Agni Sakshi-III: One-palm wonder! Will you give a helping hand to this Braveheart of Balasore?

Jagadish Giri (30) is a taxi driver operating at Wheeler Island and in Balasore, whenever India prepares for a missile launch. Despite losing his left palm completely in an accident (not while driving), this disciplined lad drives around top scientists and engineers with ease. Photo: Tarmak007

RECOMMENDED: Read Agni Sakshi I & Agni Sakshi II first.

During my stay at the Wheeler Island for the maiden A2P launch, most of my movements within were in taxis. For a first-time visitor, this place can be little confusing. To top it all, you can’t have access to all areas, and even you have one, you have to go through very tight security checks.

I met Jagadish Giri – the focus of this concluding part of Agni Sakshi series – at the Wheeler Island. He is just over 5.5. feet, well-mannered and sporting a child-like smile always. He kept the car (Tata Indica) neat and tidy. As my acquaintance with him grew, I realized that Giri had only hand. To be precise only one palm! You could hardly make out any issues with his driving and he ensured that the sleeves are always down, covering the left hand.

The drivers in Bhubaneswar, Dhamra, and Balasore refer a missile launch as ‘firing’ and anyone with a defense ID or linked to DRDO\SFC\Indian Army is seen as a ‘firing officer.’ In that sense my new designation -- at least among the driving force was – a firing officer. When in Rome, be a Roman!

Giri (30) barely uttered a word unless you asked him something. His left hand palm got chopped-off completely in an accident in 2003. He was working with a plastic-manufacturing plant in Hyderabad then. He was just 23 then. He came back to Bahanaga village (30 km from Balasore) and had tough time for the next two years managing with one palm. His father (53) and mother (50) are both farmers and he has an elder brother is yet to be married.

DRDO hires taxi-operators whenever there’s a launch campaign either at Wheeler Island or at Balasore. The taxis are loaded on to huge barges and are brought to Wheeler Island whenever a launch program is on.

Giri has studied till 7^th Class and gets paid around Rs 3,000 every month. What makes him different is probably his undying passion for India’s missile programs. “Sir, I feel bad whenever the firing fails. These people put lot of effort. If the firing is success, we sometime get special lunch from the canteen,” says Giri. His knowledge of India’s missile programs is definitely far better than that of some of the table-top journalists of my era. He knows exactly the hits and misses of all recent launches.

Giri took me to the Prithvi Point and Island temple along with a DRDO official. I was stunned by the way he was putting the gear, which a normal driver would do with his left hand. I asked him whether it pained him every time he pushed the gear with a pound of flesh, now healed. “No Sir, now it doesn’t. I am used to it,” Giri said in Hindi, with a typical Odiya slang.

While I was leaving the Wheeler Island, he was very eager to carry my luggage to the boat, which was packed by scientists and security personnel. I kept some money in his pocket. “Sir, will you come for the next firing?” he asked. I nodded.

That was on December 10, 2010. Back in Bangalore, I started a mission to check the background of Giri and his family. I tracked down his bank and even spoke to the manager. When Tarmak007’s mission was explained to the manager, he too was ever willing to step-in.

After reading this piece, if you are convinced that Jagadeesh Giri deserves help, then please join Tarmak007’s mission in raising some funds for Giri. May be with your help, we could help him get back an artificial palm that will make his life and driving easier. May be with your help, this farmer-son could organize his brother’s marriage and later find a partner for himself too. If we support this simple soul now, may be his life will be different from tomorrow.

Jagadish Giri holds a bank account at State Bank of India (SBI) Gopalpur Branch, near Balasore. The bank manager Mr Rama Kant Sethi has confirmed all the credentials of Giri to the blogger and as of last week his account had a balance of around Rs 2,400.  Here are Giri’s bank details, if you may wish to help him.

FOR ELECTRONIC TRANSFER: Name: Jagadish Giri; Bank: SBI, Gopalpur Branch; A/c No: 30748374133; IFSC Code: SBIN0012053.

