http://forum.gnu.org.in/1049371309/index_html

The Columbia Tragedy

The month of February started with a tragedy in the sky, a tragedy that could have been averted , like most others, if human knowledge had been more complete, or perhaps, if some individuals had taken more care. Science India pays homage to the seven space travellers who lost their lives as the space shuttle disintegrated high in the sky.We can add their names to the seven others who died when another space shuttle, the Challenger, blew up on the launch pad, or to thirteen others who died in various accidents involving spacecraft. Let us remember the jundreds or thousands of others, known and unknown, who had their lives prematurely terminated in our quest for the kind of technology that makes it possibel for us to go beyond the atmosphere. And a similar number of people who helped build up the scientific knowledge base for the development of technology. And, indirectly, the millions upon millions who helped all of us lead a life dvoted to science and technology by providing us the basic amenities of life. Let this remind us that knoledge is a product of social activity, contributed by one and all, and, as such, everyone is heir to all knowledge. Let this also remind us that knowledge is to be used for social good, and not for personal advancement. if the lives of the seven astronauts can remind us of this fact, they would have achieved far more than what they went to space for.