Eulogy for Manoj Kumar: The Eternal “Bharat” of Indian Cinema.

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Early this morning, Friday, 4 April, 2025, around 3.30 AM, a veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar, popularly referred to as 'Bharat Kumar' for his classic patriotic films, passed away at the age of 87 at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, very close to a place where I stay in Mumbai. He leaves behind a legacy of cinema steeped in nationalism and social issues. 

Manoj Kumar, known to millions, particularly to people of my generation, as "Bharat Kumar," he was more than an actor, director, or filmmaker—he was a beacon of patriotism, a storyteller of social causes, and a mirror to a nation finding its footing in the wake of independence. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy, woven into the fabric of Indian cinema, will endure forever.

While paying homage to Manoj Kumar in our class group, “Tigers 77”, group of class buddies of Sainik School Bijapur who passed out of the school in 1977, one nostalgic memory of how Manoj Kumar had become an icon for most of us was remembered by Krishnamurthy Thakur, our buddy. He reminded us of how the most innocent of us all, a Gandhian of a sort, Pramod Deshpande ( Pammya to all of us) had bunked the Puri NCC Camp to see “Roti Kapada or Makan” film and that too in a alien place in Orissa in 1973. Such was the impact that Manoj Kumar had on most of us at that impressionable age. Other friends too spoke of their bunking experience in school to see his films, the most famous being Upkar. 

Manoj Kumar was born on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad, in undivided India. This place is now famous as a hideout of Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of September 11, 2001, terrorist attack, which is now in Pakistan. The notorious, 54-year-old leader of Al Qaeda, the terrorist network of Islamic extremists, had been in hiding in Abbottabad, Pakistan before he was killed during a raid in two Black Hawk helicopters by US Navy SEALs on May 1, 2011. 

Manoj Kumar was born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami and was one of those millions of people who became victim of the partition, and his life was therefore shaped by the horrific experience of the partition and the scar that left behind on his young mind. At the age of 10, the young Harikrishna had to leave his home empty handed to arrive in Delhi as a refugee, carrying with him the resilience and spirit that would later define his cinematic journey. Inspired by the legendary Dilip Kumar, he adopted the name "Manoj" and stepped into Bollywood with dreams that would soon transcend the screen. From humble beginnings in films like Fashion (1957), where he played a 90-year-old beggar, to his rise as a leading man in Hariyali Aur Raasta (1962) and Woh Kaun Thi (1964), Manoj Kumar showcased his versatility. But it was his patriotic fervor that truly set him apart. 

Manoj Kumar’s defining moment came with Upkar (1967), a film born from a personal request by then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Shatri ji had taken the mantle of the Prime Minister post in trying circumstances when the nation was passing through a period of a humiliating defeat against the Chinese in the 1962 war and was passing through a period of food scarcity and our hostile neighbours, Pakistan had chosen this tumultuous period to wage a war against us. Shastri ji excelled in raising to the occasion and made a clarion call to the nation coining a slogan “ Jai Jawan Jai Kisan “ which reverberated across nation hailing the Jawans and Kisans who rose up to the occasion to combat the situation. Shastri ji’s Jai Jawan Jai Kisan slogan was immortalised in Manoj Kumar’s film Upkar. 

Moved by Kumar’s portrayal of Bhagat Singh in Shaheed (1965), Shastri ji appealed to Manoj Kumar to create a cinematic tribute to the slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan." And the result was Upkar. In Upkar, Manoj Kumar became Bharat—a farmer and soldier embodying the soul of a newly independent India. The film’s iconic song, "Mere Desh Ki Dharti," still echoes through our schools and hearts, a timeless anthem of pride and unity. Manoj Kumar poured his soul into this project, even selling his own property to fund the film, earning him the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film and his first Filmfare Best Director Award. It was here that "Bharat Kumar" was born—not just a nickname, but a mantle he carried with grace and responsibility all through his cinematic life and beyond. 

This was no fleeting role. Manoj Kumar embraced the name Bharat in multiple films—Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), and beyond—each time portraying a man of unwavering principles, standing tall amid cultural clashes, economic struggles, and the fight for dignity. In Purab Aur Paschim, Bharat bridged East and West, championing Indian values in a rapidly globalizing world. Today when we celebrate the sociocultural uniqueness of India, and its identity globally, we must credit Manoj Kumar who instilled the spirit of the nation, Bharat.

In Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, he tackled unemployment and corruption, reflecting the hardships of a nation reliant on foreign aid like the USA’s PL 480 scheme—a program that provided wheat to feed India’s citizens during the food crises of the 1960s. Through these films, Manoj Kumar and his contemporaries, like Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, harnessed cinema’s soft power to inspire a country awakening to its freedom while grappling with poverty and dependence.

Yet, Manoj Kumar’s genius wasn’t limited to patriotism. His 1972 film Shor revealed a tender side—a father’s anguished quest to restore his mute son’s voice, brought to life with the haunting melody "Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai." It was a masterpiece of emotion, proving that his artistry could touch the personal as profoundly as the national. This film resonates so well with yours truly even today, reminding of the challenges that parents of differently abled children face, which I have faced and continuing to face. Then there are other films of grand spectacle, a quintessential attribute of Bollywood, like Kranti (1981), where he brought in Dilip Kumar, Hema Malini, and Shashi Kapoor to depict India’s fight for independence, he balanced scale and grandeur with soul, reportedly selling his Juhu bungalow to realize his vision. Such was his commitment—to art, to nation and to the cause of Bharat which he truly believed and lived all his life.

