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Journalism of Courage
“Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) must become a market leader in one or two aircraft programmes and the company must venture into making unmanned supersonic fighters, remotely piloted vehicles, space systems and their derivatives.” President APJ Abdul Kalam said this in an interview to be published in the inaugural edition of HAL’s journal, The Plane, to be launched on December 23 in Bangalore by Air Chief S P Tyagi.
“Working through a full cycle of design, development, production and marketing of the total aircraft systems indigenously will enable HAL to become a world leader in aviation,” Kalam said.
HAL, which is currently engaged in the development of a light combat aircraft and helicopter, a family of unmanned aerial vehicles and medium-lift transport aircraft, was told by the President: “Creative leadership means exercising the vision to change the traditional role from the commander to the coach, manager to the mentor, from director to delegator and from who demands respect to one who facilitates self-respect.”
He said HAL needed to introduce a lot of inspiring leaders in the organisation. “This will facilitate young engineers and designers to mingle with performers, seek their guidance and get inspired to excel in their tasks.”
The President, who has spent most of his professional life with the country’s defence research establishment, also offered advice, “When you are in sensitive missions, you will definitely encounter certain failures. In such situations, you should not allow failures to become your master. Instead, you should become master of the problems and succeed.”
Kalam also called for HAL to ensure that the Light Combat Aircraft is in service by 2010 and that the Advanced Light Helicopter move to the next generation for civilian and service requirements.
