Life - a learning institution

Since my childhood, I was attracted towards aircrafts, rockets and all those flying technologies – exploring the darkness of the universe. Though I was an average student in my academics, but I was persistent about my dream – to look at the earth from the sky! Being an average student in school days was like getting additional advantage of being active on various non-curricular activities and hobby of reading lead me to explore more about the space.  This passion developed a dream into me – to create my own identity among the stars!

So after schooling, I chose Aeronautical engineering as my undergraduate studies where my horizon of knowledge got expanded it took me to a different orbit. At the same time, on a personal front, a huge wave of crisis hit the family with great amount of turbulence, but as we all know that disasters are always opportunities for a new beginning, this crisis helped me to look at the world beyond materialism, with a matured understanding of love, emotions, feelings and care. More importantly, through that crisis, I learn to develop my own wings and explore it for flying high into the sky. Yes, it taught me to be independent and courageous enough to accept the challenges in the life.

At this stage, vision to turn my dreams into reality opened up and I started focusing on creating a road map to achieve my dreams and setting up the stepping stones to reach the goal. Hence, I started putting more efforts in my area of interest and eventually my efforts paid off in a beautiful reward – my first patented innovative design of energy and cost efficient space vehicle system, which is not just focusing on next generation engine generating propulsive force using solar energy, but also providing an efficient solution to the upcoming threat of the aerospace sector – i.e. removing space debris from earth orbits. The first ever presentation of my project rolled out at the highest and most prestigious platform of the global space industry where it was well received with great appreciation. This has indeed motivated me with the great confidence and enabled me to focus on my career with more dedication. Followed by this first successful mile stone, I decided to undergo an nontraditional project as a part of my graduation curriculum at the ISRO by working on mission designing for the most exciting Mars mission of India.

By the time I explored a couple of major international conferences and workshops within and outside my home country, I learnt a valuable lesson of establishing and developing professional networking and effective communications. All these motivated me to pursue higher studies in the UK from one of the best universities in the world for Space Science & Technology. On the other side, my innovative project has taken a unique shape and the team has resulted into a civil society non-government research and development organization. So here comes my first little baby step into exploring R&D and business sector.

While studying abroad on an education loan from home country, paying high tuition fees, living on my own – away from family and friends has brought lot of maturity and early learning of the life. The first thing I learnt is managing my own academics, cooking for myself, surviving into totally different environment and above all, dealing with ‘the home sickness’. The very first challenge also got started when you have a limited amount of money and you need to manage your daily expenses. Being on my own, finance was also on my head and to manage my expenses and pay off my loans, I adopted a part time job as the library assistant in the university library itself. Things become easy on personal front as surviving became smooth. By working in the university library, helped me not just getting good connection with different students and professors but also provided me an excellent opportunity to satisfy my hunger of reading and learning new subjects which were not the part of my regular academics. This job helped me to learn to make myself organised, due to which I was been able to give enough time to my own organization, my regular academics and my survival. Gradually along with my regular academics and my library job in the UK, I started learning new subjects, new cultures, new languages and exploring new areas, and reading value added things which eventually helped me in developing my own life in better and organised way. I firmly believe that if we are thrown in the ocean, we either swim or die, and being focused on my way to achieve my dreams, I chose an option to not to give up and swim. Hence, I started also reading business ethics and management during my free time, that helped me in growing my own organization from local level to the global level standing high, with its own identity.

By the time, I completed my post graduate studies, I was already having an honorary doctorate, an international patent, a couple of scientific research papers, a globally recognised organization, an identity in the global space sector and, skills and knowledge of different areas of the global business sector; but more importantly my life was enriched with far better gift – understanding the struggles of life and learning of dealing and overcoming the challenges. At some little time, I also got myself associated with the theatre in UK where I learnt the beautiful insights of art and its rhythmic presentation. In short, I gained the vision to make my dreams within reach, along with enjoying the student life.

To give back to the society for bestowing me with all the affection and recognition, I moved back to India with a new hope to contribute in developing private space sector of India, pioneering R&D in this field. In a short span, I overcame major challenges and conducted of a few international conferences and projects. At the same time, I got myself associated with an international research firm to work on a few projects related to the climate change and sustainable development. On a complete different track, I also got myself engaged with an international production house to provide technical inputs for their international Sci-Fi movie. These both additional items in my plate provided me opportunities to expand my horizon and learn new subjects – Sustainable Development and Film Industry.

