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

Each coin has two sides !!

One afternoon in summer, I was passing through a construction area where I have seen a couple sitting under a tree opposite to a building site where they were working. I thought to go and ask them if they are hungry and would like to eat something, I was deeply touched by their reply. The husband replied, "We are working in this building along with other family members and friends. As my wife is having fever, I am sitting besides her for some time. We are simply waiting for our other friends who also must be hungry as we are working since last night continuously." I asked them if they can come with me and have some food from the nearest food shop. The couple gently replied, "Sir, thank you for the offer. though we are labours, but we do not eat alone... we all eat together. Don't worry, once our friends will finish their work, we all will cook something and eat together."

I left silently with highly impressed and deeply touched by their "rich thoughts".

***

One evening, I was attending a function, where I met a well known businessman. He has expanded his business from local to multinational and his annual turn over was in millions. He offered me seat on his table to introduce me with his family. This young businessman's wife was also coming from a highly learned and rich family. The young businessman completed management studies from Harvard University and his wife was a Cambridge scholar. I was discussing something with both of them and suddenly, their 7 yrs old son came. He asked for a spoon of ice-cream from his mother's bowl. Her mother replied to him, "You have finished yours... This is mine, if you want, go and get one from the counter on your own."

Again, I left silently with deep pain, leaving a comment behind: Each coin has two sides !!

- R. Ghadawala

India enters into private space sector on international platform

Aryavarta Space Organization (ASO) is proud to announce its industrial partnership with Central American Association of Space and Aeronautics (ACAE – ASOCIACIÓN CENTROAMERICANA DE AERONÁUTICA Y DEL ESPACIO).

A Memorandum of Collaboration between both the organizations – ASO and ACAE, aiming at the development of the commercial and R&D sector of space industry has been signed on January 25, 2011. By means of this Memorandum, the parties express their intent to establish links for cooperation for the benefit of their organizations. Both organizations also aim to promote social development through the realization of combined activities in the fields of technological and scientific research, 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, consultancy activities, research, promotion of industrial projects, conferences, workshops, interchange of technical and scientific information in accordance to the policies of each party.

ASO is officially registered in India as a Non-Government Organization (NGO) 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 sectors of Aerospace Technology, Science and Medicine. ASO, with its international operations in UK and USA, also has permanent collaboration programs with other non-profit and non-government organizations around the world.

ACAE is officially registered in Guatemala (Central America) as a private non-profit organization, created to promote cultural, social, educative and humanitarian activities, whose purpose is to promote scientific, technological and cultural studies. They also delve in analysis, research and development with projection to all areas of human life. ACAE works together with other Central American organizations to promote studies and development of space and aeronautical technologies. ACAE also holds relationships with other regional entities in America and across the world, looking to establish more collaborative agreements.

This international alliance of ASO and ACAE is established on a mutually advantageous collaboration regarding facilitating the development and expansion of the entrepreneurial and/or research activities through commercial and scientific- technological cooperation. This will provide an excellent avenue for creating a platform of new opportunities for space related scientific developments.

The following are among the major activities intended to be carried out by ASO and ACAE together which will benefit from its global cooperation:

1. Research, development and innovation of science and technology in general;

2. To cooperate for the promotion of activities related with science, technology, education, culture and social development;

3. Mitigation planning of natural disasters, emergency attendance and management of natural resources using Space Application;

4. Research and capacity building in areas such as environment, weather, earth, ocean and space;

5. Research for the protection of human patrimony;

6. Promotion of activities related with health and food security;

7. Reduction of digital divide;

8. Capacity building in all areas of science, industry and technology, especially those related with, but not limited to, space, space right, astronomy and aeronautics - including their applications in space, the atmosphere, over and under the land and the ocean.

While ASO has been working towards development of new models and research in the field of space science and technology, this accord between ASO and ACAE is aimed at helping the world to explore and utilize the space sector for the betterment of humanity ASO dedicates this upcoming collaboration to the nation as a gift on republic day.

“We welcome The Central America Association for Aeronautics and Space, Guatemala (ACAE, Guatemala) as our new industrial partner. This is an excellent opportunity for both parties to develop a serious relationship for the two countries and work for humanity through sharing information and knowledge. This is the beginning of a new era in the private space sector and I am very pleased to announce this alliance. This is also a gift to the nation of India on its Republic Day anniversary. It is the time when the intellectual youth of India are stepping into space with international involvement.”

- Dr. Rushi Ghadawala

President, International Affairs,

Aryavarta Space Organization

"It gives me immense satisfaction to realize this opportunity to work with Central America Association for Aeronautics and Space, Guatemala. On this note, I would like to thank our partners for entrusting us with this opportunity and the entire Aryavarta Space Organization, the efforts of whom have resulted in this partnership. This is a very significant step and we hope to move forward towards our goal with the same zeal and passion to deliver excellence in the work we do."

- Mr. Poojan Chokshi

(Vice President, Aryavarta Space Organization)

“The signing of MoU between ASO and Central America Association for Aeronautics and Space is a giant step. This is a stepping stone for Indian companies to go out in the world and show their skills. This MoU is also a benchmark for Indians who have big dreams and will eventually achieve their goal in no time. This will inspire the youth of India to dream, think and put their thoughts into action.”

- Mr. Chiragkumar Tala

(Head, USA Operation, Aryavarta Space Organization)

Letter to God

Oh God,

Let us all have good health & wealth

We want from you mental peace & strength

Let us be given wisdom & happiness

So that we can remove distress & unhappiness

Let us all have your mercy & sympathy

We demand from you (for us) good character & efficiency

Let us be assisted with will power & energy

So that we can remove violence & misery

Let us all have your affection & blessings

We want to be worthy of your greetings

Let us be bestowed with courage & sancitity

So that we can fight against evils & poverty

Let us all have justice & freedom

We want you to give us clarity of mind & purity of heart

Let us be granted with activeness & nobility

So that we can fight against injustice & insincerity.