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NDTV
25-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
India's Astronauts Vs Pakistan's Terrorists: A Tale of Two National Visions
New Delhi: As India prepares to send an astronaut into space, the contrast with its western neighbour could not be more stark. While India trains scientists and astronauts to explore the cosmos, state-sponsored terror continues to operate undeterred in Pakistan, Dr VK Saraswat, former Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and current member of NITI Aayog told NDTV. "It's a glaring example of the psychology of our adversary. While India has always focused on training its people for peaceful exploration of space, Pakistan has, unfortunately, chosen a path of fostering terrorism," Dr Saraswat said. His remarks come a month after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam left 26 civilians dead. India then began Operation Sindoor on May 7 with air strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. "Our space program is globally recognised for achieving excellence at the lowest cost," Dr Saraswat emphasised. "It's a testament to India's commitment to peaceful progress and technological innovation." India's space journey began with Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's historic flight to space in 1984 and advanced to remarkable missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. India is also planning its own space station and deep space missions, all aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and benefiting humanity. Next month, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to travel to the International Space Station, marking another proud moment for India's space ambitions. Further, Indian Space Research Organisation's Gaganyaan mission aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit aboard an indigenous spacecraft. Contrasting with the advancements with the situation across the border, Dr Saraswat said Pakistan should leverage technology to better people's lives. "Terrorism is an anathema to social structure. It should be detested and removed. Instead of creating chaos, Pakistan should focus on science and technology for the betterment of its people," he said. With the motive of the betterment of people, Dr Saraswat suggested that India is open to collaboration with its neighbour in the space sector. "If Pakistan wants to work with us, we can even consider a joint space program. We're willing to share technologies that can uplift their population," he said. As India prepares to launch its next astronaut, its message and vision is clear - peace, progress, and prosperity through science.
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
From cosmos to classrooms, the Kasturirangan impact
With the many roles he played in India's space missions, including the success of Mangalyaan, K Kasturirangan will be remembered as the man who took India closer to the stars. What is less well known is that his quiet brilliance also shone in another direction. His most enduring legacy may lie not in the cosmos but in the classrooms of India, where his work through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 continues to shape the lives of millions. As chairperson of the NEP drafting committee, Kasturirangan recognised that the key to India's growth lay in empowering its youngest minds with the foundational skills necessary for a prosperous nation. NEP laid the groundwork for a future where foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) are not aspirational but guaranteed for every child. The impact of his work, particularly through initiatives like the National Initiative for Proficiency with Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Mission, is already being felt across India. He may have laid the foundation for a developed India built on the knowledge and capabilities of those who are children now. Kasturirangan's deep commitment to education was apparent long before his role as the chief architect of NEP 2020. In 2008 he was appointed chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. In that role and as a board member of institutions such as IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras, and IISc Bangalore, Kasturirangan was instrumental in shaping curricula and guiding strategic decisions in India's higher education system. If students do not achieve the first milestone of reading and numeracy by Grade 3, they fall behind not just in school but in life. This would have profound implications for their ability to engage in higher-level learning and, ultimately, for their success in life. FLN eventually became a movement across the country. Over 15 states have launched FLN missions and programmes, and NISHTHA FLN (a programme that aims to improve teacher training and education quality) has been adopted by 90% of states and Union Territories. It even made it to the G20 Summit in 2023 where Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted NIPUN Bharat and G20 took up FLN as an international priority. Green shoots from the FLN drive are beginning to show in survey data. According to the latest Annual Status of Education (Rural) Report (ASER), literacy levels in government schools have gone up from 20.9% (2018) to 23.4% (2024) and numeracy from 20.9% (2018) to 27.6% (2024) at the national level -- the highest ever outcomes at a Grade 3 level. Another NEP breakthrough has been recognising the importance of strong early years and play-based learning for children in the 3-6 years age group. This has been institutionalised in the form of Balvatika (pre-primary) and Vidya Pravesh (transitioning from pre-primary to primary) programmes, a total of 72% of students were covered under Vidya Pravesh by 2023. Another cornerstone of NEP 2020 is the creation of large, integrated school complexes — a move away from fragmented, under-resourced institutions toward more cohesive, resource-efficient hubs. The PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme, launched in 2022, represents a major step forward in implementation, where 14,500 schools are meant to be transformed into model institutions. These schools are meant not only to embody NEP's pedagogical ideals but also to serve as demonstration and anchor schools within their clusters. The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) has also been revamped under Kasturirangan's leadership for a better fit with NEP 2020 goals. It restructures schooling into four stages — foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary — aligning curriculum and pedagogy with child development milestones. It also shifts focus from rote memorisation to building core skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of knowledge; emphasises FLN, experiential learning, and a reform of assessment methods to measure conceptual understanding rather than just exam performance. Kasturirangan may no longer be with us. But his legacy lives on through the transformative changes he initiated in India's education system. His work continues to push Indian education toward greater inclusivity and innovation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Ashish Dhawan is founder-CEO and Bikkrama Daulet Singh is operating partner, The Convergence Foundation. The views expressed are personal
Times of Oman
19-02-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