FOR COURERING A CHEQUE: Mr Jagadish Giri, A/c No 30748374133, C/o Branch Manager, State Bank of India, Gopalpur Branch, Gopalpur (P.O.), Balasore (Dist), Orissa. PIN: 756 044

BANK DETAILS: Manager: Rama Kant Sethi; Telephone Numbers: 06788 237055\237050; Manager’s Mobile Numbers: 099373 10542; 094370 13538

That’s all from Tarmak007’s Wheeler Island mission. Hope you enjoyed reading the Agni Sakshi series. Hope you will extend a helping hand to Giri, who drives around India’s missile scientists and engineers with one hand and tonnes of passion. After all, this 'missile man’ of a different kind needs a little help from all of us. 

(Your comments on Agni Sakshi series may be emailed
to anantha.ak@gmail.com. The  series concludes.)

Agni Sakshi-II: A magical and inspiring island that gives Indian missile scientists the Phoenix-effect!

The temple for all faiths. Behind the Baba idol are the photos
of  Jesus Christ (left) and  Mecca & Madina (right).

The part-I of Agni Sakshi series was a blog-buster. No claim this, on a Sunday morning, but a fact that was evident from the traffic on Tarmak007 and the emails I received. May be, that piece was straight from heart! Thanks for all your comments. Thanks for standing by my side to restore some pride for Indian missile scientists. In the second part, instead of a long essay, I thought I will cover the remaining aspects of Wheeler Island at one go, in small snippets. You are onboard Agni Sakshi-II.

A temple of hope: Scientists are superstitious, not all may be, but most of them. For them, faith is a feeble, yet strong filament that ignites passion within. At Wheeler Island, I discovered a temple that’s camouflaged by tall trees. Thought the rituals are done as per the Hindu tradition, but there’s space & place for all religion. Jesus Christ shares the same divine space as that of Shirdi Sai Baba. The famous Mecca and Madina portrait too finds a place in the same room. A senior missile scientist often finds some time during a launch campaign to visit the temple and clean the premises. In short, scientists, engineers, technicians, and armed forces personnel of all faiths and religion come here to offer their prayers. The temple generally gets active on the eve of a missile launch and on the day of the launch. DRDO chief Dr V.K. Saraswat was the first to visit the temple on December 10 – the day India tested its experimental missile A2P. Often on the day of any launch at the Wheeler Island, the day starts with a majority visiting the temple. It was a great sight for an outsider like me to see how science and spirituality co-existed at this island.  A perfect picture of national integration at India’s most-sensitive missile launch complex.

The front view of the Block Office.

The Safe ‘n’ secure Block Office: From a distance you can mistake it as a low-roof tent with just one opening to enter it. Closer you get, you would realize that it is one massive special reinforced concrete structure that houses the mission control station. Monitors, wires, hi-tech gadgets of different shapes and sizes greet you. It is from here, one would watch the missile launch. Countdown. Pressure. Tension. Hopes. Aspirations. Heartbeats. Disappointment. Joy. Celebration. Over the years, the Block Office has witnessed and captured the best and worst moments of a missile scientist. The Block Office can withstand any massive impact (external and internal), even if a missile misfires and falls over it. It can withstand a nuclear explosion. Inside, one would see a number of masks and oxygen supply lines in the wake of an emergency. And during the launch, the entire island is evacuated. Those with special passes are allowed inside the Block Office during the launch and the rest are shipped to the mainland during the launch. When the A2P failed on December 10, moments after the launch, I could see pin-drop silence inside the Block Office. Disappointment was displayed in different dimensions here. I saw from very close quarters some of India’s finest missile brains drowned deep in dejection. “Common guys, we will do it next time. Cheer up,” the leader in Saraswat knew his role perfectly. He spoke to all those who were present. I could see the magical effect of his words on his boys. God tested A2P Project Director Tessy Thomas this time. But she knew she will be back next time… to script a different story.

Prithvi Point.

