NEW DELHI: Today, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, delivered an inspiring speech at the National Space Day event in Bharat Mandapam. He declared that by 2040, an Indian will announce “Viksit Bharat 2047” from the Moon, symbolizing India’s advancement on the global stage.
Dr. Singh emphasized that India’s space program is not just about rockets and satellites. It aims to empower people and enhance lives. He reflected on the recent National Meet 2.0, which took place a decade after the initial Mega User Meet in 2015.
“National Space Day reminds us that India’s accomplishments in space are just the beginning. They pave the way for a future where science, innovation, and public welfare merge to enhance our nation,” he said. He highlighted the invaluable contributions of ISRO and introduced the four astronauts preparing for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 push for greater use of space technology in governance, Dr. Singh noted substantial growth in both government and private sector space capabilities over the past decade. The recent National Meet produced nearly 90 documents, forming a strategic roadmap for India’s space agenda to 2040 and beyond.
This plan aims to launch over 100 satellites—70% of which will be small satellites—through a mix of government and private initiatives. It’s designed to leverage space technology for critical areas like food security, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience.
Dr. Singh mentioned the transformative phase of India’s space program, noting that it’s now a key player in scientific advancement and public benefit. He also recognized student innovators during the event, praising their role in shaping the future. The Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon-2025 saw participation from over 61,000 students who tackled challenges in geospatial technology, space science, and AI.
Moreover, the ISRO Robotics Challenge – URSC 2025 invited students to create autonomous systems for Mars exploration. These initiatives provide vital hands-on experiences for the next generation and align with India’s ambition for interplanetary exploration.
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh outlined ISRO’s future plans, including a human-robot mission, Vayumitra, and the Gaganyaan mission slated for 2027. India aims to place an astronaut on the Moon by 2040, marking its journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
This year’s theme, “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities,” highlights the fusion of traditional knowledge with modern technology. The experiments conducted by Indian astronauts will benefit not just India, but humanity as a whole.
Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary of the Department of Space and ISRO Chairman, discussed the Human Space Flight Programme. He reinforced the importance of these initiatives in establishing India as a leader in future human space exploration.
In closing, Dr. Singh reiterated the significance of National Space Day: a celebration of past achievements and a call to think about future possibilities in space science.

