In an India navigating its post-independence identity, Manoj Kumar and his ilk—filmmakers of grit and conscience—used cinema to reflect social causes and instill patriotism. The 1960s and 70s were tough times: wars with China and Pakistan, food shortages, and a reliance on foreign aid tested the nation’s spirit. Yet, through films like Shaheed, Upkar, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Manoj Kumar reminded us of our strength, our values, and our unity. His characters weren’t just heroes; they were us, the common people - farmers, soldiers, fathers—striving for a better tomorrow.

His contributions earned him the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, honours that pale beside the love of generations who grew up watching his films at school, singing his songs on Independence Day, and feeling the swell of pride he so effortlessly evoked. Today, as we mourn his passing at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital due to cardiogenic shock and liver cirrhosis, we also celebrate a life that gave us purpose. Manoj Kumar once said, "Patriotism is in my blood," and he lived that truth, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire filmmakers, actors, and citizens alike.

To us at school, his films were more than entertainment—they were lessons in courage, identity, and love for our country, which is deeply etched in all our lives. As we say goodbye to Bharat Kumar, we know he doesn’t truly leave us. He lives on in every note of "Mere Desh Ki Dharti," in every frame of Shor’s quiet beauty, and in the enduring spirit of a nation he helped shape. 

Om Shanti. Rest in peace, Manoj Kumar—your Bharat will forever stand tall.

24 March 2025 - World TB Day: “Yes! We Can End TB!”

 

Today, March 24, 2025, the world commemorates World TB Day, a day that marks Dr. Robert Koch’s groundbreaking announcement - on March 24, 1882 - of the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus responsible for the deadly disease tuberculosis (TB). This discovery, which earned Koch the 1905 coveted Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, laid the foundation for understanding infectious diseases and revolutionized medical science. World TB Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness about TB’s devastating impact and renew our collective resolve to end it. This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB!”, resonates deeply with India’s ambitious mission, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to eliminate TB by 2025—five years ahead of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) target of 2030.

Ending TB is not just a public health issue, but a development challenge and opportunity. WHO’s post-2015 End TB Strategy, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2014, aims to end the global TB epidemic as part of the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals. This aim serves as a blueprint for countries to reduce TB incidence by 80%, and TB deaths by 90%, and to eliminate catastrophic costs for TB-affected households by 2030. Looking at the following statistics which appear on the home page of the World TB Day 2025 website of WHO, show highly encouraging numbers: “79 million lives saved since 2000 by global efforts to end TB, 10.8 million people fell ill with TB in 2023 and about 1.25 million people died of TB in 2023”, far less numbers in comparison with the past. Indian actions and achievements too have been significant, which will be listed in the later part of the article.

TB: A Historical Perspective & Dr. Robert Koch and India’s Connection

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the globe. The widely used TB vaccine, the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), which was initially started in 1908, has helped in controlling the spread of TB in a limited way. However, the effectiveness of the BCG vaccine was found to be variable, due to the different strains of the bacteria that are used by different laboratories in developing the BCG vaccine. Vaccines or antibiotics the need to end TB is an extremely important goal for the world. Therefore, the theme for this year’s World TB Day “Yes We Can End TB” resonates with the government of India to aim for an unprecedented goal of eliminating TB by 2025 - five years ahead of the goal that the UN has set upon itself to end TB. Elimination of TB is one of the manifestos in the UN SDG – United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. India is crucial to achieving this goal since we are the largest contributor to global TB cases and therefore the aim of the Government to end TB by 2025 is creditable and must be actively supported by one and all.

Human understanding that infectious diseases are caused by microbes - bacteria and other microorganisms – come from the extraordinary research works by scientists like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, who explained the nature of the infectious diseases and the connection that exist between them and the disease-causing bacteria, including TB, and other microorganisms.

This profound understanding opened up research opportunities for scientists to advance medicines including developing the BCG vaccine for TB. This has helped in the prevention and treatment of an important group of diseases that are caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. BCG, Penicillin, and other antibiotics and vaccines developed over the past few decades that have saved millions of lives owe their genesis to the fundamental understanding of the nature of the microbial diseases for which we owe to scientists like Dr Robert Koch.

Around the time Dr Koch made his discovery of TB (24 March 1882) India was suffering from a devastating epidemic of cholera. By then Koch was already famous for his work on anthrax and tuberculosis. Therefore, the Indian government invited him to investigate the cause of the cholera epidemic. In 1883, Koch arrived in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and began his research on Cholera. Koch's work in India was challenging, yet he was able to isolate the cholera bacterium and show that it was the cause of the epidemic. This was a significant breakthrough, as the cause of cholera had been a mystery for centuries. Koch's work in India had broader implications for public health in the country. His research led to the development of new methods for preventing and treating cholera, which helped India control the spread of the disease not just in our country but also in other parts of the world. Koch's contributions to public health in India earned him the Order of Merit from the British government in 1905.

