Speech by Hon’ Minister Shri Prithviraj Chavan

Shri. G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO and President Astronautical Society of India, Dr.Navalgund, Director, SAC and other distinguished  delegates on the dias, the ASI awardees and invitees to this program.

At the outset, I am very glad to be in the Space Centre, Ahmedabad –the city from where the founding father of India’s space program Dr.Vikram Sarabhai sowed the seed for india’s space activities which has now matured into a big banyan tree. So when I was invited by Shri. Madhavan Nair to this important function to give away the awards of the ASI to those who have excelled in the area of astronautics by their significant contribution to Indian programs, I have readily agreed to be present.

I know that the Astronautical Society of India, a non government professional body is devoted to foster the development of astronautics and ensuring wide spread dissemination of scientific and technical information related to the astronautics through publications, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, etc.  The membership of the society encompasses distinguished personalities from  Department of Space, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), HAL, CSIR, Oceanography apart from universities and leading industries actively participating in the development of astronautics in India.

It is noted that ASI is taking initiative for the development of astronautics in the country by bringing together the vast amount of expertise available in this country in this field.  It is heartening to note that the experience and the expertise in the area of astronautics are being allowed to be shared in a common forum by arranging national and international seminars and also through technical publications.

ASI appreciates the remarkable achievements and strides that have been made in the astronautics in India particularly the successful operationalisation of the launch vehicles, missile, remote sensing and communication satellites for achieving self reliance in this highly critical and technical area.

I know space is a risky venture and faiIure is not uncommon. I   was personally present during the recent failure of the GSLV/ INSAT-4C spacecraft at SDSC, Sriharikota.  In spite of the problem, I am glad to note that ISRO, with its excellent track record is coming out of this mishap by “taking lessons from failure” and has fully geared up to meet the challenges put forth due to the untiring and dedicated work culture of its employees. I am sure with a continuous motivation, these professionals will scale more heights.  In this context, I have noticed that the ASI Award is being given to those who have contributed significantly in the respective area. Definitely it  provides an excellent motivations and inspirations for the young scientists and technologists to achieve their goals relentlessly.

I am extremely glad that the significant contribution in the nature of innovation, critical technology development, development of new design, innovations of new technology capabilities, as a substitution for import are being considered for ASI awards.  The achievements of the highest caliber and life time contribution are being appreciated with ARYABHATA Award. It is befitting that the ARYABHATA award for this year is being given to Prof.R.Narasimha for his pioneering work in Aerospace Fluid Dynamics and I am proud to be associated in this award function and also to inaugurate the seminar  of “Indian Summer Monsoon Prediction – Issues & Challenges”. My greetings to all the ASI Awardees, the organizers, scientific community and other distinguished guests.  It is noted that this annual award function is being organised in various centres of ISRO, thereby providing an opportunity to all the employees to get a first hand insight into the latest development in the area of astronautics in ISRO.

To conclude, ASI should consider generating a compendium of facilities and infrastructure available for carrying out the research and development and test in the area of astronautics which will help in complimenting and supplementing the facilities available in various establishments and units in the country.

I wish the members of the space community all success in their missions.

Press Release

Shri Prithviraj Chavan, Minister of  State in the Prime Minister’s Office, gave away the annual awards instituted by the Astronautical Society of India (ASI) at a  function organised at Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, today(August 5, 2006).  Mr.G.Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO and President, ASI, presided over the function.  This year, the prestigious Aryabhata Award was presented to Prof. R.Narasimha, a respected expert on aeronautics and astronautics.

Besides, the Minister also inaugurated the  seminar on “Indian Summer Monsoon Prediction : Issues and Challenges”.  During his address to the delegates and awardees and other dignitaries at the function, Shri. Chavan lauded the efforts of ASI in disseminating knowledge about the developments in Astronautics in India through seminars and publications.  He also recalled that seeds of the  Indian Space Programme were sown in the city of Ahmedabad by the great Indian visionary, Dr Vikram Sarabahai during the early 60s.  The minister appreciated the ASI for recognising the talent in astronautics by instituting annual awards.   While recognising the risky nature of space endeavours, he expressed confidence that ISRO would come out of its temporary setback in the wake of the latest GSLV flight.  He suggested that a compendium of  facilities related to research, development and testing in the area of astronautics in India be brought out by ASI for fruitful dissemination amongst the Indian astronautics fraternity.