Page 122 - PROF-DHAWAN-COMPILED

In a private communication to Prof.M.G.K.Menon on May 4th, 1988 - then Member Planning Commission with a
copy marked to me, Prof Dhawan strongly pleads for consolidating basic research in Universities in several areas…
"We do not know the lacunae in detail - is it personnel or some equipment missing or just sloppy leadership? We

must not allow decay of existing scientific units to subcritical activities after having made investments for years. If
you think it worthwhile (I think it is) you could identify a few major areas and set the ball rolling. The essence is to
find an active scientist for each area, with wholesome outlook who would be prepared to put out some effort - not
easy, but still possible and worth while" (Reference 8).

Prof. Dhawan's long term vision for space technology spanning into the 21st century and beyond can be seen in
another lecture he delivered at the Astronautical Society of India on September 06th, 1996 entitled "Whither Space

and Astronautics" (Reference 9). In this lecture he advocates the integration of Communications and Earth
Observation Satellite Systems into a National Space-based Early Warning and Response System (NEWARS), which
would collect timely information on all major aspects of national life. He saw such a system to be strongly coupled
with and dependent on the protection and effective use of both natural and organized human resources. This view

can be thought of as a clarion call to the young generation of Indians to take these ideas and transform them into
major national and global enterprises. To the best of my knowledge this lecture was the last major lecture given by
Prof.S.Dhawan that was recorded as a published document. It can be seen as a Dhawan Manifesto on Space. This
lecture also covered the origins and evolution of the universe since the Big Bang, examines issues related to the

establishment of Space colonies and explored the prospects of planetary engineering. The philosopher, engineer,
academic and social thinker in him are all alive and integrated into one in this seminal lecture.

The concluding remarks of this lecture are: -

Civilizations have for long sought answers to problems of existence. In the last half a century it has slowly dawned
on Mankind that of the great variety of Life Forms on the Earth, one of them - Homosapiens - has reached a stage

when its actions are endangering the Globe. The Sceptic asks: "What is the moral justification for exploring the
Planets & Stars when there is so much Hunger, Misery, Poverty & Strife on Earth? The Optimist says: Programmes
which focus on space and encounter complex issues of survival in a hostile environment, facing unexpected
dangers and situations and overcoming them - enhance Man's capability to face the Unknown and survive as a truly

civilized being.

Collectively can Mankind enhance its capabilities to evolve a Civilization on Earth which is more humane, sensitive
and harmonious not only to humans but to all forms of life? If yes, then we go into Space to Understand and

Resolve problems of Life on Earth -

JOURNEY IN SPACE and TIME are SYMBIOTIC with MATTER, MIND & VALUES………………………..The MESSAGE OF THE

VEDAS. (Reference 9)

ISRO, as an Innovation System

Even after nearly four decades, ISRO still continues to be a very powerful innovative organization. In a seeming
contradiction, it combines this innovative capability with world-class operations. Most of the credit for this can be
directly linked to Prof. Dhawan. After taking over the leadership of the space programme in 1972 (ten years after

the start of the programme) he transformed it into a goal oriented performing organization. All major programmes
and projects of ISRO were re-organised and focused to deliver results. Prof Dhawan also looked ahead to see how
the Sarabhai vision for the space programme could be given tangible shape and form through technology, R&D,

organizational and managerial initiatives.
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