India reaches for the stars, brings their light home

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 programme 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.

- BY DR. JITENDRA SINGH

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the strategic stewardship of the Department of Space, India has reimagined its space programme 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 spacetech 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. India's satellites now play a vital role in weather forecasting, helping farmers plan their sowing and harvesting cycles with greater accuracy. In flood-prone regions, satellite data enables early warnings and disaster response, saving lives and livelihoods. During cyclones and droughts, remote sensing helps authorities prepare and mitigate damage. In rural clinics, telemedicine powered by satellite connectivity allows doctors in urban centres to consult with patients in remote areas, bridging the healthcare divide. E-learning platforms, supported by satellite bandwidth, bring quality education to children in far-flung villages, ensuring that geography is no longer a barrier to learning.