SATISH DHAWAN (1920 - 2002)
by YS Rajan
Satish Dhawan passed away on the night of 3rd January 2002. He was one of the greatest leaders of the scientific and academic community in modern India. His lifelong passion for aeronautics manifested itself early in his career through his pioneering work on experimental fluid dynamics carried out at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) at Bangalore making him in some sense "the father" of experimental fluid dynamics in the country. Prof. Dhawan combined engineering skills and knowledge with a scientist's view of the world and its workings being the first example of an Indian "engineering scientist" (Reference 1). During his long tenure at the Indian Institute of Science he transformed its working and moved it into new areas. During his term as the Chairman of the Indian Space Programme in its initial crucial period after the death of Dr.Vikram Sarabhai, he transformed ISRO into a dynamic and powerful organization that could compete with other space organizations at the global level. A thinker, a doer and a builder - that was Satish Dhawan.
In addition he set a very high ethical and moral standard for himself and for others around him. He did this not by preaching or talking about morality and ethics but by setting a personal example. In the words of Prof.R.Narasimha (Reference 1) "He was, most of all, the undeclared but widely accepted moral and social conscience of the scientific community. He was a great man".
FAMILY BACKGROUND, EARLY EDUCATION & PERSONAL LIFE
Satish Dhawan was born on 25th September 1920 in Srinagar. He graduated from the University of Punjab (Lahore): BA in Mathematics, MA in English and a BE in Mechanical Engineering. He spent a year on the shop floor of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) working as a technician and a mechanic. This experience of working with his hands seems to have had a major impact on Prof. Dhawan. His respect for and fascination with people who could do things with their hands was a kind of personal hallmark. Prof. Dhawan could also fix and repair many things on his own. Many of us at ISRO who worked with him closely, often saw him carrying out minor repairs on many things including the air conditioner in his room. His daughter told me recently that when they collected his personal belongings from his room in ISRO, there were small knives, screwdrivers and other small tools. Smt. Kausalya Ramaseshan also told me that just a few weeks before his demise Prof.Dhawan had designed a special chair for his friend Dr.S.Ramaseshan. This lifelong respect for manual craftsmanship and actual engineering execution also came through in his worldview as an organizational head both at IISc and ISRO. He respected the workers and devised methods for their career advancement and welfare.
After his stint at HAL he left for the USA on a government scholarship and obtained an MS in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a PhD in Aeronautics and Mathematics in 1951 from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He then returned to India.
There are writings about Prof Dhawan that cover different facets of his life and work. Details of his academic career at the Indian Institute of Science, his directorship of "the Institute" from 1962 to 1980 and his role as Chairman ISRO from 1972 onwards are well covered in these publications (References 1 & 2). An article by Y.S.Rajan (Reference 3) covers the period during which Prof. Dhawan headed the space programme. It provides considerable information and insights into Prof. Dhawan's leadership style, his managerial and organizational contributions, his philosophy and other related aspects.
It is not my intention to cover the same ground again. This article will therefore cover aspects of Prof. Dhawan's life, contributions and interests that are not so well known. It will touch upon certain special events that occurred after 1984 when Prof. Dhawan relinquished his direct leadership of the Indian space effort. Through this approach we try to add to and enrich our understanding of this great humanist.
Two unique features of Prof.Dhawan's style was the inherent respect he accorded to the views of others and his ability to blend change with continuity. Though he held very powerful positions (Chairman Space Commission, Director IISc) he never ever used his position to make the point that "he knew better because he was so and so". He could be tough and rigorous in how he viewed what you said but never overbearing or condescending. This was his attitude not only to his peers but to everybody around him. This inherent modesty, often bordering on humility, seems to have been born out of a blending of a kind of scientific temper and an almost Buddha-like approach to life and knowledge.
Two extracts from his description of his predecessor Dr.Vikram Sarabhai and his colleague and "number two" Dr.Brahm Prakash, both of whom had a major hand in shaping ISRO, are noteworthy.
