The NASA-ISRO Partnership and the NISAR Mission

The NASA-ISRO Partnership and the NISAR Mission: A Leap Forward in Earth Observation and Global Resilience.

Yesterday evening, the skies above Sriharikota witnessed a triumphant moment as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark II F16 rocket with a precision that placed the satellite within 3 kilometers of its intended orbit—far surpassing the 20-kilometer margin. This magnificent launch marked a significant milestone in the storied partnership between ISRO and NASA, two space agencies representing the world’s largest and oldest democracies.

The successful launch of the GSLV Mark II rocket and the placement of NISAR satellite in its intended orbit, not only restored ISRO’s reputation after recent setbacks with the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 and NVS-02 missions but also reaffirmed the belief of ISRO founders in harvesting the applications of space for the benefit of humankind, more particularly Indians. It also strengthens the enduring collaboration between India and US that traces its roots to the visionary efforts of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Dr. Homi Bhabha, and their contemporaries in ISRO and NASA in the 1960s and 1970s. The NISAR mission, a $1.5 billion endeavor, is poised to revolutionize Earth observation with its dual-frequency radar imaging, offering unprecedented insights into natural processes and aiding global efforts in disaster mitigation, climate monitoring, and sustainable development, which are now of extreme importance to the global community. Over the next three months, as NISAR transitions from deployment to full operational capability, it will usher in a new era of space applications, echoing the transformative impact of ISRO’s Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) program of 1975.

The Deployment Process of NISAR: A Three-Month Journey to Full Functionality

The successful launch of NISAR on July 30, 2025, marked the beginning of a meticulously planned deployment and commissioning process, expected to span approximately 90 days. This phase is critical to ensuring that the satellite, equipped with NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems, becomes fully operational and ready to deliver high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night data. The deployment process can be broken down into several sub-phases, each designed to prepare the satellite for its ambitious scientific objectives.

Launch and Initial Orbit Stabilization (Days 1–10)

Following its precise injection into a 743-kilometer Sun-synchronous polar orbit, NISAR’s immediate post-launch phase involves stabilizing the spacecraft and confirming its health. Mission controllers from ISRO’s Telemetry Tracking and Command Network in Bengaluru and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have already confirmed full signal acquisition, indicating that the satellite is functioning as expected. During this period, the satellite’s solar arrays are deployed to power its systems, and initial checks are conducted on the spacecraft’s mainframe elements, including its attitude control systems, thermal regulation, and communication subsystems. These checks ensure that NISAR is correctly oriented and stable in its dawn-to-dusk orbit, which allows it to maintain consistent solar illumination for power generation.

Antenna Deployment (Days 10–20)

A critical milestone in NISAR’s deployment is the unfurling of its 12-meter mesh reflector antenna, the largest radar antenna ever deployed in space. Mounted on a 9-meter deployable boom, this antenna is essential for the satellite’s dual-frequency SAR operations. The deployment process, scheduled to begin around the 10th day post-launch, is a complex, multi-stage operation that requires precise coordination to extend the boom and unfurl the gold-plated mesh reflector, which resembles a giant beach umbrella. This step is crucial for enabling NISAR’s SweepSAR technology, which allows the satellite to image a 242-kilometer swath with 5–10-meter resolution. Engineers at ISRO and NASA will monitor the deployment closely, ensuring that the antenna is correctly positioned and structurally sound.

Commissioning and Instrument Calibration (Days 20–90)

The commissioning phase, spanning the first 90 days, is dedicated to preparing NISAR for its science operations. This phase is divided into sub-phases, including initial engineering checks, payload activation, and instrument calibration. The L-band (24 cm wavelength) and S-band (9 cm wavelength) radar systems, provided by NASA and ISRO respectively, will undergo rigorous testing to ensure they operate harmoniously. Calibration will involve the use of ground-based corner reflectors, such as those hosted by the National Centre of Geodesy at IIT-Kanpur and IIT-Patna, to fine-tune the radar’s accuracy during the in-orbit checkout phase. These reflectors help validate the satellite’s ability to detect minute surface deformations as small as a centimeter. Additionally, JPL’s engineering payload and instrument checkout will confirm the functionality of the high-rate communication subsystem, GPS receivers, solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem. By the end of this phase, expected around late October 2025, NISAR will be ready to commence its primary science mission, systematically mapping Earth’s land and ice surfaces every 12 days.

The Legacy of ISRO-NASA Collaboration: From SITE to NISAR

The NISAR mission is a testament to the deep and enduring partnership between ISRO and NASA, a collaboration that began in the 1960s under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the founding father of India’s space program, and Dr. Homi Bhabha, a pioneer in India’s scientific community. Their vision for leveraging space technology for societal benefit laid the groundwork for one of ISRO’s most transformative initiatives: the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) of 1975. This program, executed under the leadership of Prof. Satish Dhawan and with contributions from Dr. E.V. Chitnis, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, used NASA’s ATS-6 satellite to broadcast educational and health programs to 2,400 villages across India. The SITE program, often hailed as the “TV revolution,” brought knowledge on agriculture, health, and education to remote communities, demonstrating the power of space technology to bridge developmental gaps.

The NISAR mission builds on this legacy of international cooperation and societal impact. Unlike SITE, which relied on a borrowed satellite, NISAR is a true 50/50 partnership, with NASA contributing the L-band radar, radar reflector antenna, and critical subsystems, while ISRO provides the S-band radar, spacecraft bus, and launch services via the GSLV-F16. This collaboration, forged across 13 time zones and a decade of effort, showcases the technical and diplomatic synergy between two spacefaring nations. The mission’s open-data policy, which will make NISAR’s data publicly accessible within 1–2 days of observation and in near real-time for disaster response, echoes the democratizing spirit of SITE, ensuring that the benefits of advanced Earth observation reach developing nations and global communities.

