Revolutionary change needed in technology, says ISRO chairman

ISRO Chairman Sreedhara Somanathan emphasised the need for India to undergo a revolutionary transformation to emerge as a developed economy, highlighting the critical role of technological advancements and product development in driving economic growth. His remarks came at the 13th convocation ceremony of the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Delhi on Saturday.

Create value in tech

Growth will not be driven by trade and resources alone. We need to create value in technology that powers product development — S Somanathan, ISRO Chairman

“If India aspires to become the third, second, or even the first largest global economy, a revolutionary change is needed,” Somanathan stated. “Growth will not be driven by trade and resources alone. We need to create value in technology that powers product development.”

He commended the government’s initiatives to open the space sector to private players, describing it as a positive step. “The government has recognised the importance of private investment and participation in space. This will fasten development cycles, reduce costs, and enhance global competitiveness,” Somanathan added.

Highlighting India’s recent successes in space exploration, particularly its lunar missions, Somanathan underscored the importance of continuous effort and innovation. “We have reached a level where we are the fifth largest global economy, but to move further up, we must build and improve upon our technology. We have to work hard to develop our own expertise in areas like propulsion, material sciences, and orbital dynamics,” he noted.“The current knowledge and technology lifespan is so short that you must remain a student throughout your life,” he said, advising young engineers and scientists.