It was now a time for myself when I entered into a relationship with a hope to share the beautiful smiling ride of the life to achieve dreams of two soul-mates together. There is no perfect and always a struggle. One just needs to pick who he/she struggles with. Hence, to respect the emotions and feelings of the partner, I once again moved to a new country – Canada, where a new challenging journey kicked off! As a new immigrant in a completely new environment, I focused on limiting my present professional engagements in order to get me settled down in this new country. Meanwhile, a big storm hit out of the blue and things went south on the personal front unexpectedly. This made me to realise new people are new just for a day, after that they are just the people, who will excite you, disappoint you, scare you a little bit. It is tempting to run away when disasters happen in personal life, but eventually we end up in avoiding ourselves, avoiding people we love and ultimately avoiding life. As I have been persistent to keep my dreams alive and walk on the way to turn them into reality, I cannot afford to give up and hence I adopted a temporary job in a coffee shop, where I not only learnt to handle customer dealing in a fast paced environment and bake donuts, but also it helped me in making new friends and eventually to survive the downfall in personal life crisis. This big disaster led me ultimately, in learning managing stress and handling crisis in calm but quick manner. Later on with all these learning, I collected myself and managed to come out of personal life trauma, back with improved confidence. Once again, I was back on the track of my journey to achieve and live my dreams.

Now when I was able to think clearly once again, I managed to explore another area of opportunity in the solar industry, where I developed very good understanding of manufacturing environment and quality assurance. Giving considerable amount of time in this field, helped me to learn and study Canadian business market and renewable energy sector in the North America; enabling me to develop a bridge of technological understanding of sustainable development and space sector in the North America. This indeed boosted my enthusiasm and self confidence.

Meanwhile, the roughest patch in personal life taught me to analyse the crisis and managing efficiently and effectively with the available resources. Now after studying North American business scenario, to be more precise the Canadian industry scenario, I successfully registered a commercial wing of my international R&D business in the space industry which has been operating across the three continents in the world. This new Canadian company is established with an aim to operate in North American Space industry, under my leadership and with the same great team continuing the legacy of our mothership – our successful global space R&D business.

Throughout my life till now, I learnt many things at various stages, from my guides, mentors, advisers, friends and family, which have developed me in more polished manner with high amount of positivity and great confidence to not just live the life but to appreciate the life and enjoy the journey towards the goals with smile and satisfaction.

And finally, the journey has been continued with high energy and enthusiasm to explore new horizons, learning new things going to come at upcoming stages of my life. 

Let's lead the change...

Recently, we seen a big outrage on a comment from Indian Bollywood actor Amir Khan, who expressed the amount of intolerance uprising in the country and as usual, we all flooded social networking sites with our anger on the individual. Have we completely analysed his views? India is giving right of speech and freedom of expression to each citizen. So being a citizen, if he has expressed his views on the present scenario of the country, who gave us right to jump into opposition soon without any clarity of our own minds? It is not being on this side or that, but it is more about being more sensible and mature. May be what he said has hurt many of our feelings as Indians, and we also do have right to retaliate by expressing our hatred, but at the same time, he also just did the same. It doesn’t mean one is to be labelled ‘anti-national’ immediately. We have actually proved him right by bombarding with abuse that yes, we are intolerant! Another incident happened in the same time, when we mocked Indian National Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for his speech in Mt. Carmel college in Bengaluru. Later on a student of the same college who attended the session posted the detailed note which got widely circulated on social media platforms, showcases the other side of the story. Another example, we also didn’t leave our honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi in the parliament during discussion on the constitution of India. Just a small clip got viral showcasing the prime minister is taking nap in the running session. Later on, detailed clip was released to clarify that the prime minister was not taking nap, but was listening the discussion.

These are just three of the latest events, however there are many more to be counted and list will be never ending. It has become our tendency these days, to just react for the sake of opposing anything and everything – whether it is pro-system or anti-system. We actually have lost our senses to analyze ourselves before putting forward us on the front line. It is exactly like going on the front line of war without any preparation and than make a ‘U-turn’ and raise white flag as we realized that we were wrong! We, ourselves are making big jokes on so called our patriotism. We actually need to realize the real values of Indian ethics and culture before commenting and reacting on anything. We become judges and give away verdict without any investigations, just purely based on what we seen… not necessarily to be the truth, but who cares!

Furthermore, up to certain level, we are only responsible for our representatives to govern us. These days, it is pretty shameful the languages been used during the elections and in the constitutional houses such as assembly and parliament. Is this how we want to present our country to the rest of the world? Our complains are not wrong, but at the same time, why don’t we forget that we are the ones who have sent them there. From leaders to citizens, we take not a second thought while accusing the countrymen with abusive language.

Secondly, we have adopted mind-sets that our fellow brothers migrated to other countries are now our enemy. Let’s give a thought that why don’t we create same environment at home only, so there will not be any more brain drain… but perhaps for this, we need to overcome with issues related to equality, fair compensation, appreciation and recognition, cleanliness… and many more things. Is it difficult to achieve? We can surely do it, if we will by heart; and believe me, we can surely do as if we can do the same while going to other country, we can do the same at home too. On the other hand, even the NRIs should also look back to India by removing the glasses which they worn while going out. No country can be the same ever. They should also be open to accept the change in their home country rather just been sitting in their luxurious villa in a developed country, watching television and abuse the country and countrymen. Do they do for the country where they are residing? No… than how can they do the same for their own motherland? Yes, changes are needed from both the sides.

