Private Sector Entry Will Boost Space Industry, Says Mayilswamy Annadurai

Former Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chairman Mayilswamy Annadurai has welcomed the entry of the private sector into the space industry, stating that commercial participation would promote healthy competition and facilitate the large-scale manufacture of satellites as well as other space-related equipment.

Addressing a press conference in Pudukkottai on Sunday, Annadurai highlighted the progress made by the national space agency. He stated that Isro has successfully launched several spacecraft and mission operations in the past and is now actively pursuing initiatives to send humans into space.

Annadurai noted that Isro has consistently been developing advanced space technologies at relatively low costs. With the organisation's overall technical capabilities continuing to expand, he explained that Isro is now ready to manufacture satellites with active private sector participation. He also pointed out that work is currently under way to begin the manufacturing of rocket spare parts at Kulasekarapattinam.

Speaking in his capacity as the head of the Curriculum Guidance Committee of the Tamil Nadu government, Annadurai also addressed ongoing developments in the state's school education sector. He announced that new curricula are being developed to assist students in gaining proficiency in both Tamil and English, with dedicated emphasis placed on writing, reading, and speaking skills.

Annadurai stated that teachers are also being trained as part of the overall implementation of the new curriculum. Furthermore, classrooms across schools are being redesigned, and steps are being taken to introduce smart classrooms beyond the traditional blackboard-based system.

He added that the state syllabus would soon be upgraded to global standards to help students perform well in competitive examinations.