RAIPUR
Space centres will serve as laboratories to fulfil the dreams of the youth and provide a strong foundation for the stateโs scientific future. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai made this announcement today while inaugurating Chhattisgarhโs first space centre at Rakhi in Nava Raipur.
The facility has been established under the โProject Antarikshโ initiative of the district administration. Addressing the โAntariksh Sangwariโ programme, the Chief Minister announced that this initiative will be expanded to all districts across the state.
The event was attended by Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. Welcoming the astronaut, the Chief Minister described him as a living symbol of inspiration whose journey to space has made the nation proud.
โThis space centre is not just a building; it is a laboratory for childrenโs dreams where they can understand science through research and experiments rather than just textbooks,โ CM Sai said. He cited the achievement of students from Jashpur district in building a rocket as proof of the local talent that requires only the right opportunity to flourish.
The Chief Minister noted that space science is now a major field for employment and careers. He said the centre will provide direct training in modern technical areas such as satellite construction, tracking, weather forecasting, and cloud mapping. This data will also benefit farmers by providing accurate crop and weather information, while also checking the migration of youth to metros by creating technology-based jobs locally.
Sharing his experiences, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said that Chhattisgarh is an energetic state with curious and capable children. He thanked the Chief Minister for the foresight in connecting students with space science.
โMy journey was not mine alone, but a journey for all Indians,โ Shukla said. During his 20-day stay in space, he orbited the Earth 320 times, covering approximately 1.4 crore km. He urged students to work hard and remain calm during challenges, noting that his own historic achievement came 41 years after India’s previous manned mission.
Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Guru Kushwant Saheb said the astronautโs journey serves as a motivation for all sections of society. Forest and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kedar Kashyap stated that the initiative reflects the governmentโs vision to encourage scientific thinking among the next generation.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including MLAs Motilal Sahu, Anuj Sharma, and Inder Kumar Sahu, along with Raipur Collector Dr Gaurav Singh. Students from DPS and Sainik School Rajnandgaon presented a portrait to Group Captain Shukla during the ceremony.
