The Rajya Sabha unanimously adopted a resolution on September 20, 2023, congratulating Indian scientists on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. The resolution was moved by Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh and was supported by members of all parties.
In the resolution, the Rajya Sabha lauded the “dedication, hard work, and perseverance” of the scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for achieving this historic feat. The resolution also noted that the success of Chandrayaan-3 is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in the space sector.
The resolution is a significant recognition of the achievements of Indian scientists. It is also a reminder of India’s commitment to space exploration and its desire to become a leading player in this field.
The success of Chandrayaan-3 is a proud moment for all Indians. It is a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together and set our minds to something. It is also a reminder of the importance of investing in science and technology.
“This accomplishment, along with the other space missions, will usher in long-lasting economic and social upliftment,” Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar said.
During the discussion, both BJP and Congress members highlighted steps taken during their rule to make Chandrayaan missions successful.
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh accused the previous Congress governments of “regimenting” the space department and debarring the common man and industry from it.
He stressed that the Modi government has created an enabling atmosphere for the success of the country’s space programme.
Participating in the debate, he said there are 150 startups in the space sector today. Before 2014, the number was just four which was “embarrassing”, the minister said. He also said that the space budget in the last nine years has increased to 142 per cent.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of attempting to “airbrush” the milestones achieved in the space sector since the 1960s, and said the Indian space programme should be looked as an instrument of development and “not an instrument of muscular nationalism”.
While lauding the Chandrayaan-3 mission, he said there was a need to remind the House of the people who have contributed so far to it, rather than fall victim to this new impression that has been created that this entire accomplishment is the result of only one individual.
He said its success is based on the competencies, capabilities and capacities that have been created over 60 years.
“We need to give our scientific and technological institutions full freedom. We need to give our scientific and technological institutions full independence and professionalism and we need to free our scientific and technological institutions of any political patronage and political interference and intervention,” Ramesh said.
He called for acknowledging the glorious space journey that started in the early 1960s and the important milestones achieved so far.