Dr Kasturirangan honoured with Dharia award
21 Feb 2020 09:56:48
Staff Reporter :
Referring to the new education policy Dr Kasturirangan stated that drastic changes are being brought out and education is being made liberal.
The importance of space research has been realised and supported by the Governments led from Narasimha Rao to Dr Manmohan Singh, and the present one. Fortunately I had association of different people who thought deeply in this direction and helped in working on space, Padmavibhushan Dr K Kasturirangan said. Dr Kasturirangan, renowned space scientist from ISRO and Chairman of New Education Policy Draft Committee was replying to his felicitation by Vanrai Foundation, here on Thursday.
He was honoured with Padma Vibhushan Mohan Dharia Memorial Rashtranirman Award, at the hands of former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan, in presence of Chancellor of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Dr Vedprakash Mishra. Director of NEERI Dr Rakesh Kumar, former Director Dr Satish Wate, former Maharashtra Minister Rajendra Mulak, Vanrai Foundation Trustee Dr Girish Gandhi, Vice-President of Vanrai Foundation Kishor Dharia were seated on the dais. Dr Kasturirangan recalled his association with scientists like Vikram Sarabhai, Dr Satish Dhawan and Dr Rao and said that people with whom one is associated direct the work in life.
He also appreciated working with Prithviraj Chavan when he was in the Ministry of Space, Government of India. As Chairman of Space Research Committee along with over 40 MPs he understood the challenges before the nation. The suggestions made by them and questions raised helped in planning the direction in which to work. Referring to the new education policy Dr Kasturirangan stated that drastic changes are being brought out and education is being made liberal.
The students at basic level will be able to understand issues like environment, water and other issues for nature conservation. Dr Kasturirangan was felicitated by offering Dharia memorial award of Rs 1 lakh, shawl, shreefal, memento and scroll of honour by Chavan and Dr Mishra. Prithviraj Chavan, in his address recalled his association with Dr Kasturirangan. He said that Dr Kasturirangan’s contribution in science and space is immense. Chavan also referred to political failure in capitalising the scientific development in the country. The nation has great potential and should have been ahead of other developed countries.
The budgetary allocation has not been increased, even it is a fact that only quality education, science and research can improve quality of life of people. GDP alone is not the parameter for defining development, Per Capita Income should be considered, which is very low in our country compared to other nations like China and USA. Improving Per Capita Income can catapult economic growth of the nation. Drastic measures will have to be taken to achieve the desired level of development. Dr Vedprakash Mishra said that this is a unique function where the award instituted in the name of a great visionary Mohan Dharia, is being conferred upon another great visionary Dr Kasturirangan.
The award is an indication that the society wants to connect to such visionary and express gratitude towards them. Dr Rakesh Kumar spoke about major programmes undertaken by CSIR-NEERI. Dr Girish Gandhi made introductory remarks. Rekha Dandige-Ghiya conducted the proceedings. Dr Wate introduced Dr Kasturirangan to the audience. Secretary of Vanrai Foundation Nilesh Khandekar proposed a vote of thanks.