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A mission to moon only few years away: Kasturirangan

NEW DELHI, June 23: A mission to the moon, India’s first foray into deep-space exploration since the space programme began in 1972, could be a reality in the next few years.

According to Dr Kasturirangan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Chairman of the Space Commission and Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Space, a special team was currently studying the feasibility of India sending its first mission to the moon.

In the next six months the team will work out details of launching such a mission, including its cost-effectiveness and the areas in which Indian scientists can significantly add to the mountain of knowledge that has already been collected about the moon, he said.

The information gathered by the team will form the basis of a project report that ISRO will submit to the Central Government for approval. The objective is to have an Indian Lunar Mission sent up by 2005.

"Given our current stage of development in the field of space technology, we are definitely capable of embarking upon a mission to the moon," Dr Kasturirangan said while delivering a talk on "the space programme-a vision for the future" here last evening.

We already have the the spacecraft needed. Now all we need to do is optimize its performance.

All that is required for accomplishment of the mission is some minor modifications to the PSLV.

However Dr Kasturirangan admits that before India undertakes such an ambitious mission, it needs to focus on developing planetary science as a separate discipline, so as to equip itself with a team of scientists conversant with the significance of such missions and the intricacies involved.

More importantly, India would have to set up a centre to train astronauts to withstand the tremendous strain in space.

The moon, 3,84,467 km from the earth, is still 10 times further than any distance that ISRO has attempted. Although the moon appears like a giant football in the sky, getting a spacecraft to rendezvous with it is likened to hitting a one rupee coin placed at a distance of 25 km with a bullet from a rifle.

The initial missions would include a series of spacecraft, equipped with several sophisticated cameras and measuring instruments, circling the moon for several years and conduct a series of experiments, he said.

Despite criticism that the mission’s primary purpose is to gain prestige among the world’s space powers, Dr Kasturirangan believes that the significance of the mission lies more in the scientific information gathered in the course of a study of the moon.

Though the first lunar mission was launched, by Soviet’s Luna 2 Spacecraft way back in 1959, Dr Kasturirangan feels that the moon, considered to be the most studied object in the solar system -given a series of missions by the US and the erstwhile USSR in the 50s and 60s- still remains largely unexplored.

Although it is claimed that 97 per cent of its surface has already been mapped, Dr Kasturirangan says,"most of the missions to the moon have till now explored only the equatorial (outer) region of the moon. However, the polar region of the moon, whose study is crucial to determining the presence of life on the moon or to look for possible sources of water on its south pole, remains largely unexplored."

India’s plans for a mission to the moon are in line with a major renewal of interest in lunar exploration in the mid-’90s. In 1998, the lunar prospector made the most tantalizing discovery that there is water-ice in some of the moon’s craters.

The discovery of presence on the moon’s surface of an abundance of helium 3, regarded as one of the cleanest fuels but found in sparse quantities on the earth, has also aroused interest in such missions. With technology being developed to harness the gas to generate power, the moon holds enormous potential for earthlings.

Scientifically too, the moon holds many unanswered mysteries. With no atmosphere and not much geological churning going on, the moon’s surface rocks are said to be 4.6 billion years old or around the age of the solar system. For researchers, it is akin to looking at the pristine state of the early universe through the lunar lens.

Among India’s future objectives pertaining to the lunar missions are: a stereoscopic high resolution imaging and an X-ray and gamma imaging of the moons crust, carried out in the first phase of the mission through a polar orbiter.

The Mission-II envisages sending a lunar lander for carrying out magnetic and seismic studies of the moon’s surface as well as conducting a chemical study of its south pole for searching traces of water and , possibly, life on the moon.

The Mission-III aims to study a core sample brought from the south pole by the earlier missions, besides conducting studies of the backside of the moon.

The plans to launch a lunar mission follows the successful launch earlier this year of the first developmental flight of India’s Geo Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), which has put the nation into the elite club of five other countries capable of launching their own satellites.

In fact with the launch of the GSLV , designed to carry and place 2000 to 2,500 kg satellites in geo-synchronous orbit, India’s proposed lunar mission is also expected to get a boost.

India already has the ability to launch small satellites of about 275 kg in a fly-by mission or even place a 140-kg satellite in an orbit around the moon to conduct scientific experiments and study the moon’s core.

The addition of the GSLV will provide the added thrust to the country’s potential of sending a lander or an orbiter to the moon.

As if to blunt criticism that in preparing a vision for the lunar mission, ISRO is deviating from its original vision of an application-driven approach for grass-root beneficiaries, Dr Kasturirangan said that post-GSLV, ISRO is also working on the development of advanced cartographic satellites, resource survey satellites as well as communication, broadcasting and advanced meteorological payloads to be flown on INSAT satellites.

