In a startling revelation, former Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) scientist Nambi Narayanan has exposed the previous Congress government’s skepticism and inadequate funding towards India’s fledgling space agency. Narayanan’s remarks, captured in a viral video, highlight the government’s lack of confidence in Isro’s potential during its formative years.
Narayanan divulged that financial support was only extended to Isro after it had firmly established its credibility. He shed light on the agency’s humble beginnings, reminiscing, “We didn’t have a jeep. We didn’t have a car. We didn’t have anything. So that means, we didn’t have any budget allocation.” The initial dearth of funding reflected the government’s glaring skepticism towards Isro’s capabilities.
“The budget was not for the asking, it was given. I wouldn’t complain about it, but they (government) didn’t have any faith in you (Isro),” Narayanan candidly stated, underscoring the government’s hesitancy to fully back Isro’s ambitious endeavors.
Narayanan’s commentary extends to the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in national projects. Addressing recent debates surrounding the Prime Minister’s claim of credit for the successful Moon landing, Narayanan asserted, “When you go into a national project, who else can be credited? It is the Prime Minister.” His response reinforces the dynamics of national projects and the central role of leadership in their execution.
Clarifying another pertinent issue, Narayanan tackled claims of delayed payments to space scientists. He categorically refuted the allegations, asserting that salaries and pensions are dispensed punctually, with his own pension credited on the 29th of each month.
The video has sparked discussions on the contrasting approaches of political parties towards Isro’s initiatives. BJP leader Amit Malviya seized the opportunity to highlight Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to bolstering budgets for space missions. This stance is juxtaposed against the Congress party’s criticism of the Prime Minister’s prominence in the wake of Chandrayaan-3’s successful lunar landing.
The revelations by Nambi Narayanan peel back the layers of India’s space journey, shedding light on the intricate relationship between political faith, financial support, and national achievements. As India’s space aspirations continue to soar, the historic context of Isro’s evolution serves as a pivotal backdrop to the ongoing debates in the nation’s political and scientific landscape.