"Vikram Sarabhai was the gifted architect of the Indian Space Programme. It was his imagination backed by an extraordinary capacity to band together people - scientists, engineers and others - that brought ISRO into being with the objective of using Space Technology for the benefit of India. This collection of his writings and speeches gives a glimpse of his vision" (Reference 4).
"Dr. Prakash never raised his voice in anger, never missed a schedule or failed to complete a responsibility he had undertaken --- how do you measure the contribution of such a man? We will all miss him" (Reference 5).
VISION FOR INDIAN S&T
Even though he recognized that Science & Technology systems had several unique features in their operations, he never visualized them as being independent and separate from the social and political contexts in which they were happening. He had a deep sense of history and an enduring concern for humanity and society. These were reflected in many things that he did both in his personal life as well as in his leadership of various organisations. He did not write many articles. Neither did he deliver many lectures on his views and understanding of these complex problems. However these beliefs and values influenced all his discussions and actions in ISRO.
He clearly understood the role of S&T in the development of India. He understood even better the particular role that space technology could play in the development of a modern India. He saw ISRO and the space programme as an organization that had to translate the potential of space into products and services that could benefit the people of India. Though he was the head of the space programme and would seem to have a vested interest in its development he often divorced himself from this role so that he could be more objective about what the programme should and should not do.
He insisted that ISRO should never push technology for the sake of technology. The extensive analyses carried out within ISRO not only addressed technology choices and options but also addressed in great detail the impacts that the applications of this technology would have on India. Cost-benefit analyses, environmental or societal impact studies, user involvement and commitment to the Indian space effort were part and parcel of every minor and major initiative that ISRO undertook. It was only after this intensive personal and organizational soul searching that he would try and move ISRO towards its next major challenge. This approach came about because of Prof. Dhawan's commitment to position space applications in India in its right socio-economic context. To him space was not about chasing fanciful notions or fashions. Nor was it meant to be a proclamation of state power. It was a human activity in the service of human beings who live in the larger context of the earth's ecology. The philosopher and engineer in him were integrated through his deeper understanding of science as a great human endeavour. He understood the processes of science in its larger context - its potential and limitations.
One of the finest pieces of writing by Prof.S.Dhawan on the development of Science & Technology in India, and the processes in science can be seen in his Aryabhata Lecture delivered on August 02, 1985 at the Indian National Science Academy (Reference 6)
"The manner in which space technology was grown and established and is now beginning to be put to use in India is perhaps a rare and remarkable example of a scientific enterprise allowed to be conceived and run by scientists with the active support of the Government.
Scientific enterprises inherently tend to be "high risk" ventures in the sense that there is no a priori guarantee of attaining specific success. Scientific research if diligently and honestly carried out with the searingly critical appraisal of peers almost always results in new knowledge - often modifying and upsetting earlier theories and understandings. Even negative results make positive contributions. The case with new technology can be quite different. Technology, embodying scientific and engineering principles is directed towards human needs, felt, perceived or defined in some manner. It is thus closer to practical matters and more directly intertwined with human economic and social affairs. A given technology can be effective only in a particular social context. However efficient in the purely technical sense its success or failure is largely conditioned by the human environment. The results of introduction of a new technology in a particular socio-economic context or environment may turn out to be a 'disaster' or 'boon'. Many of the problems of the third world in S&T applications are related to this issue and often are compounded by internal socio-political weaknesses and the distortions generated by foreign governments and international organizations which influence aid programmes with the selectivity mechanisms based on parameters derived from applications in the advanced countries. The desire to adopt the 'forced march' approach, relying on the selection and adoption of technology developed elsewhere and not organically grown within the country of application, adds to the risks of producing a mis-match. In this background, the selection of space technology for India carried inherent risks and it was obviously important to be perceptive about the manner of its growth and application in the country. Finally it must be noted that it is not technology that guarantees social objectives - it is people who must decide".
