PM’S
ADDRESS AT THE RENAMING OF THE SRIHARIKOTA CENTRE AS SATISH DHAWAN
SPACE CENTRE
The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
renamed Sriharikota Space Centre (SHAR) as Prof. Satish Dhawan
Space Centre by unveiling a plaque at Sriharikota through a satellite
link from his residence, here today.
Speaking on the occasion the Prime Minister termed
Prof. Dhawan as a rare combination of excellence in scientific
achievement and a visionary administrative ability who put ISRO
on the path of harnessing India’s space programme to the country’s
developmental needs. Praising the determination and innovative
skills of Indian space scientist, Shri Vajpayee said that due
to their efforts India is among one of the six major space-faring
nations in the world despite technology denial regimes.
Following is the text of the Prime Minister Shri
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s address on the occasion:
"I am delighted to witness the naming of our
Satellite Launch Centre after Professor Satish Dhawan. By doing
so, we honour a great scientist and a distinguished pioneer in
India’s space programme. Men such as Prof. Satish Dhawan have
played a stellar role in developing the infrastructure and skilled
manpower, which have made India’s achievements in space a matter
of considerable pride for every Indian.
Professor Dhawan was a rare combination of excellence
in scientific achievement and a visionary administrative ability.
He put ISRO on the path of harnessing our space programme to our
developmental objectives. We have faced many impediments to our
space research from technology denial regimes. Projects for telemedicine
and distance learning through our satellites have illustrated
that the contribution of space research to development is of far
greater importance than its military applications.
The determination and innovative skills of our
space scientists and technologists deserve the nation’s appreciation.
It is thanks to their dedicated efforts that we are proud to be
one of six major space-faring nations in the world today.
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre should continue
to play a critical role for our satellite launches. The further
development of the GSLV and newer applications of the PSLV will
continue to excite the imagination of all Indians. As we offer
our satellite launch services for satellites from around the world,
the Centre that bears Professor Dhawan’s name will attain greater
prominence on the international map.
It is my privilege to dedicate the Satish Dhawan
Launch Centre to the continued service of our nation.
Thank you".
