Pitching India’s SAARC diplomacy into a higher trajectory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indian scientists to develop a SAARC satellite that will encompass the entire South Asia through a satellite based navigation system.
After seeing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launch Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C-23, which carried five satellites from France, Germany, Canada and Singapore at the Sriharikota space station, near Chennai, Modi was jubilant and called the launch a “global endorsement of India’s space capabilities.
Giving a new imaginative spin to India’s South Asia diplomacy, Modi, who surprised the world with his initiative of inviting the leaders of all SAARC countries to his oath-taking ceremony last month, pitched for a dedicated SAARC satellite, equipped with a full range of applications. Such a satellite, Modi said, will help mitigate poverty in the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the launch from the control room along with Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narsimhan, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu along with space scientists and other invitees. He congratulated the ISRO scientists and said that the moment fills every Indian’s heart with joy and pride.
Moving beyond mediocrity: Digital India
The prime minister underlined that in the field of space technology, India has moved beyond mediocrity and achieved excellence and cutting-edge expertise. He urged scientists towards making India the launch service provider of the world.
Underscoring the growing importance of technology, he said that it is fundamentally related to the welfare of common man as it empowers, connects and transforms life. It has a critical role to play in achieving the vision of a digital India of 1.25 billion connected Indians. He said that the space program in not just for the elite, but is an integral part of daily lives.
Calling space technology an invaluable asset in disaster management, he cited the example of Cyclone Phailin wherein accurate advance warning and satellite tracking of cyclone managed to save countless lives.
The Big League
The prime minister said that GIS (Geographic Information System) technology has also transformed policy planning and implementation. Space imaging aids in modern management and conservation of water.
Stressing that India’s space programme is driven by a vision of service to humanity and not by a desire for power, the prime minister urged he department of space to actively engage with all stakeholders to maximize use of space science in governance and development.
For the next couple of years, the ISRO will be focusing on its GSLV heavy lift rocket programme in view of getting into the league of a select few who can launch heavy communication satellites weighing more than 2000 kg.
With the launch of Aryabhatta in 1975, India started its space journey and has completed over 100 space missions, which includes the mission to Moon and Mars. ISRO is one of the primary government space agencies in the world, with a budget $1.1 billion (2013-14).
(Nishu Nidant contributed inputs to the article)
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