He then goes on to describe the two major applications - communications and remote sensing applications. A few quotes:
" One has, however, to contend with change. Over the 25 years a new generation has grown up in India. Those who made the selection of space technology and provided the inspiration, initial momentum and enlightened political support have passed into history. How will the new generation of scientists, political leadership and the people at large see the social goals and the role that should be assigned to space technology?
As the experimental phase transitions into space operations and the lives of millions of Indians can be influenced and affected, people are bound to ask, 'is this for our good'? The tools have been built, how will they be used? Will TV now that it can reach the millions, help them? Centrally beamed programmes reach every nook and corner but they are one way - what is the feedback? Don't the teachers want to listen to the students? Can we not devise a two-way system? Will the resources managers decisions, armed with good and timely information help the farmer, the urban elite or the stock exchange? A million questions! These cannot be answered by space technology. Only people who care, can." (Reference 6)
In another remarkable lecture on "Space and Foreign Policy" delivered as the K.P.S. Memorial lecture, on 29th October 1988 (Reference 7) he reviews the growth of space technology over three decades from the date of the first Sputnik launch in 1957, describes India's own capability and then goes on to raise the issue on how these growing capabilities will force countries into cooperating with one another:
"The case of space technology forcefully illustrates that as nations master and use it for their own good they cannot escape consideration of the interests of others. Expediency and ideas of the absolute sanctity of national sovereignty need to be reconciled and harmonized with global considerations of peace and survival of the earth. The promise of space itself can hardly be realized unless nations cooperate peacefully.
India's space programme is reaching the stage when the policy for domestic and international use needs to be orchestrated explicitly with full national consensus. The time is ripe for the formulation of a National Space Act and its promulgation after approval by Parliament. Then we can hope for space and foreign policy to reinforce each other in conformity with the peaceful aspirations of the people of India as well as the world". (Reference 7)
In a private communication to Prof.M.G.K.Menon on May 4th, 1988 - then Member Planning Commission with a copy marked to me, Prof Dhawan strongly pleads for consolidating basic research in Universities in several areas… "We do not know the lacunae in detail - is it personnel or some equipment missing or just sloppy leadership? We must not allow decay of existing scientific units to subcritical activities after having made investments for years. If you think it worthwhile (I think it is) you could identify a few major areas and set the ball rolling. The essence is to find an active scientist for each area, with a wholesome outlook who would be prepared to put out some effort - not easy, but still possible and worth while" (Reference 8).
Prof. Dhawan's long term vision for space technology spanning into the 21st century and beyond can be seen in another lecture he delivered at the Astronautical Society of India on September 06th, 1996 entitled "Whither Space and Astronautics" (Reference 9). In this lecture he advocates the integration of Communications and Earth Observation Satellite Systems into a National Space-based Early Warning and Response System (NEWARS), which would collect timely information on all major aspects of national life. He saw such a system to be strongly coupled with and dependent on the protection and effective use of both natural and organized human resources. This view can be thought of as a clarion call to the young generation of Indians to take these ideas and transform them into major national and global enterprises. To the best of my knowledge this lecture was the last major lecture given by Prof.S.Dhawan that was recorded as a published document. It can be seen as a Dhawan Manifesto on Space. This lecture also covered the origins and evolution of the universe since the Big Bang, examined issues related to the establishment of Space colonies and explored the prospects of planetary engineering. The philosopher, engineer, academic and social thinker in him are all alive and integrated into one in this seminal lecture.
The concluding remarks of this lecture are: -
Civilizations have for long sought answers to problems of existence. In the last half a century it has slowly dawned on Mankind that of the great variety of Life Forms on the Earth, one of them - Homosapiens - has reached a stage when its actions are endangering the Globe. The Sceptic asks: "What is the moral justification for exploring the Planets & Stars when there is so much Hunger, Misery, Poverty & Strife on Earth? The Optimist says: Programmes which focus on space and encounter complex issues of survival in a hostile environment, facing unexpected dangers and situations and overcoming them - enhance Man's capability to face the Unknown and survive as a truly civilized being.
