Regional Meet on "Leveraging Space Technology Applications for Viksit Bharat 2047" Held in Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar, July 29, 2025 — The Regional Meet on “Leveraging Space Technology Applications for Viksit Bharat 2047” was successfully conducted on July 22, 2025, at Narmada Hall, Swarnim Sankul, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar. This important event brought together stakeholders from the states of Gujarat, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli to discuss the integration of space technology in regional development in line with the vision for India’s progress by 2047. Organized by the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Ahmedabad, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of Gujarat, the meet aimed to gather insights and inputs from the participating states and Union Territories ahead of the forthcoming National Meet 2025. The key focus of the discussions was to explore the infrastructural needs for space technology across various sectors and departments at the state level and to identify novel applications that can advance governance and development.
Inaugural Ceremony and Keynote Addresses
The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Bhai Patel, who emphasized the importance of leveraging cutting-edge space technologies to achieve sustainable development goals and bolster India’s position as a global space power.
The program commenced with a traditional prayer and lamp-lighting ceremony officiated by distinguished dignitaries, setting a solemn tone for the day’s proceedings.
Shri Nilesh M. Desai, Director of SAC, Ahmedabad, delivered the welcome address, paying homage to Dr. Vikram Sarabhai — the father of India’s space program. Shri Desai underscored the pivotal role of space technology in driving societal progress and highlighted ongoing space-based initiatives tailored for Gujarat’s development.
Ms. Mona K. Khandhar, Principal Secretary, DST, Government of Gujarat, delivered the inaugural speech. She highlighted Gujarat’s pioneering efforts in space governance, proudly announcing the state as the first in India to adopt a dedicated Space Technology Policy. Ms. Khandhar also revealed plans to establish specialized space technology facilities for non-governmental entities (NGEs) in the Ahmedabad region, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.
Technical Sessions and Presentations
The meet featured multiple technical sessions including expert presentations by representatives from ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), and prominent NGEs. These sessions illuminated various aspects of space technology application, from satellite communication to remote sensing, and their potential to transform sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
Attendees were also presented with informative video briefings on the NISAR mission—a joint Indo-US satellite project focusing on earth observation—and Gujarat’s newly formulated Space Technology Policy, illustrating the state’s roadmap towards integrating space solutions into governance and development.
Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
The event concluded with remarks from Shri Shashikant Sharma, Team Lead for Gujarat and the Union Territories, who summarized key outcomes and actionable insights derived from the discussions. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Gujarat officials, ISRO scientists, and all participants for their invaluable contributions that ensured the smooth and successful organization of the Regional Meet.
With over 180 participants including government officials, ISRO scientists, representatives of NSIL, IN-SPACe, and NGEs in attendance, the meet served as a significant platform for strengthening collaboration between space technology stakeholders and regional governance bodies.
The discussions and recommendations from this regional forum will feed into the National Meet 2025, helping to shape strategies that leverage space technology applications effectively for the realization of Viksit Bharat 2047. —
For additional insights and images from the Regional Meet, interested parties can refer to the official ISRO and Government of Gujarat portals.
