Valiamala (Thiruvananthapuram): Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, presented awards to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists for their outstanding contribution to the Indian space programs.
Manmohan Singh also inaugurated the Indian Institute of Space Technology (IIST) at Valiamala in Thiruvananthapuram by video conferencing here on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said, "This awards ceremony is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Dr Sarabhai was not just the father of India's space programme but an intellectual giant, a visionary and a great institution- builder. He was one of the scientific architects of modern India".
"The individuals that we are honoring today have made significant contributions to our space program. They have excelled in the field of rocketry, satellite technology and communications, development of space materials and other important areas. They have made important contributions to our efforts to indigenize our space program. I heartily congratulate all the award winners and their families for their solid accomplishments in the service of the people of our great country", he said.
Manmohan Singh also called upon ISRO to continuously build upon the culture of excellence and corporate responsibility.
He said that it is this work culture and an atmosphere that nurtures excellence all around that has spurred the Indian scientists, technologists, engineers to the kind of achievements that India is honoring and celebrating today.
Manmohan Singh also congratulated the Department of Space for their remarkable achievements in the field of Space Technology. Manmohan Singh was associated with the Department of Space as a member of Finance for about four years in the 1970s.
Singh also laid the foundation stone of ISRO's Space Complex in New Delhi.
"The complex will go a long way in fulfilling the needs for utilization of space based services in this part of our country. I do hope that the building will be well designed and that it will set an example in the utilization of environment friendly technologies. Above all, I hope that it will popularize the study of space all across the country", he added.
source: indiaedunews.net