Collectively can Mankind enhance its capabilities to evolve a Civilization on Earth which is more humane, sensitive and harmonious not only to humans but to all forms of life? If yes, then we go into Space to Understand and Resolve problems of Life on Earth -
JOURNEY IN SPACE and TIME are SYMBIOTIC with MATTER, MIND & VALUES………………………..The MESSAGE OF THE VEDAS. (Reference 9)
ISRO, as an Innovation System
Even after nearly four decades, ISRO still continues to be a very powerful innovative organization. In a seeming contradiction, it combines this innovative capability with world-class operations. Most of the credit for this can be directly linked to Prof. Dhawan. After taking over the leadership of the space programme in 1972 (ten years after the start of the programme) he transformed it into a goal oriented performing organization. All major programmes and projects of ISRO were re-organised and focused to deliver results. Prof. Dhawan also looked ahead to see how the Sarabhai vision for the space programme could be given tangible shape and form through technology, R&D, organizational and managerial initiatives.
A well researched account of the details of organisational structure, organizational processes and key people involved in one aspect of the space programme is available (Reference10) This was based on extensive research and interviews of all key personnel involved in ISRO'S remote sensing programme. The authors had also interviewed Prof. Dhawan in the year 2000. The report addresses in some detail the key elements of the "Strategic Planning Phase or the Dhawan era": These included formal and informal mechanisms for fostering innovation and resolving conflicts. It also consisted of managing external interfaces such as networking government and working with and cooperating with international partners. The report also talks about the aspirations, motivations and careers of key people who made important contributions to the space effort. These building blocks of capabilities transformed ISRO into an organization that was special. "One of the key characteristics of the organisation (ISRO) in the mid-seventies and early eighties was that ISRO was simultaneously able to run operational projects and also plan ahead and build the technology base for the future. Some further quotes to look at these capabilities are in order (Reference 10).
"Prof. Dhawan mentions that the thing that struck him most about ISRO at that time (when he took over) was the belief shared by most people, that they could do anything however difficult it might appear to be. This belief of the people in ISRO according to him was directly related to the influence of Vikram Sarabhai. This idea that space could make a difference to nation building tasks was something that people seem to have shared. Dr.Hariharan. Dr.George Joseph mentions similar motivations and aspirations. As Prof. Dhawan states " there was a suspension of disbelief." However he also mentions that he was significantly influenced by this "can do" attitude.
There is no doubt that "culture", "vision" and "belief" are important ingredients for success. Prof.Dhawan mentions that while he did not have any doubts about the capabilities of ISRO, he felt that the vision needed to be translated into concrete products and services that space could provide to the country. Without building such capabilities visions and beliefs tend to be just visions and beliefs. To lend substance and shape to the Sarabhai vision he saw two necessary things that had to emerge from the system - programmes and projects. If such programmes and projects had to add value, they also had to involve the potential users of space services. According to him there were clearly established users in communications, TV broadcasting and weather. No such entities existed in using remote sensing and therefore there was an even greater need to provide a focus for ISRO activities in this area.
A programme according to Prof.Dhawan was long term and emphasized broad goals that the organization needed to set itself. It is like a statement of intent or a prospective plan. It was more specific than a vision and identified key areas and in certain situations specific projects also to realize the goals outlined. The first occasion in preparing such a prospective plan took place in Ahmedabad in 1972."
Prof. Dhawan was also an able administrator. He understood the need for various procedures required for systems funded by the Government. He therefore created mechanisms for such an administration taking into account the "peculiar" or "unique" nature of S&T processes. His administrative capabilities were not merely limited to the units under the aegis of the specially empowered Space Commission (the ISRO / Department of Space family) but also extended into the user administrative systems outside ISRO such as the Planning Commission, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Department of Telecommunication, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Forestry.
