There is no age to stop learning. We strive to absorb something new every single day from every available opportunity. In the last few years, India has witnessed events that have given me a lot to learn from.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched Chandrayaan II a few days back. If all goes well (touch wood), India would have developed the capability to soft-land on the Moon, & to operate a robotic rover on the lunar surface.
Last year, the Indian space agency launched the GSAT-29 communication satellite through GSLV Mk III, the heaviest rocket made by it. GSLV Mk III is now seen as a competitor of Space X’s Falcon Heavy (yes, the Elon Musk one).
& a couple of years back, ISRO launched a record 104 satellites at one go. It scripted history while doing so by having ‘the highest number of satellites ever launched in a single mission’.
Every year, it has achieved at least one feat that has catapulted the Indian space agency into the big league. The world over, geeks have started sitting up & taking notice of ISRO.
While the country rejoiced at its latest achievement, I took a few moments out to contemplate on what makes the Indian space agency the game changer today, among the league of space nations:
Ace Against Odds
For those who remember the 90s, there were sanctions imposed on ISRO by other world powers. These were subsequently lifted in 2011. When your wings have been clipped, what is the natural thing to do – To sit in a corner & sulk? However, it did not do that.
The Indian space agency continued to work towards its goal. Even today, whenever ISRO manages a commendable feat, certain sections of the western media ridicule it. But the Indian space agency takes all the brickbats in its stride & strives on to greater heights. And that is exactly what we all need to do – brave on despite all odds!
Ye Dil Maange More!
With each success that ISRO achieved, there was always an option of basking in the glory & becoming complacent. But it never let that happen. Each success propelled the Indian space agency to touch greater heights.
As a result, ISRO went from launching India’s 7th navigation satellite to 20 satellites in a single flight to India’s weather satellite to Remote Sensing Satellite to 104 satellites at one go to Chandrayaan II. It put India on the global map.
I made a note of this – let every success make us desirous of achieving more, & only then will we realize our true potential.
Neither Rare, Nor Medium; Only Well-done!
We want limelight & recognition. The Indian space agency, to me, came across as an organization where ISRO members keep their heads down & focus only on work. These satellites have not been launched so that it becomes the first page news the world over, but because the team at the Indian space agency works towards their motto of मानव जाति की सेवा में अंतरिक्ष प्रौद्योगिकी.
Each of these launches fulfills a need that India faces. This service to the country is what drives the good people at ISRO, & motivates them to do better every day. It is said ‘jo dikhta hai, wo bikta hai’. But the Indian space agency, without making any noise, has gone about its work.
My takeaway from this – ‘bas apna karm achche se karo; A well-done job will give internal satisfaction & external recognition will follow.’
Thank you ISRO! & NASA, move over!!
