They gave their best years to the Indian space programme. In their autumn years, at least some of them need a helping hand. If things pan out well, an old-age home for retired hands of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) units in the State capital could turn a reality.
Mooted by the ISRO Pensioners' Association, the project has received support from ISRO chairman S. Somanath, who was in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. A retirement home has become a necessity as many former employees – battling loneliness, ailments and even safety issues – find the going tough in their old age, association leaders said.
The association had sought ISRO's help with the project a few years ago when Mr. Somanath was director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), one of the ISRO units in Thiruvananthapuram. However, it could not be taken forward due to the pandemic. As per a preliminary proposal, ISRO would chip in with the initial investment and the 3,000-strong association would meet the running cost. Such details, however, are yet to be finalised, VSSC sources said.
