Bangalore, Nov 29 (IANS) International space scientists and experts Saturday joined Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman G. Madhavan Nair at a meet here in paying homage to the victims of terror attacks in Mumbai.
'Though this event has been scheduled long before the terror incidents occurred in Mumbai, this is not a very happy occasion to meet. Such tragic things should not happen in any part of the world. Unfortunately, it's happening in India,' Nair said at the inaugural meet of 'World Space Biz 2008', an international conference and exhibition on space technology, being held here in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Expressing deep sorrow for the loss of so many innocent lives and those who suffered in the ordeal, Nair said such incidents were a grim reminder of the grave dangers posed by terrorism.
'This incident all the more reinforces our belief that we need to work together to eradicate this evil. We should resolve to fight jointly such evil forces,' Nair told about 300 participants, including about 50 delegates from space-faring nations such as the US, France, Germany, Russia, Japan and China.
Paying glowing tributes to the daring police officers and commandos who laid down their lives fighting for the country, Nair said the space community joins the nation in mourning them and expressing grief to their bereaved families in this hour of sorrow.
The three-day event at the Bangalore international exhibition convention complex on the outskirts of the city began on a sedate note, with the conspicuous absence of any minister or state government official due to the seven-day mourning being observed as a mark of respect to former prime minister V.P. Singh who died in New Delhi Thursday.
'It is being held in a sombre mood and at a time when a pall of gloom engulfed the nation in the aftermath of the terror war in Mumbai. May not be an opportune moment to hold such an important event, that too for the first time in India,' a leading industry delegate told IANS on request of anonymity.
Space scientists and experts from other countries also expressed condolences to the families of victims and vowed to fight terrorism by working for peace and harmony.
'As travel arrangements to participate in this space event were made in advance, we decided to go ahead with our trip to India though we learnt about the terror attacks en-route,' a Russian space expert said.
'By attending this event and making it a success, we want to defeat the designs of such terror elements, which are out to disturb peace and cause death and destruction,' said a space scientist from the US.
In spite of the terror attack in Mumbai that has claimed 183 lives, response from the Indian industry and space-faring nations to the event has been positive though low-key.
'Barring a few, there are not many cancellations from participants or invitees. The space industry is smaller compared to other industry sectors. As this event pertains to the business aspect of the space industry, participation is limited,' a space agency official noted.
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