1. Was the launch of Prithvi smooth? What was the response of the west to launch of Prithvi?
The surface to surface weapon system became Prithvi(Earth). Col.V.J.Sundaram was selected as leader for Prithvi, who belonged to the EME corps of the Indian Army.
He had an extraordinary capability to evaluate alternative ways of operation. He would suggest moving forward in new terrains
In 1988, work on Prithvi was completed. They setup special facilities at SHAR for the launch of Prithvi. They are launch pad, Black house, Control consoles and mobile telemetry stations. Kalam worked with the director of SHAR, MR Kurup.
Prithvi was launched on 25 February 1988. It was an epoch-making event in the history of rocketry in the country.
The launch Prithvi sent shock waves across the neighboring countries the response of the west shock and anger. A seven-nation technology embargo was clamped. The emergence of India as a self-reliant country in the field of guide missiles upset all the developed nations of the world.
2.What were the set backs in the successful launch of Agni?
Kalam’s long cherished dream of REX, gave the name Agni [Fire].
R.N.Agrawal, an alumnus of MIT, with brilliant academic record, selected as a leader of Agni.
Agni had more than 500 scientists and may organizations.
The launch had been scheduled for 20April 1989. Unlike space launch vehicles, a missile launch involves wide-ranging safety hazards.
All activists preparing to the launch went according to the schedule. They decided to move the people from nearby village’s to safety areas. This led to media controversies.
Besides, foreign pressure was exerted to abandon the flight trial.
They were at T-14 seconds when the computer warned that one of the instruments was functioning erratically. That was rectified immediately. After sometime down-range station asked for a ‘hold’, another few seconds, multiple holds were necessitated. They had to abort the launch.
After a detailed analysis it was decided that the missile was ready for launch on 1st may 1989. But due to technical problems it was postponed.
Kalam spoke to the DRDL-RCI community, at a gathering of more than 2000 people. He promised to the gathering that they will be back after successful launching of Agni before the end of the May 1989.
It was amazing to know that hundreds of scientists and staff worked continuously and completed the system readiness with acceptance tests in just 10 days. This time, it was the weather that posed as obstacle. There was a cyclone threat.
Finally, the launch was scheduled for 22nd May 1989. The Defence Minister KC Pant asked Kalam that how would he like to celebrate Agni’s success. Kalam replied that “We need 1 00000 saplings of plants at RCI”.
3. What was the mood in India during the Gulf War of 1991? How did the successful testing of the missiles assuage the situation?
On 23rd may Agni took off at 0710 hours it was a perfect launch. The missile followed textbook trajectory. All flight parameters were met. They had achieved success after five years of continuous work. They had survived pressure from everywhere to stop the programme. And it was a great success at last.
India celebrated the nation’s forty-fourth Independence Day with the test firing of Akash. This was an important step in ground based air defence.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi called the Agni a major achievement in our efforts to safeguard our Independence and security is self-reliant means.
President R.Venkataraman saw in the Agni success, the fulfillment of his dream. He congratulated Kalam and said that it was a tribute to his dedication, hardwork and talent.
In today’s world technological backward means a threat to our freedom and it was impossible to compromise on security and integrity of our nation.
The launch of Nag and Agni took us in an area of competence where there was little competition.
The year 1991, 15th January, the Gulf War broken out between Iraq and Allied forces led by the USA. India had satellites by that time, the rockets and missiles were captured by television. People started discussing about scud and patriots. People often wondered if the Prithvi and Agni were equal to scud and patriots. When Kalam said that ‘Yes’ their faces would light up with pride and satisfaction.
Iraq was fighting with by and large vintage weapons of sixties and seventies the worked was now exercising superiority through technology. If you deprive opponent of the latest technology then you can dictate your terms. Electronic warfare and not guerrilla combat had come to dominate politics of war in the 21st century.
5. why, according to the author, should the culture of working for material possessions be discarded?
In 1991, Kalam decided to write his memories. He wanted to express his observations and opinions on certain issues.
The biggest problems, today’s youth faced is the lack of clarity of vision, a lack of direction. It was then that Kalam decided to write about his life. He did not want the poor or underprivileged to feel disheartened. Problems are a part of life suffering is the essence of success.
He quotes saying:
God has not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our life through
God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy with sorrow
Peace without pain
But God had promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labour
Light for the way
He wanted his life to be a model for any child who is living in an obscure place, who is underprivileged. It could perhaps help any child liberate themselves from the bondage of their backwardness and hopelessness. They should be aware that God is with them and nothing can go against them. He had come across many people and organizations, which he had to deal with who were so full of limitation that they could not prove their worth.
Technology is a group activity. It is based on interacting intelligence of many. The biggest success of IGMDP is what a few superb teams of scientists and engineers created. He pins down his success to a team of young people who created and put their heart and soul to the creation.
No comments:
Post a Comment