All this will ensure that remote sensing in India touches almost all walks of life agriculture, water resources management, forestry and biodiversity, telemedicine via satellite, empowerment of grassroots through information dissemination and decision support, disaster management, urban planning and development preservation of natural heritage and the environment.

This is perhaps in line with the words of Dr. Vikram A. Sarabhai—fondly regarded as the father of the Indian Space Programme:"to play a meaningful role nationally or in the community of nations we shall be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society, which we find in our country." (UNI)

Audio of Dil Chahta Hai released
Aamir Khan will now regale audiences through humour.

MUMBAI, June 23: Having won the heart of the public through his brand of ‘patriotism mingled with cricket’ film star Aamir Khan will now regale audiences through a display of humour.

Fresh from the success of his maiden production, Lagaan, Aamir is back to his first love:acting.

Speaking at the music launch of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (DCH), in which he stars along with Akshay Khanna and Saif Ali Khan, Aamir dismissed any comparisons between DCH and ‘Lagaan’.

"If ‘Lagaan’ was a period film with a rural theme, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ is a total contrast with a modern outlook", he said at a function here last evening to release the music of the film, the teasers of which at various cinema halls in the country have aroused curiosity.

Aamir khan was the cynosure of all eyes at the music release of "Dil Chahta Hai", the debut film of 27-year-old Director Farhaan Akhtar, son of Renowned Lyricist Javed Akhtar and Script Writer Honey Irani.

Led by presenters Javed Akhtar and Chandan Sidhwani under the banner of Excel Entertainment, the entire unit of "Dil Chahta Hai" including Aamir, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta, Sonali Kulkarni, Music Composers Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy were present.

Farhaan described "Dil Chahta Hai" as a film with a sensitive and humorous script. "It is a story about individuality, revolving around three friends". He said Shankar,Loy and Ehsaan have composed melodious music and the lyrics come from his father Javed Akhtar. The music is being marketed and distributed by T-Series.

The music album was released by Farhaan’s mother Honey Irani. Speaking at the release function, Javed Akhtar said he had never been short of words ever before.

"Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy have the courage to experiment and the desire to explore uncharted areas of music and Dil Chahta Hai has turned out to be an interesting album".

Shankar, Loy and Ehsaan said the feel and music of the film is very "today". Composing the music has been a wonderful experience, they added.

Farhaan said, "it has been great working with the talented music team. I wanted the best possible people to deliver the kind of music that I had in mind for the film and they have done just that. The trio has created music that perfectly compliments the mood of the film", he added.

The album is a mix of romantic songs, pop and dance tracks, with vocals rendered by Shankar, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Srinivas, Kay Kay and Sonu Nigam.

Other credits include story, screen play, dialogue by Farhaan Akhtar, Director of Photography Ravi K Chandran, editing by Shreekar Prasad, production design by Suzzane Caplan Merwanji, costume designs by Arjun Bhasin and sound track by Nakul Kamte. Farha khan has choreographed the dances and Avan contractor of ‘juice’ is behind the sensational new look of the stars, being shown in the teasers and promos.

Says Aamir about his latest project, "it is great working with a young team.

Saif Ali Khan described the film as "amazing" and said, "it would change the way we make movies"

Farhaan said, "Dil Chahta Hai" was a dream that Producer Ritesh Sidhwani and I had and now it had been given a voice. I hope soon it would be given a face too". Farhaan has assisted several film makers including Pankaj Parashar and also worked on several television commercials before coming out on his own as a film maker.

In fact, Farhaan met Akshaye during the latter’s debut in "Himalayputra", directed by Pankaj, who was being assisted by Farhaan at that time.

"Dil Chahta Hai" is due for release later this year. (UNI)

Centre to review issues arising out of ceasefire

NEW DELHI, June 23: Faced with stormy opposition to the ceasefire accord with the NSCN (I-M), particularly in Manipur, the Centre today said it would review the various issues arising out of the agreement and consider the demands raised jointly by the political parties of the state.

The assurance was given by Home Minister L K Advani during a three-hour meeting with political leaders of Manipur, convened by him at their request.

"The joint representation given by the political leaders from Manipur will be considered by the Central Government and the various issues arising out of the ceasefire will be reviewed," Advani said in a brief statement without taking any questions.

Advani said the "brief formulation", which he read out, was with "the agreement of all" participants in the meeting.

Describing the meeting as "extremely fruitful", Advani said the leaders from the state expressed their views in a "free and frank manner and also gave vent to their feelings". But all contributions were "invariably constructive".

