In April 1994 I had the pleasure of inaugurating the Australia South Asia Research Centre at The Australian National University. I have vivid memories of the occasion. A distinguished audience was present along with the Foreign Minister of Australia, Senator Gareth Evans and the former Prime Minister of Australia Mr Gough Whitlam and representatives of the South Asian Missions in Canberra.
The Establishment of an annual lecture to commemorate that occasion was a significant step. The first lecture in the series was given by Dr Raja J Chelliah. I am glad that the second oration this year will be given by Professor U R Rao on ‘Space Technology for Sustainable Development in Asia’. Professor Rao is one of the pioneers of India’s space programme to the present stage. He is taking it to the threshold of self-reliance in designing and building satellites and in achieving launch capability.
Space explorations and the practical applications for space technology have opened up exciting vistas for human knowledge and the progress of mankind. It has already conferred great benefits on humanity through the development of telecommunications, television broadcasting, meteorology, disaster warning and natural resources survey and management. India has developed these capabilities in the mainstream of international cooperation. The significance of space science and technology for sustainable development in Asia is self-evident. Large parts of this ancient continent are still afflicted by poverty, illiteracy and general underdevelopment and therefore co-operation in this field among the countries of the Asian region is of great importance. I am sure that Professor Rao and his wide experience of expertise will throw light on the prospects of such co-operation in Asia.
K R Narayanan
New Delhi 1995