Sriharikota(AP): Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief Prof U R Rao today thanked ISRO scientists on their fantastic performance in putting the Mangalyaan on its journey towards Mars.
Addressing ISRO scientists and journalists at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here soon after the successful launch, Prof U Rao mentioned criticisms in a section of people about Rs 350 crore being "squandered" away on the Mars mission at a time when the nation is facing multiple problems.
"People in India spent Rs 5,00 cr to Rs 6,000 cr on rockets and firecrackers in Diwali, and ISRO spent only Rs 350 crore on Mangalyaan", said Prof Rao.
Former ISRO chief Kasturirangan complimented ISRO scientists on their fantastic performance. Noted scientist Prof Yashpal, Secretary in PMO Pulock Chatterjee also addressed the scientists. "You made the nation proud today", Chatterjee told the scientists.