NISAR’s Global Impact: Revolutionizing Disaster Mitigation and Beyond

Once fully operational in late October 2025, NISAR will transform how the world monitors and responds to natural processes and hazards. Its dual-frequency SAR, capable of penetrating vegetation (L-band) and detecting surface changes (S-band), will provide high-resolution, all-weather imagery, making it a game-changer in several domains:

Disaster Management and Mitigation

NISAR’s ability to detect surface deformations as small as a centimeter will enable early warning systems for natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. For instance, by monitoring fault lines, NISAR can identify areas of slow movement or locked faults, providing insights into potential seismic risks. Its all-weather imaging capability ensures that data remains available during cloud cover or darkness, critical for assessing flood zones or storm impacts. The satellite’s near real-time data will empower disaster response teams to act swiftly, potentially saving lives and reducing economic losses. For example, in the aftermath of the magnitude-8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Far East coast on July 30, 2025, NISAR’s data could have aided in mapping affected areas, even under adverse weather conditions.

Climate Monitoring and Environmental Stewardship

NISAR will provide critical data on climate change impacts, particularly in the cryosphere. Its left-facing instruments will study the Antarctic ice sheet, tracking melting and growth patterns to refine models of sea-level rise. The satellite will also monitor glaciers, permafrost, and sea ice, contributing to a better understanding of the carbon cycle and climate dynamics. By mapping wetlands and forests, NISAR will assess ecosystem disturbances and support biodiversity conservation efforts.

Agriculture and Resource Management

NISAR’s data will enhance agricultural productivity by monitoring soil moisture, crop growth, and land use changes. Farmers and policymakers can use this information to optimize irrigation, assess crop health, and plan sustainable agricultural practices. The satellite’s ability to map surface water resources will also aid in water management, particularly in water-scarce regions.

Infrastructure and Urban Planning

By detecting subtle land movements, NISAR will help assess the integrity of critical infrastructure such as levees, dams, and aqueducts. This capability is vital for preventing failures that could lead to catastrophic consequences. Urban planners can use NISAR’s data to monitor ground subsidence and ensure resilient city development.

Global Accessibility and Societal Benefits

NISAR’s open-data policy will democratize access to high-resolution Earth observation data, benefiting developing nations that lack advanced satellite systems. This accessibility will support global research, policy-making, and disaster preparedness, aligning with India’s vision of being a “Vishwa Bandhu” (global partner) as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

A Beacon of Hope Amidst Global Challenges

The successful launch of NISAR comes at a time of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, notably with the announcement of 25% tariffs on India by U.S. President Donald Trump. Amid this gloom, the NISAR mission stands as a symbol of hope, showcasing the power of collaboration between the world’s oldest and largest democracies. The mission’s success underscores the resilience of the U.S.-India partnership, which has weathered challenges to deliver cutting-edge science for global benefit. As ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan noted, NISAR will generate a “tremendous amount of data” daily, serving decision-makers, scientists, and disaster managers worldwide. This echoes the vision of Dr. Sarabhai, who saw space as a tool for uniting humanity through shared knowledge and progress.

Conclusion

The NISAR mission, launched on July 30, 2025, marks a historic milestone in the ISRO-NASA partnership, building on the legacy of pioneers like Dr. Sarabhai, Dr. Bhabha, Prof. Dhawan, and Dr. Chitnis. Over the next three months, as NISAR completes its deployment and commissioning phases, it will transition into a powerful tool for observing Earth’s complex processes. By providing high-resolution, all-weather data, NISAR will revolutionize disaster mitigation, climate monitoring, agriculture, and infrastructure management, benefiting not only India and the United States but also the global community. As the satellite begins beaming images in late October 2025, it will carry forward the spirit of the 1975 SITE program, using space technology to address humanity’s most pressing challenges. In an era of global uncertainties, NISAR stands as a testament to what two democracies can achieve when united by a shared commitment to science and the collective good.

 

Operation Faith - When Science Stood Up to Fear

Bhopal Gas Tragedy Comes to a Close - Time to Remember forgotten Operation Faith, When Science Stood Up to Fear

The hazardous chemical waste that was lying at the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy Union Carbide factory site, which witnessed the deadly MIC gas leak in December 1984, including pesticide residue has been disposed of through incineration at a facility in Pithampur.  The incineration process had begun with a trial run of 10 tonnes of incineration of the waste in February 2025 and this was part of a larger effort to safely dispose of the 377 tons of chemical toxic waste from the industrial disaster site in Bhopal. The waste was transported from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal to the TSDF (Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility) in Pithampur. After four decades on the orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the toxic waste was transported - in twelve trucks - from the Union Carbide factory site in Bhopal to the incineration site in Pithampur, amid heavy security. The waste was lying at the site for 40 years after the tragedy that claimed the lives of more than 5,000 people and injured many more for life.

Most of the media - newspapers carried out the news of the finality of the incineration of the chemical toxic waste - including raising some questions on its environmental impact. However, sadly, there was not even a single report or media coverage which recalled a forgotten episode of Operation Faith, a scientific endeavour carried out by dedicated scientists, that saved many lives. Through this article I wish to recall Operation Faith and the contributions of the scientists who worked fearlessly, not caring for the safety of their lives, to study the accident site and diffuse a possible second leak which was waiting to happen.  

With the final lot of the toxic waste incineration completed, a sad chapter in the world’s largest industrial catastrophe, the Bhopal Gas Disaster, ended on 3 July at the TDSF in Pithampur of MP’s Dhār district. The last consignment of 19 tonnes of toxic waste-laden soil and 2.22 tonnes of packaging material, the remaining part of the 358 tonnes of toxic waste was completed on 3 July. It may be recalled that 377 tonnes of toxic waste was transported from UCIL Factory site in Bhopal to Pithampur in January 2025, on the orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The incineration of the waste was carried out in phases from January onwards under the watch of pollution control board experts monitored by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, with the last phase coming to an end early this month.

