Jammu will be the first city in north India to get a
full-fledged space technology research centre devoted to research, academics
and post-graduation degree course. The centre will function under the aegis of
the Central University Jammu and will be exclusive in nature.

This was disclosed here on
Sunday by minister of state in PM Office, Dr Jitendra Singh who is also In
charge space department. The minister was briefing about the year-long
"Sarabhai Centenary" programmes of ISRO (Indian Space Research
Organisation), beginning from today on the occasion of the 99th birth
anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the first Chairman of ISRO and the founding
father of India's space programme, a statement said.

Singh recalled that Vikram Sarabhai always insisted on ISRO
playing a meaningful role “nationally” and said he was personally feeling
vindicated that during the four years of the Modi government, “we had succeeded
in extending the space related academic and research programmes to remote
areas.”

He disclosed that in addition
to Jammu, the other town selected for opening a space technology research
centre is in the northeast in Tripura, where it would function under the aegis
of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Agartala.

Singh said the space research
and academics was hitherto confined mostly to South Indian states and over the
last four years, it had been a constant endeavour to spread it to other parts
of the country. 

He said the Centre at Central University Jammu will provide a
strong technical platform not only for Jammu & Kashmir but also for the
neighbouring states, and would also create new job opportunities for the youth
of this region.

Singh disclosed that he had
personally requested Dr K. Radhakrishnan, world renowned scientist and former
chairman ISRO under whom the Mars Mission was launched, to be the formal
"Advisor" for the new upcoming teaching department of space
technology in Central University Jammu. 

He said he was glad that Dr
Radhakrishnan had responded very positively and even undertaken a visit to Jammu.

The teaching departments of Space Technology at
Jammu and Tripura, Singh said, will offer a new opening and a Godsend
opportunity for scholars and youngsters who have aptitude for Space science, to
explore a new career and research option.