Let’s accept the fact that we are the one who are truly responsible for corruption, intolerance, racism, and everything which bothers us. Yes, we are the creators. We do shout about injustice to Indians by the rest of the world, but at the same time, we in India are also divided into different casts and races and religions. We have adopted the mindsets that all glitter is gold and we rush blindly for the shine, irrespective whether it is natural or artificial. Sad, but true! We talk a lot about dirty politics and corruptions on various social platforms but when we are stopped by a traffic police while going to our offices, what we do is to offer him ‘off record fine’ or ‘kharcha paani’ just because we cannot afford being late. We take no time in coming out for rally against corruption. To raise our voice against the dirt is a good thing but at the same time, almost 90% of them are riding two wheelers having perhaps three people on a bike or that’s for sure that driving without helmet.

We talk about dirt in the system, but we only made the system. If we will not clean our house, then who is going to come and clean – no one. Let it be politicians or the officials, agreed, some of them are not as per our expectations, but it does not give us right to be the judge and declare them guilty. Let the law takes it own course. At least some day, justice will be done. Also, at the same time, we cannot just sit back and wait for it. Indeed, we need to raise ourselves for cleaning drive too, but with the ethics and morale.

Let’s not forget that what we are shouting on social platforms, is just been limited to those platforms only these days. Our ancient education system was so powerful that people from all over the world used to come down to India for obtaining quality education. Many countries used to come to India for business. India was once being called as golden sparrow. Now what? Now we have reason to blame it on others that we were ruled by others and they spoiled the country. Is it really possible, if our roots were so strong then only a few years of ruling shook the entire country? Come on, let’s be realistic that we only choose to spoil it more and blame on others; because its almost around 70 years since we got independence. What we did? Again, we have our leaders are there, whom we only selected and elected, to be blamed for… and the saga continues!

Very first thing is that we need to accept the reality and be open to correct ourselves. There is no such problem which comes without solution. Once we will leave all the hypocrisy, we will be able to make our society a healthy and safe society with equal rights and equal opportunities to everyone. Let us think about some of the positive views for the solutions of present problems and take the lead. Rules are not meant to be broken, but are to be followed with matured sense. By paying fine for broken rules won’t help, let us take the initiative to correct our own mistakes. Let us educate ourselves and make our society aware about our own ethics, value and morale to be unified – not to fight against anything or anyone, but to corrected our own deeds before raising fingers to others. We must not forget that we are humans, not the crabs! If we are good, our surrounding will be good and so as the society. We need to be patient rather jumping to any opinion against anyone. Remember, we are human beings, not the fault research centres. Whatever Amir Khan has said, it leads to a simple question, why a citizen feels unsafe? May be his view is biased and negative, but there cannot be smoke without fire and we cannot afford to be the fuel for the fire. Let’s be the solution, rather than problem. We are the one who has selected and elected our leaders to govern us and so let us show some little respect. If we are changed with positive attitude, automatically our leaders will be positive as they are amongst us only. In a nutshell, stop criticising and start contributing with positivity. Let us be matured citizen first so we can raise the head of our motherland high enough with glory and dignity on global platform. I am sure we can do it and we will do it.

With the hope for a beautiful tomorrow of motherland… 

Science & Technology for the Society

India is rich not only in cultural values, heritage and knowledge power, but also in having tremendous sources of natural energy. Furthermore, in last decade India has embarked an excellent milestone in the development of Science & Technology on a Global Front. Nowadays, we are heavily dependent on the technology for our daily routine, for example telephones, television, transportation…etc. Having one of the biggest knowledge pool in the world – which is already acknowledge by the international society, what important is to utilize this rich source of the knowledge in a correct manner to empower the nation in real sense.

Majority of the Indian population is stationed in rural area and let’s not forget that this rural community plays a vital role in the sustainability of the urban areas. We must not also forget that the urban community which is so called developed society is not more than 30-40% of the entire populations. There are many people in the rural areas which are required to be provided with the basic needs like electricity, employment, food…etc. If the science and technology is adopted by our modern society, why not it can also be utilized to empower the rural sectors of the country?

Today, most of the mega cities and metro cities are enjoying power consumption each day, which is sufficient enough for the under privileged rural and/or coastal areas for at least one week. The needless usage of the technology by the modern society is actually the right of our brothers and sisters in the rural areas. If we share the technology with our brothers and sisters in the rural community, we will help them to not only sustain but to live a quality life and enjoy the same comfort level which we have.

