What is your profession? How were you trained for it?

I am an Electrical Engineer by profession but, most of my professional life has been spent in the Aerospace Industry. I currently work for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company as an ENGINEERING FELLOW in SPACE POWER SYSTEMS. I received BS with honors in Electrical Engineering from the Government College of Engineering and Technology, Raipur, India in 1967 and MS in Electrical Engineering from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Mass. in 1971.

What type of work does your profession demand of you?

My assignments have been very broad and cover technology design and development, program management, customer liaison and training, and new business development related to space and terrestrial power systems, power system components, and analog electronics.

I have conceived, designed, built, analyzed, and tested solar array power regulation and control circuits, dc-dc power supplies and numerous other electronics circuits for the various space programs, which include high and low earth orbiting satellites for communication and earth observation and planetary probes that travel millions of miles to explore other planets. My work also covers a lot of research like performing a large number of power system architecture trade studies, leading design assessment and mission success reviews and serving as an independent reviewer on numerous programs. I've also worked as Martin Marietta's Technical Representative and Resident Staff Engineer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where I was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the world's first largest 350 kW concentrator photovoltaic power system and the development of the company's solar energy business.

I am a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, as well as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and a registered Professional Engineer. I have served as a member on the U.S. Dept. of Energy's National Panel for Photovoltaic Programs and as a member of the Integrated Product Development Team for NASA/JPL's New Millennium Program. I am also a session chairman for the power electronics technologies and systems at the IEEE Aerospace Conferences. I have published over 27 papers and have received numerous publication and achievement awards. I also hold a patent on a solid state switch module based on High Density Interconnect technology. I have been honored twice by Lockheed Martin Space System Company for Technical Excellence and am currently teaching Spacecraft Power System Design courses both inside and outside Lockheed Martin including at Stanford University.

Which of these projects were most special to you?

All of my space related assignments have been unique and therefore very challenging and interesting. One program that I will never forget is the opportunity to work on Viking Lander that landed on Mars in 1976 after a year long journey. Viking Lander was launched on the day my first child was born. Also, my multi-year assignment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was particularly challenging but, extremely interesting and rewarding.

Scientists sometimes negate faith and try to find answers only through scientific analysis. Being a mumin, what are your thoughts about the relationship between science and religion?

This is a difficult question. Whenever I learn about or experience a scientific finding, I try to look for answers in the Ilm of Aal e Mohammed^(SAW). The real balance comes about by how you visualize and analyze science and religion. Both, science and religion require critical thinking; however, religion encompasses science.

What is the key to your success?

Let me first say that it is because of Aqa Mohammed Burhanuddin's^(TUS) raza and dua that I am where I am today. I started as a nobody-some one who had difficulty paying for college education in India and could hardly afford the basic luxuries of life. I have not for a single moment forgotten who I was and that is what has defined my life, my ambitions, my drive and my religious and professional ethics. I have accomplished a lot, both socially and professionally, and most of my dreams have come true. Once again, this is because of my firm belief in Aqa Maula's raza and dua. My aim is to do Maula's khidmet in the way Maula wants, not for self glory or worldly possessions. It is simply impossible to express shukr of Maula, no matter how hard I try and whatever khidmet I do.

You have had the great fortune of explaining your work to Maula^(TUS). Could you share some of your experiences with us?

My first opportunity to explain my work to Maula ^(TUS) came when I returned to India in 1972 following my first 3 years in America. I did araz to Maula ^(TUS) about Viking Lander that was being built to go to planet Mars. During maqdam bayaan the same day, Aqa Maula mentioned that a mumin from America was involved in a space program. Several years later, another opportunity came when I presented a photograph of the first largest solar power plant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and explained to Maula ^(TUS) all about the project. The third, the very recent and unforgettable opportunity came a few months ago when Aqa Maula ^(TUS) traveled to San Francisco/Fremont, USA. During the ziyafat at my home, I showed Maula the artist's concept of a typical geosynchronous satellite as well as a scaled model of the satellite. Maula ^(TUS) asked many questions and commented that it was through satellite that wa'az of Ashara Mubaraka was relayed throughout the world. Following this, I presented to Maula ^(TUS) a satellite model as a gift. Aqa Maula ^(TUS) then asked me to find some printed information on space and satellites. (I subsequently arranged for printed information on satellites, Space Stations and Space Shuttles including a DVD that showed how a satellite is launched and what happens when it arrives in the defined orbit). Aqa Maula ^(TUS) personally ensured that the model was wrapped securely to be carried to India. I have been told this satellite model now sits in Maula's personal office in Saify Mahal. I was honored with the sharaf of driving Aqa Maula's ^(TUS) car for the duration of the stay. Maula ^(TUS) asked me several questions about my work with satellites and inquired if India built and launched satellites. At one time he commented: "Mumineen ma bhi hushyaar hoi chey".

At another time when I explained to Maula about my first project related to Viking Lander that went to planet Mars, Maula ^(TUS) smiled and said: "You should have gone to Mars too!" In reply I did araz: "Maula nazar farmawey to koi mushkil nathi"