Khattar hails space progress, traces it back to Aryabhata

Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday hailed the progress made by India in space science. He was addressing a gathering on the occasion of National Space Day at Dr Mangalsen auditorium, which was attended by ISRO scientists, students and others. PM Narendra Modi also addressed the nation through a video message on the occasion.

Khattar recalled that on August 23, 2023, mission Chandrayaan-3 was successful, leading to the declaration of National Space Day. Congratulating scientists for their global achievements, he highlighted the country's rich legacy in astronomy, tracing it back to Aryabhata.

“The subject of space is rooted in India’s history. Over 1,500 years ago, Aryabhata had already explained that the Earth was spherical and revolved around the Sun. Even earlier, our rich astronomical tradition enabled precise calculations of full moon and new moon days, as well as important religious festivals like Karva Chauth and Ganesh Chaturthi. Similarly, eclipses were accurately predicted long before the advent of modern science. Today, Indian scientists are carrying forward this legacy with remarkable achievements, combining ancient knowledge with modern research,” he said.

He said Kalpana Chawla, who became the first Indian-origin woman to go to space through NASA, continued to inspire, and a medical college had been named in her honour.

Education Minister Mahipal emphasised that from Chandrayaan to Gaganyaan, and Mangalyaan to Aditya L1, India had proved its self-reliance in space research.

Former ISRO scientist Bidyut Kumar Bhadra and Project Director Dr Ritu Karlidharav shared insights into India’s space achievements and challenges, and Higher Education Department ACS Vineet Garg announced that an Aryabhatta Science Centre was being set up in Ambala Cantt at a cost of Rs 85 crore. He said India aimed to establish its space station by 2035 and send an astronaut to the moon by 2040.

Slams Opposition for disrupting Parl

*Khattar accused the opposition parties of disrupting Parliament, and now, the proceedings in the Vidhan Sabha. “The Opposition did not allow Parliament to function this session. They brought up fabricated issues. The public would teach them a lesson, he claimed

*On Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav’s political tours in Bihar, the minister said, “Everyone campaigns in their own way. We have no objection to anyone’s yatra. Let them take out 10 more if they wish. Ultimately, people understand what is right for the nation.”

*On Bhiwani’s Manisha death case, he said the government was taking the matter very seriously. All necessary procedures, including post-mortem and police investigation, were being carried out. The Haryana Police was conducting a fair probe, but if the family wanted a CBI inquiry, the government had no objection.