Bengaluru: A well known space scientist, a blind cricketer and a veteran Kannada actress were among the seven Padma awardees from the state. Noted space scientist Prof U.R. Rao (84) got the Padma Vibhushan while the rest were awarded Padma Shri. They include Bharathi Vishnuvardhan (cinema), Sukri Bommagowda (folk music), Prof. G. Venkatasubbiah (literature), Girish Bhardwaj (social work), Shekar Naik (cricket) and Vikas Gowda (discuss throw). The list also figures two non-resident Kannadigas, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev (Padma Vibhushan) and Sanskrit scholar Chamu Krishna Shastry (Padma Shri).
A recognition for all scientists: UR Rao
“Even today I start my work at 9 am and continue till 5 pm. I never worked for the sake of any award or recognition. It is the recognition of the achievements of all the scientists,” said Udipi Ramachandra Rao after winning the coveted Padma Vibhushan award.
In a chat with Deccan Chronicle the 84-year-old space scientist, popularly known as Prof U.R. Rao, expressed willingness to continue to work with the same zeal.
On being asked if this honour came very late, he said he did not think so. It may be recalled that Prof Rao was honored with Padma Bhushan, third highest civilian award, in 1976 itself.
Born on March 10, 1932 in Adamaru village of Udupi district. Rao was ISRO chairman between 1984 and 1994.
During this period ISRO made rapid strides in rocket technology, resulting in the successful launch of ASLV rocket and the operational PSLV launch vehicle.
Prof. Rao also initiated the development of the geostationary launch vehicle GSLV and the development of cryogenic technology in 1991.
The INSAT satellites launched under his supervision provided telecommunication links to remote corners of the country.
He has published over 350 scientific and technical papers, covering cosmic rays, interplanetary physics, high energy astronomy, space applications and satellite and rocket technology and authored many books.
I am very happy with what i have achieved: Naik
Visually impaired cricketer Shekar Naik feels winning a Padma Shri is recognition of his achievements. Under his captaincy the Indian Blind Cricket team had won the World Cup in 2012.
Shekar Naik
The 31-year-old cricketer told this newspaper, “I lost my parents very early in my life. But today I am very happy for what I have achieved in my life. I am now busy preparing for the World cup in New Delhi. I will continue to play for some more years.” He has so far played 58 matches across all formats and scored 32 centuries.
