People misunderstand and whine
How many people here know that the Indian Space Research Organization does commercial satellite launches and satellite manufacturing for other countries among other ventures. It has earned more than $200 million in revenue in FY 2008-09 and expects a 25% jump in revenue in FY 2009-10. So as it develops better technology it is also putting that to use.
A country needs to make progress on all fronts and that is Not limited to healthcare, sanitation and infrastructure. Progress in basic science, research, space science, technology etc. must not be held hostage to other issues. A vibrant growing economy can only be achieved by a holistic progress.
IMHO the biggest problems that India faces are that of population growth and corruption. It is the rampant corruption from the lowest to the highest levels in society that is screwing up equitable development througout the country, creating highly skewed wealth distribution and driving up cost of living. A lot of the poverty and related problems are due to that.
I have seen beggars in San Francisco for eg. and even given food to a person. Would you hold NASA responsible for that ?
Biting the hand that feeds IT