The Prithvi Point & Kalam: This is the spot where a Prithvi missile landed during its launch in 1992/1993. (I am not sure about the correct year!) The missile was launched from Balasore, and, Kalam and team came in search of it, following its trajectory, only to land in this island (uninhibited until then). The island is having a shape similar to that of a wheel, rather many wheels and it was subsequently named as Wheeler Island. Later, DRDO decided to develop it into a full-fledged launch complex. At the point of impact of Prithvi, came up a memorial and it is today called as Prithivi Point. View it from any sides, it will look the same. This was inaugurated in October 1996. And, all those who visit the Wheeler Island on work still revere their Dr Kalam.

The Biscuit Point!

And, the Biscuit Point! This is the only shop where India’s missile clan flocks during a launch campaign. It gets active, rather new items are stored, only when a launch is on. The floor area will be as big as the size of a 2-3 yoga mats put together. Biscuits, bed-sheets, towels, soaps, toothpastes, soft-drinks and washing powder. That’s all and nothing else. The place gets crowded (5-6 people inside this tiny shop is definitely a crowd and above that, I suspect will be a stampede!) around 9-10 pm. According to the boys manning the shop, washing powder is in great demand always!

And, if you thought DRDO’s missile scientists are no good, then please make a visit to Wheeler Island. To see, the tough lives of Indian missile scientists. Despite meager salaries, name-sake perks and highly-politicized-complicating-top-heavy-set-up, they work with tones of passion holding the pride of their nation closer to heart. If only, we had a strong political class that recognized their worth; if only we had some more inspiring leaders within DRDO to lift their spirits and if only we had a Media willing to do away with table-top Journalism, may be, we can do some justice to these Jewels of India.

(Agni Sakshi will conclude with the next part. Tarmak007 will present you the touching story of Jagadeesh Giri, a young driver on contract, who operates at Wheeler Island during India’s missile launches. I was floored by his passion and knowledge of India’s missile programs and love for scientists. But, what makes Jagadeesh different is that he drives around with one hand – with his left palm completely being chopped off in an accident. Tarmak007 will run a campaign to help this farmer’s son hailing from Orissa’s Balasore district, who’s struggling to make a living -- ‘single-handedly’ – literally! Hope you too will chip in?)

Want to get onboard Tarmak007 as an active member?

Agni-II Prime failed, but nobody died!

Photo-1 shows senior DRDO officials inside the Block Office ahead of the A2P launch. In Photo-2, Project Director Tessy Thomas at the launch site on the eve of the launch. These photos were taken on December 9, 2010.  

PART-1

My first day at Wheeler Island was special in many ways. After passing all the security tests, I was allotted a room to be shared with two  gentlemen, whom I haven’t met or known before. I didn’t have much activity on the first day after reaching the island – the home of India’s Launch Complex (LC-4). I was asked to ‘take rest’ after a 12-hour marathon journey from Bangalore by air, road and sea.

There were 3 individual beds each being separated by small 2-feet tables. The room was facing the sea and I could make out that my room-mates had occupied may be 4-5 days ahead of me. This was evident from the number of clothes being put for drying at every possible nail, string and corner available. Battling odd weather due to low-depression, DRDO scientists from its Missile Complex were all set for the maiden experimental launch of Agni-II Prime. I ventured out in the verandah to check if I could meet someone. All rooms were empty and the room boy said that none locks the room.

My room-mates didn’t get back till 1.30 pm in the night and I decided to call it a day, hoping to catch-up with them in the morning. Next day morning I woke up at sharp 6.00 am to my surprise, I saw the room empty. But there were signs of someone having entered the room. I could see wet towels and fragrance of after-shave. With electricity to the entire island being generated through generators, one could see small leaflets pasted inside the bathroom, next to washbasin, on the main door and near switches ‘to turn off power, if it is not needed.’

So, my day-2 at the Island began on a solo-note. I walked around hoping to get some sidelights ahead of the launch and managed to meet the non-scientific fraternity at the island. The included the lone shop-keeper, security staff, drivers and the like. My visit to the launch site and interactions were scheduled by sundown. When I was as taken to LC-4, for a moment it resembled like a well-lit stadium. There were around 100-150 people completely engrossed in work. Nobody talked or rather even if someone had talked, it was quiet. Very quiet.