TB in India: The Scale of the Challenge

India bears the heaviest burden of TB globally, accounting for approximately 27% of the world’s 10.8 million TB cases in 2023, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2024. In 2023 alone, an estimated 2.55 million people were diagnosed with TB in India, with around 331,000 deaths—a stark reminder of the disease’s toll. Mumbai, often dubbed the "world capital of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)," exemplifies the crisis, with an estimated 2.5% of new TB cases and 16% of previously treated cases being MDR-TB. Globally, MDR-TB remains a public health threat, with only 2 in 5 affected individuals accessing treatment in 2023. In India, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have fuelled this resistant strain, posing a significant hurdle to eradication efforts.

Yet, amidst these challenges, India’s progress offers hope. The WHO has recognized India’s remarkable strides: between 2015 and 2023, TB incidence declined by 17.7% (from 237 to 195 cases per 100,000 population)—more than double the global decline rate of 8.3%. TB-related mortality dropped by 21.4% (from 28 to 22 deaths per lakh population) during the same period. These gains reflect a concerted effort under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

India’s Ambitious Goal: TB-Free by 2025

In 2018, PM Shri Narendra Modi pledged to eliminate TB by 2025, a target far more aggressive than the WHO’s End TB Strategy, which aims to reduce TB deaths by 95% and new cases by 90% between 2015 and 2035. For India, elimination means reducing TB incidence to less than 1 case per 10 lakh population—a Herculean task given the current rate of approximately 195 per 100,000. While some experts argue that 2025 may be too ambitious, the progress made is undeniable and has earned India global acclaim. 

The National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Elimination 2017–2025 outlines a multi-pronged approach to achieving the target for TB elimination. They include Enhanced Diagnostics: Scaling up rapid molecular tests like Xpert MTB/RIF and Truenat, which detect TB and drug resistance faster than traditional methods. In 2023, India achieved its target of initiating treatment in 95% of diagnosed patients. Private Sector Engagement: Notifications from the private sector rose from 1.9 lakh cases in 2015 to 8.4 lakh in 2023 (33% of total cases), reflecting improved collaboration. Nutritional Support: The Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana provides Rs 500 monthly to TB patients, with nearly 1 crore beneficiaries supported. The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) has mobilized over 1.5 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras (community supporters) to donate food baskets, addressing undernourishment—a key risk factor affecting 7.44 lakh TB patients in 2022.

A comprehensive all-India 100-Day Campaign has been Launched in December 2024, this initiative identified over 6 lakh TB cases by March 9, 2025, showcasing intensified case-finding efforts. Today Times of India reported that 40,000 new TB cases have been found in 100 days in Maharashtra. This is an encouraging result because more than 10 million people were screened during the period from December 7 2024 to 24 March 2025. The state of Maharashtra has built up a robust infrastructure to implement the TTEB with “thirty-six revenue districts of Maharashtra divided into 80 NTEP districts” with 2025 designated microscopic centres and 795 Nucleic Acid Amplification Test facilities for effective diagnosis of TB. Besides there are also X-Ray devices including hand-held X-Ray devices to ensure that no case of TB goes undetected.    

In addition to the above initiatives in Maharashtra, the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) has made significant efforts to make India TB-free covering all states and UTs. The incidence rate of TB in India has shown a 17.7% decline from 237 per 100,000 populations in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 populations in 2023. TB deaths have reduced by 21.4% from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 22 per lakh population in 2023. To achieve the target of TB elimination, various concentrated efforts have been initiated by all the states and Union Territories in India under the NTEP, some of which include:

•  Targeted interventions in high TB burden areas through State and District Specific Strategic plans.
•    Provision of free drugs and diagnostics to TB patients.
•    Active TB case-finding through campaigns in key vulnerable and co-morbid populations.
•  Integration of Ayushman Arogya Mandir with TB screening and treatment services.
• Private sector engagement with incentives for notification and management of TB cases.
• Scale up of molecular diagnostic laboratories to sub-district levels.
• Expansion of coverage under Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana for nutritional support to TB patients.
• Intensified Information, Education & Communication (IEC) interventions to reduce stigma, enhance community awareness and improve health-seeking behaviour.
•  Converge efforts and resources of line ministries for TB elimination.
• Provision of TB Preventive Treatment to contacts of TB patients and vulnerable populations.
• Track notified TB cases through Ni-kshay portal.
• Provide additional nutritional, diagnostic and vocational support to TB patients and household contacts under Ni-kshya Mitra initiative.

 Mumbai and MDR-TB: A Microcosm of the Fight

Mumbai’s struggle with Multi Drug Resistance (MDR)-TB highlights both the challenges and innovations in India’s TB battle. The city has scaled up access to advanced diagnostics like GeneXpert and introduced drugs like bedaquiline and delamanid for MDR-TB patients. These efforts, combined with infection prevention and control (IPC) measures under the TB Mukt Bharat IPC project, have reduced transmission in healthcare facilities—a model now expanded to over 100 sites nationwide.