India moves ahead towards small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) privatisation
New Delhi: In a ground-breaking move, India is poised to take a significant step toward the privatisation of its small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) programme, with Alpha Design Technologies, backed by the prominent Adani Group, emerging as one of the three finalists in the race. Alpha Design Technologies, in which Adani Defence Systems and Technologies owns a stake, state-backed Bharat Dynamics Limited, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will compete in the final round for India's SSLV privatisation deal. The privatisation of India's small satellite launch rocket programme holds immense potential to not only revolutionise the space industry in India but also to place the country at the forefront of global satellite launch services. Alpha Design Technologies' participation in this process reflects the increasing involvement of private players in India's ambitious space exploration agenda. SSLV programme India's space exploration efforts, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), have garnered global recognition for their accomplishments, including the successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and the Chandrayaan missions to the Moon. One of the key focuses of ISRO in recent years has been the development of cost-effective and reliable small satellite launch vehicles, in response to the growing global demand for smaller, less expensive satellites. These small satellites, often referred to as CubeSats or microsatellites, have become increasingly popular for their use in a variety of sectors, including communications, weather monitoring, and Earth observation. In a bid to capitalise on this demand, the Indian government decided to open up the small satellite launch programme to private players, leading to the ongoing privatisation process. The privatisation aims to encourage innovation, competition, and greater efficiency in satellite launch services, allowing India to meet the global demand for small satellite launches while boosting the country's space capabilities. Adani's growing footprint in India's space sector The Adani Group, a multinational conglomerate with diversified interests spanning infrastructure, energy, and logistics, has increasingly focused on expanding its presence in India's space sector. Adani's foray into space exploration is seen as a natural extension of the group's growing interest in high-tech industries, including aerospace, defence, and renewable energy. Alpha Design Technologies, a key player in India's defence and aerospace manufacturing sector, has been backed by the Adani Group as part of this broader strategic initiative. Founded in 1993, Alpha Design Technologies has made a name for itself as a leading manufacturer of aerospace systems and components. The company has been involved in the design, development, and production of satellite systems, avionics, and defence technology. It has established itself as a partner for defence organizations, including the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, as well as space agencies like ISRO. The decision to back Alpha Design Technologies in the bid for the privatisation of India's small satellite launch vehicle programme is a strategic one, aligning with Adani's long-term vision of establishing a dominant presence in India's space industry. By acquiring stakes in Alpha Design Technologies, Adani Group aims to tap into the rapidly expanding satellite and aerospace market, not only in India but also globally. SSLV privatisation process The privatisation of India's SSLV programme has attracted interest from a variety of private companies, both Indian and international. The process was initiated by the ISRO, which sought to involve private entities in the development, manufacture, and operation of small satellite launch vehicles. The initiative is part of the Indian government's broader strategy to encourage innovation and technological advancements in the space sector while ensuring that ISRO remains the regulatory and oversight body for space exploration in the country. Adani Group's Role The Adani Group's backing of Alpha Design Technologies has garnered significant attention, particularly given the conglomerate's increasing prominence in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and defence. The move into the space sector is a natural evolution of the group's ambitions, and it aligns with the Indian government's push to integrate more private players into the country's space programmes. Adani's involvement is expected to bring substantial financial backing, a wealth of operational expertise, and access to a vast network of global customers. As the world's leading space agencies and private players continue to ramp up their satellite launch capabilities, the privatisation of India's small satellite launch programme offers a unique opportunity for Adani-backed Alpha Design Technologies to establish itself as a competitive player in the global space market. By providing critical support to Alpha Design Technologies, Adani Group could help the company compete with international space giants and position India as a key player in the growing small satellite launch market. As demand for satellite launches continues to rise, especially among countries looking to deploy large constellations of small satellites for commercial and government applications, India's space program could play an increasingly important role in satisfying this demand. Future implications for India's space industry The privatisation of India's small satellite launch vehicle programme has the potential to drastically transform the country's space sector. By opening up satellite launch services to private players, India stands to benefit from increased competition, innovation, and efficiency, which will likely drive down launch costs and improve the reliability and timeliness of satellite deployments. Moreover, the involvement of private companies in satellite launch services could also lead to new developments in related industries, including satellite manufacturing, communications, and ground support infrastructure. As private companies like Alpha Design Technologies, Skyroot Aerospace, and Agnikul Cosmos continue to innovate and grow, India could emerge as a global leader in the rapidly evolving space sector. For the Adani Group, backing Alpha Design Technologies in this endeavour could further solidify its position as a major player in India's defence, aerospace, and technology sectors. It also serves as a demonstration of the conglomerate's ability to capitalise on emerging opportunities and leverage its resources to drive growth in high-tech industries. Adani Group-backed Alpha Design Technologies is now positioned at the forefront of India's privatisation efforts for small satellite launch vehicles. The company's experience, coupled with the Adani Group's financial strength and strategic vision, gives it a strong competitive edge in the race for India's SSLV programme. As India seeks to expand its space capabilities and carve out a dominant position in the global space industry, the private player's participation in the privatisation race is poised to play a critical role in the country's ambitions to meet the increasing global demand for small satellite launches.