We do have the large coastal area. Just like European countries, if the water turbines are placed across the coastal line, we can have the continuous power supply generated through these water turbines and sufficient enough for the coastal communities. The wind turbines should also be stationed at various places which can produce power that can be utilized to provide basic electricity to the villages. Also, many villages are now having solar panels and bio-gas plants for the purpose of providing electricity to the street lights. All of these natural energy sources will not provide only power to the rural communities, but also strengthen the local communities through employment, education and basic support to sustain. Furthermore, the new ways should be innovated by which the society – as a whole, can be benefitted. For example, I am a space scientist, so I will comment that utilizing space technology and remote sensing applications can be beneficial in monitoring the agriculture, urban planning, observing rich heritage of the country, health monitoring, preparing mitigation guidelines for the disaster risk reduction, telemedicine…etc. There are many more applications of the present technologies, in each sector, which can benefit the society, contributing in the development of the country.

The focus on utilization of Science & Technology for the development will not only help to empower the rural sector of the country, but also create a greater impact as the growth engine for the development of the country. Also, this will trigger the healthy competition amongst the states within the country to be the model state through development in education, growth of commercial activities and industrial development, strengthening the rural communities, showcasing the hidden treasure of rich heritage and culture…etc. Above all of these, the real actions in this direction will bring the communities together for the harmonious growth and the ancient adage – “Vasudhaiva Kautumbakam” will be seen in the country in real sense.

© R. Ghadawala               

Strengthening the Space Education in India

With the advancements in Space Technology, India has, undoubtedly, come up in the front line of Space Market sharing the key place along with developed countries. In last few decades, the space industry of India has made huge progress in this sector in terms of developing indigenous satellites, enhancing the capabilities of indigenous launch vehicles and offering the launching facilities to other nations to park their satellites into the orbits, and now we have also launched our indigenous Geoportal Bhuvan to evince the Indian Earth Observation Capabilities from Indian Remote Sensing series of satellites. India also plays an active role in international bodies such as UN-COPUS, UN-ESCAP, APRSAF…etc.

Indian space program came into race of space exploration with its first unmanned lunar proble ‘Chandrayaan I’ in 2008, which carried total 11 payloads including 05 Indian and 06 from other countries. The mission has confirmed, with its Moon Mineralogy Mapper, the magma ocean hypothesis that the moon was once completely molten. This was confirmed on 24 September 2009, when Science Magazine reported that Moon Mineralogy Mapper on Chandrayaan I has detected water on the moon. The mission Chandrayaan I was well received and appreciated by the world with many honours and awards (AIAA Space 2009 award by AIAA, International Cooperation Award by ILEWC). According to former ISRO Chairman Dr. G. Madhvan Nair, “The Indian Space Research Organization hopes to land two motorised rovers – one Russian and another Indian – on the Moon in 2013, as a part of its second Chandrayaan mission. The rover will be designed to move on the wheels on the lunar surface, pick up samples of soil or rocks, do on-site chemical analysis and send the data to the mother-spacecraft Chandrayaan II, which will be orbiting above. Chandrayaan II will transmit the data to Earth.”

As India is taking giant steps in growth of space sector, it is also very much important to strengthen the base of the technological advancements, i.e. strengthening R&D work through empowering education in Space Sector. There are a few institutions like Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and State Universities, who are providing degree course(s) in Aerospace with specialization in propulsion, designing, structure and systems engineering. Recently, in 2007, Department of Space (Govt. of India) has started a specific educational initiative through inaugurating Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology - IIST, (Deemed to be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956). IIST is Asia’s first ever Space Institute and the first in the world to offer the complete range of undergraduate, post graduate, doctoral programmes with specific focus to space science, technology and applications.

Today, with making constant growth, India also actively requires to build an innovative space technology system which features the integration of the industry, academia and the research communities. Such integrated system helps to prepare the guidelines to empower research communities and academia as per the requirement of the industry. At private sector, there is a big gap between the needs of the industry and the education providing to the students. Present education system provides knowledge on the basic aspects – which are obviously important, but at the same time, the present education system requires to be updated. Due to lack of a centralized National Space Policy plan, there are few loopholes in the system which creates this gap between the education system and the industry in Space Sector. With a limited number of institutions, providing education in space technology and science, the eagerness of young intellectual minds to know more about space and explore their vision has become very limited, being ignorant of various space applications in daily usage in our life. The global scenario outside India in Space Education is updated regularly and keeps direct link with the industry for better performances. Likewise IIST – which is providing specialized education in space technology, there should be many institutions across the country that can provide specialized education not only in space science & technology, but also related to life science and space law. For upcoming era of human space endeavours, it is very much essential to conduct grass-root studies of human habitation and various effects of gravity variation on living beings. The developed countries have allocated specific budget for such experimental studies in their countries. Being aware of the current priorities of our developing country, it is not possible to spend large amount after such experiments. Hence, it will be very attractive scenario for establishing institution offering educational studies related to life science in space sector. Similarly, to make efficient growth in space sector, it is required to utilize the bunch of young intellectual minds of our country; there is also a need to initiate a separate course on space law discussing policy related issues at regional basis and international basis.

