Article Posted on : - Dec 01, 2008

ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair along with other scientists at the inauguration of World Space Biz 2008 conference at Bangalore.

BANGALORE (BNS): The deadliest string of terror attacks in Mumbai has cast its shadow on the three-day 'World Space Biz 2008' conference being organized in the country for the first time.

The conference, which started here on Saturday, began on a sombre note with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman G Madhavan Nair stating that though the event had been chalked out long before the terror attacks, “it was not a happy occasion to start”. Expressing his grief for those died in the attacks, Nair said, “This incident all the more reinforces the belief that one needs to work jointly to eradicate this menace”.

Scientists and experts from all over the world gathered here for the event paid their homage to the victims of the terrorists strike. The conference is being held in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry.

A leading industry delegate on condition of anonymity said the meeting was being held in a sombre mood at a time when a pall of gloom has engulfed the nation following the mayhem in Mumbai. "It may not have been an opportune moment to hold such an important event, that too for the first time in India," the delegate said.

However, a space scientist from the US said by attending the event and making it a success, it shows the resolve that people are ready to defeat the designs of such terror elements that are out to disturb peace and cause death and destruction.

Nearly 300 participants, including 50 delegates from space-faring nations such as the US, France, Germany, Russia, Japan and China are in the city to take part in the event.