BANGALORE/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amidst the ongoing space war unleashed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Radhakrishnan and his predecessor Madhavan Nair, another Nair has come out expressing his strong views.
On Monday, C G Krishnadas Nair, president of the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries (SIATI), expressed shock over the penalisation of Madhavan Nair, Sridhara Murthy and other ISRO stalwarts. Speaking to the Express, C G K Nair said the move was demoralising for Indian scientific and technical community.
“It is very sad if such decisions are taken without a fair probe and a fair chance to the scientists concerned. In today’s world can any one be punished without giving a proper hearing?” C G K Nair, who was also the former chairman of the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, asked.
Adding that India should not forget the contributions of Madhavan Nair and his team so fast, C G K Nair said the nation owed a lot to the former ISRO chairman.
“The growth of space science technology and associated applications in the last one decade has been substantial, thanks to Madhavan Nair’s role. He is a household name and a popular figure among schoolchildren. He got India a place of pride on the world map. That is why India honoured him with a Padma Vibhushan,” C G K Nair, who was also the MD of Kochi Airport, said.
He said from his long-stint in the field of aerospace and Defence, no chairman alone would take decisions.
“All corporate decisions are taken by the Board. All the Board members will have to share the responsibility. I am happy to hear that the government will hear these scientists now, but it could have been fair and appropriate before imposing the ban,” he said.
He hoped that the matter would be settled at the earliest.
Chandy’s Comfort Call
While Madhavan Nair’s support is growing by the day, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy also backed the son of the soil. Madhavan told the Express that the CM had telephoned him on Monday and extended support that befits the case.
“It was nice of him to have rang me up and stand by me during this hour of man-made crisis,” he said. The Express has been informed by aides close to the CM that he is mulling over various options to bail out Madhavan from the current mess.