MC Dathan, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and an alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra (BIT) feels Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) launched on September 24 has made it easy for the mass to connect with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).The cheapest resources used in MOM are the reason behind the connection. Dathan is also associated with the mission. Talking to The Pioneer, he shared his emotions about BIT, Mesra and details about MOM. Excerpts:
How is the public connecting them with MOMIJ
One day, a young engineer of ISRO got into an auto. The auto-driver said the fare is Rs 75. The moment he came to know that the engineer is from ISRO, he said ‘Sir you are fantastic people. You completed the Mission at an amount of Rs 10 per kilometre. Your engine starts immediately. But, my engine does not start even after ten kicks’. ISRO now has direct connect the public.
How can the education system developIJ
We should encourage children to read science journals besides accessing information on Internet. This mechanism should be triggered. Memory is like a hard disk and sensing organs are a keyboard. We must coach the children to sharpen the sensing organs. There are 100 million bytes in mind which is not available even in a super-computer.
Tell us about your connection with BIT, Mesra
The study on space engineering and rocketry was first started in India at BIT, Mesra. I share my most memorable and emotional attachment with this institute as a former post graduate student of the department of space engineering and rocketry during the year 1984-85, while I was a part of ISRO. When I received the message of invitation for delivering the convocation address, I got delighted so much but was unable to give a definite positive answer due to the proposed most important launch of GSlV MK-3 Experimental Mission which was scheduled for December. I was fortunate to be here today since the launch is now scheduled next week at Sriharikota. The campus has changed and laboratories have improved. New Courses have been introduced.
How is technology progressing in IndiaIJ
About 60 per cent population of India does not have toilet but 60 per cent Indians including maid servants have cellphones. This indicates Indians had clearly understood the relevance of technology. ISRO during the last 50 years has proved to be unique among the government departments of our nation by the way of its style of team building techniques.
How can Jharkhand develop in the field of science and technologyIJ
Jharkhand students have immense potential in the science and research. State can develop in international and national projects wherein BIT Mesra can contribute a lot.