Details of the systems created by Prof. S Dhawan and the processes introduced by him are given in Reference 10. Reference 10 deals only with the Remote Sensing Part of the Space Programme. Similar elements can be seen in the ISRO launcher and satellite programmes as well as in the various telecommunications and other initiatives taken by ISRO.
BEYOND SPACE AND AERONAUTICS
His concern for the human rights of employees was very high. This belief was not just an ideal but something, which he practiced - often under very trying and difficult circumstances. When he was Secretary, Department of Space, he successfully resisted various pressures to dismiss employees on frivolous grounds that often cited some draconian provisions of the law. Similarly in the (in) famous ISRO spy case, even when he was not at the helm of affairs of ISRO/DOS but was a Member of the Space Commission, he came out forcefully and openly in defence of his former colleague Nambinarayanan who had suffered due to the excesses and apathy of various wings of the government system. Prof. Dhawan spearheaded the drafting and sending out of a joint letter to newspapers and scientific journals that openly came out in support of a colleague who had become a victim of the system. This has to be a rare isolated event in post-independent India. Only a Satish Dhawan could have done it! No wonder many distinguished colleagues called him "the moral and social conscience of the scientific community"
Even though most of Prof. Dhawan's active and "retired" professional life was devoted to aerospace sciences and technologies, he took a keen interest in nature. He took an active interest in the flora and fauna of the various campuses of ISRO or IISC. During the construction of the Sriharikota complex he ruled that no trees could be cut unless it was absolutely necessary. He made it a rule that any cutting of trees had to be cleared by him and only after due and rigorous justification. The amount of care he took in selecting sites for ISRO - for a liquid engine testing complex or a launch vehicle centre or tracking facilities in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are unequalled. ISRO must still possess the various reports assessing various sites. I am sure these would still serve as models of how environmental impact analyses can be made. After a cyclone in Sriharikota Island where ISRO launch and rocket testing facilities are located, he initiated a major afforestation effort. He particularly enjoyed going to Sriharikota and took the extra bit of effort to make sure that the development of the island for the space programme did not damage its original ecosystem. Along with a colleague Seetharaman he took photographs of the various birds that visited Sriharikota island as a part of his research that combined two of his loves in life - aeronautics and nature. The love for nature in him was thus further intensified by his researches on "Bird Flight". He also took special care of the Yenadi tribes who were displaced from Sriharikota, and rehabilitated nearby. When they were displaced again because of the administrative actions of the State he took care of them through the innovative administrative method of engaging them in the forest work at Sriharikota Island.
I have accompanied him in many of these visits and am aware of the particular care and follow-up that he brought to bear on the various issues. He was an "environmentalist" long before the government and various other policy makers were looking at it as an area of concern. In the later years of life he spent a considerable amount of time with slum and street children trying to understand and solve their problems.
He has given some of his research findings on bird flight in one of the Raman Memorial Lectures 1988 (Reference 11). Some of the films of birds in flight were taken with the cameras used for recording launch vehicle performance. This 87 page illustrated document with numerous references and appendices provides an excellent foundation for naturalists and scientists to pursue further studies on bird flight in India. Many of the drawings of birds and their wings were made personally by Prof. Dhawan. He has also indicated areas needing further empirical studies.
EPILOGUE
It is difficult to describe a person like Prof. Dhawan in an article or even in a few articles. Many persons who have worked with him and seen the actions generated by him revere him - though he would be the first person to "pooh pooh" such adulation. He was a rare blend of a philosopher, scientist, academic, engineer and administrator, possibly the only one of its kind in the history of post-independent India. He shunned publicity, discouraged iconising and believed in systems and collective efforts. His life's philosophy is best exemplified by the quote from Buddha which is given in the decade Space Programme Profile 1980-90 which he shaped.
"Be ye lamps unto yourselves
Be your own reliance
Hold to the truth within yourselves
As to the only lamp."
