Top scientist Avinash Chander, who was recently ousted as chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO has said the termination of his contract was "totally unexpected" and that he was taken by "surprise" by the swift move of the government.
"Sacking is not a good word to hear after 42 years of service," Mr Chander told NDTV, also saying that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was well within his rights to choose his team. The minister had said the government wanted younger scientists on the team.
Mr Chander, 64, said he was hurt by the way in which the whole episode was handled with the media informing him of what he calls his "sacking" but insists that he has "no regrets" as he has made India a "missile power to reckon with".
"This seems to be a temporary arrangement," Mr Chander said.
He was given a poignant farewell on his last day in office this weekend with the very successful launch of the long range missile Agni 5.
Till as late as the 1970s it was joked that rockets fired to celebrate Diwali, mostly made in Sivakasi, were the best the country had.
He said on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request seven special centers have already been set up that are manned by scientists who are below the age of 35. Mr Chander says he leaves behind a "robust" organisation capable of meeting all the challenges necessary to fight India's adversaries.
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