Among the suggestions made by the political leaders were to hold interaction with student bodies, NGOs and political parties not represented in the State Assembly or Parliament. Almost all political parties, he said.

"As these were issues which not only affected just Manipur but all other northeastern states, the Centre has taken due note," he said.

Ministers of State for Home I D Swami and Vidyasagar Rao, Home Secretary Kamal Pande, Centre’s representative for Naga peace talks K Padmanabhaiah, Additional Secretary P D Shenoy and senior officials also attended the meeting.

Among those from the state were Union Minister of State for Food Processing Chaoba Singh, former Chief Ministers Radhabinod Koijam (Samata), Reishang Keishing (Congress) and R K Dorendra Singh (BJP), Assembly Speaker S Dhananjoy Singh, L Chandramani Singh (MSCP), O Joy Singh (MPP) and two MPs W Angou Singh and H Haokip.

Later, the Home Secretary told reporters that Advani had reassured the political leaders that under no circumstances would the geographical boundaries of Manipur or any other northeastern state be disturbed.

Advani, he said, had stressed the desirability of a "holistic approach" to the situation "as any conclusion would have repercussions in other neighbouring states apart from Manipur."

"There is urgent need to remove the misgivings in the minds of people and to assure them of the determination of the Government of not disturbing the geographical boundaries of the northeastern states," Pande said.

"Efforts will be made to have further dialogue through invitations to the agitating groups to discuss at Delhi as well as in Manipur. Commitment to the constitution, democracy and peace will not be diluted," he said.

The leaders were unanimous in demanding withdrawal of the clause "without territorial limits" from the ceasefire agreement the Centre had entered into with NSCN(I-M) in bangkok after parleys on June 13 and 14.

The MLAs had earlier met Manipur Governor Ved Marwah in Imphal on June 21 on the ceasefire issue. (PTI)

Meanwhile, a report from Imphal said some senior leaders "boycotted" the meeting. They included former Chief Minister and Manipur Federal Party chief W Nipamacha Singh, former minister Gangumei Kamei, NCP leader C Doungel, CPI state secretary Parijat Singh, CPI(M) leader Shyam Singh and BJP leader H Bhuban Singh.

BJP had yesterday suggested that the ceasefire agreement between Government and NSCN(I-M) be expanded to include a clause that territorial integrity of any northeastern state would not be affected.

Party in-charge of northeast Padmanabha Acharya also sought inclusion of social and political organisations in the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG). He suggested the two clauses be incorporated as part of a supplementary agreement to the main one concluded in Bangkok.

The elected representatives of Manipur have come under pressure from students bodies and NGOs, which have announced they would socially boycott the elected representatives for being "anti-people". (PTI)

Road map for third stage of Indian nuclear power prog

HYDERABAD, June 23: Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar has said a road map for the third stage of Indian Nuclear Power programmes was formulated recently to meet the medium and long-term goals.

Delivering the Prof.Y.Nayudamma memorial lecture here yesterday he said the salient features of the programme, conceived keeping in view the current international trends in nuclear technology, were Advanced Heavy Water Reactor,(AHWR) high temperature reactor- based power packs, accelerator driven fertile converters and Accelerator -Driven System (ADS) with fast reactor sub critical core together with a one way coupled thermal core blanket mainly fuelled by thorium, similar to that of the present AHWR.

Dr.Kakodkar said an advanced AHWR was already being developed at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). The innovative reactor would also incorporate several advanced features vital for the next generation system. A group of scientists and engineers were working to draw up an action plan to develop ads and the work on the development of accelerator in the tenth plan was expected to start soon.

He said to speed up nuclear power development along with the indigenous self-reliant three stage programme, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was planning to set up additional Light Water Reactors (LWR). Two 1000 mw LWR units would be set up at Koodankulam (Tamilnadu) in cooperation with the Russian federation, he added.

Dr.Kakodkar said as a long- term strategy, the DAE would indigenise LWR technology as was done in the case of PHWR technology. The detailed project report of the Koodankulam unit was almost final.

He said comprehensive capability in design and operation of associated plants, facilities (apart from reactors) covering the entire fuel cycle, starting from mining and milling of ore through fabrication of fuel and production of heavy water to reprocessing and management of waste, had been established.

The three- stage nuclear power programme necessitated adoption of a closed fuel cycle involving reprocessing of spent fuel and recycle of plutonium and uranium-233.

He said nuclear energy has the potential to meet the future needs of electricity demand, and the technology for nuclear power was well proven in the world and in our country. To effectively exploit the country’s modest reserves of natural uranium and the quite large reserves of thorium, the DAE had adopted a three-stage nuclear programme for sustainable development of nuclear power.

