Kochi: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr K Sivan on Sunday asked students to consider 'failure as a fantastic opportunity' presented to them as it is best to learn from one's own mistakes. He was participating in the Samwad with Students at the Manorama-IBS Yuva Mastermind season 9 grand finale at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthra, here.
The science and technology expo featuring over 60 projects left a lasting impression on the ISRO chairman. After going through the exhibits by students, Dr Sivan said: “Day is not too far when we will have many Einsteins, Newtons and C V Ramans. The world is moving at neck breaking speed on science and technology front. I want youngsters to catch up with this speed. The student scientists assembled here have solutions to many problems. This is what Vikram Sarabhai envisioned many decades back.”
Winners to witness ISRO launch
An impressed ISRO chief promised students to help them show their innovations to the world. “I saw some great innovations at this event. Now, please bring your innovative ideas to us. We will show it to world. I am now giving a gift to the winners here. They will be invited to visit a launch by ISRO,” Dr Sivan said.
He was all praise for Manorama's Yuva Mastermind initiative. “The objective of this event by Manorama is exactly the objective of ISRO.”
The ISRO head shared some insights into India's Human Spaceflight Programme, Gaganyaan, with the students. “With Gaganyaan mission, many questions are being asked. Why so much money is being wasted, is one of them.”
He explained to the students that the mission is not just about sending human to space. “The technology we are going to develop will do wonders. It will also ignite the imagination of youngsters like you. We need more manpower. We have only 17,000 people at ISRO now. This is not enough,” he added.
Giving fire to the students' imaginations, Dr Sivan added:“We are setting up incubation centres across India. So local people can work on ISRO's problem and help us. We need help from students like you. Samwad with Students (SwS) programme has really touched me.”
Yuva resolves ISRO's HR problem
Manorama Yuva Mastermind resolved a human resource problem for the ace Indian scientist. “You are my best human resource. You are going to run the country. SwS will give me so many ideas.”
The ISRO chief used the occasion to share one of his dream projects with the children, which will enable the Indian space centre to catch young minds early. “ISRO will launch the Young Scientists Programme soon. Three students, children going from class 8 to 9, from each state will be identified and will be trained at ISRO for a month under the project.”
He asked all state governments and Union Territories to make use of this opportunity.
Welcoming the students to join ISRO, Dr Sivan said: “You are not afraid of trying new things. This curiosity is key to me. Children are the best solution provider for me. Make use of all facilities we are offering.”