at Intel, Saini continued to make valuable contributions to the technology sector, working with innovative companies like Montalvo Systems. His legacy as a trailblazer in microprocessor development continues to resonate within the industry.
The taxi driver involved in the accident has been apprehended, with authorities filing charges of negligence and rash driving against him. As the technology community mourns the loss of Avtar Singh Saini, his groundbreaking contributions to the field will be remembered as a testament to his enduring impact on computing technology.
Sources By Agencies