DRDO Chief Dr Saraswat, ASL Director Avinash Chander, A2P Project Director Tessy Thomas, DRDL Director Venugopalan were the biggies I could spot periodically overseeing one thing or the other. In fact, A2P had completed a trial countdown run on December 9 and there were close to 250 events (points) to be tested and confirmed ahead of the station readiness for the auto-launch.

 “We are told that the weather would clear tomorrow (December 10) and we hope to have the launch at around 10 am,” said Tessy, during her brief interaction at the launch site. I could see many youngsters, may be in their late 20 and early 30s working tirelessly. I could see a spring in their steps. Tessy was probably praying that everything should go as planned. India’s first woman scientist, to head a missile project, was as cool as a cucumber.  “I called up my mother and took her blessing,” Tessy said. May be, she was hoping that the A2P success could be the ideal gift to her mother, a qualified teacher, who just turned 75.

On the other side, A2P was sitting pretty on a new launcher. It was one sight that one would remember for a long, long time. Scientists and technicians – spotting a white overall – were a perfect picture of concentration. Their goals were set. Mission locked. Just that they needed luck. High-speed cameras were positioned at vantage positions to capture the moment.

It was 12.30 am in the night and one could see many senior scientists getting ready for a crucial review meeting scheduled to begin at 1.00 am. For them, the night was still very young. In the meantime, I received yet another access pass to enter the all important Block Office to witness the next-day launch. There were many Do's and Don’ts to follow.

I got back to the room at 2 am. The room was empty, as usual! The two apples on an extreme corner tables were intact, signaling that none had come in. These apples were there right from the moment I was allotted the room.

On the launch day, I woke-up at 5 am and was excited to witness the launch. Luckily, I was greeted by two gentleman who were already up and ready to hit the action front. “We knew you were here. We were told that one journalist was coming. Sorry, we couldn’t meet early. We were busy. Hope you didn’t have any problem in the island? Is this the first time you are witnessing a launch? Hope you got the pass?” There were too many queries during the maiden moment of introduction.

“In the last two days I have not seen anyone in this hostel barring the security and canteen chaps. I am keen to know when do you guys get to sleep?” I asked. “Sleep? I came last week and would have slept may be for a total of 3-4 hours. What we don’t miss is the morning shower. That sets the pace. During a launch campaign this is what we have been used to. We don’t get tired. When we go back, may be things are slightly better,” my scientist friend-cum-room-mate said. “Don’t write all this in your paper. Don’t put our names. We are enjoying our work. Come, let’s have a quick tea and hit the launch site,” he said. Remember, he has been with DRDO for over 20 years.

India’s Agni-II Prime lifted-off at 10 am as planned. In the next few seconds it disappeared from the trajectory and fell into the sea. A complete silence and everyone was disappointed. I rushed to the project communication centre to file my report. India’s A2P fails. A 300-word report, to make a living, was over in 15 minutes. All the efforts of 150-odd scientists at the island; 1,500-plus back in various labs; their hard-work, dedication and sacrifices in life – all I could package in just four paragraphs! Sometimes, I feel Journalism, is a cruel profession. A very unfair profession that lacks a soul! Only reports on murder, extortions and wardrobe malfunction can fetch more news space, sidelights and even find slots during primetime debates.

I was back in my room within two hours, and found nobody there. The boy from the reception  came and gave a small slip, which read: “Hello Ananth. I am leaving. We have to come back next week for another campaign. Sorry, it failed. It happens. We will do it next time. Call me when you are in Hyderabad.” It was my room-mate, whom I have met may be for just 10 minutes!

A2P failed, but nobody died! Hope, you would agree?