In India, there are a large number of people, who cannot undergo ‘defined academic curriculum’ for enhancing their education in space sector, due to various reasons. Also, there is one more obstacle of the language. The highly technical language – which is being used at the institutional level, cannot be much more effective at local / regional level, where there are enthusiastic intellectuals wanted to know more.  For enhancing capacity building, various projects are required to be placed at regional level in terms of seminars, workshops, short courses…etc.

Aryavarta Space Organization (ASO) is registered as Non-Government Organization (India) and Civil Society Organization (International) with a mission to promote research, development and innovation in aerospace technologies, through effective transfer of knowledge and technology for the benefit of the people, in coordination with different domestic and international academic and industrial collaborations.

The activities carried out at ASO include working towards projects, research and its dissemination in organizations and institutions involved in the industry. The major operations are carried out at ASO are research in Science & Technology, Management & Policy Issues, Aeromedicine & Life Science, along with project management, business support, consultancy in aerospace industry and organization challenges and competitions and promotion of the advancement and dissemination of knowledge related to Aerospace Field.

ASO serves as a link between industry, government and academic sectors to promote activities related to research, development and innovation in aerospace studies and technologies, and the promotion of local and international cooperation as well. For empowering education, ASO also do promote the integration of strengths, capabilities and efforts of academy, industry and government sectors in order to ensure the development of space industry in India, ensuring education and capacity building through effective transfer of knowledge and technology, seeking opportunities to develop the industrial capacity in the region through local and international cooperation in order to allow Indian society to participate in global space networks, projects and education programs.

The preliminary objectives of ASO, for the joint ventures with academic partners Faculty of Geomatics & Space Applications, CEPT University (India) and Institute of Law, Nirma University (India) includes promotion of local and international cooperation in order to allow Indian society to participate in global space networks, projects and educational programs. To stimulate the interest of new generations to become involved in space activities, as a pilot phase of education empowerment and capacity building, ASO has launched couple of projects involving launching a short course on Space Law & Policy in near future with academic support of Institute of Law, Nirma University. This project will provide additional advantage to the people who are already into space science & technology to explore their vision with policy related issues in space sector, as well as create an opportunity for the enthusiastic persons to enhance their knowledge in space sector. ASO’s academic connections have created a new platform for the production and dissemination of new space-related educational material.

ASO is just a small initiative, however for giving a new shape to education in space sector and strengthening it, India does require many more industry – academic bonds, creating many opportunities satisfying the hunger of space enthusiastic persons and building the educational capacity, ultimately leading towards the efficient and constant growth of space sector of India.

- Rushi GHADAWALA

  President, International Affairs

  Aryavarta Space Organization

  Contact: info@aryavartaspace.org

© Copyrights 2014, owned by Aryavarta Space Organization

Aryavarta Space Organization enters into Academic Partnership with Faculty of Space Applications and Geomatics, CEPT University

Aryavarta Space Organization (ASO) is proud to announce its partnership with Faculty of Geomatics and Space Applications, Center for Environmental Planning and Technology (FGSA, CEPT University).

A Memorandum of Collaboration between both the organizations – ASO and FGSA (CEPT University), aiming at the development of the academic and R&D sector of space industry has been signed on 20th August, 2011. Dr. Rushi Ghadawala (President, International Affairs, ASO) and Prof. Dr. Anjana Vyas (Dean, Faculty of Geomatics and Space Applications) have signed the MoU. Through this memorandum, both the parties by mutual desires establishing a relationship for the purpose of knowledge exchange in the field of Geomatics, Space Applications and Space Science & Technology.

By means of this Memorandum the parties express their intention to establish links for cooperation to promote social and academic development through the realization of combined activities in the fields of technological and scientific research in the field of Space Science Applications and Geomatics, development and innovation in accordance to the purposes. The parties express their intention to promote an effective technology and knowledge transfer through activities like capacity building, education exchange, research, and promotion of projects, conferences, workshops, interchanges of technical and scientific information in accordance to the policies of each party.

ASO is officially registered in India as a Non-Government Organization and Civil Society Organization at United Nations (NGO Branch), with an aim to carry out research in the space sector. The activities carried out at ASO include working towards projects, research and its dissemination in organizations and institutions involved in the industry in the sectors of Aerospace Science & Technology, Aerospace Management & Policy Issues and Aerospace Medicine & Life Science. ASO, with its international operations in UK and USA, also has permanent collaboration programs with other space organizations in several countries around the world.

The Faculty of Geomatics and Space Applications, one of the faculties of CEPT University, which provides post-graduate programs in the field related to Geomatics and Space Applications and carrying out the research studies in the similar area.