The enormity of the Bhopal gas tragedy can be fathomed from the global media headlines that this tragedy received. India Today front-paged this tragic incident covering it under the caption “City of Death” in their December 1984 issue. Time magazine titled their cover story “India’s Disaster—The Night of Death” in their December 14, 1984, issue. Incidentally, the Wall Street Journal, which is now in the news for its insensitive reporting of the Air India flight disaster that killed 262 people, was at its insensitive worst reportage of the Bhopal Gas tragedy. Reporting this worst global industrial disaster caused by the negligence of the Union Carbide management, a US company, The WSJ wrote “of those people killed, half would not have been alive today if it weren’t for that plant and the modern health standards made possible by wide use of pesticides.” Revealing its insensitivity to the thousands of people who had lost their lives.

It was past midnight on December 2, 1984, that nearly 30 of the 42 metric tonnes of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC), stored in one of the tanks - Tank E610 - of the UCIL Pesticide Plant, leaked and escaped into the atmosphere with great velocity. This deadly cloud of MIC gas took a heavy toll on the lives and livelihood of people in the area. Even today, the exact human death toll from the Bhopal gas tragedy is not known. However, it is estimated that more than 5000 people died within a few days of the gas leakage. Many more thousands of people were injured and maimed for life impacted by this tragedy, caused due to gross negligence of Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL). Finally, after 40 plus years of this human tragedy, the entire toxic waste from the UCIL site has finally been incinerated bringing about a symbolic closure to this unforgettable disaster.

The story of the Bhopal Gas tragedy will remain incomplete without remembering “Operation Faith’ under which, a group of scientists showed exemplary courage and commitment and put to use their scientific acumen to prevent a possible second catastrophe which was waiting to unfold had there not been a timely intervention by the group, who risked their lives to save the situation. Unfortunately, this extraordinary story of the bravery of the scientists from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), led by the visionary Dr. S. Varadarajan, under “Operation Faith”, is less known or almost completely forgotten.

When Science Stood Up to Fear

Not many youngsters today are aware of the Bhopal Gas tragedy and even less people know about Operation Faith. This operation was launched immediately after the disaster that unfolded with MIC leak in Bhopal in December 1984. The focus was shifted to managing the remaining MIC stored in the other tanks. "Operation Faith" was the name given to this mission after its completion and it involved the process of converting the stored MIC in other tanks into a pesticide, a process that involved safe transferring the MIC to a different part of the plant and safeguarding it from leakage.

This mission was led by Dr Varadarajan, who in consultation with eminent chemist, Prof M M Sharma, put together a team of 16 members -  consisting of chemical engineers and related experts, Dr. L.K. Doraiswamy, N.R Ayyangar, C.S.P Iyer, A .A Khan, A.K. Lahiri, K.V. Muzamdar, R.A Mashelkar, R.B Mitra , O.G.B Nambiar, V.Ramachandran, V.D Sahasrabuddhe, S. Sivaram, M. Sriram, G. Thyagarajan and R.S. Venkataraman – to address this complicated issue.

The deadly MIC gas leak from the UCIL factory in Bhopal had created a havoc and in such tragic and dangerous circumstances there was not much support on the ground for the team. The Operation Faith team, therefore, had to work risking their lives at site. The first decision Dr Varadarajan took immediately on landing in Bhopal, was to physically inspect the site to study the residues still left in tank 610 from where the gas had leaked. During their inspection the team learnt about the imminent danger of the second tank E 611, which had around 40 tonnes of MIC stored in it, similar to the storage that tank E610 had. The team also realised that there was another tank, which too had MIC and posed a risk of leakage.

Site inspection not only helped the team to understand what may have gone wrong that led to the leakage of MIC from E610 tank, but they also realised that tank, E611, with a similar amount of MIC 40 tonnes, stored in it, lay ticking like a chemical time bomb. There was every chance that tank E 611 might undergo same runaway reaction as 610 from which deadly MIC had leaked. Dr Varadarajan and his team examined the residues still left in tank 610 to get an idea of what all could have happened to the MIC in tank 610 and why it leaked.

Once they fairly assessed the reasons for the leakage of the MIC, they set about engineering a mechanism to safely dispose the remaining MIC from tank 610 and take precautionary measures to safeguard leakage from 611, and finally try and dispose the MIC gas from that tank. There was another question that needed to be answered: what were the effects of the toxic MIC gas on the people around. How and why did the MIC cause death and damage, and how can such damage be countered or avoided. They shared their knowledge of the MIC and its impact with the health workers.

The team carefully studied the situation at ground and at lightning speed comprehended the chemistry and storage conditions of the MIC in the two tanks and thoughtfully provided engineering solution to mitigate leakage from tank E 611.  They realised that MIC boils at 80°C but evaporates at lower temperature. This showed that MIC gas is best stored under refrigerated conditions - below 10°C. Shockingly, this was not done at the factory by UCIL – cost cutting measures perhaps. They also realised that ultrapure MIC can be inert and that trace impurities can set up a chain reaction and one of them can produce a solid polymer. This solid polymer could clog up pipes through which MIC can be transferred from the storage tank. They adopted a process of converting 21 tons of MIC from tank 611 into a chemical called Sevin, at the rate of 3-4 tons daily. They commenced this operation on Sunday, December 16th, 1984 and ended six days later. This scientifically and technically validated operation carried out under Operation Faith saved what would definitely have led to a ‘Bhopal 2 tragedy'.

