In a unique function held at ISRO’s launching Centre at Sriharikota, the
Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, today (September 5, 2002) named the
Centre as Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR by unveiling a specially erected
plaque at Sriharikota, remotely from his residence at New Delhi.

Prof Satish Dhawan, who passed away on January 03, 2002, was the Chairman of
ISRO from 1972 to 1984, which were its formative years.

Unveiling the plaque from New Delhi, the Prime Minister said that Prof
Satish Dhawan was a multi-faceted personality, truly, one of the most
distinguished Indians of our times – a brilliant aeronautical engineer, an
outstanding space scientist, a philosopher, a humanist, and above all, a
great visionary. “His unique human qualities, combining intense personal
charm with a deep commitment to social values and an extraordinary
objectivity in management, led several generations of students, colleagues
and administrators to efforts that, perhaps, would not have been undertaken
otherwise” he said and added that scrupulous objectivity and deep concern
for the society’s problems always marked his leadership.

Saying that Sriharikota launch range occupies a prominent position in the
space atlas of the world by having launched all ISRO satellite launch
vehicles like SLV, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV, the Prime Minister said that by naming
this important space establishment as Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR,
India is paying its humble tribute to Prof Satish Dhawan, who epitomizes the
value system that goes with excellence, professionalism and, above all,
deepest commitment to the growth of science and technology and their
implications to the society and its overall progress. He expressed
confidence that those working in the Indian space programme, especially at
Sriharikota, will draw inspiration from late Prof Satish Dhawan’s life and
take this programme to a higher level of excellence.

Welcoming the guests for the function, Dr Kasturirangan said in his address
that the occasion of naming the Centre after Prof Satish Dhawan will find a
special place in the annals of Indian space history. Recalling that Prof
Dhawan was an outstanding Professor at the Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore, he said that India is paying its tribute to Prof Dhawan,
especially on Teacher’s Day.

Smt. Vasundhara Raje, Minister of State (Space) was also present at Prime
Minister’s residence at New Delhi for the function, besides several
dignitaries, space scientists and others at Sriharikota.