Attakanitippa! That is where you go to see rocket science in action! Wade through brackish water and marshland to get the best view of the rocket launch! Many ISRO insiders come in here! You are a safe 5 kms from the launch zone.

The birds seem to deduct the vibrations before we could. A murmuration indicating that the engines are on!

The butadiene solid fuel gets lit, releasing over 4000 kilo-newtons of thrust… the first stage boosters kick off, allowing a vertical climb.

Blink now and it is gone behind the clouds. The 1.5 tonne, 104 satellite platform is on the way to the geo synchronous orbit – including the main pay load – one of India’s spy in the sky.

Feel the distant roar, hear the vibrations!  The dedicated, frugal band of scientists have shown India the way. The heart is brimming with pride.

Your brain kicks in, asking, “What if we could achieve similar success in other areas of science?” What if we could build the best solar battery? The best urban transportation solution in the world? The most cost effective medicine to cure cancer? What if we could put together the best rural education technology? The widest Internet network?

While it seems a distant dream, you feel assuaged. The speck of evidence, as it mules its payload, crosses the morning sun, and moves to the southern skies, whispers to you through the breeze, “As people, we can.”

Far far away, the Stage 1 separates and the Stage 2 takes over.