A Legacy Worth Remembering

As India formally closes the Bhopal Gas tragedy chapter after four decades, it is time for us to remember not only the villains, whose gross negligence led to this manmade disaster and learn lesson from this disaster, but also let us remember its heroes of Operation Faith - the scientists who walked into the danger zone when the ones who were responsible fled. They believed that truth, knowledge, and science could protect lives.

Science doesn’t just build rockets or invent vaccines. Sometimes, it walks into a poisoned factory, under threat of death, and quietly save people and the city.

Jai Vigyan.

The outstanding efforts of the team under “Operation Faith” has been documented in the exhaustive CSIR Report on Scientific Studies Related to Bhopal Toxic Gas Leakage (1985), which was submitted to Parliament. This report can now be accessed here: https://bhopalgasdisaster.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/csir-report-on-scientific-studies-december-1985.pdf

 

Maratha Military Landscapes (Forts) Find a Place on the World Stage

 

Maratha Military Landscapes (Forts) Find a Place on the World Stage — But the Journey to Global Heritage Has Just Begun.

The World Heritage Committee, in its 47^th session held at Paris on 11 July 2025, approved ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’, India’s official nomination for the year 2024-25 cycle, for inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This welcome announcement has brought cheers across the country. This is all the more important, since this nomination was made last year, 2024, which marks the 350th anniversary of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was crowned King of the Marathas on June 6, 1674, at Raigad Fort. This event, known as Shivrajyabhishek Day, marks the formal beginning of the Maratha Empire and is considered a significant milestone in Indian history. It is therefore befitting that the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’, that includes the Raigad Fort, where Shivaji Maharaj was coroneted, has been permanently etched in the annals of world history inscribed as World Heritage Site, 44^th for India.

Maratha Military Landscapes of India includes 12 forts: 11 from Maharashtra and 1 from Tamil Nadu (Gingee Fort). Raigad Fort, as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's empire, where Shivaji was coronated, is a prominent fort in this group. The others in the group include; Salher, Shivneri, Lohagad, Khanderi, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and the Sindhudurg Fort From the military brilliance of the Marathas and the naval strategies of the Angres, to the layered colonial influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, the Maratha forts in the Konkan area, which are a part of the Maratha Military Landscapes, tell stories embedded deep in India’s maritime and political history It is therefore a happy occasion for India and that finally the Maratha legacy has been recognized as a World Heritage site.

Even as the nation celebrates its 44tn entry into this world’s elite list of the UNESCO World Heritage list, yet, this proud recognition also begs a deeper question: Why has India, a cradle of five thousand plus years of recorded Civilisation, secured relatively fewer UNESCO World Heritage recognitions compared to its potential? This is evidenced from the maiden speech of Mrs Sudha Murthy in the Rajya Sabha. Sudha Murty in her maiden speech at Rajya Sabha on July 2, 2024, highlighted the need for greater recognition of India's archaeological sites and their potential for boosting tourism. She advocated for greater attention to promote domestic tourism and appreciate India's rich cultural heritage. She cited examples like the Bahubali statue at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka, the Lingaraja Temple, the Unakoti rock carvings in Tripura, and the Shivaji forts in Maharashtra (recognised this year) as worthy contenders for World Heritage status.

Going back in history, the World Heritage Convention was adopted by UNESCO in 1972, establishing a framework for identifying and preserving cultural and natural sites of outstanding universal value. The World Heritage Committee, formed by member states, meets annually to evaluate nominations from countries and to inscribe qualifying sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first World Heritage Sites were inscribed in the year 1978 and the sites included Galápagos Islands (Ecuador of Darwin fame), Yellowstone (USA), and Aachen Cathedral (Germany), among others. India made its debut in the year 1983 with four of its entries Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort made it to this list. Since then, India has steadily added sites, reflecting its rich cultural, historical, and natural diversity. But then as Sudha Murthy pointed out in her maiden speech in Rajya Sabha is this pace adequate?

 

India has only 44 World Heritage Sites including the Maratha Forts (added this year), which is impressive, but modest in relation to its staggering breadth of history, architecture, and civilisational achievements. Unfortunately, there has not been priority attached to the World Heritage nominations from India. For decades, heritage nominations have not been duly recognized perhaps due to poorly compiled dossiers, lack of inter-departmental coordination, and an overall apathy toward global cultural diplomacy. The elaborate documentation, research and comparative analysis, and management frameworks that UNESCO demands for probable sites to be inscribed in the World Heritage Site, were not prepared with seriousness.

Fortunately, that tide has begun to turn — notably in the past decade, ever since there has been a discernible acceleration in India's efforts to secure heritage recognitions. While this may be seen as a welcome awakening, it also reflects a shift in how heritage is being positioned — increasingly as a soft power asset, a tool of nation branding, and occasionally, as a means to score electoral brownie points.

The recognition of the Maratha Forts is a case study in how things can be done right when intent meets planning. The objective was to get a World Heritage Listing inscription for the Maratha Forts to commemorate 350^th year of Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja which has been admirably achieved. This nomination involved deep historical research, GIS-based documentation, careful selection of representative fort types (island, promontory, riverine, and headland), and a cohesive narrative linking India’s maritime past to global trade networks.

Interestingly, World Heritage Listing of some of India’s heritage sites have become integral to all Indians. They have been printed in ink and are circulated in pockets and wallets across the country. One of the article published recently in CSMVS Research Journal entitled “Banking on World Heritage” traces the fascinating history of Indian currency notes that feature World Heritage Sites. Following the demonetisation drive of 2016, the new series of Indian currency notes — from ₹10 to ₹2000 — began showcasing India’s World Heritage landmarks: The Konark Sun Temple (₹10), Ellora Caves (₹20), Rani ki Vav (₹100), Sanchi Stupa (₹200), Hampi (₹50), Red Fort (₹500), and Mangalyaan (₹2000 — a nod to technological heritage). This interesting design was not just an aesthetic choice; it was a subtle but powerful celebration of India’s tangible heritage.

