Extract: "As a scientist who has been part of the growth process of space science and technology in India, I find this field of human endeavour has, in the last 50 years, made an unprecedented impact on the life of the human race. It has been easy to see the aspirations and pain of the people of India and the great expectations they have for further improving their quality of life using technology including space. It is critical to continue researching how space technology can enhance further the quality of life of world citizens, while examining many innovative ideas for space exploration, including exciting aspects like space colonies, search for extra terrestrial intelligence and planetary exploration. We have to understand our planet more completely, and evolve and adapt our life to its environment and ecology."