Science must help society: Isro chairman

RANCHI: Development in science should help remove problems in health and education, Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) chairman G Madhvan Nair said.
Advancement of science, according to him, should serve as a succour to the common man. Nair was speaking at the 19th convocation ceremony of the Birla Institute of Technology(BIT), Mesra.
Nair praised the institute for being the first in the league to start a specialized department of space engineering programme.
"Isro has taken several initiatives to use space technology for the benefit of society. Pioneer among these initiatives is EDUSAT, which was launched in 2004 to meet the demands of interactive satellite-based distance education," Nair said.
He added, "There is one hub and 10 satellite terminals of EDUSAT project in Jharkhand. More such terminals should come up for live linkages with partnering institutions and making it a teaching-cum- research network."
He also said Isro is ready to extend all facilities to put Jharkhand district hospitals in the telemedicine network of the country, providing specialized healthcare to the people.
The expert motivated graduates to update and equip themselves with the latest knowledge to make it big in their chosen career and profession.
In total, 3,289 graduates were conferred with the degrees. Eighteen candidates were awarded with gold medals for their exemplary performances in their respective courses. Twenty-three candidates were awarded PhD degrees.
Governor Syed Sibtey Razi said technical education is the bedrock for growth in productivity, income, employment opportunities and to enhance the quality of life.
Vice-chancellor P K Barhai said the institute has introduced incentives for the teachers in the form of Rs 10,000 to professors, Rs 7,500 to the readers and Rs 5,000 to lecturers to promote and encourage research.
The Isro chairman later visited the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) with CMD G K Pillai. A presentation with special reference to HEC's contribution to space sector was made by CMD GK Pillai.
Nair visited three plants of HEC and was impressed with facilities and infrastructure. He assured senior officials that facilities and infrastructure will be utilized for the future projects of ISRO.