This alliance of ASO and FGSA (CEPT University), agreed on a mutually advantageous collaboration regarding facilitating the development and expansion of the research activities through academic and scientific-technological cooperation. This alliance has taken shape with the purpose to establish terms and conditions to perform cooperation activities through the development and implementation of research projects, capacity building programs, interchange of experiences and personnel in the fields of academy, research and development. This will provide an excellent opportunity to create a platform of new opportunities in India, exploring the field of Space Science & Applications.

The following are among the major activities intended to carry out by ASO-FGSA (CEPT University) alliance:

1. Promote, exchange of research scholars for the purpose of the study whereby the number of participating researchers / students and scientists / faculty members from both the parties will be according to the terms and conditions as per the respective projects.
2. Promote joint research activities at both the institutions for the exchange of knowledge.
3. Promotion and exchange of researchers / students and scientists / faculty members to carry out research, to deliver lectures and to conduct seminars on the basis of criteria determined by both the parties mutually.
4. Promote conductive collaborative summer schools and workshops on relevant themes.

ASO and FGSA, CEPT University alliance will benefit from increasing its global cooperation, supporting the realisation of joint projects, promoting their researches in the interest of contributing for the development of India.

Rushi Ghadawala

President, International Affairs

Aryavarta Space Organization

Published by,

The Secretariat

Aryavarta Space Organization

Email: (1) info@aryavartaspace.org,

(2) info.aryavarta@gmail.com

Website: www.aryavartaspace.org

What does the Independence Day mean to you?

Dear Friends,

Today, I am sharing my views and feelings on our upcoming 65th Independence Day of Republic of India. On this day, we generally witness a very energetic and vibrant celebration across the nation. We express our great concern from the bottom of our hearts for our beloved motherland to be more shining and strong emerging nation on the global platform.

Likewise you all, I am also the person having the same concern for the growth of our developing nation – India. I also celebrate all the national festivals along with regional festivals with the same spirit and enthusiasm. On this occasion of our 65th Independence Day celebration, a question raised in my mind: WHAT DOES THE INDEPENDENCE DAY MEAN TO US? This question is having different answers from the different people representing different societies and fields. A small child will answer with a cheerful smile on wearing on the face, “Independence day is the holiday in the school and freedom from the homework”. A businessman will answer, “A routine day”. An entrepreneur, involved in restaurant or entertainment will answer, “Sorry boss, it’s a busy day for us to earn money”. An employee will answer, “Our day to enjoy the sleep till late morning, relax with the family and get rid of boss’ orders”. A politician will answer, “It is the day to host the National flag, deliver speeches representing the development of the state / nation”. A government personal will answer, “A day to attend various ceremonial functions and chilling out”. A soldier will proudly answer, “A festival day to be dedicated to the motherland”. A writer will answer, “A day to write up motivational / eye-opener write ups and generate the awareness”. A poet will answer, “A day to pay homage in poetic manner”. An artist will answer by its energetic power packed motivational performance…etc. Thus, this question has different answers and we’ll find these variations based on the individual perception. But, what does the Independence Day mean in real sense?

Today, we are against the system and protest against the governance. We get united to make our system corruption free, smooth, transparent and independent. Agreed, but it is not only our right to get the clean system, it is also our responsibility to maintain it clean with our unity as well. It is really wonderful thing to see our unity during various occasions like cricket match, festivals, national ceremonies, protest against the system…etc. We do demonstrate our serious concern for the nation in various ways. In fact, even to FIGHT against the system also, we are united!

But, also it is painful that this unity is like a balloon of gas, when the gas is released from the balloon, the balloon lands in the rubbish and to keep the balloon in the air, the continuous pumping of gas is required! Once our enthusiasm is diluted in our routine life, sometimes I wonder that what we are doing, where we are going? We fight with each other, abuse our countrymen, our own system which we – ourselves has generated.

The most surprising question is where this unity and enthusiasm goes after couple of days? What if we will be successful to change the system and get the new one which we demand? In very short time, it will also be “unwanted system” for us and again we will get united to protest… and this will go on endlessly being repeated in a loop, like round and round without full stop. If we are really concern about our nation, if we really want to make the change, we need to be the change first; we need to change our minds. Whatever we do, wherever we are, however we live – if we will be pure, transparent and honest in our service with our dedicative efforts in our life, the entire loop mentioned above will come to an end and we will get the freedom in the real sense, which will make our country really shining.

You might feel that I have written one more article like other writers on this occasion…etc. Well, to be honest, I am NOT a writer, neither a public speaker nor any leader. I am just a common man, likewise you all, from you only. By profession, I am a space scientist involved in space research, running a private (non-government) space research organization ‘Aryavarta Space Organization – ASO’ which is an international non-government organization established to promote the advancement and dissemination of knowledge relating to the Science, Medicine and Technology of Aerospace Sector. I am also giving honorary service in Civil Defence (Ministry of Home Affairs) at Gujarat State (India) as Divisional Warden.