The story doesn’t end with money. India Post, too, has long played its part in popularizing World Heritage Sites through evocative postal stamps. In doing so, both currency and philately have done what academic journals and policy briefs often cannot — they have made World Heritage recognitions accessible, visible, and even aspirational to the average citizen.

What makes the Maratha Forts Inscription in to the World Heritage List truly significant is that it is a serial nomination — a relatively recent strategy in UNESCO terms, where multiple sites are bundled together based on a unifying theme, geography, or cultural thread. This enables the inscription of a “cultural landscape” rather than isolated monuments.

This consideration also resonate with forts elsewhere in India still waiting for global attention: the Deccan strongholds of Bidar and Golconda, the forest forts of the Northeast, the Jain hilltop fortresses in central India. These too deserve to be stitched into a broader narrative of India’s fort heritage — but that will only happen if the same commitment shown in the Maratha Forts nomination is institutionalized and scaled up.

In fact, India is a civilizationally rich country with more than 5000 years of layered cultural heritage, and archaeological sites are being unearthed even today across the subcontinent — each with potential for global recognition. Interestingly, in the year 2017, to mark 70 years of India’s Independence, the London Science Museum organised a highly successful exhibition “Illuminating India: 500 Years of Science and Innovation” acknowledging India’s rich history and yours truly was honoured to be the Nodal Officer for this exhibition from India. There is therefore, a scope for many more UNESCO World Heritage listing possibilities for India.

Take, for example, the city of Bijapur where I studied as a cadet at Sainik School from class V to XI. Bijapur city is home to some of the best architectural marvels, which are astounding: the famed Gol Gumbaz inspired George Wittet, the architect who went on to design the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai, where I currently serve as Advisor. Or the Ibrahim Roza, a majestic “black beauty” of Indian architecture, which predates and even surpasses the Taj Mahal in its delicate proportions and harmonious design. There are several other historically significant sites and monuments from the Adil Shahi period, which collectively can perhaps make a cut.

Bijapur is but one of many overlooked treasure troves. There are many more such sites in India worthy of the UNESCO World Heritage tag — if only they were documented and proposed with the seriousness they merit. Unfortunately, no consolidated national campaign exists to survey, research, document, and submit proposals as per the standard UNESCO format. India has the cultural wealth, but not the machinery to fully capitalize on global heritage recognitions. It is therefore time that a concerted effort be made to strengthen this effort collectively. Perhaps the Ministry of Culture should earmark dedicated funds and assign a specialized heritage research body to undertake this task — systematically, strategically, and sustainably.

Beyond the UNESCO tag lies the deeper issue of how India views its heritage. Are our monuments merely tourist attractions or living cultural assets that inform our identity, policy, and future? Recognition on a global stage should not just be a badge of pride — it must also trigger investments in conservation, heritage education, and sustainable tourism that empowers local economies and safeguards the sites from over-commercialization.

If the forts of Maharashtra — long neglected, some crumbling under the weight of the elements — can now aspire for global protection and respect, it must give hope to every small archaeological mound, neglected palace, or silent rock carving in India.

We have seen our past embossed on our notes, postmarked on our letters, and now finally recognized by the world. It is time we also inscribe it — carefully, consciously, and collaboratively — into our future.

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India’s Baptism in International Cricket (1932 The Inaugural Test)

India’s Baptism in International Cricket (1932 The Inaugural Test) Although the origin of Cricket in India dates back to as early as 1721 yet - it was not until another 200-plus years (1932) that India was baptised into International Cricket. By then, three Indian cricket teams had already undertaken unofficial tours to England. These teams included the Parsees who had toured England in the years 1886, 1888, and the All India XI in 1911, which was financed and captained by the young Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh. 

One of the factors that helped India to be recognised of its calibre to play at the international level was the supreme talent that India’s premier batsman Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu (Col.Naidu) exhibited during the matches that were played in India. Arthur Gilligan’s MCC side, during their unofficial tour to India in 1926-27, had witnessed the sublime batting talent and the majestic personality of C K Naidu, who had scored a dashing century against the MCC team. Nayudu scored a blazing 158 off 100 balls, with 13 fours and 11 sixes, against an attack that had the brilliant Maurice Tate, George Geary, and Bob Wyatt -- all fine exponents of seam bowling. 

After playing a match against the Rajputana and Central India at the Mayo College, Gilligan’s team played a series of matches in Bombay. The first was against the Hindus. Col. CK Nayudu was far from consistent in the matches played at the Bombay Gymkhana, Calcutta's Eden Gardens, and Chepauk, Madras. But his hard-hitting for The Hindus at the Bombay Gymkhana impressed Gilligan, who carried the message to the authorities in England that India was ready to play Test cricket. 

 The Tour 

The team selection for India’s maiden test debut tour to England was shrouded in controversy and mystery. Despite all the intrigue over captaincy and team selection, a young Indian side made giant strides by undertaking their first official foreign tour in 1932 to England. This tour was also made possible because the MCC was forced to cancel its visit to India in 1930-31 in the face of civil disturbances arising from the independence movement. The MCC decided instead to invite an Indian team to England in 1931. The trip was however postponed until 1932 to allow more time for arrangements to be made. 

By then there was political tension brewing in India. Mahatma Gandhi was making his defiant journey - famously called the Dandi March and the Dandi Satyagraha an act of nonviolent civil disobedience - to produce salt from the sea water in the coastal village of Dandi. Under these circumstances of nationalistic fervour the Bombay Quadrangular was suspended, so it was not possible to gauge performances in this influential tournament to select players. Trials were arranged instead. The Hindu Gymkhana, in protest at playing cricket in England at such a time, did not send any players to the trial matches in Punjab. 

