The 45th anniversary of email is an exciting milestone, and it brings to light the significant contributions of V.A. Shiva Ayyadurai, an Indian American innovator who played a notable role in the development of electronic mail systems.
In 1978, at the age of just 14, Ayyadurai developed a software program named “EMAIL” while working at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. His program replicated the traditional mail system electronically, including features like an inbox, outbox, and memos.
On August 30, 1982, Ayyadurai was awarded the first U.S. copyright for his invention, officially recognizing him for his pioneering work. This early version of email paved the way for modern digital communication, though some controversy surrounds his claim as the sole inventor of email since parallel systems were being developed around the same time for different uses.
Regardless of the debates, Ayyadurai’s contributions are crucial in understanding the history of electronic communication. His work is said to have laid the foundation for the systems that revolutionized how we communicate today.
As we mark this 45th anniversary, it’s a fitting time to acknowledge how far email has come and how this invention continues to influence global communication.