ISRO Chairman Sets Sights on Historic Mission: Man in Space by 2025

Gandhinagar : Dr. S. Somnath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), enthusiastically shared India’s strides toward sending a man into space by 2025 and ensuring his safe return. His remarks, delivered as the chief guest at the 11th convocation of the Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) on December 2 in Gandhinagar, brimmed with optimism and promise.

Among the celebratory atmosphere of the convocation, where 1,714 students were awarded degrees, Dr. Somnath highlighted the significant milestone of selecting four Air Force pilots as astronauts for the inaugural mission. Emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring the astronauts’ safety, he acknowledged the ongoing technological advancements necessary to achieve this milestone.

ISRO’s vision extends beyond sending a man to space; it now aspires to establish a space station, a vision shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr. Somnath underscored the scientific, technological, and industrial significance of a space station, echoing the Prime Minister’s vision of an Indian landing on the moon by 2024.

Reflecting on ISRO’s journey, Dr. Somnath emphasized the values of courage and determination, illustrating how they rectified past mistakes and accomplished remarkable feats within modest budgets. He emphasized India’s trajectory towards scientific and technological excellence, envisioning a powerful nation not through military might or territorial expansion but through inclusive advancements in various domains.

The chairman lauded India’s burgeoning satellite-building industries, noting the emergence of several companies capable of designing, constructing, and launching spacecraft in the country.

In a recorded message played at the event, Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries, expressed unwavering confidence in India’s economic growth potential over the next 25 years. Envisioning a monumental leap from a $3.5 trillion to a $40 trillion economy by 2047, Ambani highlighted the necessity for vast amounts of clean and sustainable energy to fuel this growth without harming the environment.

Ambani addressed the “Energy Trilemma,” emphasizing the imperative need for universal access to affordable energy, a transition to clean energy sources, and safeguarding India’s economy from external volatility. He expressed confidence in India’s capability to develop innovative, sustainable solutions driven by the country’s talented youth committed to combating the climate crisis.

Furthermore, Ambani imparted five success mantras to the graduating students, offering them guiding principles for their future endeavors.

The convocation also witnessed the presence of retired IAS officer Dr. Hasmukh Adhia and Dr. S. Sundar Manoharan, the director-general of PDEU, signifying a collaborative effort towards fostering progress and innovation.