PM’s gift to Saarc will take flight on Friday
In a significant boost to regional cooperation between Saarc members, India will launch the South Asia Satellite on May 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday.
The new satellite, weighing a massive 2,230 kg will have transponders for every Saarc nations. Pakistan has already opted out saying it didn’t want any “gift” from India. “We have always attempted to move ahead with the concept of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas,” Modi said, hailing it as India’s “priceless gift” for its neighbours. The PM used the slogan sabka saath, sabka vikas— extensively applied by Indian governments to underline the inclusive economy—as he maintained that “it is not limited to the confines of India. It applies to the global context too. And very specially to our neighbouring countries.” Hoping that neighbours will develop equally, Modi said “there are many projects under way”. The satellite, which took three years in making, is expected to help several critical areas in south Asia’s economic development.
From natural resources mapping to the field of tele medicine, education and IT connectivity, the Centre expects it to foster communications.
The satellite GSAT-9 will be launched using the Isro’s heavy rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09). In his speech, Modi also wanted millions of Indian youth to come out of their comfort zones and try new places, new experiences and new skills.
Addressing his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat on Sunday, he asked if during summer vacations, students would like to travel in a second class train compartment, play with poor children and teach them about their experiences. “I am sometimes worried that much of our younger generation prefers leading life in their comfort zones. There are other extremes also but most are brought up in this comfort zone syndrome,” Modi observed.
“The experiment must be positive and a little out of your comfort zone. We all belong to the middle class and happy comfortable families. Friends have you ever thought of travelling in a second class railway compartment without a reservation, and going for at least a 24 hours ride?” the PM asked.