 Some of the prominent players that included LP Jai, VM Merchant and Champak Mehta, who were playing for the Hindus were unavailable because of the Hindu Gymkhana's opposition to the tour in protest against the jailing of Indian political leaders. KS Duleepsinhji, in whose honour the Duleep Trophy is played in India, was prevented by his uncle Ranjitsinhji, who was the chairman of selectors, from participating in the tour. 

The Nawab of Pataudi had also made himself unavailable for the tour citing short notice. It was speculated that this may have been because he had not been offered a position of responsibility. It was also speculated that it may have been connected with his attempts to secure a place in the England eleven. It was therefore suggested that an Englishman playing in India, like AL Hosie, CP Johnstone or RB Lagden, should skipper the side, to mollify the inevitable factions within the tour party. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) quickly resolved that the captain would be an Indian. 

The Maharaja of Patiala, one of the richest patrons of Indian cricket, was first named captain, with Prince Ganshyamsinhji of Limbdi as vice-captain, while the Maharaj Kumar of Vizianagram, was made deputy vice-captain. The tour party was announced on February 4, 1932. Two weeks before the tour, the Maharaja of Patiala withdrew for reasons of fitness, and Vizianagram then withdrew from the team citing his poor health and lack of form. On March 15, the choice of captain fell upon the Maharaja of Porbandar, while Jahangir Khan was drafted into the party as a player in place of Vizianagram. He too eventually stepped down in favour of C.K. Nayudu, who captained the team at the only Test at Lord’s on June 25, 1932. 

All-India” squad for the 1932 tour of England: 

The All-India team that was finally selected to travel to England, was a microcosm of the diversity that constituted India, about whom nothing much was known. Soon after Indians arrived in England on April 13, 1932, the Evening Standard commented on the socio-political significance of the tour: “No politics, no caste, just cricket. This is the unofficial slogan of the cricket team that has come from India after a lapse of 21 years.... There has never been such a team of contrasts meeting on the common footing of cricket. The 18 players speak eight to ten languages among them (and belong to) four or five different castes.” The team contained six Hindus, five Mohammedans, four Parsees and two Sikhs. The Mohammedans forswear alcohol by religion and most of the others do so by choice. The Sikhs, who will play cricket in turbans, are similarly denied smoking. The Hindus do not eat beef, and the Mohammedans avoid pork and ham. So to prevent any difficulties at meal times the hosts had issued orders that these things must not appear on any menu during the tour. 

The Indians played 38 matches in all, including 26 first-class fixtures. The team won 9 first-class matches, drew 9 and lost 8. The team's outstanding batsman was the right-handed CK Nayudu, who played in all the first-class matches, scoring 1,618 runs at an average of 40.45. The team also had a fine pair of opening bowlers in Amar Singh (111 wickets in first-class matches at 20.37) and Mohammad Nissar (71 wickets at 18.09). 

The Indians played their first tour match against T.G. Trott's XI at Pelsham Farm, Pearmarsh near Rye on 29 April 1932. Interestingly, playing against the Indian team in this match was Duleepsinhji. While the Indians acquitted themselves well, Lall Singh, the Sikh from Malaya leading the way, it was on 22 May 1932 in the match against the MCC that the world had a glimpse of what India's first home grown legend, C. K. Nayudu, was capable of. Nayudu, Wisden Cricketer of the year in 1933, smashed the first Indian century of the tour in style. The Star's headline on 22 May 1932 summed it all up: "The Hindu Bradman in Form at Lords". The Observer was equally eloquent: "A brilliant not out innings of 116 by C.K. Nayudu was the feature of the first day's play between All-India and the MCC." 

The Indian team played its first official three day Test against England at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground during 25-28 June 1932. England won the toss and elected to bat. The Indians shocked the English in the first half-hour itself. The MCC was reduced to a dismal 19-3 by some excellent Indian bowling and fielding. It was an extraordinary start to the match. Sutcliffe and Holmes, Yorkshire's record smashing opening pair, opened the innings with cool confidence. 

But the very first ball of Nissar's second over was an in-swinger which Sutcliffe edged and the ball went straight into the wicket -and one of England's greatest batsmen was out bowled by Nissar for a paltry score of 3 runs. The disappointment was redoubled and revived when the last ball of the same over, a delivery perfect in flight, length and pace, sent Holmes' off stump spinning through the air. With two wickets down and just 11 runs on the board it was time for Woolley and Hammond to steady the ship. That was not to be. Woolley had just scored 9 in 20 it was when he played a ball from Nissar to a point between short leg and mid-on and went for comfortable single. For some extraordinary reason an attempt was made to secure two runs and the fielder, the blue-turbaned Lall Singh, threw the ball to the keeper who removed the bails. The score now read 19 for 3. 

The Birmingham Post summed up the excellent start that the Indian’s made in their debut match “The All India cricket team has administered a few shocks to the dignity and confidence of England today. If there were among the 24,000 spectators at Lord’s some who imagined that the granting of a Test match by the MCC to the tourists from the Indian empire was merely an amiable concession, then they had a very rude awakening before the close of play....” 

England came out of the initial shock and recovered to make 259 runs in their first innings. D.R.Jardine, captaining his side made a steady 79 before getting caught behind of the bowling of C K Nayudu. L.E.G.Ames scored 65 and W.G. Hammond and R.W.v.Robins chipped in with 35 and 21 respectively. Indian pacer Nissar returned with an impressive bowling figures of 26 3 93 5. Two wickets a piece were captured by Nayudu and Amar Singh, and one batsman was run out. 

