This is not just my space journey, but of all Indians; every child’s dream of space travel will be fulfilled: Group Captain Shubhanshu
Chief Minister inaugurates the state’s first space center under the Antariksh Sangwari program
Chief Minister makes a big announcement, Antariksh Sangwari initiative to be expanded in the state
Antariksh Sangwari centers will open in all districts of the state
Raipur, February 03, 2026 / The space center will become a laboratory for fulfilling youth dreams. This center is a strong foundation for the state’s scientific future, and space centers will be expanded across the state. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai was addressing the program after formally inaugurating Chhattisgarh’s first space center at Rakhi, Naya Raipur, organized under the Antariksh Sangwari program, conducted by the district administration, along with Group Captain and Astronaut Shri Shubhanshu Shukla.
The Chief Minister announced the expansion of the Antariksh Sangwari initiative across the state, with space centers to be opened in all districts. The Chief Minister heartily welcomed and honored Group Captain and Astronaut Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla on the holy land of Chhattisgarh. He said that personalities like Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla are symbols of inspiration for the youth, whose space journey has brought pride to the nation.
Interacting with the children, the Chief Minister said that from today their dreams are getting wings and their sky has become even bigger. This space center is not just a building, but a laboratory for children’s dreams, where they can understand science by taking it out of books through experiments and research. Mentioning the achievement of children from Jashpur district in rocket building, he said that this example shows that there is no shortage of talent in Chhattisgarh’s soil; only proper opportunity is needed, which this center will provide.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that space science is no longer just a subject of curiosity but has become a major field for employment and career. Due to ISRO’s global credibility, India is playing a leading role in the world of space today. In the coming time, this center will provide direct training to children in modern technical fields like satellite manufacturing, tracking, weather forecasting, and cloud mapping. He said that this space center will provide accurate weather and crop-related information to farmers, directly benefiting agriculture. Along with this, technology-based employment opportunities will increase, and migration of youth to metropolitan cities will stop. Mentioning Operation Sindoor, the Chief Minister informed that the role of satellite technology in national security and defense is extremely important, and the importance of space science in this field will further increase in the future.
Group Captain Shri Shubhanshu Shukla, sharing his experiences related to space travel, said that when a rocket launches, it requires immense energy and reaches space from zero to about 30,000 kilometers per hour in a very short time. Describing Chhattisgarh as an energetic state, he said that the children here have immense potential and curiosity. He specially thanked the Chief Minister, stating that the inauguration of the space center in the state is a big and visionary step towards connecting children with space science. He said that during the inauguration of the Clean Station, I saw the Chief Minister himself wearing a special dress and cap before entering the station. I was very happy to see that when the head of the state himself shows such interest, it reflects his clear and future-oriented thinking towards the future of children and youth.
Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla recalled an online interaction with students of the state on September 5, 2025, during which a child from Chhattisgarh asked him, “You’ve told us everything, but tell us, did you complete the homework given by the Prime Minister or not?” He said that this question reflects the sharp intellect and keen observation of children.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, sharing his experiences of his space mission, said that when you sit in a rocket, you feel completely prepared, but as soon as the rocket ignites, that moment is so powerful that all preparation is forgotten for a moment. Comparing it to an exam, he said that just as after completing studies, for a few moments after seeing the question paper in the examination hall, everything seems blank, the same feeling occurs during space travel. At such times, maintaining composure and believing in your hard work is most important, because hard work never goes in vain.
Group Captain Shukla said that after 41 years, India has once again achieved a historic feat in space, and this journey was not just his, but the journey of all of India. He informed that during his 20-day stay in space, he orbited the Earth 320 times and covered a distance of approximately 14 million kilometers. In the end, he inspired everyone to work hard continuously to fulfill their dreams.
At the end of the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed his gratitude to Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla and urged the children to dream big, befriend science, and make Chhattisgarh’s name shine in the country and the world. Minister of Skill Development and Technical Education, Guru Khushwant Saheb, said that everyone feels honored to have Astronaut Dr. Shubhanshu Shukla among them. He said that Shubhanshu Shukla’s space journey is a source of inspiration for every section of society, especially the youth. His historic achievement has given a new direction to the youth of the country and provided an important opportunity to further enhance interest in space science.
Minister of Forest and Parliamentary Affairs and District In-charge Minister, Shri Kedar Kashyap, said that this initiative is a testament to the government’s visionary thinking, inspiring the coming generation to move towards the future. Addressing the students, he said that all of you possess immense potential and power that will fulfill your dreams. The efforts being made to explain complex subjects like space science in a simple and accessible way are highly commendable. Wishing the children a bright future, Minister Shri Kashyap said that such programs not only strengthen the confidence of students but also encourage scientific thinking. Children from DPS and Sainik School Rajnandgaon presented a portrait to Shri Shukla.
The program was attended by MLA Shri Motilal Sahu, MLA Shri Anuj Sharma, MLA Shri Indrakumar Sahu, District Panchayat President Shri Naveen Agarwal, District Panchayat Vice President Shri Sandeep Yadu, Chairman of Building and Construction Workers Board Dr. Rampratap Singh, Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, Municipal Commissioner Shri Vishwadeep, along with distinguished citizens and a large number of school children.