Raipur, Astronaut Subhanshu Shukla said on Tuesday that India has emerged as a rising power in the space program with its proven ability to complete complex missions and ambitious policies, attracting close international attention and high expectations.
India emerging power in space programme, attracting global attention: Subhanshu ShuklaHe also said that the two per cent increase in allocation for the space department in the recently presented Union Budget indicates strong leadership support for India’s space ambitions.
Speaking to reporters at Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport, Shukla stressed the need to inform children about India’s rapid progress in space science and career opportunities emerging in the sector, saying lack of information often restricts young minds while choosing their future path.
It is essential for children to understand where the country is headed and what it is doing in space exploration, including missions such as the Gaganyaan and the future lunar program, he said.
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, undertook an 18-day mission to the orbiting laboratory in June-July last year.
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He was in the Chhattisgarh capital on Tuesday to inaugurate a ‘space lab with simulator’ for students at a government school in Rakhi village of Atal Nagar in Nav Raipur.
When asked about India’s global image in space science, Shukla said, India is looked at with respect on the world stage.
“India has the expectations of the world. Our missions have been closely watched as we have successfully completed complex tasks. Our capabilities and ambitious policies have positioned India as an emerging power in the space programme,” he said.
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To a question on the over two per cent increase in allocation for the space department in the Union Budget, Shukla said it reflected the leadership’s strong support for India’s space ambitions.
“This push shows how seriously our leaders and organizations want to take India forward in the space sector. With such support comes our responsibility to ensure that missions are executed successfully,” he added.
Shukla said that he is visiting Chhattisgarh for the first time after completing his space mission and is very excited to be here especially to inaugurate a space project.
Such initiatives encourage students towards science and show them that the subject is not only interesting but also beneficial for them and the country, he said.
“I think students need to be informed about where India is going and what they are doing in space science, what is happening in the world and what opportunities they have in the future. When information is lacking, people are limited and unsure of what to do,” said the astronaut.
He added, students must be made aware of the developments in each sector so that they can explore different options, including space science as a career.
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