National Space Day Celebrated at UNESCO World Heritage Site Jantar Mantar, Jaipur — Rajasthan Takes Step Towards Becoming Leader in Astro-Tourism

Jaipur, Aug 2025: On the suggestion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the initiative of Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari, National Space Day was organized on Saturday at Jaipur’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Jantar Mantar to position Rajasthan as a leading state in Astro-Tourism.

The event was jointly organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department and Space India. Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Diya Kumari attended as the chief guest.

“I too wished to become a space scientist” — Diya Kumari

Congratulating scientists, students, and citizens, Diya Kumari said it was a historic and proud moment for Rajasthan as, for the first time in 300 years, Jantar Mantar’s magnificent instruments were used for live astronomical observations. She remarked, “I also wanted to become a space scientist, but destiny made me a politician.”

Inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision

She emphasized that the event was inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision and represented not only a scientific milestone but also a revival of India’s rich heritage and deep astronomical knowledge. She added that it was made possible through the collaboration of the Tourism Department, Government of Rajasthan, and Space India. “This is more than a program; it is a confluence of science, culture, and history,” she said, highlighting India’s potential to guide the world by combining ancient wisdom with modern space achievements.

From Heritage to Development: Journey of Space Science

The Deputy CM noted that Rajasthan is globally renowned for its forts, palaces, and heritage, but is now also proving itself as a land of knowledge and scientific vision. She stressed that heritage should not only be preserved but also experienced and passed on to future generations. This year’s theme was “From Ancient Skies to the Space Age.”

Referring to the journey of Indian space science, she said, “From the grand instruments of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh to missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan, India has achieved new milestones.” She congratulated the Tourism Department, Rajasthan Government, and Space India for the successful event and called it a historic day that honored the past while inspiring India’s bright future.

Hands-on Space Experience

On the occasion, Diya Kumari visited an ISRO exhibition showcasing India’s space achievements, observed water rocketry demonstrations, and experienced live astronomical observations through telescopes.

The program presented India’s great astronomical tradition alongside modern space achievements, from Chandrayaan to Gaganyaan. Throughout the day, various activities were held including special lectures, interactive science zones, safe solar observation, solar system model workshops, space quizzes, water rocket launches, space-themed art and craft exhibitions, and a live telecast on the future of India’s space exploration. Former ISRO scientists from Rajasthan also shared deep insights into astronomy with students and researchers.

Tourism Commissioner Rukmani Riar encouraged students, scientists, and citizens interested in astronomy, while Dr. Sachin Bhaba, Founder & CMD of Space India, highlighted that for the first time, Jantar Mantar’s ancient instruments were used for live astronomical observations.