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ISRO plans internet connectivity to remotest villages
BANGALORE: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has ambitious plans to provide internet connectivity to the remotest Indian villages. ISRO is looking at a possible association with BSNL in this mission.
Addressing a function to launch BSNL’s ‘Data One’ broadband services in Bangalore, ISRO chairman and Secretary, Department of Space G Madhavan said the organisation has plans to join hands with BSNL to spread the latest telecom technologies to remote rural areas.
“Almost 75 per cent of the population living in the rural areas is deprived of good telecom connectivity. ISRO’s space technology and BSNL’s ground linkage would be used together to change this scenario,” he said.
Declaring that connectivity to inaccessible areas could be provided only by satellites, which could be, networked in a local are through wireless, Madhavan said that internet bandwidth could be beamed through ISRO’s communication satellites and transmitted through a wireless network within remote villages.
“Satellite communication connectivity would be far cheaper than laying of optic fiber cables through mountains and unreachable places,” he said.
This along with the announcement made by the Union IT and Telecommunications minister Dayanithi Maran on the possibility of launching a sub-Rs.10, 000 computer by June 2005, during his address on the occasion of BSNL ‘Data One’ launch in Chennai indicates the government’s intentions to make computers and the internet more affordable and popular.
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.