In return India was all out for 189. W.E. Bowes grabbed four quick wickets and W. Voce grabbed three very quick wickets. In their second innings, England made 275 with their captain Jardine coming good once again to score an impressive 85 not out. India was set a target of 346 to achieve. In their second innings India were all out after making just 187 runs. Bowes, Voce and Brown grabbed two wickets each and Hammond grabbed four wickets. India lost by 158 runs. C.K. Nayudu and his teammates, despite losing the inaugural official Test match by 158 runs, had established themselves as a force to reckon with. 

The Indians despite losing their inaugural Test had created an excellent impression on the hosts during this tour, which was evident from the fact that that the MCC, taken by India’s impressive Test debut at Lord’s, sent a competent team to India in the winter of 1933. Significantly, Douglas Jardine, born in India and master of Bodyline, was chosen leader of the party. 

Notwithstanding the creditable performance by the Indians all was not well with the team, which was evident from the description that Bombay Chronicle carried. “It is an open secret that during the England tour of 1932 some Indian players threw all barriers of discipline to the winds. Keeping late hours and getting drunk were with them ordinary features of the day. Even when they did not restrain themselves before a Test, C.K. Nayudu as their captain, called them to order and threatened to keep them out...if they did not behave themselves. He also appealed to them in the name of India’s honour. This, instead of acting as a restraining influence on them, infuriated them still more. It is said there were squabbles and fights thereafter over this and the recalcitrant members pledged themselves to be after Nayudu’s blood ever since.” Whatever the case, June 25, 1932, will forever go down in India’s cricket history as a red-letter day. 

Images: Courtesy: "Cricket Connects: India England" exhibition, courtesy Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai 

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Cricket (IPL) United RCB Fans, Misgovernance Shamed the Nation.

 

                                            

                                        

Cricket in India is more than a sport—it is a cultural phenomenon, a unifying force, and a mirror of the nation’s collective consciousness. As scholar Ashis Nandy famously remarked, “Cricket is an Indian game accidentally discovered by the English.” Its deep ties to Indian nationalism, catalysed by cinema, political, and corporate interests, have made it a powerful tool for unity and identity.  However, what should have been a jubilant and unifying celebration of RCB’s maiden IPL victory in Bengaluru, has instead turned into a national tragedy. This tragic incident reminds us of a deeper, more troubling pattern: the erosion of institutional integrity.

 The loss of 11 innocent lives, crushed in a stampede born out of administrative apathy, is not merely an accident but an indictment of systemic failure. This must serve as a stark reminder of the need for responsibility, foresight, and robust planning to learn from such failures. This tragedy also underscores the need for stakeholders—politicians, administration, government, BCCI, IPL and other organizers, corporations, and even cine stars and celebrities —to learn from lapses and ensure cricket and such other celebrations that unite citizens remains a source of joy, not a sorrow and a national tragedy.

 Every day since the tragedy on 4 June, new layers of disappointment are surfacing — pointing to a clear absence of planning, coordination, and accountability. But instead of honest introspection and corrective action, we are witnessing a disgraceful passing of the buck and politicking. While the ruling political establishment washes its hands of any responsibility, it has found scapegoat in the Police Commissioner, suspending him and few other Police officers even before a full and transparent inquiry.

The Rs. 25 lakh compensation announced by the Government for the victims’ families is an absolute necessity and must be welcomed, but this should not become a shield to avoid real accountability. The opposition must stop political blame game in circumstances such as this, where precious human lives have been lost. This moment warrants and demands bipartisan resolve to identify failure points and fix the issues — not just for justice today, but to prevent such disasters in the future. 

My tryst with the history of the game of Cricket and its innate connect with the people of India began when curating three Cricket Connects exhibitions - India South Africa (2014), India Australia (2016) and India England (2017). The tragic incidence of the loss of lives in Bengaluru has tempted me to pen this article on Cricket and its popularity in India and how we must ensure that the game of cricket does not come in the cross fire of the tragic incident that happened in Bengaluru and how the cash rich cricket body and its shenanigans invest the money they earn from the game in ensuring an absolute safety of the people and ensure that they do all that it takes to see that such incident happens never again.    

Cricket and Indian cinema stand as two dominant mass mediums in India, transcending class, religion, and regional boundaries to unite a diverse nation of 1.4 billion. From children in rural hamlets to urban professionals, every Indian is touched by cricket, rallying with fervour to support their team, especially during high-stakes events like the World Cup or India-Pakistan clashes. Bollywood has capitalized on this link, with films like Lagaan—Ashutosh Gowariker’s Academy Award-nominated film—portraying cricket as a unifying force in pre-independent India. It is therefore no wonder that Amir Khan the lead in Lagan film, chose IPL finals between RCB and PBKS to promote his upcoming film “Sitaare Zameen Par”, joining the commentary team. The ruling political class in Bengaluru too wished to have their share of public and media space by joining the victory parade –The CM and Deputy CM were seen with RCB players celebrating their IPL victory at the Vidhana Soudha. This is not the first time that political leaders have been a part of such celebrations, Cricket victory celebrations has always attracted this class alongside other celebrities from cinema and business all of who depend on each other.

The 1983 Prudential World Cup victory, led by the legendary Kapil Dev, marked a turning point, catapulting cricket as India’s most beloved sport. The advent of colour television via Doordarshan during the 1982 Asian Games, followed by economic liberalization in 1991, transformed the game’s reach. Deregulation of the television industry in 1993 brought private channels like Star Sports and ESPN, delivering cricket to living rooms nationwide. Nation ide spread of TV transmitting station and the 50-over format of the game, with frequent breaks for advertisements, became a goldmine for broadcasters and corporations. Multinational companies (MNCs) flooded India with their consumer products, leveraging cricket stars like Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood icons like Amitabh Bachchan and others to endorse their products—Pepsi and Coca-Cola -  larger than life billboards became a common sight, deepening the game’s cultural footprint. The rise of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 amplified this, turning cricket into an intoxicating blend of sport, entertainment, and commerce, an “opium” for a cricket-crazy nation.