The present installed electric power generating capacity in the country was about one lakh mw and the assessment of demand at the national level indicated that in the near future, capacity addition at an average rate of about 10,000 mw per year would be necessary during the 12th plan period. Addition of such a magnitude of power generating capacity every year to meet the projected demand required that energy resources for electricity generation be spread over a wide range of energy resource base.

Dr.Kakodkar said the proposed new energy policy provided for expansion of nuclear power. Nuclear Energy Institute’s (NEI) ‘Vision-2020’ released last month had proposed addition of 50,000 mw of new nuclear capacity. Many initiatives were underway to develop designs for the next generation of reactors and a large number of countries were involved in this effort.

Referring to Radiation technology applications, he said atom, other than being an energy source, was also a source of radiation, which had wide applications. Along with the nuclear power programme, radiation technology applications had made considerable progress in the country. In addition to radioisotopes, radiation could also be produced by other devices such as accelerators. Research reactors at Trombay regularly produce a variety of radioisotopes and meet a major part of the country’s demand. In addition to research reactors, power reactors have been equipped to produce cobalt-60. While indigenous capability to design and construct research reactors was well established, good progress was also being made in the development of accelerators. Development of indigenous lasers for a variety of applications, had also been a successful programme.

Dr Kakodkar said Radiation Medicine Centre (RMC) of BARC in Mumbai had become the focus of growth of nuclear medicine in the country. Similarly, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), a fully autonomous aided institute of DAE, had come up with a comprehensive treatment for cancer and allied diseases.

Application of radiation to agriculture had also resulted in the release of 22 improved varieties of seeds.

Based on the research done in BARC and other research centres in the world, advantages of food preservation by irradiation had been clearly demonstrated and the government had cleared several items for radiation processing. Setting up of such plants was expected to reduce the percentage of food that was lost by various causes and provide a method for improving food hygiene and facilitate export.

A spice irradiator was already operating at Navi Mumbai to treat items requiring high dose. Poton irradiator at Lasalgaon, near Nasik, being set up by BARC to treat items requiring low doses, would be completed this year. Efforts were being made to encourage other agencies to set up such plants and expand the reach of this technology. (UNI)

Poet sings poignant tunes ahead of Vajpayee-Musharraf Summit

NEW DELHI, June 23: A poet caught in the web of hatred entangling Indo-Pak relations is singing poignant tunes ahead of the Vajpayee-Musharraf summit of next month.

Maine Khwaab Dekha Tha, Raushni Kaa, Khusboo Laa, Aur Meri Aankhon Mein, Dhul Urti Rahti Hae (I dreamt of light and fragrance, and my eyes keep getting filled with dust), says Aftab Hussain, the Pakistani poet who translated a collection of poems by Prime Minister Vajpayee Ab Jang Na Hone Denge (now we won’t let the war take place), an act which has forced him to stay in India, away from his home and loved ones.

He warns, Har Aadmi Ko Yeh Duniya Badal Ke Rakh Degi, Badal Saka Naa Agar Ab Bhi Aadmi Ye Duniya (this world will change every man, if man does not change it).

These lines of Aftab Hussain’s ghazal sum up the angst of the people on both the sides of the Indo-Pak border, underlining the foreboding of disaster that engulfs them.

Indians should not confuse the views of the Jamaat with those of the people of Pakistan, who have not let it occupy more than three seats in Parliament in the last 56 years. The secular people of Lahore protested the change of the name of Gangaram hospital and didn’t let it happen and the people of both the countries speak the same language, he says.

Hussain is afraid of the treatment the Military Government of Pakistan might give him on his return, who, he alleges, wanted to make him sign a statement against ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief and suspected that Mr. Sharief had assigned the task of translating Mr. Vajpayee’s poems to him.

However, his undying spirit can be gauged from his poem Maut Mujhe Bulati Hae (death calls me). Main Marnaa Chaahtaa Huu, Lekin Kutton Ke Haath Nahin, Main Shayar Hun Aur Chaahtaa Hun Ek Shaayar Kii Maut (I want to die, but not the death of a dog. I am a poet and want a poet’s end)

At an evening of poetry reading organised by the Sahitya Academy here yesterday, he spoke about the context of his poetry, his identity, besides a passionate reading of some pieces from the canvas of his artistry, to an enthralled audience. Mr Hussain told UNI, "the distinction between Hindi and Urdu is false—at least for the masses. The syntax of both the languages are the same and 90 per cent verbs are common, besides 60 per cent of the general vocabulary. Even in Pakistan, proverbs like ‘Naa Nau Man Tel, Naa Radha Naachegii’ (alluding to Lord Krishna’s companion), are in common usage."

