Previous Governments had No Faith in ISRO: Ex-ISRO Scientist Nambi Narayanan

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has come a long way since its inception. From humble beginnings to achieving remarkable milestones, ISRO's journey has been filled with challenges, perseverance, and determination. In this article, we will delve into the early years of ISRO, the challenges it faced, and how it overcame them to become a globally recognized space agency.

The Former Scientist's Perspective

Former ISRO scientist, Nambi Narayanan, sheds light on the difficulties faced by the organization during its formative years. Narayanan reveals that the previous Congress government did not allocate sufficient funds to ISRO, indicating a lack of faith in the organization. In those early days, ISRO struggled with limited resources, including the absence of basic transportation such as jeeps and cars.

According to Narayanan, the government only provided funding to ISRO once it had established its credibility. This lack of support from the government posed challenges for ISRO, but it did not deter the organization from pursuing its ambitious goals.

The Role of Funding in ISRO's Growth

Funding plays a crucial role in the growth and development of any organization, and ISRO is no exception. While the initial years were challenging, ISRO gradually gained recognition and trust, leading to increased budget allocations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared Narayanan's video, highlighting the importance of adequate funding for ISRO's success.

Narayanan acknowledges that the government's faith in ISRO grew over time, leading to improved budget allocations. He refrains from complaining about the initial lack of funding but emphasizes the government's initial lack of confidence in the organization.

Prime Minister Modi's Role in Chandrayaan-3

The Opposition has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking credit for the historic Moon landing of Chandrayaan-3. Nambi Narayanan counters these claims, stating that the Prime Minister deserves credit for a national project of such magnitude. He asserts that if not the Prime Minister, then who else could be credited for the success of Chandrayaan-3?

Narayanan acknowledges that personal opinions about the Prime Minister may vary, but in the context of a national project, it is only fitting to credit the leader. This statement highlights the bipartisan nature of acknowledging achievements in space exploration.

Timely Salaries and Pensions for Space Scientists

Addressing concerns about delayed salaries and pensions for space scientists, Narayanan assures that there have been no delays in crediting their payments. He states that he himself receives his pension promptly on the 29th of every month. This statement debunks rumors and provides reassurance that space scientists' contributions are duly recognized and rewarded.

BJP vs Congress on Chandrayaan-3

The BJP and the Congress have been engaged in a war of words regarding Chandrayaan-3. Amit Malviya, a BJP leader, emphasizes Prime Minister Modi's commitment to increasing budgets for India's space missions. He suggests that the government's support has played a crucial role in the progress of ISRO's endeavors.

On the other hand, Congress leader KC Venugopal criticizes Prime Minister Modi for allegedly "hogging the limelight" after the Chandrayaan-3 landing. He questions the government's support for ISRO and urges them to address the concerns raised by the scientists.

Overcoming Challenges: ISRO's Remarkable Achievements

Despite the challenges faced in its formative years, ISRO has achieved several significant milestones. Let's take a look at some of the remarkable accomplishments that have propelled India's space program onto the global stage:

1. Successful Satellite Launches

ISRO has launched numerous satellites, both for domestic and international purposes. The successful launches have not only advanced India's space capabilities but also fostered international collaborations.

2. Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)

In 2013, ISRO's Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, made history by becoming the first interplanetary mission by an Asian country. This achievement showcased India's technological prowess and placed ISRO among the elite space organizations worldwide.

3. Chandrayaan Missions

ISRO's Chandrayaan missions have been instrumental in advancing lunar exploration. Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, discovered water molecules on the Moon's surface, revolutionizing our understanding of Earth's celestial neighbor. Chandrayaan-2, despite not achieving a soft landing, demonstrated India's capabilities in lunar orbiter missions.

4. Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD)

ISRO's RLV-TD project aims to develop a fully reusable space vehicle. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of space missions and make them more sustainable in the long run.

5. Gaganyaan: India's Manned Space Mission

ISRO's ambitious Gaganyaan mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space. This project will mark a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey, putting the country among the elite few capable of manned space missions.

Conclusion

ISRO's journey from its early days of struggling with limited resources to becoming a globally recognized space agency is a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and national pride. Despite facing initial challenges, the organization has achieved remarkable milestones, placing India at the forefront of space exploration.

As we look to the future, ISRO continues to push boundaries and inspire generations to dream big. With ongoing missions and ambitious projects, the organization remains committed to unraveling the mysteries of the universe and fostering scientific advancements for the betterment of humanity.