Page 125 - PROF-DHAWAN-COMPILED

It is difficult to describe a person like Prof. Dhawan in an article or even in a few articles. Many persons who have
worked with him and seen the actions generated by him revere him - though he would be the first person to "pooh
pooh" such adulation. He was a rare blend of a philosopher, scientist, academic, engineer and administrator,

possibly the only one of its kind in the history of post-independent India. He shunned publicity, discouraged
iconising and believed in systems and collective efforts. His life's philosophy is best exemplified by the quote from
Buddha which is given in the decade Space Programme Profile 1980-90 which he shaped.

"Be ye lamps unto yourselves

Be your own reliance

Hold to the truth within yourselves

As to the only lamp."

I have had the opportunity of working with Prof. Dhawan and experiencing the joys and sorrows and the ups and
downs of the space programme as it evolved from a small effort to a major national capability. I was 29 years old
when I first started working with him. I and many of my colleagues have been shaped by his philosophy and his
practice of that philosophy. On hearing of his death from Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam at Lucknow I felt that a major pillar
of one's life was no longer available to lean on. I could reach Bangalore only a day later. My feelings on the early

morning of 5th January 2002 when I met Prof. Dhawan's family (many of whom I had known for more than 25
years) were penned in a poem on Prof. Dhawan and given to his family. (Reference 12). It will be apt to end this
article with that poem which attempts to capture a unique modern sage who lived in our midst.

A UNIVERSAL MIND

Satish Dhawan

The Pride of the nation

Bhishma of the yore

And Buddha so dear

Both combined

In an ancient land

And with a modern mind

We saw him walk

Much ahead of the folk

Lifting them all

Into a brave new world!

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