New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, declared that air travel in India is no longer a luxury reserved for the elite.
Speaking at the completion celebration of 75 years of the Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), Dr Jitendra Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming air travel into a common mode of transportation for the public. The visionary schemes like UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), the doubling of airports, and affordable airfare have played a crucial role in this shift. He noted the now common sight of people wearing “Hawai” chappal boarding the “Hawai-Jahaz” (Air Flight).
This transformation is attributed not only to affordable airfare but also to the significant increase in the number of airports, rising from 75 in 2014 to over 150 today, over the last 9 years.
Dr Jitendra Singh further disclosed that after India’s wholly indigenous Maiden Manned Mission Gaganyaan in 2025, the country plans to establish its own Space Station by 2035, and an Indian will land on the Moon in 2040.
Reflecting on the progress made in science and technology, especially in aviation and aerospace under Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the past decade, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the “Make in India” initiative, fostering indigenous production and innovation. He emphasized the government’s steadfast support for the scientific community, providing necessary resources and infrastructure.
The International Conference cum Exhibition on “Aerospace & Aviation in 2047” was deemed a testament to India’s dedication to knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Dr Jitendra Singh commended the evolution of the Indian aerospace sector, celebrating achievements such as Chandrayaan-3, Mars Orbiter Mission, Aditya L1, Gaganyaan, Tejas, and advanced missile systems by DRDO.
Dr Jitendra Singh expressed optimism for India’s future in aerospace technology, urging a continued pursuit of excellence in science and technology. In conclusion, he extended best wishes for the conference’s success and the continued achievements of the Aeronautical Society of India.