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`Content generation a challenge'

Edusat will create a more knowledge-based and employable society, says project director of Edusat, Indian Space Research Organisation, in a chat with Abdul Latheef Naha

N. Neelakantan

"Technology is changing at an unpredictable pace. Ten or 20 years from now, we do not know what will be the requirements of society and industry. So it makes it imperative for us to continue with the current achievements in technology and education, updating every bit of information during the course of that march," N. Neelakantan, Project Director of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s GSAT-3, which is widely known as Edusat, said at a recent seminar organised by Department of Library and Information Science, Farook College.

Responsible for delivering the satellite technology of the country's most advanced educational tool, Mr. Neelakantan, who preferred to be called a techno-manger to a scientist, believed that Edusat would ultimately be reduced to a tool.

Hailing from Bangalore, this Chennai-born techno-manager was, however, sure that Edusat would create a more knowledge-based and employable society. During a chat with The Hindu , Mr. Neelakantan said that ISRO would love to see that educational transformation as soon as possible. "And how soon will depend on the effective utilisation of the tool available," he said.

Content generation, he said, is the biggest challenge for the realisation of that dream on technology side. But on the other side, sustenance of people's interest matters. The economic condition of the people is directly related to the sustenance of their interest in learning and technology, he said. The real concern was about the underprivileged classes who constantly needed the Government-aided technology support. People have to be brought above the poverty level. Their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter have to be met first. Then, he said, they can concentrate on self-improvement through education.

Mr. Neelakantan cautioned that Edusat as a tool would not be free forever. Once people become self-sufficient, they will be made to pay for the service, he said.

He is a postgraduate in communication systems and radar from IIT-Chennai.

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