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Isro eyes niche satellite market
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MUMBAI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to foray into a niche market segment. It will create small satellites having six-capacity Ku-band transponders, aimed specifically at the developing countries. |
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ISRO will, thus, be able to tap customers who have need for limited capacity. “We want to find space in the niche market by creating small satellites with six Ku-band transponders. In many countries like Malaysia and Thailand, there is a demand for such satellites,” says Isro contract management and legal services director SB Iyer. ISRO is adding 36 Ku-band transponders between November-June 2005 with launch of three Insat series satellites – 4A, 4B and 4C for meeting the local demand particularly from direct-to-home operators.  |
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Beyond this, ISRO is planning to add a further 36 Ku-band transponders for 2006-2007. A part of this capacity augmentation will be through launch of the small satellites, says Iyer. The satellites will all be launched from India. So we will not have the situation where we have made the satellite ready and we will have to wait for the launch vehicle,” says Iyer. ISRO uses Arianespace to launch some of its satellites. Several foreign satellites are also keen to use ISRO’s launching facility as it is a cheaper option. “Foreign satellites are willing to come here to launch. An Italian and some Russian satellites have already expressed their intent. Our Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is very popular for low orbit and medium weight satellites. We are well placed in that,” says Iyer. |
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.
