Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday inaugurated the state’s first Space Center at Rakhi, Nava Raipur, under the Antariksh Sangwari programme, an initiative of Project Antariksh by the district administration. The inauguration was carried out in the presence of Group Captain and Astronaut Mr. Shubhanshu Shukla, marking a landmark moment for science education and space awareness in the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the newly inaugurated space center would become a laboratory for fulfilling the dreams of young people, laying a strong foundation for Chhattisgarh’s scientific and technological future.
Major Announcement: Expansion of Antariksh Sangwari Across the State
In a significant announcement, Chief Minister Mr. Sai declared that the Antariksh Sangwari initiative will be expanded across Chhattisgarh, and Space Sangwari Centers will be established in all districts of the state.
He said that this initiative would ensure that students from even remote regions get access to hands-on learning in space science and advanced technology.
Space Center to Nurture Scientific Curiosity Beyond Textbooks
Interacting with schoolchildren, the Chief Minister remarked that the space center is not merely a building, but a platform where students can understand science beyond textbooks through experiments, innovation, and research.
Referring to students from Jashpur district who successfully built rockets, he said this proves that Chhattisgarh has no shortage of talent—only opportunities were missing, which the new space center will now provide.
Space Science: A New Avenue for Careers and Employment
Chief Minister Mr. Sai highlighted that space science is no longer limited to curiosity but has emerged as a major employment-oriented sector. Citing ISRO’s global credibility, he said India today plays a leading role in the global space ecosystem.
He noted that the space center will provide training in cutting-edge fields such as:
- Satellite manufacturing and tracking
- Weather forecasting
- Cloud mapping
- Space-based data applications
He added that satellite technology would also help farmers by providing accurate weather and crop-related information, directly benefiting agriculture and rural livelihoods. The initiative, he said, would also reduce migration of youth to metro cities by creating technology-driven employment locally.
Role of Space Technology in National Security
While referring to Operation Sindoor, the Chief Minister stressed the growing importance of satellite and space technology in national security and defence. He said the relevance of space science in safeguarding the nation would increase even further in the coming years.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Space Mission Experiences
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, addressing students and dignitaries, said that a rocket launch requires enormous energy, taking the spacecraft from zero to nearly 30,000 km per hour in minutes. He described Chhattisgarh as an energetic state, rich with curiosity and potential among its children.
He thanked the Chief Minister for taking a far-sighted step by inaugurating the space center, calling it a major initiative to connect children with space science. He also appreciated the Chief Minister’s personal involvement during earlier visits, saying it reflected his commitment to the future of youth.
A Journey of All Indians, Not Just One Astronaut
Recalling his online interaction with students on September 5, 2025, Group Captain Shukla shared an anecdote where a child from Chhattisgarh asked whether he completed the homework given by the Prime Minister—an example, he said, of the sharp intellect of children from the state.
Sharing details of his mission, he said that during his 20-day stay in space, he orbited the Earth 320 times, covering nearly 14 million kilometers. He noted that after 41 years, India has once again achieved a historic milestone in space, emphasizing that this was not just his journey, but the journey of every Indian.
Drawing an analogy with examinations, he explained that despite preparation, the moment of launch is overwhelming—but trusting one’s hard work is key, as effort never goes waste.
Leaders Applaud Initiative, Inspire Students
Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Mr. Guru Khushwant Saheb said that the presence of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was a matter of pride for the state. He called Shukla’s journey an inspiration for youth and a catalyst for increasing interest in space science.
Forest and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and District In-Charge Mr. Kedar Kashyap described the initiative as a reflection of the government’s visionary thinking. He said simplifying complex subjects like space science would strengthen students’ confidence and scientific temper.
Students from DPS and Sainik School Rajnandgaon presented a portrait to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the event.
Dignitaries Present at the Event
The programme was attended by:
- MLAs Motilal Sahu, Anuj Sharma, Indra Kumar Sahu
- District Panchayat President Naveen Agarwal
- Vice President Sandeep Yadu
- Chairman, Building and Construction Workers Welfare Board Dr. Rampratap Singh
- Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh
- Municipal Commissioner Mr. Vishwadeep
Other senior officials and a large number of schoolchildren
