In a heartrending turn of events, Avtar Singh Saini, a former director at Intel South Asia and a key figure in the design and development of the world-famous Pentium processor, tragically lost his life in a road accident. Saini, 68, was fulfilling his passion for cycling on Palm Beach Road when his life was cut short by a speeding taxi. The beloved NRI, who was preparing for his return to the United States next month, was immediately rushed to the hospital by fellow cyclists but, despite initial consciousness, he succumbed to his severe injuries.
Renowned for his groundbreaking work in the semiconductor industry, Saini had a storied career that spanned over two decades, during which he not only co-led the development of the renowned Pentium processor but also engaged in the pioneering phase of the Itanium Processor creation. His tenure at Intel, which concluded in January 2004, paved the way for his future roles in innovative technology companies.
The police have since apprehended the taxi driver responsible for the mishap. A case of negligence and rash driving has been registered against him. Meanwhile, the tech and cycling communities mourn the loss of Avtar Saini, remembered as a visionary, a safety-conscious athlete, and a father who lived alone in Mumbai after his wife’s passing. Intel India’s president Gokul V Subramaniam paid tribute to Saini, hailing him as a prolific inventor, remarkable leader, and invaluable mentor. Avtar Saini’s demise is not just a loss to his family and friends but also to the realms of technology and cycling, where his contributions and spirit will be greatly missed.