Marsayana

ISRO PSLV carrying the Mars orbiter
Photo Coutesy: http://spectrum.ieee.org

It is a moment of pride for every citizen of our country as ISRO launched the satellite for the Mangalayaan mission. Though the satellite may take nine and half months to travel to Mars orbit and only then this mission can be termed success, the launching itself can be very well considered as a success and milestone in the history of ISRO. I heartily congratulate the ISRO chairman and his team for this commendable work.

It is heartening to note that the launching took place in just fifteen months of sanction of the project. The team has taken immense pains to complete all necessary ground work for launching. It is understood that the satellite has carried several sensitive instruments for the study of Mars and its atmosphere.Several sensitive cameras have been sent to obtain the photographs and its studies. This launch will benefit all mankind if it succeeds in its mission.This was the first giant step in its big journey. The cost of the mission is said to be 450 crores. Considering the contribution of the mission to the scientific advancement and the inputs involved, the cost seems reasonable.

It was exciting to view the launching through television. We experienced the same level of anxiousness as the ISRO team would have experienced during launching. A sigh of relief came out after we learnt that the satellite was placed in earth's orbit. Each stage of manoeuvrability is as important and anxious as that of launching.

It was disgusting that in some TV channels, the discussions were very childish. They talked about the cost of 450 crores which they thought was a burden on our exchequer! They also thought that this mission was not necessary in view of the poverty, sanitary, food situation of the country. If this is wasteful what else could be useful? I don't consider this as a wasteful expenditure. It is indeed a useful investment. It is an investment in advancement of science and technology, an investment for the future generations, an investment to boost our image internationally and an investment in inter-planet journey. We do not open our mouth when parliamentary/assembly sessions are disrupted for weeks/months and enormous money loss is noticed. We keep quiet when large scale misappropriation of tax-payers money takes place. We shut our mouth when huge corruption comes to light. We also turn a blind-eye when series of scams looting billions of rupees comes to fore. Is it not astonishing to note that all mouths open to criticise when a noble cause is undertaken.

The visit of the ISRO chairman to the Tirumala temple was ridiculed. I doubt, whether he has lost his right to religious freedom by being the chairman of such a prestigious institution! The visit was based on his personal religious belief and he has every right to believe whatever he deems fit. I don't think he has made any blunder by visiting the temple. He also would not have used his official position/machinery for the visit. This type of reporting is an infringement on the freedom of an individual. When will our journalists learn to be sensible? 

The TV discussion also covered the timing of the launching. The day being Tuesday, it was said was auspicious for mars related experiments. The time of launch 2.38 p.m. was auspicious for some and inauspicious for others. I think this was the height of stupidity in the discussion.

There was a very good opportunity to telecast the achievements and success stories of ISRO. Their struggles, hardships and personal sacrifices in the execution of the project, infrastructural adequacies /inadequacies etc. could have been telecast which could have boosted their morale & inspired a whole new young generation in the pursuit of science. A moment of pride for all of us was lost in useless discussions. I fail to understand what sort of journalism this is.

Now a days, sensationalisation of any news item is being contemplated to increase their TRP ratings. No body is bothered about any other sensitivities. I feel, we can be a little more modest in our approach to reporting, which enhances credibility and can save many individuals from attracting unnecessary attention.