Defending the financial outlays for ISRO, which comes under the Department of Space, and the new vistas in space it sought to explore, the prime minister stressed that people should not forget that a “nation’s state of development is finally a product of its technological prowess.’’ “The founding fathers of our space programme—Dr Vikram Sarabhai and Prof Satish Dhawan—faced a similar dilemma, but they persevered in pursuing their vision. When we look at the enormous societal and national benefits that have been generated in diverse fields, there can be no doubt we are right,’’ asserted Dr Singh. Paying rich tributes to the pioneers of India’s Space Programme, Singh also had loads of praises for the entire ISRO fraternity, other scientists and the Department of Space, for ISRO’s 100th space mission being a “spectacular success today”. The prime minister also congratulated EADS Astrium of France and the Osaka Institute of Technology of Japan on the successful launch of their satellites on board the Indian-made launch vehicle, PSLV. “This is a testimony to the commercial competitiveness of the Indian space industry and is a tribute to Indian innovation and ingenuity,’’ he said. Sunday’s accomplishment at Sriharikota also marked the 50th anniversary of the commencement of India’s space programme.
Source: Deccan Herald
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