The news is abuzz with India's successful launch of the Mars
Orbiter Mission (aka Mangalyaan). Many Indians stand proud of this achievement
in Science and Technology (a field in which we have been pioneers for centuries). And
yet, amid the celebrations, there are the inevitable voices of criticism- 'Do
we need this right now?' 'Don't we have bigger problems to solve?'.
Unfailingly, voices outside of India have connected the phenomenal progress in
Science and Technology to the 'overwhelming poverty' that
the country faces. There are many reasons to not turn the success of this
mission into an argument of whether it was ever needed, and here are some:
Establishing 'brand' India's identity
The projected value of Information Technology exports this financial year (2014-15) stands at $132 billion (approx). Almost all of the developed nations
of the world looked to India for 'cost-effective' creation of products/
services. Yet, over time, this message has become jaded as others (China, Indonesia, Malaysia etc.) entered the ring. The distinct advantage that a country has in sourcing
work from India, has begun to fade. The launch of Mangalyaan is a rejuvenation
of sorts, to a nation that can fast lose its competitive edge in a crowded
market place. It re-establishes two facts very clearly- (1) We are a country
that leads innovation (2) We get the job done in a cost effective manner. What
does IT or any other industry have to do with a space mission? Nothing. But it
makes the world sit up and take notice of a country that lead the way in
cost-effective innovation. It reiterates the idea that we are a country capable
of this and more!
Changing perceptions and shifting focus
I recently met someone who warned me of facing 'reverse cultural
shock' when I head back home for a holiday. He said 'You will see elephants on
the road and wonder why people haven't upgraded to cars' (incidentally, this
gentleman is a well-travelled writer!). While I will swear that there is not an
ounce of exaggeration in my narration, there's also the fact that perceptions
of many outside of India, have never changed! We are not a country of elephants
and snake charmers. We are not a country fading away in the depths of poverty.
We are not a country of mysticism and ancient practices (as much as
documentaries would like to convince you!). Yes, there is that side to us, but
it is also the truth that we are a young ambitious nation, that's ready to lead
the way in innovation. And Mangalyaan is just one way of placing India on the
Technology map of the world and changing perceptions such as this. It is ironical that the world questions ISRO's $74 mn
mission and yet doesn't bat an eyelid when it enjoys movies like Gravity (which cost $100 mn) and Dhoom 3 (which
cost a third of that at $21 mn)!
Investing in the future
Space research and technology are often shared missions. India is
already helping other countries put their equipment in space and charges a fee
for it. By investing in Space technology, the country also stands to create a
steady revenue stream. No one pays for old technology and the only way to stay
on top is to make bold moves such as this one with Mangalyaan. Another aspect
to consider is that India as a nation needs to develop the confidence and faith
in our own education system, the faith in young children that they can dream of
becoming scientists and actually take strides towards bettering the work of the
previous generations. For the next Aryabhatta, the Mangalyaan mission may
become the defining moment for a career in Science, Technology and Innovation.
And so if this is a 'Rat Race' (as some see it) so be it, for the early bird gets the worm!
And so if this is a 'Rat Race' (as some see it) so be it, for the early bird gets the worm!