Why World TB Day Matters 

World TB Day is more than a commemoration; it’s a call to action. TB remains the world’s leading infectious killer, claiming 1.25 million lives globally in 2023. In India, it’s a silent crisis intertwined with poverty, undernutrition, and co-morbidities like HIV and diabetes (7.7% of TB patients were diabetic in 2023). Awareness campaigns on March 24 remind us that TB is preventable and curable with early diagnosis and adherence to treatment—a message amplified by India’s TB Harega Desh Jeetega campaign.

Looking Ahead: Can India End TB by 2025?

While the 2025 target may be a stretch—given the persistent burden of MDR-TB, gaps in rural healthcare, and socio-economic barriers—India’s progress is a beacon of hope. The WHO praises India’s systematic, tech-driven approach and solid governance, as seen in tools like the Ni-kshay portal for real-time case tracking. The decline in incidence and mortality, coupled with innovations in treatment protocols, positions India as a global leader in TB control. 

As we mark World TB Day 2025, let’s rally behind India’s clarion call: “TB Mukt Bharat!” The journey is tough, but with collective effort—government, health workers, researchers, and citizens—we can edge closer to a TB-free future. Dr. Koch’s legacy inspires us, and India’s resolve strengthens us.

 Jai Vigyan, Jai Hind!

Welcome Home, Sunita Williams: A Celebration of Resilience and Return

(A Tribute to the Unsung Heroes of Human Progress and a Call for Unity)

Early this morning (March 19, 2025) we witnessed a moment of triumph and relief as the Crew Dragon capsule Freedom splashed down off the coast of Florida, bringing home Indian origin Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Aleksandr Gorbunov after an unplanned eventful 288 days aboard the International Space Station. 

For Sunita Williams, an astronaut of Indian origin, and Butch, whose mission stretched far beyond its intended 8-10 days due to the Boeing Starliner’s technical setbacks, this homecoming is a testament to human resilience, ingenuity, and the unyielding spirit of exploration. Yet, as we celebrate their safe return, we must pause to honour the countless unsung heroes—men and women alike—who paved this path with their courage, sacrifice, and, too often, their lives in their quest for knowledge. 

Space, that vast and unforgiving frontier, has claimed many in its embrace. From the early dreamers who dared to defy gravity to the astronauts and cosmonauts who ventured beyond our atmosphere, their stories are etched in both triumph and tragedy. We remember Kalpana Chawla, whose brilliance illuminated the cosmos until that fateful re-entry on February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated, claiming her and her six crewmates. We recall the Apollo 1 fire that took Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee in 1967, the Soyuz 1 crash that ended Vladimir Komarov’s life that same year, and the Soyuz 11 crew—Georgy Dobrovolsky, Viktor Patsayev, and Vladislav Volkov—who perished in 1971 due to a cabin depressurization. These names are but a few among the many, including the aviation pioneers who fell before the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk in 1903, their experimental machines crashing as they chased the dream of flight. 

Today, as we witness such remarkable technological triumphs of unprecedented accuracy it is incumbent upon us to remember that behind the visible heroes, who make such exacting standards of engineering marvel missions possible there stand legions: the engineers who wrestled with equations late into the night, the scientists who tested theories against the unknown, the technicians who tightened bolts and checked seals, knowing a single error could spell disaster. Many remain nameless to us, yet their work lifted humanity skyward. Their sacrifices—whether in laboratories, test fields, or the void of space—remind us that progress is not cheap. It is forged in risk, paid for in courage, and sometimes sealed with the ultimate price. 

Today’s homecoming of Sunita Williams and her compatriots offered a scene that transcended the mechanical marvel of the splashdown: as Freedom bobbed in the waters off Florida, a pod of dolphins leaped and swam alongside in gleeful unison, as if they, too, joined humanity in welcoming our explorers back to Earth. In their graceful dance, they wove a thread between the boundless reaches of space and the vibrant life of our oceans, reminding us that this pale blue dot—our unique, fragile home—is a canvas of connection. Carl Sagan’s words echo here: a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam, yet teeming with wonders that bind us to every creature that swims, flies, or walks its surface. These dolphins, in their joyous welcome, affirm that our journey outward is incomplete without a return to cherish and protect the only world we’ve ever known. 

As we hail Sunita Williams’ return, let this moment be more than a celebration of survival. Let it be a clarion call to the world—a world too often fractured by conflict, where nations clash and societies splinter over issues that threaten to break us apart. The same ingenuity that carried humans to the stars has also birthed tools of destruction: arms and ammunition, missiles, drones, and arsenals that loom as shadows over our achievements. Yet, the International Space Station, where Sunita and her crew lived in harmony with colleagues from across borders, stands as a beacon of what we can achieve when we unite. It is a fragile outpost of peace, orbiting above a planet that yearns for the same. 

To the warring nations and divided societies, I offer this plea: let the marvels of science and technology serve not as instruments of division or devastation, but as bridges to a shared future. The rockets that pierce the heavens need not deliver warheads; they can carry dreams. The minds that solve the mysteries of orbit can also mend the rifts among us. Let these advancements—born from the sacrifices of so many—be a force for healing, not harm, a deterrent to conflict rather than a catalyst for it. 

