Thursday, August 27, 2009

India in Antarctica

One of the really good things that Indira Gandhi did was authorize exploratory expeditions to Antarctica in 1981. Forget about the scientific hoopla surrounding these expeditions. Those are just side benefits. To me, Antarctica is the last unexplored continent with abundant mineral resources.

Mrs. Gandhi did right by laying the foundation for India's claim for a stake in a future scramble for the vast uninhabited continent's riches. This is an investment in the future and it is heartening to see that India is mounting another expedition to the Antarctica. The 230 crores to be spent for this is a good investment for India's future generations.

6 comments:

Vinod_Sharma said...

I totally agree. This is one of the few instances where India has responded proactively before the door was shut on it. Rs 230 crores is peanuts.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree with you more...

It's good to see you back in the blogging world albeit with a short post...

Balvinder Balli said...

The need of the hour is to take such more proactive steps for the progress of the country and not falling in un neccessary controversies that is gripping our political class today.

BK Chowla, said...

There are certain areas where India has been very firm and positive.This is one of Mrs G's great achievement.Even Kapil Sibbal did a good job during his last tenure.

manju said...

Yes, it is a good investment for India's future generations.

I wonder how many years it will be before Antartica's mineral resources can be mined in a cost-effective way?

Mavin said...

I agree that it is intended for our strategic advantage...

Let us hope that some scientist does not wake up and say that all these trips have only been picnics and we achieved precious little.

Disclosures by DRDO scientists about our hydrogen bomb are embarassing and the crippling of the Chandrayaan earlier this year (kept hidden from the public) and the eventual loss of radio contact today is very disheartening.