India’s gigantic feat of putting a spacecraft in orbit around Mars in its first attempt and in what is the world’s cheapest interplanetary mission, is something that has drawn both admirers and critics alike (Sept. 25). India has been criticised for being extravagant on a space mission especially when it faces the challenges of poverty and hunger. However, this is totally unwarranted. Though the benefits of such missions may not be known immediately, they are bound to be of immense use in future.
Afreen Ferdoash,
Pune
India is now a “sparkling moon” among lesser stars. The occasion reveals India’s great scientific abilities. It might be right to celebrate September 24 as “Indian Space Day.”
Rahul Mogali,
Bijapur
ISRO has done us proud by ensuring that “MOM met Mars.” It is a matter of great pride for every Indian. Every ISRO scientist must be congratulated. That the first pictures have been sent back shows that all parameters are fine. When the Indian cricket team wins tournaments, every team member is richly rewarded. Why not something for our scientists? ISRO’s success shows that thinking big along with hard work, dedication and the right knowledge can lead to success.
Mahesh Kapasi,
New Delhi
What stands out is the humility of our scientists. The picture of the ISRO scientists at Bangalore and their heartwarming smiles said it all. That India succeeded in the first attempt shows our capability.
K. Ramachandran,
Cuddalore
India has shown once again that it is the best in offering to the world affordable yet smarter solutions. The way forward for ISRO lies not by basking in the glow of MOM but in reaching out to the common man and addressing his needs. Be it in the fields of telecommunications, telemedicine, weather forecasting and making communications cheaper, the ultimate priority must be “service to the nation.”
Arun Vijayan,
Thiruvananthapuram
Every taxpayer can rest assured that his money has been well-spent. If India’s wealth is put to proper use, we have the potential to triumph over all the difficulties that inhibit our progress. For science students like me, the success of the mission gives us hope. The event should lead young minds to introspect and realise that their hard work can lead to India’s progress.
Anjana Ashok,
Kozhikode
It is not as if dropping the Mars mission will cause all poverty, malnutrition and disaster to vanish. For that to happen, government policies must be implemented the right way. The cost-effective manner in which the mission has been achieved should help us get foreign space clients.
Parveen Mann Jaglan,
Sonipat
Tracking MOM’s journey was both nail-biting and thrilling. We must congratulate our dedicated and hard-working ISRO scientists and engineers for achieving this feat. It marks a milestone for the space programme in demonstrating that India can conduct complex missions and act as a global launch pad for commercial, navigational and research satellites.
Geethu Issac,
Thiruvananthapuram
What a magnificent, scintillating performance it has been! This would not have been possible without the dedication, devotion and determination of ISRO staff.
Madhusudan Mulabagal,
Bangalore
It is indeed a tribute to ISRO’s scientists and engineers who accomplished a difficult task in record time and at an economical cost. The achievement will surely go down as a landmark in world space history. To reach the distant Red Planet orbit where others have failed is wonderful. Given that people have lost faith in our politicians to improve their well-being, perhaps the time has come to be inspired by a group of scientists from ISRO who are selfless in their intent.
Gregory Fernandes,
Mumbai
