Impact of Space Activities upon the “Middle Class” of people populating the Indian Sub Continent.
- Paper number
IAC-09.E5.2.9
- Author
Mr. P R Goutham, PES School of Engineering, India
- Coauthor
Mr. Arjun Reddy, PES School of Engineering, India
- Year
2009
- Abstract
In contemporary India and the South Asian Countries, the term ‘Middle Class’ is applied to a stratum of people between the affluent and the poor. It is a socio-economic classification of people who share certain cultural values and common economic affordability. According to government surveys, an estimated 400 million people, and i.e. nearly 1/3rd of the total population of this region belong to the Middle Order Society. They are characterized by their aspirations ranging from landing a good harvest at agriculture that year to placing their kids in reputed universities abroad for learning. Like everyone else, they are rooted in traditionalism, anticipate to living longer, and look forward to lead happy and connected lives in this shrinking world. This echelon of people is literate and comprises keen followers of the changes occurring in the everyday world. They believe that they receive the primary impact of most of the developmental initiatives in the fields of Science and Technology. They have many expectations in the government research efforts to aid them in their economic growth. Their desires are open to Space as well and it is essential that these desires should find fulfillment through the endeavors of the Space Industry. Through targeted policies and actions, space could reach them and provide unique prospects for connecting them with better commerce, resources and opportunities. The countries in the Indian Subcontinent are termed ‘developing nations’. The respective governments, mostly democratic, need to think of Space as a way out of much crisis in these lands. They should explore different returns of the field of Space Research and harness them for the betterment of the Middle Class. Space can be the catalyst in the amelioration of many areas that affect these people. As recognized by the International Space Law, Space activities must be carried out for the benefit and interest of all humanity irrespective of their degree of scientific and economic advancement. Thus, with able cooperation from the Space Industry and active espousal of the same by the policies of the National Governments, we believe that one can find phenomenal change in the lifestyle of these millions of people. Gaining motivation from worldwide recognition of this issue, this paper intends to illustrate an analysis and bring out an insight on - what space research and activities can do towards the alleviation and prosperity of the Middle Class people of the Indian Subcontinent.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-09.E5.2.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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