New Delhi, September 21, 2023 – The Lok Sabha witnessed a spirited discussion on September 21, 2023, applauding the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The parliamentary session showcased a clash of opinions, with both the Treasury and Opposition benches laying claim to India’s space success.
Union Ministers and BJP MPs emphasized the significant strides made in India’s space endeavors during the Narendra Modi government’s tenure. Conversely, Opposition members fondly recalled the foundational role played by India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in nurturing the country’s scientific progress.
Speaking during the debate, Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed that ISRO scientists eagerly await the awakening of the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover from their 14-day slumber during the lunar night. These modules had conducted crucial experiments on the moon’s south pole from August 23 to September 4, after which they were put to sleep to endure the moon’s frigid temperatures.
Before the discussion commenced, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla underscored India’s progression toward becoming a major space power.
“Quota Bill a gift”
Kicking off the discussion on Chandrayaan-3’s success and India’s space achievements, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the passage of the women’s reservation Bill as “a gift by a grateful nation to the women scientists of ISRO and the entire female scientific community of India.” He highlighted that, of the 424 foreign satellites launched by India, 389 were launched in the past nine years under the Modi government.
Congress member Shashi Tharoor described the moon landing as a watershed moment, attributing it to the collective efforts of governments over the past six decades, beginning with the era of Pandit Nehru. His assertion that 20% of women personnel in ISRO did not require reservation in the field of science and technology faced objections from Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Anupriya Patel.
Indian Union Muslim League MP Abdussamad Samadani, an ally of the Congress from Kerala, reflected, “When we think of the space missions of the country, we have to remember two luminaries…stalwarts – [Isaac] Newton and Nehru.”
“The Opposition indulged in ‘Nehru bhajan’ since morning instead of ISRO bhajan,” retorted BJP’s Tejasvi Surya.
- In a parliamentary debate, Indian lawmakers celebrated ISRO’s success and Chandrayaan-3‘s achievements while highlighting the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh revealed ISRO scientists’ anticipation for the awakening of the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover on the moon.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the passage of the women’s reservation Bill a tribute to women scientists and noted India’s significant role in launching foreign satellites.
- Congress member Shashi Tharoor emphasized the collective effort of governments in India’s space journey, while an objection arose to his comment on women’s reservation.
- Indian Union Muslim League MP Abdussamad Samadani invoked the names of Newton and Nehru in recognizing India’s space missions.
- BJP’s Tejasvi Surya playfully quipped about the Opposition’s focus on Nehru during the debate.
