Guwahati: Informing that Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan were India’s inflection points on convergence of space science, technology, engineering and mathematics for precise navigation of deep space missions, leading space scientist Dr K Radhakrishnan said that Gaganyaan will be the next turning point for the country, one that will commence human spaceflight to Earth’s orbit.
Delivering the 21st convocation address of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati on Wednesday, Radhakrishnan, who is also the advisor to the department of space and ISRO and former chairman of Space Commission, said that India’s success in space science is the team excellence with a sublime blend of inventive power of youth and wisdom of elders brought to the table.
“The hallmark of India has been the focus to help humankind through earth-oriented satellites for communication, remote sensing and navigation along with an effective institutional tie-ups with all stakeholders. Self-reliance has been our obsession, not just an objective,” the former chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said.
Also Read: Assam: Lakhimpur villages get flood ready, one boat at a time
He further informed that team work helps the Indian scientists to address the complex and large systems in rocket science that have to work in harsh space environment that are partially chartered.
“As a nation, we have a long way to move up in science, technology and innovation, even while being proud of several accomplishments of global standards and high national impact, essentially emanating from certain islands of excellence,” he said.
Dr Radhakrishnan said that students are the key to leap forward or even to leapfrog or to make impossible into possible. “Knowing and doing are important. But ‘being’ what you are makes a difference in life. Amidst your pursuit for exiting scientific and technological advancement, enterprising business endeavors and entrepreneurial excellence, you should ponder on the avenues available to contribute for the nation and humanity at large,” he said, adding: “Each one of us can make a difference for the country and each one of us should strive to leave a legacy when you leave this world.”
Altogether, 1,352 students, including 570 Bachelor of Technology (BTech), 45 Bachelor of Design (BDes), 30 Master of Arts (MA), 119 Master of Science (MSc), 322 Master of Technology (MTech), 24 Master of Design (MDes), 10 Master of Science by Research [MS(R)] and 232 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), received their degrees at the convocation.
The chief guest of the programme awarded President of India Gold Medal to Arup Agarwal, BTech (Computer Science and Engineering), during the programme.
Also Read: Even tears can’t express what I went through: Assam Army veteran
President of India Gold Medal award was awarded to the institute topper among the BTech and BDes programme students. Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal was given to the graduating students adjudged as the best in terms of general proficiency. The Institute Silver medals were also awarded to each branch topper in BTech, BDes, MA and MSc programmes during the convocation.
In his address, Prof Gautam Biswas, acting chairman, board of governors, IIT Guwahati, said, “High quality education and high caliber R&D hold the key of advancement. We should not be frightened by the thoughts of success and failure. It is borne out by experience of all nations that failures are the stepping stones for grater progress, provided lessons are appropriately learnt.”
Leave a comment