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Arianespace CEO stresses importance of govt in the development of the space industry
MUMBAI: This year’s International Astronautical Congress event took place from 17-21 October 2005 in Japan.
A paper on the service introduction of Arianespace’s Ariane 5 ECA heavy-lift launcher was included in the technical session. The paper, presented by Arianespace’s Laurent Jourdainne, also covered the upcoming phase-in of the Soyuz and Vega launchers at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, which – together with Ariane 5 – will offer a family of vehicles capable of carrying “any payload to any orbit, any time.”
A reception hosted by Arianespace drew customers, partners, industry colleagues and government space agency managers. In a welcome speech to the invited guests, Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gal underscored the importance of government agencies in the space industry’s development.
“The worlds’ space industry was created by governments for government purposes, and commercial space was introduced with two ideas in mind: make government programs more efficient, and allow space technology to trickle down to improve peoples’ daily lives,” he said.
Le Gall pointed out that despite the industry’s fondness for new ideas and commercial initiatives, the current commercial satellite market slump is a reminder that companies must remain humble and improve their existing skills, all while increasing the flexibility of their service to governments and agencies.
Le Gall concluded by saying, “Arianespace has been doing just that. We are improving and streamlining our processes for all of the world’s markets. We have established international cooperation to improve the efficiency of our service, and we have come here to Fukuoka to better listed to what you say. We are listening, more than ever, to what governments and space agencies tell us about their needs, in order to satisfy them the best we can.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