(Part-II: Here)

View from Wheeler Island: Saluting the spirit of Indian missile scientists

 OVER TO WHEELER ISLAND: The first five photos are taken on way to Wheeler Island, during the 5-hour road journey from Bhubaneswar airport to Dhamra. To reach Wheeler Island -- the home of India's Launch Complex-4 -- one has to travel from Dhamra by sea. The  time taken will purely depend upon the kind of boat you board. A speedboat will take you to the island in  25 minutes, if not the journey might take over an hour. The last 2 photos are that of the sea seen from the Wheeler Island. The entire area (from Dhamra and in the island)  is a very-high security zone with multiple checking and identity verifying points. Photos: Tarmak007

THE TRAILER

December 10, 2010 would have been a historic day for Indian missile scientists working with DRDO. After toiling hard -- day in and day out -- their moment of reckoning has just arrived. Sitting pretty on a home-grown launcher was India’s new missile Agni-II Prime, which insiders in DRDO confirmed could travel in excess of 3,000 km. Sadly, seconds after its lift-off, A2P plunged into the sea.

The Breaking News followed! Another failure for DRDO. Agni-II Prime fails. I was inside the Block Office (which houses the command and control centre), watching A2P being swallowed by the sea. There was complete silence inside the Block Office. The joy of seeing the missile lifting-off lasted only for a few seconds. Giving me company were some of the big newsmakers of India’s missile programs. And, then there were many unsung heroes. In their 20s, early  30s, late & mid 40s. This series (Agni Sakshi) on Tarmka007 is dedicated to these unsung heroes. Agni Sakshi is my attempt to bring to you some human-interest stories on Indian scientists, which were never told, before.

The mission and missile differed from one launch after another, but the blood and sweat behind them often remained the same. It was that of an Indian scientist, who was often battered and butchered by many. What I saw in Wheeler Island was truly an inspiring stuff. Honestly, unbelievable! I am not sure by writing a series; I can do any justice to our missile scientists. I am not sure if the world will start looking at our scientists as true heroes and not as duds, a label often used to describe their clan.
This is just an attempt to share with you all, what I saw. What I heard. And, what I experienced, off Orissa coast. I hope to wind up the series within a week. I am keen to keep the series simple and straight. Less take on technology and more meat on men and their might. Their plight.

This piece is just the trailer. The series will start on Monday, December 20. Agni Sakshi will be different in many ways. You will agree, very soon!

Tomorrow – Part 1: Agni-II Prime failed, but nobody died!

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Agni-II Prime mission fails

The maiden mission of Agni-II Prime failed, just moments after the missile lifted-off from its launchpad at Launch Complex-4 in Wheeler Island on December 10. The missile which got on to the autolaunch mode at 9:57 am (T -3) had a structural oscillation immediately after the lift-off, sources said.

This was an experimental launch of the advanced version of Agni-II missile and DRDO says that the platform experienced a trajectory deviation immediately after the lift-off. Many new technologies like rocket motor, RLG-based navigation system, road mobile launcher were being tested during this mission. "The propulsion system worked perfectly, but we observed some stability issues to the missile," an official said.

Notwithstanding this setback, the DRDO scientists are determined to go ahead with other launches scheduled for this month.

Breaking on Tarmak007: India set to launch Agni-II Prime

Agni-II Prime being put on the launch pad ahead of the Range Integration Checks at the Launch Complex-4 in Wheeler Island on December 9. Photo: Special Arrangement

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) scientists, engineers and system specialists have begun the last-minute preparations for the launch of the much-awaited Agni-II Prime missile from Wheeler Island. 
The missile's maiden test is now expected on Friday, December 10 from the Launch Complex-4. The launch, which was originally scheduled for today (December 9), had to be postponed by one day  due to inclement weather and continuous rain that hit the Orissa coast, due to depression. 
Sources  confirm that the flight readiness review (FRR) meeting was held on  December 8 and the crucial Range Integration Checks (RIC) are being held on December 9. "If the weather holds back, then we are sure for a launch tomorrow. The Met department says that it will be overcast for the next 24 hours with the possibility of slight drizzle. Though Agni-II Prime is an all-weather missile, we are keen to test it for the first time under normal circumstances so that we get every minute data during the launch accurately," an official said.

While this piece is being pushed to the blogspace, the missile is already shifted to the launch pad with the launch managers engrossed in  a series of internal and external checks.

(Hit Tarmak007 for the latest news on Agni-II Prime launch.)