The relationship between cricket and politics in India is symbiotic and longstanding. Even before independence, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was formed by maharajas of princely states, with power brokers backing local boards. The popularity of the Quadrangular and Pentangular Cricket matches in Mumbai were as popular in the 1930s and early 40s as the IPL now. Even during the freedom struggle the popularity of the tournament remained untouched with scores of spectators thronging the matches. The games popularity and its possible adverse effects on the freedom struggle motivated Mahatma Gandhi to publicly appeal for a boycott of the Bombay Pentangular cricket tournament. He viewed the tournament, which pitted teams representing different religious communities, as communally divisive and harmful to the broader national movement. 

The popularity of the game remained so even after Independence. Post-independence, leaders harnessed cricket’s appeal to bolster their image. Jawaharlal Nehru played the game, and during the 1975 Emergency, Indira Gandhi used images of her father in cricket whites on political pamphlets to connect with the masses. Politicians across the spectrum have since supported cricket, hosting players and funding events, while cricket boards - mostly made of political class - including the influential BCCI, navigate red tape and secure resources from the government for the game through political ties.

This mutual benefit has persisted, with cricket serving as a platform for political visibility. The 1983 win, combined with economic reforms, fuelled a growing middle class—standard-bearers of nationalism—who embraced cricket as a symbol of pride. Media hype, especially during India-Pakistan matches, and world cup finals stokes hyper-nationalism, framing games as virtual battles. However, this fervour, while unifying, can spiral out of control, as seen in Bengaluru, where poor planning and underestimation of crowd size turned celebration into a catastrophe and a national tragedy.

 The Bengaluru Tragedy: A Wake-Up Call

RCB’s historic IPL victory over Punjab Kings by six runs in Ahmedabad sparked jubilation in Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India. Wanting to capitalise on this fan frenzy, the RCB planned to have a victory celebration parade. There were two celebrations planned one at the Vidhana Soudha and other at the Chinnaswamy stadium. Celebration and felicitation for the RCB players, arranged at the Vidhana Soudha, was attended by the CM and the Dy CM, who greeted and felicitated the players and the team. From here the players were to assemble at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

Estimates suggest 2-3 lakh people converged, trying to enter the stadium, far exceeding expectations and a capacity of 35000 at the stadium. Initial plans for a victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium were announced on social media post at 3:14 PM, on RCB's official account on X, on 4 June. It confirmed a "Victory Parade" scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM from the Vidhana Soudha to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, followed by a felicitation event inside the stadium. Confusion ensued when the parade was cancelled, but fans, uninformed and desperate to see the team, surged toward the stadium, leading to a deadly stampede. Eleven lives were lost—youth, a woman, and a boy among them—while over 40 were injured.

News reports claiming eyewitness accounts described chaos, with people climbing trees and buses, and others falling in the crush. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah admitted the crowd surge was unanticipated. The Karnataka High Court registered a Suo Moto case, and Bengaluru Police filed an FIR against RCB, event organizers DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for criminal negligence. As expected criticism mounted from the opposition, with the BJP decrying the state government’s “hasty” planning and failure to heed traffic police warnings about crowd control at Vidhana Soudha.

Exploitation and Accountability

The Bengaluru tragedy exposes how cricket’s popularity is exploited by multiple stakeholders. Political parties leverage the game’s mass appeal for clout, with most political leaders joining the bandwagon in rushing to felicitate victorious teams. The BCCI and IPL organizers reap billions from sponsorships, ticket sales, and broadcasts, with MNCs and Bollywood stars amplifying the frenzy through endorsements with support from political class. Yet, this synergy often overlooks fan safety. The Mumbai celebration of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win drew 5 lakh people; a precedent Bengaluru’s planners could have studied. In an era where AI and data analytics—tools at home in India’s IT hub—can predict crowd sizes based on social media buzz, ticket demand, and historical data, the failure to anticipate 3 lakh fans was a glaring lapse.

The Way Forward: Balancing Passion and Safety

Cricket unites India rallying a diverse 1.4 billion-strong audience specially during World Cups and India Pakistan matches. It fosters national pride, bridges divide, and fuels dreams. Yet, the Bengaluru tragedy demands introspection. To avoid such incidents while promoting the game, stakeholders must ensure;

1. Robust Planning with Technology: Use AI, data analytics, and real-time monitoring to predict and manage crowd sizes. Bengaluru, an IT hub, should lead in deploying tech for event safety—drones, CCTV, and crowd-flow models can prevent bottlenecks, funds should not be a problem with cash rick BCCI.
2. Clear Communication: Avoid last-minute changes like parade cancellations without widespread, timely alerts via social media, radio, and SMS to prevent confusion and surges.
3. Enhanced Infrastructure: Stadiums and public spaces need wider entry/exit points, barricades, and trained security. The Bangalore Metro’s suspension of stations like Cubbon Park and Vidhana Soudha on June 4 highlights the need for coordinated transport plans.
4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Karnataka’s move to formulate SOPs for mega events is a start. The BCCI, state governments, and event organizers must enforce strict guidelines, learning from global examples.
5. Shared Responsibility: Politicians, the BCCI, IPL teams, and corporate sponsors must fund and prioritize safety, not just profits or popularity. Bollywood stars can use their influence to promote crowd discipline.
6. Fan Education: Encourage fans to follow guidelines, respect limits, and prioritize safety, ensuring celebrations remain joyous.

Cricket embodies India’s spirit—diverse, passionate, and united. The 2025 tragedy must not dim this light but galvanize action. As Virat Kohli, “absolutely gutted” by the loss, and fans mourn, let us honour the fallen by ensuring cricket connects, uplifts, and protects. Only then can it remain the heartbeat of a cricket-crazy nation.