Lack of funding delayed adoption of modern space technologies: Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan
Chennai (PTI): Lack of adequate funding delayed the adoption of modern technologies in the space sector, former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan said on Friday.
Speaking at the National Innovation Day celebrations at Rajalakshmi Engineering College near Chennai, Narayanan said that whenever substantial funds were required to adopt new technologies, they were not made available immediately as there were other pressing priorities demanding attention and resources.
Responding to questions from the audience about advancements in liquid and solid propulsion systems, he said, “Everything starts with the point of need and requirements. We could have completed and mastered liquid propulsion in three years, but we ended up taking nearly two decades because of a lack of funding.”
“Whenever there is a need for substantial funds to adopt the latest technologies, they are not immediately available, as there are more pressing problems that require attention and funding,” he was quoted as saying in a press release.
Reflecting on his journey in rocket technology, Narayanan said many young engineers today are eager to work in this field. “If future engineers are to make the country powerful, they must make meaningful contributions — be it in liquid propulsion or cryogenics — and compete with the best minds in the international community,” he said.
He added that if India’s youth are to make the country “proud” and “successful,” they must aim to compete at the global level.
Narayanan emphasised the need for a “high-energy propulsion system” to drive India’s future space programmes, especially interplanetary missions.
“Whether it is liquid, solid, cryogenic or semi-cryogenic propulsion depends on the requirements. Now, we are talking about interplanetary travel, and there are several developments taking place,” he said.
Later, Narayanan presented certificates to the winners of Dreamovation 2025 – Business Pitching Event, organised by the college to encourage budding engineers to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to building a sustainable future.
Students from various disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical and electronics, biotechnology, and computer science, participated in the event and showcased their entrepreneurial ideas. College Vice-Chairman Abhay Meghanathan and Principal S N Murugesan were also present.
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
