was related to the tremendous speed with which it would re-enter the atmosphere . In fact , Agni would re-enter the atmosphere at twelve times the speed of sound ( 12 Mach , as we call it in science ). At this tremendous speed , we had no experience of how to keep the vehicle under control . To carry out a test , we had no wind tunnel to generate that kind of speed . If we sought American help , we would have been seen as aspiring to something they considered their exclusive privilege . Even if they consented to co-operate , they would be certain to quote a price for their wind tunnel greater than our entire project budget . Now , the question was how to beat the system . Prof . SM Deshpande of the IISc found four young , bright scientists working in the field of fluid dynamics and , within six months , developed the software for Computational Fluid Dynamics for Hypersonic Regimes , which is one of its kind in the world .
Another achievement was the development of a missile trajectory simulation software , ANUKALPANA by Prof . IG Sharma of IISc to evaluate multi-target acquisition capabilities of an Akash-type weapon system . No country would have given us this kind of software , but we developed it indigenously .
In yet another example of creating a synergy of scientific talent , Prof . Bharati Bhatt of IIT Delhi , working with the Solid Physics Laboratory ( SPL ) and Central Electronics Limited ( CEL ), broke the monopoly of the western countries by developing ferrite phase shifters for use in the multifunction , multi-tasking 3-D Phased Army Radar for surveillence , tracking and guidance of Akash . Prof . Saraf of IIT , Kharagpur , working with BK Mukho-padhyay , my colleague at RCI , made a millimetric wave ( MMW ) antenna for the Nag Seeker Head in two years , a record even by international standards . The Central Electrical and Electronics Research Institute ( CEERI ), Pilani developed an Impatt Diode in consortium with the SPL and RCI to overcome technological foreign dependence in creating these components , which are the heart of any MMW device .
As work on the project spread horizontally , performance appraisal became more and more difficult . DRDO has an assessment-linked policy . Leading nearly 500 scientists , I had to finalize their performance appraisals in the form of Annual Confidential Reports ( ACRs ). These reports would be forwarded to an assessment board comprised of outside specialists for recommendations . Many people viewed this part of my job uncharitably . Missing a promotion was conveniently translated as a dislike I had towards them . Promotions of other colleagues were seen as subjective favours granted by me . Entrusted with the task of performance evaluation , I had to be a fair judge .
To truly understand a judge , you must understand the riddle of the scales ; one side heaped high with hope , the other side holding apprehension . When the scales dip , bright optimism turns into silent panic .
When a person looks at himself , he is likely to misjudge what he finds . He sees only his intentions . Most people have good intentions and hence conclude that whatever they are doing is good . It is difficult for an individual to objectively judge his actions , which may be , and often are , contradictory to his good intentions . Most people come to work with the intention of doing it . Many of them do their work in a manner they find convenient and leave for home in the evening with a sense of satisfaction . They do not evaluate their performance , only their intentions . It is assumed that because an individual has worked with the