NAGPUR: Padma Bhushan awardee, Dr K. Radhakrishnan was the Chief Guest at RSS Vijayadashmi Utsav that was held on October 12 in Nagpur.
“It is a privilege for me to be here on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashmi. And it is also a privilege for me to address this admirable audience on the threshold of a five-fold transformation (Panch Parivartan process). It was great to live a day in this virtuous ambience of self-discipline and selfless service at Smriti Mandir and pay homage to the founder of RSS, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar Ji. I also had the occasion to visit his house and the place of his birth. It is a combination of simplicity and greatness. It is a unique experience to witness the harmony of valour and determination,” said the Chief Guest and Padma Bhushan, Dr K Radhakrishnan, at the Sangh’s Vijayadashami Utsav in Nagpur on October 12 while addressing the gathering.
While speaking on Bharat’s achievements in space, he said, “In the early 1960s, India ventured into space activities, but with a difference. Bharat opted to be society-centric in its pursuit under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Dr Satish Dhawan, and Dr Brahm Prakash, great inspiring leaders. Pristine minds from across the country came together at ISRO to do rocket science. Stalwarts of the first generation laid the bedrock of space technology and applications in Bharat. Udupi Ramachandra Rao, APJ Abdul Kalam, and Prof. Yash Pal led our first major project. Bharat has gained prominence and deep engagement for using space technology for sustainable human well-being. When we contemplate the universe, it makes us realize that we are not alone. ISRO is now addressing the strategic imperatives of the country.”
He further added, “The older generation is mentoring the younger generation to build the Bharatiya Space Station by 2040. Space technology has touched every Bharatiya’s life, including farmers and fishermen, with significant socio-economic impact. Atmanirbharta or self-reliance has been our obsession from the past, not just an objective. Technology and scientific innovation are drivers of economic transformation, and Bharat has made remarkable progress in this. We need to work for self-reliance and new-age technology to ensure technological security.”
“Technologies and applied sciences are engines for economic growth. The confluence of big science and deep technologies is becoming increasingly relevant to solve the nation’s most formidable problems. Bharat has made significant progress in space and technology. However, in the evolving technology-centric world, we need rapid transformation from technology dependence to technology adequacy. The next decade will witness the 6th or possibly the 7th industrial revolution, and it is imperative that we reinvent ourselves in shorter periods to stay relevant. In the area of education, technology has made a big difference. Our education system is in a state of transition and moving in a positive direction. The National Education Policy 2020 will play a transformative role in this preparedness. As we transition, with an emphasis on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the recently enacted Anusandhan National Research Foundation will play an important role,” said Dr. Radhakrishnan.
While concluding his speech, he shared his life lessons and said, “Performing arts and imbibing spiritual heritage help me with value-centric personal decisions in life. For mindful leadership in the areas of space, science, and technology, music helps me remain an eternal student. When I was in class 6, I acted the role of Arjuna in the Gita Upadesh. I began appreciating the Bhagavad Gita from that time, and it has helped me in my life to maintain composure during tough times and to regenerate myself. Noble traits in a composed person, as highlighted in the 16th Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita – Fearlessness, Sacrifice, Uprightness, Self-study, etc., help us inculcate divine values. The Bhagavad Gita concludes with an observation of Sanjaya: यत्र योगेश्वर: कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धर: । तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम॥ (Yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣhṇo yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ tatra śhrīr vijayo bhūtir dhruvā nītir matir mama)
It means ‘Dhanurdhari Arjun and Yogeshwara Krishna are both important for victory. As we need weapons, so are ethical values.’
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