I have had the opportunity of working with Prof. Dhawan and experiencing the joys and sorrows and the ups and downs of the space programme as it evolved from a small effort to a major national capability. I was 29 years old when I first started working with him. I and many of my colleagues have been shaped by his philosophy and his practice of that philosophy. On hearing of his death from Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam at Lucknow I felt that a major pillar of one's life was no longer available to lean on. I could reach Bangalore only a day later. My feelings on the early morning of 5th January 2002 when I met Prof. Dhawan's family (many of whom I had known for more than 25 years) were penned in a poem on Prof. Dhawan and given to his family (Reference 12). It will be apt to end this article with that poem which attempts to capture a unique modern sage who lived in our midst.
A UNIVERSAL MIND
Satish Dhawan
The Pride of the nation
Bhishma of the yore
And Buddha so dear
Both combined
In an ancient land
And with a modern mind
We saw him walk
Much ahead of the folk
Lifting them all
Into a brave new world!
He shaped cosmos
As a mighty canvas
Not for a cause
With goals amorphous
It was for millions
And many, many millions
Of poor and deprived
Born into this land
The Universal mind
Could clearly see
Originations dependent many
With the lamp of truth
Firmly in hand
And as the only guide
He walked miles'n miles
To modernize us!
Along with the lotus*
On this lovely earth
He cared for plants
Insects' n all life
The cosmic connection
As if inborn!
The mighty spirit
With many lamps it lit
Will shine in effulgence
Like thousand suns
And radiate love
With tenderness divine
And wisdom so unique
In an hour of need!
Without a spoken word
Or a written word
But thru our minds
As a Universal Mind!
Acknowledgement
The author thanks Dr. T Ramaswamy, Director CLRI for referring my name to INSA for writing this article and to INSA for giving me this opportunity. The author acknowledges with gratitude the advice and assistance provided by Prof. S Chandrashekar, IIM, Bangalore who had worked with Prof. Dhawan in ISRO since 1974. He also assisted me with new material with critical observations and serious editing of the manuscript.
References
1. Roddam Narasimha: Current Science, Vol.82, No.2, 25 January 2002: pp.222-225
2. R.Narasimha and APJ Abdul Kalam: Development in Fluid Mechanics and Space Technology: Indian Academy of Sciences 1988, Bangalore.
3. Y.S.Rajan: Management of the Indian Space Programme in Development in Fluid Mechanics and Space Technology, Indian Academy of Sciences 1988, Bangalore: pp.397-413
4. S.Dhawan: Sarabhai on Space- A selection of writing & speeches, September 1979: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bangalore
5. S.Dhawan: Dr.Brahm Prakash- A Eulogy: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bangalore: 1984
6. S.Dhawan: Application of Space Technology in India: Aryabhata Lecture at Indian National Science Academy, August 2, 1988: ISRO, Bangalore: pp-2 -13
7. S.Dhawan: Space and Foreign Policy: K.P.S.Memorial Lecture: Delivered at Andhra Bhavan, New Delhi: 29 October 1988: pp.14
8. S.Dhawan: Letter to Prof. M.G.K.Menon (Personal Communication): May 4,1988: New Delhi
9. S.Dhawan: Whither Space & Astronautics, Lecture Delivered at The Astronautical society of India: Bangalore, September 6,1996: pp.28
10. A.R.Dasgupta & S.Chandrashekar, Indigenous Innovation and IT-enabled Exports: A Case study of the Development of Data Processing Software for Indian Remote Sensing Satellite: Study prepared for the University of Pennsylvania Institute for the Advance Study of India: New Delhi, 2000: pp.48-49
11. S.Dhawan: Birds Flight - Raman Memorial Lecture 1988: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research: National Aeronautical Laboratory, Bangalore
12. Y.S.Rajan: Agony & Harmony: New Century Book House (Pvt) Ltd, Chennai: September, 2002: pp 97-99
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This article has already appeared in the publication of Indian National Science Academy (INSA) - Ref. No. -¦-¦-¦
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(* Nalini in Sanskrit is Mrs. Dhawan's name who greatly influenced his love for nature).
