Karti Chidambaram questions how India can reach the Moon while manual scavenging still exists. -

Published By: Sheen Kachroo

Last Updated: September 21, 2023, 17:49 IST

India’s Success in Chandrayaan-3 Mission Raises Questions on Persistent Social Issues, Says Congress MP

In a recent debate on the success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram raised an important question. He wondered how a nation that lands a spacecraft on the Moon can still have issues like manual scavenging. Chidambaram emphasized the need to maintain scientific temper in the country.

During the debate, Chidambaram highlighted the confusion between faith and spiritualism. While spiritualism and science can be questioned, faith cannot. He commended the scientific temper showcased by ISRO and called for its preservation.

Chidambaram expressed his bewilderment that India, capable of landing on the Moon, still grapples with problems like manual scavenging and potholes. He questioned the stark contrast between launching satellites for other countries and the inability to manage roads during monsoons. He urged society to leverage the scientific advancements being made.

Acknowledging India’s rich heritage and association with science and astronomy, Chidambaram emphasized the need for research and a return to roots to rediscover lost scientific knowledge.

Furthermore, Chidambaram urged the government to institute fellowships and scholarships to enable more students from government schools to join ISRO.

BJP MP Jayant Sinha, participating in the debate, emphasized the compatibility of science and culture for Indians. He argued that science and “sanskar” (culture) can coexist.

Sinha also praised the contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru in establishing ISRO and highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s increase in ISRO’s budget over the past nine years.

Dimple Yadav, a Samajwadi Party MP, attributed the success of the Chandrayaan mission solely to the scientist community and urged against undermining their accomplishments.

NC MP Hasnain Masoodi stressed the importance of addressing real issues such as bridging healthcare gaps, even in the midst of India’s achievements in space.

Other MPs, including LJSP MP Prince Raj and BJP MP Sumedhanand Saraswati, also participated in the discussion on the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission and India’s achievements in the space sector.

The debate shed light on the need to address social issues alongside scientific advancement. Despite India’s outstanding achievements in space exploration, it is crucial to tackle challenges such as manual scavenging and healthcare disparities.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)

By Sheen Kachroo