On this day, let us take a bow to those who brought us here: the pioneers who flew and fell, the explorers who ventured and vanished, the dreamers whose lives ended so ours could reach higher. May their legacy, mirrored in the dolphins’ dance and the astronauts’ return, inspire us to vow that our technological prowess unites humanity, lifting us all toward a horizon of hope, not hurling us into an abyss of destruction. In their memory, and for our children’s future, let us choose peace over strife, collaboration over conquest, and progress over peril. For in the end, the stars belong to all of us—bound not by borders, but by the shared courage of those who dared to reach them, and the living world that greets us when we come home. 

 Post Script: The trending news of Sunita Williams's return, including a letter that the Hon. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi wrote to her, has tempted me to include an anecdotal nostalgia for the association of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) - an organisation where I served for 35 years, before my retirement and with which I am associated even today as a member of their apex body, NCSM Society - hosting the visit of Sunita Williams in 2013 to the three cities in India including the Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai. Incidentally, I was the Director of Nehru Science Centre and in that capacity paid host to her visit and some of the accompanying images are from that visit.

Images: Courtesy, Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai and Wiki Commons

Monumental Leap for ISRO: The SpaDeX Mission and Its Implications for Future Indian Space Endeavours.

Yesterday, March 13, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic and a monumental success of the completion of their ambitious SpaDeX program, with the mission of undocking of the two space crafts in orbit, in its maiden attempt, as part of their Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) program. The SpaDeX mission involved two satellites, SDX-01 and SDX-02, each weighing around 220 kilograms, performing this delicate dance in orbit. The satellites successfully docked on January 16, 2025, and undocked on March 13, 2025, demonstrating India’s capability to execute such high-precision manoeuvres indigenously.

It must be recalled that earlier, on January, 16 2025, ISRO had successfully docked their two satellites taking part in the SpaDex Program in space. With yesterday’s successful undocking experiment of the two satellites and that too in its first attempt, ISRO is now well poised in its endeavours to be a space faring nation and to harvest the benefits that it brings with it for our nations benefits.

Extraordinary Nature of SpaDex Achievement

 This extraordinary SpaDex achievement of ISRO positions India as only the fourth nation in the world—after the United States, Russia, and China—to master the complex technology of space docking and undocking. The undocking of the two satellites “took place in 460 km circular orbit with 45-degree inclination”. With the undocking mission completed, the two satellites are now orbiting independently and this success has helped ISRO demonstrate all the capabilities required for space rendezvous, docking and undocking operations. This complex undocking of the two space crafts was undertaken by ISRO after an extensive study of the in-orbit performance of the docked satellites, which was extensively analysed. This understanding gave ISRO an opportunity to undock the two satellites in space during the period from March 10, 2025 till March 25, 2025. They chose the right time and succeeded in accomplishing this task at the earliest possible time, 13 March 2025 at 9.20 AM IST. ISRO reported that “the entire operations were monitored through ground stations located at Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mauritius”. Having accomplished this major mile stone of undocking, further experiments with satellites are planned by ISRO in the coming days.

This accomplishment has been a result of the quintessential ISRO culture that included exhaustive ground simulations and analysis, which remain the cornerstone of achieving the undocking in the first attempt itself. ISRO has further stated that “various tests replicating on-orbit conditions were meticulously planned and carried out in preparation for the earliest opportunity for undocking operations”.  With this success, ISRO has yet again demonstrated its ability to achieve excellence in a most cost effective manner. This has helped ISRO achieve space rendezvous, and learn about the docking and post docking control technologies.

The SpaDeX mission is not just a technological triumph; it is a testament to India’s relentless pursuit of excellence in space science, marking a pivotal moment in its journey from its humble beginnings when ISRO was founded by its founder Dr Vikram Sarabhai, (https://khened.blogspot.com/2020/08/tribute-to-dr-vikram-sarabhai-father-of.html) to becoming a global space power. With this success ISRO has come a long way from those early days of Sounding rocket launches to mastering the Space technology involved in accomplishing extraordinary nature of the SpaDeX project.

The project involved exacting standards of design and simulation and understanding of many known knowns and unknown knowns that are integral to any space missions more particularly exacting standards of engineering involved in Space docking and undocking of two spacecraft in orbit with pinpoint precision, aligning their trajectories, velocities, and orientations to connect seamlessly, and then separating without incident. This process requires extraordinary levels of accuracy—down to centimetres and milliseconds—while the spacecraft is continuing to travel at speeds exceeding 28,000 kilometres per hour in the vacuum of space.

The complications involved in this mission are immense. Docking requires advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems to ensure the spacecraft align perfectly without colliding. Even a slight miscalculation could result in catastrophic failure, damaging the spacecraft or sending them tumbling out   of control. Undocking, meanwhile, demands careful release mechanisms and propulsion control to ensure a clean separation without destabilizing either spacecraft. Beyond the mechanics, the mission tested India’s ability to manage real-time communication, power transfer between docked units, and the integration of indigenous technologies under the harsh conditions of space. Overcoming these challenges in the SpaDeX mission showcases ISRO’s engineering prowess and sets a benchmark for future endeavours.