I have just shared my view points with you all with a hope that we will celebrate the INDEPENDENCE DAY together and enjoy the REAL FREEDOM.

Sincere thanks with greetings on the 65th Independence day of Republic of India.

Jai Hind.

- Rushi GHADAWALA

Remote Sensing for Agriculture

GNSS Reflectrometry (GNSS-R) has been already demonstrated in low earth orbit to measure sea surface heights. There is increasing interest in GNSS-R also for land surface applications.Potential land surface applications are soil moisture measurement, vegetation growth, image mapping. Since the GNSS transmitters are active continuously, suitable receivers could measure with much improved temporal sampling compared with existing low Earth orbit Earth observation satellites which only allow repeat viewing every few days at best. GNSS-R has several other advantages, but also brings the challenge of making good quality measurements despite the very low signal strength.

Remotely sensed images can be used to identify vegetation damages such as insect damage, weed damage, nutrient deficiency…etc., and plant populations via electromagnetic spectrum. Data from remote sensing information can be used as base maps in variable applications of fertilizers and pesticides. It allows farmers to treat only affected areas of a field. Problems within a field may be identified remotely before they can be visually identified on a wider scale. Ranchers use remote sensing to identify prime grazing areas, overgrazed areas or areas of weed infestations. Lending institutions use remote sensing data to evaluate the relative values of land by comparing archived images with those of surrounding fields.

The wavelengths used in most agricultural remote sensing applications cover only a small region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The green colour associated with plant vigor has a wavelength that centers near 5 micrometers on the spectrum band. The visible and infrared regions are widely used in agricultural remote sensing.

When electromagnetic energy from the sun strikes plants, depending upon the wavelength of the energy and characteristics of individual plants, the energy will be either reflected, absorbed, or transmitted. Reflected energy which bounces off leaves and is identified by human eyes as the green colour of plants as the chlorophyll in the leaves absorbs much of the energy in the visible wavelengths and the green colour is reflected. Sunlight that is not reflected or absorbed is transmitted through the leaves to the ground. Interactions between reflected, absorbed, and transmitted energy can be detected by remote sensing. The differences in leaf colours, textures, shapes or even how the leaves are attached to plants, determine how much energy will be reflected, absorbed or transmitted. The relationship between reflected, absorbed and transmitted energy is used to determine spectral signatures of individual plants. Spectral signatures are unique to plant species. Remote sensing is used to identify stressed areas in fields by first establishing the spectral signatures of healthy plants. The spectral signatures of stressed plants appear altered from those of healthy plants.

How it works?

(Source: NDSU, 2004)

The sun (A) emits electromagnetic energy (B) to plants (C). A portion of the electromagnetic energy is transmitted through the leaves. The sensor on the satellite detects the reflected energy (D). The data is then transmitted to the ground station (E). The data is analysed (F) and displayed on field maps (G).

Compiled by,

R. Ghadawala

Evaluation of Revolution

Recently, I witnessed something really common but strange thing. One man was standing in the front of an idol and was complaining the almighty about his bad times. I found it funny, NO OFFENCE but when something good happens to us or we get something according to our expectations, we consider it as the reward of our own sincere hard work and dedicated efforts. Agreed, we must appreciate. But, when we receive the reward opposite to our expectations or receive something in life which we don't want, we blame on the God that despite of our sincere work, the almighty has rewarded us with the worst. We will not take a single moment to blame the God for our present situation though we know that we are the only reason for such reward!

The reason to mention this is not to hurt anyone's sentiment or feelings. The actual reason behind is to emphasis on the fact that WE ARE ESCAPING from taking the responsibility for our own actions and so as the reactions. Why we keep on escaping from our responsibilities, where as we raise ourselves to fight for our rights? Today, just because of a single spark, we will get united for revolution. It is really good sign for positive development. In recent past, we just knew one thing that WE ARE INDIANS and WE ARE A FAMILY. It is indeed the best thing ever for any developing nation that her countrymen are united for the growth. But, it pains when this unity got divided when the time comes to take the responsibility. For example, if we raise ourselves to stop the corruption, we also need to realize that the cancer of the corruption wouldn’t have been spread without our support. We encouraged it directly or indirectly, whether it may be in the terms to escape from traffic penalty or to finish our work quickly. Directly or indirectly, we have encouraged it and so it has become a tradition now. So, if we want to cure this cancer, we have to get ourselves clean first of all. It doesn’t mean that all are the same, but majority of us is not clean. Sorry to say, but it is fact!

This is just an example, there are many more issues. If we want our rights, we also need to give our input which is our responsibility. One can feed you at the most, but we are the one who need to digest it! Let’s stop the blame game and concentrate on our duties and responsibilities.