He said it is the so-called "educated" people who insist on distinctions like these and recalled an instance when a Hindu rickshaw puller used the Urdu word "Waazib", a word with religious connotation and usage in Islam.

However, he said that for the sake of coinage of terminologies , the languages could be developed differently, getting persianized in Pakistan and sanskritized in India.

Language is not static, it doesn’t stop growing. But this is a different matter from the lingua franca which he believes is the same for both countries.

A range of emotions, including disillusionment, longing and nostalgia dominate his poems. His nostalgia is apparent in his poem Main Lahore Mein Rahtaa Hun (I live in Lahore).

Nahin, Main Lahore Mein Nahin Rahtaa Lahore Mujhmein Rahtaa Hae (no, I do not live in Lahore, Lahore lives in me).

The intensity of his convictions get reflected in the poem Wazuud Kaa Band Kamraa (the closed room of identity), which ends thus: Lekin Ab Mujhe Apnaa Aap Paane Se Apne Mein Kho Jaana Jaadaa Achaa Lagtaa Hae (but now I like dissolving in my identity more than achieving my self ).

Mr Hussain’s poetry reading session was a lot more than just a poetry reading session. The existence of his poems comes from a situation common to all the people of both the countries who are tired of alienation.

So, when an elderly member in the audience asked him to talk a more about Lahore, the conversation that ensued reminded one of that between two people of the same village who develop an instant intimacy by virtue of their common roots.

He himself seemed to be aware of this added responsibility. He made a conscious attempt to reveal the real nature of Pakistan by quoting various instances like the age old tradition of celebrating basant festival (a Hindu festival) in Lahore with great pomp and show.

People of Pakistan are perhaps not so happy to meet the (Muslim) people from Saudi Arabia and Indonesia as they are to meet their Punjabi friends from India. This is because they belong to the same culture, Mr Hussain said.

To a question, he said the special place of Lahore in his poems can be attributed to the fact that it is his hometown and also because of its secular and lively atmosphere.

All the major movements in Urdu have been initiated at Lahore, he said, adding that he found many similarities between Delhi and Lahore.

Mr Hussain, however, resented the lack of exchange between Indian and Pakistani writers. He was all praise for India, where, he said, even a Government body like the Sahitya Academy gives recognition to Pakistani writers.

Things are very different in Pakistan. There the state imposes many restrictions.

Mr Hussain was working as an Assistant Professor of Urdu Literature and Language at Post Graduate College Lahore and has also worked as a journalist for the Pakistani newspaper "Jung".

He has translated short stories and poems of many Indian writers in Urdu and plans to work on a collection of works by Pakistani feminist poets. He is the editor of Literary newspaper (fortnightly) Adbi Akhbaar . (UNI)

Thousands of devotees throng abode of Lord Jagannath

PURI (Orissa), June 23: Tens of thousands of devotees today thronged this holy city, the abode of Lord Jagannath, to witness the world famous annual car festival.

The three-km long grand road from the Lions’ Gate of the 12th century temple to Gundicha temple, known as "Bada Danda", was crammed with pilgrims and devotees.

"Haribol" and "Jai Jagannath" rented the air as the rituals for the nine-day sojourn of the presiding deities began this morning.

Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balavadra and their sister Devi Subhadra, the presiding deities of the Jagannath temple, would begin their journey to Gundicha temple on three gigantic, well decorated colorful chariots parked outside the temple.

The three deities were offered "Gopal Bhog"(breakfast) this morning after necessary ‘Nitis’ and rituals performed by the temple servitors. The presiding deities were then taken out from the Ratnavedi inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in a ceremonial ‘Pahandi Bije’(procession) to the chariots amid blowing of conch shells and beating of cymbals and drums.

The three chariots have distinct color combination and different names associated with the deities. While lord Balavadra will board the chariot known as ‘Taladhwaja’, Lord Jagannath will undertake the journey on ‘Nandighosa’ and Devi Subhadra on ‘Darpadalan’.

Both Nandighosa and Taladhwaja are more than 13 metres high, while Darpadalan is a little less.

Temple sources said the ‘nitis’ and other rituals were being performed as per the schedule, and the pulling of chariots would start by this afternoon after sweeping— popularly known as ‘Chhera Pahanra’— by erstwhile royal of Puri, Gajapati Dibya Singh Deb.

The authorities have made elaborate security arrangement for smooth conduct of the festival. About 4000 policemen, including 500 officers of various ranks, and six platoons of rapid action force, have been deployed in the holy city to maintain law and order.

The ceremony bagan under an overcast sky. (UNI)