The news started to attract the attention of all Ethiopians ever since the efforts to do so commenced years ago. Many people took the issue as an effort to divert people’s attention from political affairs or as a mere propaganda.
Historically Ethiopia has been one of the ancient civilizations of the world. It was parallel to the advanced nations of the world that time. Findings of such greatness are still being discovered in various parts of the country.
For centuries, the country underwent a period of decline which rendered it as one of the poorest and most backward countries in the world. Coupled with frequent draught and famine, unending poverty and conflicts, through time the country lost its reputation.
Consequently, feeling desperate, a good number of citizens used to leave the country and forced to seek refuge abroad. The psychological impact of such crisis cannot be considered easy as it had killed the moral of the people to actively engage in development of their country. It also put many in doubt as to when the government would come up with ideas of large scale healing projects.
So it may not come as a surprise if many people find it difficult to doubt big success stories as mere propaganda. It is important to note that the same has happened when the country launched many of the mega projects like the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). That is what usually happens when people feel desperate about their own capacity, though it is not their fault.
Indeed satellite technology is one of the advanced modern technologies in the world. For a country like Ethiopia which is just come out from poor economic background and backwardness in technology, raising such issue is likely to be viewed as a joke. So it might have not been uncommon if many people could have viewed it as unachievable.
Through the unreserved efforts of the government and people, many have now started to believe the possibility of owning and building such mega development projects and technological facilities. This is a big success in motivating the people for national development.
Accordingly many people started anxiously wait for the date of the satellites launching. Luckily the people have witnessed the launching of the long awaited space satellite.
The relevant government authorities, individuals and experts should be appreciated for utmost commitment not only to realize the actual technological benefits of the satellite but also to spread hope of success and advancement in the minds of the people.
It is important to see the impact of the technology in emancipating the public from the age-old mental chain and inculcate the mindset of success, change and prosperity. At a time when the government is working towards changing the old mindset and inculcate a new and bright hope, such ventures that would inspire people to think out of the box can be considered as of a paramount importance.
The Ethiopian Herald December 21/2019
