Innovation and technology hallmarks of modern society, says Isro chief

 Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) Chairman A S Kiran Kumar laid stress on the need to think, exponentially and not linearly, to remain flexible enough to adapt throughout the innovation process and not be afraid to break the mould to remain competitive in the fast changing world of technological advances.

Delivering the convocation address at 21st convocation of Manipal University at KMC Greens here on Saturday, he said innovation and technology have become the hallmarks of modern society. Powerful new technologies offer opportunities to help address challenges, create new information sources, networks, communities and social interaction, he added.

“Exploiting technology to tackle social issues and empower disadvantaged groups still remains significantly under explored. It is an absolute necessity that we need a skilled and knowledgeable generation that can comprehend the changing scenario and address the issues of sustainable development, which would make us capable of bringing in solutions to current and anticipated problems causing less or no irreversible impact on the climate and habitability of the planet and its environment,” Dr Kumar said.

A clear and strong vision has helped in developing and applying space technology for societal and national development. Since inception, Indian Space Programme has been orchestrated with elements such as satellites for communication and broadcasting, earth observation, space science studies, space transportation systems and related application programmes, he said.

Isro, which faced resource crunch during its formative days, has been able to tap every opportunity available --- such as premises made available by a local church in Thumba for rocket development in the early days, satellite platform provided by USA for conducting Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE), launch vehicles/facilities provided by Europe/Russia for Aryabhata, Bhaskara and Apple etc --- to realise its vision and goals and successfully adapted innovative concepts and technologies, he observed.

Since its early years of development, Isro could make use of technologies – Push Broom technology for early Indian Remote Sensing imaging, 3-in-1 concept for INSAT series facilitating meteorology, communication and broadcasting applications from one platform and to the latest innovative earth burns for capturing Moon and Mars orbits for non-availability of direct GTO launch vehicles – successfully and cost-effectively, he noted.

 Dr Kumar said advances in Satellite Remote Sensing, Global Navigation Satellite System and Geographic Information System now make it easier to integrate ecological, environmental and other information for developing predictive models.

Earth observation from space, complimented with other applications, is a cost-effective method for effective monitoring of environment and management of land, ocean and fresh water resources and providing essential data to decision-makers, he explained.
The recent success of Isro’s Mars Orbiter Mission is a result of tremendous team effort and innovative use of limited resources to achieve defined goals.

Isro endeavours to optimise and enhance its technologies as the needs and ambitions of the country evolve with the development of heavy lift launchers, reusable launch vehicles, cryogenic engines, low cost access to space, development and use of composite materials for space applications and so on, he said.

“Acquiring knowledge plays a crucial role in the overall progress of one’s life. Knowledge gives us strength to find success in all walks of life.

To become an effective life-long learner, you (graduates) need to adopt a positive and progressive mindset”, he added.

Sustainable growth is the organising principle for preserving finite resources necessary. It is necessary to provide for the needs of future generations of life on the planet.
It is a process that envisions a desirable future state for human society in which living conditions and resource-use continue to meet human needs without disturbing the natural biotic systems.

Awareness itself is fundamental to minimise harm being caused to our environment, he felt.