"New beginning": Jitendra Singh at inauguration of In-Space Technical Centre in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], March 5 (ANI): Inaugurating an In-Space Technical Centre at Ahmedabad on Tuesday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the occasion marked a new beginning for the country's Space sector.
"Today is a historic day for India's Space Department. The launch of a technical centre of this level marks a new beginning. This was possible only because PM Modi, some time ago, freed the Space sector from the bureaucratic red tape that put many obstacles before our Space programme. There was never any shortage of scientific talent in this country. Vikram Sara Bhai started his illustrious journey from Ahmedabad. Modi-ji came and opened new doors for ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) at Sriharikota. It is because of a new countrywide research the number of startups in Space has grown from a single-digit figure to triple digits," the Union Minister said.
He pointed out that within 8-9 months, more than Rs 1,000 crore in private investment has been made in ISRO.
"Today, the whole world recognises our strength in the Space sector. Our journey started quite late but we became the first country to reach the South Pole of the Moon," he added.
ISRO chairman S Somnath and Pawan Goenka In-Space chairman were also present at the event.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country will have its own space station by 2035, which will help in the study of deep Space.
Addressing a gathering at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi said Indian astronauts, picked for the country's maiden manned Space mission 'Gaganyaan', will land on the surface of the moon "in our own rocket".
"By 2035, India will have its own Space station that will help us study and explore deep space further. In this era of Amrit Kaal, Indian astronauts will land on the surface of the moon in our own rocket," PM Modi said.
He added that the India of the 21st century is emerging as a dynamic global player, showcasing significant developmental strides across sectors.
"The India of the 21st century is taking the world by storm with its potential. In the last 10 years, we have launched about 400 satellites while in the 10 years prior, only 33 satellites were launched," PM Modi added. (ANI)