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I grew up in India until the age of 18. I remember that NASA's brand name was so strong that frequently it was claimed to be an Indian-run US agency. Our scienc

I grew up in India until the age of 18. I remember that NASA's brand name was so strong that frequently it was claimed to be an Indian-run US agency. Our science teacher would tell us how NASA is comprised of 90% Indian immigrants. This was in late 90's. The tone was to not be scournful of NASA, but instead of pride. Indians feel proud of NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) that have left the nation for better - from Scientists to CEOs. I don't mean to offend anyone but this was a first hand experience growing up in India.

chakkepolja 5y ago
In late 2000s the 'figure' was down to 30%. I don't know why.
rramadass 5y ago
Due to our Colonial history, the hankering for "International Recognition" is very strong in Indians. NASA has been turned into a "Brand Name" and bright (not necessarily qualified) kids want the stamp. Hence lacking accessibility/resources/education they can only invent an imaginary persona for themselves and advertise it with the Internet. To them it is more akin to status posturing/posing within a group. With the rise of Social Media it has gotten much much worse since there is no longer any difference between "Fame" and "Notoriety"; everybody wants to be "Noticed" and become an "Influenzer". PS: One of my classmates(an average student) from college had a interest in Astrophysics and would often checkout the books of Arthur Eddington/John Wheeler etc. It was evident that he was fascinated by it but simply wasn't suited/qualified to read much less understand it.
- nasathrowaway 5y ago
  I agree with this characterization. I understand the allure and the intent was perhaps use NASA branding as a tool to inspire kids in the classroom. I was certainly inspired at the time. However, I do think there are better ways to do this than make up stories and statistics.
fourtrees 5y ago
That's fascinating that NASA has developed such a reputation in India, especially when India has their own full-fledged space program. I watched Chandrayaan-2's descent and nearly teared up watching the controllers observe and process the failure. I can understand pride people have for successful NRIs, but India is a country with such potential, that it makes me hope the country's best will aspire to work at the IRSO, if they don't already.
908B64B197 5y ago
> it was claimed to be an Indian-run US agency. Our science teacher would tell us how NASA is comprised of 90% Indian immigrants. If they were proud about that, wait until they hear about ISRO! Especially their first mission to Mars. [0] [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Orbiter_Mission https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Orbiter_Mission

chakkepolja 5y ago

In late 2000s the 'figure' was down to 30%. I don't know why.

rramadass 5y ago

Due to our Colonial history, the hankering for "International Recognition" is very strong in Indians. NASA has been turned into a "Brand Name" and bright (not necessarily qualified) kids want the stamp. Hence lacking accessibility/resources/education they can only invent an imaginary persona for themselves and advertise it with the Internet. To them it is more akin to status posturing/posing within a group. With the rise of Social Media it has gotten much much worse since there is no longer any difference between "Fame" and "Notoriety"; everybody wants to be "Noticed" and become an "Influenzer". PS: One of my classmates(an average student) from college had a interest in Astrophysics and would often checkout the books of Arthur Eddington/John Wheeler etc. It was evident that he was fascinated by it but simply wasn't suited/qualified to read much less understand it.

nasathrowaway 5y ago
I agree with this characterization. I understand the allure and the intent was perhaps use NASA branding as a tool to inspire kids in the classroom. I was certainly inspired at the time. However, I do think there are better ways to do this than make up stories and statistics.

fourtrees 5y ago

That's fascinating that NASA has developed such a reputation in India, especially when India has their own full-fledged space program. I watched Chandrayaan-2's descent and nearly teared up watching the controllers observe and process the failure. I can understand pride people have for successful NRIs, but India is a country with such potential, that it makes me hope the country's best will aspire to work at the IRSO, if they don't already.

908B64B197 5y ago

> it was claimed to be an Indian-run US agency. Our science teacher would tell us how NASA is comprised of 90% Indian immigrants. If they were proud about that, wait until they hear about ISRO! Especially their first mission to Mars. [0] [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Orbiter_Mission https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Orbiter_Mission