New Delhi, Apr 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India has emerged as a global space power and is now leading the most cost-effective but successful space programme in the entire world.
Addressing the 121st episode of Mann ki Baat, Modi said that many countries are taking the help of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for their satellites and space missions.
He said, "April marks 50 years of the launch of the Aryabhatta Satellite. Today, when we look back and remember this journey, we realise how far we have come. This flight of India's dreams in space once commenced with just conviction."
Recalling the time when some young scientists worked with no modern resources or technology, often carrying critical equipment themselves on bullock carts and bicycles, Modi said, It was their "talent, dedication, hard work and the passion to do something for the country", that laid the foundation of India's space success.
He said, "Today India has become a global space power. We have created a record by launching 104 Satellites simultaneously. We have become the first country to reach the South Pole of the Moon".
"India has launched the Mars Orbiter Mission and we have reached pretty close to the Sun through the Aditya - L1 Mission. Today India is leading the most cost effective but successful space program in the entire world," Modi said.
The Prime Minister said that India has opened her space sector for the private players resulting in many youth attaining new milestones in the field of space Startups.
He said that India's space sector has seen a massive growth. Ten years ago, there was only one company, but today there are more than 325 space Startups working in the country.
He said, "The times to come are ushering in a lot of new possibilities in space. India is going to scale new heights. The country is busy preparing for many important missions like Gaganyaan, SpaDeX and Chandrayaan-4. We are also working on the Venus Orbiter Mission and Mars Lander Mission. Our space scientists are going to fill the countrymen with new pride through their innovations."
The Prime Minister while paying tributes to former ISRO chief Dr K Kasturirangan who passed away recently, said, "His contribution in lending newer heights to science, education and India's space programme shall always be remembered. ISRO attained a new identity under his leadership. The space programmes that moved forward under his guidance gave global recognition to India's efforts. Many of the satellites that India uses today were launched under the supervision of Dr Kasturirangan."
The Prime Minister said that Dr Kasturirangan always accorded importance to innovation. He also played a major role in formulating the new National Education Policy of the country.
"Dr Kasturirangan came up with the idea of ​​forward looking education according to the modern needs of the 21st century. His selfless service to the country and contribution to nation building will always be remembered," the Prime Minister said.
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