11 Years of India's celestial journey into Space

DR. JITENDRA SINGH

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In the quiet fishing village of Thumba, Kerala, where India's space journey began with sounding rockets launched from a churchyard, few could have imagined the cosmic heights the nation would one day reach.

It was a time of quiet resolve, when the dream of reaching the stars was nurtured with limited means but limitless ambition.

Today, that dream has matured into a national mission, and as we mark eleven years of the Narendra Modi Government, India's space program stands transformed-bold, inclusive, and deeply connected to the lives of ordinary citizens.

This transformation is not just about rockets and satellites-it is about people. It is about how space technology has quietly entered the daily rhythm of life, from the farmer in a remote village to the student in a digital classroom. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the strategic stewardship of the Department of Space, India has reimagined its space program as a tool for development, empowerment, and opportunity.

The reforms introduced since 2014 have opened new frontiers. The creation of IN-SPACe in 2020 allowed private companies to participate in space activities, sparking a wave of innovation. Today, over 300 space-tech startups are building satellites, designing launch vehicles, and developing applications that serve agriculture, education, healthcare, and navigation. These startups are not just creating technology-they are creating jobs, especially for young engineers and entrepreneurs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The liberalized space policy has made space services more affordable and accessible, bringing the benefits of advanced technology to the grassroots.