Space Centre to Become a Laboratory for Fulfilling Youth Dreams: Chief Minister Sai

This is Not Just My Journey, But the Space Journey of All Indians; Every Child’s Dream of Space Travel Will Be Fulfilled: Group Captain Shubhanshu

‘Chief Minister Inaugurates the State’s First Space Centre under the Space Sangwari Programme’

Major Announcement by the Chief Minister: Expansion of the Space Sangwari Initiative Across the State
Space Sangwari Centres to Be Opened in All Districts of the State

Raipur, February 2026 : Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the space centre will become a laboratory for fulfilling the dreams of young minds. Describing it as a strong foundation for the state’s scientific future, he announced that space centres would be expanded across the entire state. The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering after formally inaugurating Chhattisgarh’s first Space Centre along with Group Captain and astronaut Shri Shubhanshu Shukla at the Space Sangwari programme, organised under Project Antariksh and operated by the district administration at Rakhi, Naya Raipur.

Announcing the expansion of the Space Sangwari initiative, the Chief Minister declared that space centres will be established in all districts of the state. He warmly welcomed and felicitated Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla on the sacred land of Chhattisgarh, calling him a symbol of inspiration for the youth whose space journey has brought pride to the nation.

Interacting with children, the Chief Minister said that from today their dreams have been given wings and their sky has become even wider. He emphasised that this space centre is not merely a building, but a laboratory of children’s dreams, where science will move beyond textbooks and be understood through experimentation and research. Referring to the achievement of children from Jashpur district who built rockets, he said this proves there is no shortage of talent in Chhattisgarh—what is needed is the right opportunity, which this centre will now provide.

Chief Minister Sai said that space science is no longer just a subject of curiosity but has emerged as a major field of employment and career opportunities. Due to ISRO’s global credibility, India today plays a leading role in the world of space. In the coming times, this centre will provide hands-on training to children in modern technological fields such as satellite construction, tracking, weather forecasting and cloud mapping. He added that the space centre will help farmers by providing accurate weather and crop-related information, directly benefiting agriculture. Technology-driven employment opportunities will increase, reducing migration of youth to metropolitan cities. Mentioning Operation Sindoor, the Chief Minister highlighted the crucial role of satellite technology in national security and defence, noting that the importance of space science will grow further in the future.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, sharing his experiences of space travel, said that a rocket requires enormous energy during launch and reaches space at a speed of nearly 30,000 kilometres per hour within a short time. Describing Chhattisgarh as an energetic state, he said its children possess immense potential and curiosity. Thanking the Chief Minister, he said the inauguration of a space centre in the state is a visionary step toward connecting children with space science. He recalled seeing the Chief Minister personally wearing special attire and a cap before entering a clean station, noting that such interest from the head of the state reflects a clear and future-oriented vision for children and youth.

Recalling his online interaction with students of the state on September 5, 2025, Group Captain Shukla mentioned a question asked by a child from Chhattisgarh: “You explained everything, but did you complete the homework given by the Prime Minister?” He said this question reflected the sharp intellect and keen observation of children.

Sharing further experiences from his space mission, he said that even when one feels fully prepared while sitting inside a rocket, the moment of ignition is so powerful that all preparation is momentarily forgotten. He compared this to an examination scenario—despite thorough preparation, seeing the question paper can briefly make one feel blank. At such moments, patience and trust in one’s hard work are essential, as hard work never goes in vain.

Group Captain Shukla said that after 41 years, India once again achieved a historic milestone in space, and this journey was not his alone but belonged to the entire nation. During a 20-day stay in space, he orbited the Earth 320 times and covered a distance of nearly 14 million kilometres. He concluded by inspiring children to continuously work hard to fulfil their dreams.

At the conclusion of the programme, Chief Minister Sai expressed gratitude to Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla and urged children to dream big, befriend science, and bring glory to Chhattisgarh at the national and global level. Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb said that everyone felt proud to have astronaut Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla among them, calling his journey an inspiration for all sections of society, especially youth. He said this historic achievement has given new direction to the country’s youth and created an important opportunity to further interest in space science.

Forest and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and District In-charge Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said the initiative reflects the government’s visionary thinking, inspiring future generations to move confidently toward the future. Addressing students, he said they possess immense potential and power to turn their dreams into reality. He praised efforts to simplify complex subjects like space science and wished students a bright future, noting that such programmes strengthen self-confidence and promote scientific thinking. Students of DPS and Sainik School, Rajnandgaon, presented a portrait to Shri Shukla.

The programme was attended by MLA Shri Motilal Sahu, MLA Shri Anuj Sharma, MLA Shri Indra Kumar Sahu, District Panchayat President Shri Naveen Agrawal, District Panchayat Vice President Shri Sandeep Yadu, Chairman of the Building and Construction Workers’ Board Dr. Rampratap Singh, Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, Municipal Commissioner Shri Vishwadeep, along with other dignitaries and a large number of schoolchildren.