Ernakulam: ISRO Chairman S. Somnath gave a clear answer to a student’s question whether naming the place where Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon as ‘Shiv Shakti’ was in line with the country’s secular nature. S Somnath said that it is a matter of perspective to consider the name Shiv Shakti as religious or non-religious.
He said this while interacting with the students after receiving the Vikram Sarabhai Vigyan Puraskar instituted by the Kochi-based Vikram Sarabhai Science Foundation (VSSF). Former chief secretary of the Kerala government VP Joy gave the award comprising a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and a citation to ISRO chief S Somnath. After this he interacted with the students.
He explained about the lunar mission and Indian space programs to the students of various schools. Somnath pointed out that India’s third lunar mission’s objective was achieved in 14 days, after which it entered sleep mode. One day on the Moon is equivalent to 14 days on Earth. However, on the query on re-establishing contact with the rover and lander, which had gone into sleep mode on September 2, Somnath said, “There’s a possibility, but there’s no certainty”.
The venue was a science conclave organized by Vikram Sarabhai Science Foundation at Vikram Sarabhai Science School, Kakkanad. The issues of space debris, Gaganyaan, Vyomamitra and the presence of extraterrestrial life were also discussed.
Replying to another query, Somanath, the driving force behind Chandrayaan 3, which etched India’s name on the moon said, the hardest challenge he faced during the Chandrayaan 3 mission was the soft landing. “There were a lot of factors to be considered to make the landing.”
Many wonder how ISRO, a government entity, operates with such passion and dedication. “Several factors contribute to this. Firstly, the autonomy granted to it plays a pivotal role. Secondly, the organizational structure effectively takes into account the insights of scientists and acts upon them. Lastly, the thrill of witnessing an idea transform from a mere concept to a finalized product is undeniably one of the most satisfying experiences one can have,” the ISRO chief said.
The event organized by VSSF, saw virtual participation from G Madhavan Nair, a former ISRO chairman. Other dignitaries other than V P Joy, Indira Rajan, the CEO of VSSF; Umesh N.S.K., the Ernakulam district collector; and E Nandhakumar, along with representatives from various entities were also present gracing the event.
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