If we can be united for the occasions like cricket match celebrations, fight against corruption, let’s also be united to take the lead to give our best inputs and take the responsibility. If we give our 100%, we will be getting the reward of our actions which we want and if we’ll get the results according to our expectations, there will not be any more complain and if there will not be any more complain, we all will live very happily. This will ultimately lead to the real growth of the developing country and our dreams will be fulfilled. The nation – our beloved motherland, will stand on her foundation belief of considering the world as a family. So let’s stop talking and start acting accordingly please.

Remember, if Revolution is the reward, we also need to evaluate our own actions in order to get the expected revolution otherwise we'll landing into the worst side of it!

Thank you.

- R. Ghadawala

An open letter to all my friends...

Dear Friends,

I have started my journey of life a few years back. Rather than following on the prepared way with the facilities and resources, I prefered to use my own potential, knowledge and skills to create my own way leading to achieve the goal in my life.

As we all know that every new beginning requires hard work and lots of efforts, which also comes with a few obstacles. I have been really fortunate that I have received support from all of you at each stage in my life till now and am sure that I will be under the shower of your blessings, support and wishes throughout my journey with the help of which I will surely reach my goal. From the bottom of my heart, I am really grateful to all of you.

Everything has a ‘price tag’, and likewise, during my journey, as I have started embarking on a few exploratory activities yielding very encouraging results, I have also started receiving a few obstacles in the way, trying to divert my focus from the goal. Well, I took this as an opportunity to develop my skills and ability to deal with the situation and with all your support, I am overcoming the obstacles. I have no complain about the obstacles in my way. On a polite note, I would like to mention here that earlier also the questions have been asked to prove my identity and I have been pushed to reply them, which I did. But, that doesn’t mean I will be entertaining all the questions at the cost of my self respect. I have enough productive things to do, rather than wasting my time in proving my identity to the persons who are NOT authorized or to whom one is answerable.

I am sorry for the harsh words, but after answering all the questions many times by a few “unauthorized” persons, I have wasted enough time of my life. I cannot afford to lose such prestigious time and in the way, my focus in the life. I have provided enough evidences and now am not going to repeat the same to one and all. I strongly believe, “People who trust you, don’t require any proof or evidence and people who don’t trust you, don’t deserved any proof or evidence” . Hence, with a humble request along with apology for my words that please allow me not to lose my focus from my goal and help me to concentrate to put my dedicative sincere efforts to reach the goal.

I am really happy and appreciate by heart, your gentle support and wishes. I value your cooperation and positive anticipation in giving shape to my life and putting it into a well polished shape. Without your support, it will be difficult for me to devote myself for the country and hence for the humanity.

Thank you all for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Rushi Ghadawala

We - The Indians

India is a world in herself – geographically distinct, culturally varied, an ancient civilization that has over the years interacted with virtually all the world’s races, creeds and ideologies, yet has preserved the unique flavour which underpins and unites the diversity that is India.

We have always accepted and welcomed the people, with their own traditions, from all over the world supporting our belief that the world is one – but a family! With the coordination of different cultures and traditions, we have created and developed our own little space in each sector, whether it may be Entertainment, Commercial or Science & Technology, Medicine.

Each coin has two sides, likewise, the rain and the rainbow also come with dark clouds. If we appreciate the dark clouds, we will be able to enjoy the bright sun following them and ultimately the rainbow colors. If we can accept the appreciation on our success, why can’t we accept the critisism, especially when we fail to succeed? In fact, it will provide us an excellent opportunity to imporve our efforts and make our input more accurate to bring the ultimate success.

On one hand, WE TALK about global citizenship, our rich treasure of tradition and culture, our thoughts, our ethics…etc and on the another hand, WE DO abuse our own system and our own people. There is a big gap between our thoughts and our action. Agreed, criticism is required but we must not develop one sided vision. Let us remember that our motherland – India, is an emerging nation. We have our different priorities at present. We are overcoming the obstacles and limitations with slow but steady progress. We want everything instant and in the way we want, including the growth of the nation. We expect the nation to do something for us, in the way we want! But, we also need to remember that to do so, the nation requires our inputs and our support.

We do have the people in between us, who have brought the glory to the nation on international platform with their valuable inputs and service. In the present world, India is a set example in every sector at global scenario for the growth. But it is sad to note that we remember our duties to pay tribute to our fellow citizens and our motherland only during certain occasions. After the occasion is over, our love, care and concern also conclude with it. We take pride on our National Flag but after all national festivals, majority of the national flags are found in garbage or dustbins. If we really believe in our ethics and tradition and culture, let’s educate atleast one child, let’s provide a shelter to the needyones, let’s ignite the lamp of joy and love in someone’s heart…. The least we can do is, let’s do our best in our own inputs, which will result into our service to the nation. If we cannot do any of this, atleast let’s not abuse others.

We must not forget that we have so many things to look on, our constant growth is an excellent example for any country. Let’s concentrate on the brighter side and put our valuable inputs for the better outputs which we all want.

- R. Ghadawala