Significance for Future Missions: Chandrayaan-4, Mars Missions, and Beyond

The success of SpaDeX is a critical stepping stone for India’s ambitious space programs, particularly missions that require multiple spacecraft components to work together seamlessly. Here’s how it impacts key future initiatives:

1.  Chandrayaan-4 Mission: Scheduled as India’s next lunar endeavor, Chandrayaan-4 aims to collect and return lunar samples to Earth—a feat that demands multiple docking and undocking operations. The mission will involve launching five modules in two separate stacks, which must dock in Earth’s orbit, travel to the Moon, and perform further docking maneuvers in lunar orbit before returning the samples. The precision and reliability demonstrated by SpaDeX are directly applicable here, ensuring that ISRO can confidently execute these complex steps to bring lunar soil back for scientific study.
2. Mars Missions: India’s Mars exploration ambitions, building on the success of the Mangalyaan mission in 2014, will benefit from docking technology for assembling larger spacecraft in orbit or enabling multi-module missions. For instance, future Mars sample return missions or crewed expeditions could rely on docking to assemble spacecraft capable of carrying heavy payloads or human crews over vast interplanetary distances. SpaDeX lays the groundwork for such advancements, enhancing India’s capability to explore the Red Planet more comprehensively.
3. Gaganyaan and Human Spaceflight: The Gaganyaan program, aimed at sending Indian astronauts—termed “Gaganyatris”—into space, is another beneficiary of SpaDeX’s success. Docking technology is essential for crew transfer, resupply missions, or emergency rescues in orbit. For example, docking will allow Gaganyatris to transfer between spacecraft or connect with a future Indian space station, ensuring their safe return to Earth. The SpaDeX mission validates ISRO’s ability to handle such critical operations, bolstering confidence in India’s human spaceflight aspirations.
4. Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station): India’s vision to establish its own space station by 2035 hinges on mastering docking technologies. A space station requires frequent docking for crew rotation, supply deliveries, and maintenance missions. SpaDeX’s success is a foundational achievement that paves the way for India to construct and operate a space station, placing it among the elite nations capable of sustaining a long-term human presence in space.

 

From Bullock Carts to Space Docking:

India’s space journey began modestly in the 1960s, with scientists transporting sounding rocket components on bicycles and bullock carts to the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS). The successful launch of the Aryabhata satellite (https://khened.blogspot.com/2021/11/indira-gandhi-first-indian-satellite-in.html) in 1975 marked India’s entry into the space age (courtesy the erstwhile USSR) followed by the second attempt successful flight of the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) in 1979, making India a spacefaring nation. Over the decades, and under the leadership of its founder Dr Vikram Sarabhai and subsequently under Prof Satish Dhawan, (https://khened.blogspot.com/2020/09/centenary-tribute-to-prof-satish-dhawan.html) ISRO has achieved remarkable feats - Chandrayaan-1’s discovery of water molecules on the Moon, the Mars Orbiter Mission’s success on a shoestring budget, and Chandrayaan-3’s historic lunar south pole landing. Each milestone has built on the last, culminating in the SpaDeX mission’s demonstration of cutting-edge space technology, which the nation witnessed yesterday.

The SpaDeX mission underscores how far India has come. From relying on foreign assistance to developing an indigenous “Bharatiya Docking System,” ISRO has transformed challenges into opportunities. This achievement is not just about technology; it reflects the grit, ingenuity, and vision of generations of Indian scientists who have worked tirelessly to elevate India’s standing in the global space community.

 

Why SpaDeX Matters for India’s Space Ambitions

India’s space program is not merely about prestige; it is about harnessing space applications for societal benefits—weather forecasting, disaster management, telecommunications, and navigation—and expanding humanity’s understanding of the cosmos. The SpaDeX mission positions India to compete in the $400-billion global space market, fostering opportunities for satellite servicing, in-space construction, and interplanetary exploration. By mastering docking and undocking, India can collaborate with international partners, lead commercial ventures, and contribute to global space initiatives like planetary defense and lunar exploration.

Moreover, SpaDeX is a beacon of self-reliance. Developed at a modest cost of Rs 125 crore, the mission exemplifies ISRO’s ability to deliver world-class results with efficiency and innovation. This indigenous capability ensures that India can pursue its space goals without dependency on foreign technology, strengthening its strategic autonomy in a domain increasingly critical to national security and economic growth.

 Economic Impact and the Rise of Deep Tech Ecosystems

The success of the SpaDeX program, coupled with the opening up of India’s space sector to private companies, is poised to catalyse significant economic growth and innovation. By democratizing access to space technology, ISRO’s collaborations with private entities—through initiatives like the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe)—are fostering a vibrant ecosystem for deep tech start-ups and companies. Cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Gurugram, already hubs for technology and innovation, are witnessing a surge in space-tech start-ups focusing on satellite manufacturing, launch services, and downstream applications like remote sensing and data analytics.

