Kalam believed in taking technology to people: G Madhavan Nair
His role in developing low-cost stent, light-weight callipers and Jaipur Foot cannot be forgotten
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam always believed that the benefits of science and technology should be taken to the common man, recalled former ISRO chairman G. Madhavan Nair.
He said it was this understanding of Kalam that led to many low-cost innovations for the benefit of people. “A couple of months ago, I met him in Raj Bhavan. Dr Kalam told me that we should stop worrying about other things and concentrate on providing benefits of the technology to ordinary people. I have always followed his advice,” he added.
Mr Nair said in 1998, along with cardiologist Dr Soma Raj, Dr Kalam developed the low-cost coronary stent at the Hyderabad-based Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences. It brought down the cost by one-fifth compared to the imported stents being used.
He said there was a big opportunity before the industry to take up the challenge. “I hope some industry would take up the challenge to manufacture the highly affordable stent at commercial level,” he said.
“Dr Kalam used light-weight carbon compound material designed for Agni missile to make callipers for the polio affected. This particular material reduced the weight of the callipers to 400 gm from its original weight of 4 kg, thus providing great relief to polio patients,” said Mr Nair and added that his contribution in the making of Jaipur Foot would always be remembered.
The former ISRO chairman said one of the biggest contributions of Dr Kalam was infusing scientific temper among students across the country.
The architect of Moon Mission said the top priority for the state should be achieve "Vision 2020" 10-point agenda.
“We have a long way to go. We need thousands of Kalams. We need people who are not selfish, people who can put that extra effort and those can forget politics and concentrate on national building,” Mr Madhavan Nair added.