Country’s prestigious scientific and research organization called Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is proud to have brought a New Year gift to the nation in the shape of fifth navigation satellite IRNSS-1E, which was successfully fired on board the workhorse PSLV-C31 at the space centre of Sriharikota. The President and the Prime Minister congratulated the team of scientists for successful launch of the satellite. The Prime Minister rightly said that the scientists have made India proud.
India began her indigenous researches in space from early times. Our distinguished scientists have worked very hard to achieve competence and excellence in space technology and now we are heading to be among the world nations with advanced knowledge of space technology. Actually India is aiming at having its own satellite navigation systems like the US-based Global Positioning System (GPS). Though the earlier four satellites would be sufficient to start operations of the IRNSS system, the remaining three would make it more accurate and efficient. However, there is still a long distance to be covered to reach that stage. According to our space scientists, two more satellites have to be fired into the orbit during the current year. Speaking on the occasion S. Kiran Kuman Chairman of ISRO said that with this new year we are starting the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite fifth launch, fifth of the seven satellite constellation. With this satellite in place, within our country we will be able to get 24/7 provisional a good positional accuracy.
It is a matter of pride and honour for us to be moving ahead with dedication in the field of space research. This is the age of science and technology. In India the entire focus is on utilizing the space research in one way or the other for the benefit of the people so as to raise the standard of life. It is not the intention of our country to use the space research for such purposes as would only contribute to the negative aspect of science and technology. Knowledge is the key to progress, and in present times knowledge usually refers to those aspect of life that are face to face with contemporary times in which they live. The President has often said in his public addresses that we need science and technology oriented to the needs and aspirations of the Indian nation. We have a large segment of population below poverty line and we have also a large segment of rural population especially the women who still remain deprived. The big task before the country and the policy planners is to pull this deprived segment out of the morass of poverty, ignorance and backwardness. Western countries have used science and technology to move out of deprivation to an era of prosperity and progress.
It is true that we are trying to keep pace with the developed world and reinforce our independence and self sufficiency in most of the aspects that are serving as vehicle to strength and power. But ours is not a competitive enterprise. Enterprise aimed at self sufficiency does not mean competition. India’s primary object of developing her scientific and technological knowledge is to provide wherewithal for economic development of a nation that has lagged behind because of a long spell of alien rule. Our scientific and technological growth is misunderstood by some of or neighbours who attribute it to arms race in the region. Indian nation is within its rights to improve and develop its defence and security parameters. That does not at all mean arms race. India has no ambitions of expansion or hegemony in the region. It is so because she has enormous problems to address and a huge task of development is awaiting her. Our space research has to be understood from that prism.
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