States such as Karnataka are also crafting progressive policy frameworks – INNOVERSE- to attract investment and talent, drawing inspiration from India’s thriving start-up culture, which has already produced numerous unicorns in sectors like fintech and e-commerce. This liberalisation, combined with SpaDeX’s demonstration of India’s technical capabilities, is likely to attract global partnerships and investments, creating high-skill jobs and boosting ancillary industries such as electronics, materials science, and AI-driven space analytics. For instance, start-ups can now contribute to building components for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 or the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, leveraging AI and deep tech to innovate cost-effective solutions. The ripple effect of these developments will not only enhance India’s share in the global space economy but also inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to tackle complex challenges in space and beyond. As India rides the wave of the deep tech and AI revolutions, the SpaDeX success serves as a clarion call for innovation, positioning the nation as a fertile ground for start-ups to thrive and scale, potentially birthing the next wave of unicorns in the space-tech domain.

Conclusion

The successful SpaDeX mission is a defining moment for India’s space program—a bridge between its storied past and an ambitious future. By mastering the art of docking and undocking in space, ISRO has unlocked the potential for complex missions like Chandrayaan-4, Mars exploration, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. More broadly, it lays the foundation for India to build and operate its own space station and cement its role as a leader in the global space race.

From transporting rocket parts on bullock carts to orchestrating high-precision manoeuvres in orbit, India’s space odyssey is a story of perseverance and brilliance. The SpaDeX mission is not just a technical feat; it is a symbol of India’s aspirations to reach for the stars while staying rooted in its ethos of innovation and self-reliance. As ISRO continues to push boundaries, the world watches in awe—and India stands poised to harvest the boundless possibilities of space.

Images : Courtesy ISRO

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Celebrating Albert Einstein on His Birth Anniversary: A Tribute to the Genius, and Inspiration for India

On 14th March, the world unites to celebrate the birth anniversary of one of the greatest minds in human history—Albert Einstein. Born in 1879 in Ulm, Germany, Einstein’s life and legacy continue to inspire generations across the globe. For Indians, this day holds a special resonance, not only because of Einstein’s monumental contributions to science but also due to his profound connections with Indian luminaries, his fallibility as a reminder to embrace mistakes, and the timeless lessons his life—and those he influenced—offers to a society grappling with the fear of failure and adversity.

Albert Einstein’s early life was far from the picture of a prodigy destined for greatness. As a child, he was slow to speak, leading some to mistakenly label him as intellectually challenged. However, his insatiable curiosity and unconventional thinking set him apart. After completing his education, Einstein struggled to find academic positions and eventually took up a humble job as a patent clerk in Bern, Switzerland, in 1902. Far from being a setback, this role provided him with the solitude and time to ponder the mysteries of the universe.

The year 1905, often hailed as Einstein’s *annus mirabilis* (miracle year), saw him publish five groundbreaking papers that revolutionized physics. Among these were his theory of special relativity, which introduced the iconic equation *E=mc²*, and his paper on the photoelectric effect, which later earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. He also published on Brownian motion, confirming the atomic theory, and two other lesser-known but equally significant works. A decade later, in 1915, Einstein unveiled his magnum opus—the theory of general relativity—redefining our understanding of gravity and the fabric of spacetime.

The Cosmological Constant: A Lesson in Fallibility

Even a genius like Einstein was not immune to mistakes, and his story offers a powerful lesson for us all. While formulating general relativity, Einstein introduced what he called the “cosmological constant” into his equations to support the then-prevailing belief in a static universe. However, when Edwin Hubble’s observations later revealed that the universe was expanding, Einstein famously called this inclusion his “biggest blunder.” This admission of fallibility, beautifully captured in Eric Lerner’s book *The Brilliant Blunder*, underscores a universal truth: even the greatest minds err, and mistakes are stepping stones to growth.

In India, where societal pressure often equates failure with shame, Einstein’s story is a beacon of hope. Our youth face immense stress to succeed in academics, careers, and life, with failure often leading to despair and, tragically, even suicide. Einstein’s “blunder” reminds us that setbacks are not the end but opportunities to learn and innovate. As educators, parents, and policymakers, we must instill this mindset in our children, encouraging them to embrace failures as part of the journey to success.

Einstein, Eddington, and the Validation of General Relativity

Einstein’s theory of general relativity might have remained a theoretical marvel without the pivotal role played by the British astrophysicist Arthur Eddington. In 1919, during a total solar eclipse, Eddington led an expedition to observe the bending of starlight around the Sun—a key prediction of general relativity. His measurements confirmed Einstein’s theory, catapulting it to global fame and establishing Einstein as a scientific icon. Eddington’s endorsement was instrumental in bridging the gap between theoretical physics and empirical validation, especially at a time when Europe was recovering from the divisiveness of World War I. This collaboration between a German scientist and a British astronomer symbolized the unifying power of science, transcending national boundaries.

Eddington’s Contrasting Treatment of Chandrasekhar: A Tale of Resilience

However, while Eddington played a commendable role in Einstein’s rise, his interactions with the young Indian astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar reveal a starkly different side. In the 1930s, Chandrasekhar, then a budding scholar at Cambridge, sent an advance copy of his groundbreaking work on the “Chandrasekhar limit”—a theory describing the maximum mass of a stable white dwarf star and the phenomenon of stellar degeneracy—to Eddington for feedback. Chandrasekhar was set to present this at the Royal Astronomical Society, hoping for constructive input from the renowned scientist. Yet, Eddington remained silent before the presentation, only to publicly ridicule Chandrasekhar’s findings during the event. This harsh criticism left the young Indian scientist humiliated in front of his peers.

The repercussions were profound. Feeling unsupported in England, Chandrasekhar eventually moved to the United States, where he continued his work in relative obscurity for decades. It wasn’t until the 1980s—nearly five decades later—that his contributions were fully recognized, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983. Had Eddington supported Chandrasekhar with the same enthusiasm he showed Einstein, Chandrasekhar might have been one of the youngest Nobel laureates in history.

This disparity raises uncomfortable questions about potential biases. Was Eddington’s dismissal of Chandrasekhar influenced by racial or cultural prejudice against a young, dark-skinned Indian scientist in a predominantly Western academic circle? While historical evidence is inconclusive, and Eddington’s motivations remain debated, the contrast in his treatment of Einstein and Chandrasekhar invites reflection. Regardless of the reasons, Chandrasekhar’s response to this adversity offers a profound lesson for us all.

Despite the public ridicule, Chandrasekhar maintained a dignified respect for Eddington throughout his life, never letting bitterness overshadow his admiration for the older scientist’s contributions. This resilience and grace under pressure are qualities we can all learn from, especially in India, where public criticism or failure can often lead to despair. Chandrasekhar’s journey teaches us to move forward with determination, even in the face of rejection, and to hold onto dignity and respect for others, even those who wrong us.

Einstein and India: A Legacy of Collaboration and Inspiration

Einstein’s connection with India runs deep, marked by his admiration for Indian thinkers and his collaboration with Indian scientists. One of the most notable partnerships was with Satyendra Nath Bose, the brilliant Indian physicist who sent Einstein his groundbreaking paper on quantum statistics in 1924. Recognizing its significance, Einstein translated and refined Bose’s work, leading to the publication of their joint findings. This collaboration gave rise to the concept of “bosons”—particles that obey Bose-Einstein statistics—and later inspired the discovery of the Bose-Einstein Condensate, which earned scientists a Nobel Prize in 2001. Bose’s name lives on in the annals of physics, thanks in part to Einstein’s generosity and foresight.

Einstein’s interactions with India extended beyond science. In 1930, he met Rabindranath Tagore at Princeton, engaging in a profound dialogue on the nature of reality, truth, and human consciousness. Their exchange, documented as a meeting of science and spirituality, remains a testament to the shared quest for knowledge that transcends borders. Einstein’s admiration for Indian thought also found expression in his words for Mahatma Gandhi. Upon Gandhi’s passing in 1948, Einstein wrote, “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a man as this one ever in flesh and blood walked upon this Earth.” These words resonate deeply with Indians, reflecting Einstein’s reverence for peace and non-violence—values Gandhi embodied.

Peacenik in Turbulent Times

Einstein’s commitment to peace was unwavering, even during the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Despite his contributions to theoretical physics paving the way for nuclear technology, he was a vocal critic of nuclear weapons during and after World War II. As one of the signatories of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto in 1955, he called for the abolition of nuclear arms and urged humanity to seek peaceful resolutions to conflict. This aspect of Einstein’s legacy holds immense relevance today, as the world grapples with geopolitical tensions and the ethical dilemmas of scientific advancement.

 The Quantum Debate and the International Year of Quantum Science

This year, as we celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Quantum Computing, it’s fitting to reflect on Einstein’s complex relationship with quantum mechanics. While he played a foundational role in its development through his work on the photoelectric effect, Einstein famously disagreed with its probabilistic nature, encapsulated in his oft-quoted remark, “God does not play dice with the universe.” His debates with Niels Bohr and other quantum advocates remain legendary, highlighting the diversity of thought that drives scientific progress. For India, a nation investing in quantum technology, Einstein’s skepticism serves as a reminder to question, debate, and innovate fearlessly.

A Message for  Indians on Einstein’s Birth Anniversary

As we commemorate Albert Einstein’s birth anniversary, let us draw inspiration from his life—and from those connected to him, like Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. Einstein’s journey reminds us that even the greatest minds stumble, as seen in his “cosmological blunder,” while Chandrasekhar’s resilience teaches us to rise above ridicule and rejection with dignity. For Indian students, professionals, and dreamers, these stories offer a powerful message: failure and adversity are not the end but part of the journey to greatness.

Einstein’s admiration for Indian thought, his collaboration with S.N. Bose, his reverence for Gandhi and Tagore, and his indirect connection to Chandrasekhar through Eddington remind us of the bridges that connect India to the global pursuit of knowledge and peace. On this special day, let us honor Einstein not just as a scientist but as a symbol of curiosity, humility, and the courage to stand for what is right. Let us also honor Chandrasekhar’s legacy by encouraging our youth to persevere through setbacks, maintain respect even in the face of unfair criticism, and chase their dreams with unwavering determination. Even a genius like Einstein showed us that the path to greatness is paved with brilliant blunders—and even a young scholar like Chandrasekhar showed us that true greatness lies in rising above adversity with grace.