Bengaluru/UNI: Referring to the estimates of the experts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India's space industry will reach $16 billion from $8 billion in the next few years.

He also said India's spirit of innovation will make the dream of a developed India come true in 2047.

"The people of the country have faith in the scientists, and when the blessings of the people are bestowed, India will become a global leader in science and technology with the dedication shown towards the country.

"Our same spirit of innovation will make the dream of a developed India come true in 2047," the Prime Minister said.

He made this statement while addressing ISRO scientists for their successful Chandrayaan-3 mission at the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in the city after arriving from Greece.

He said the government is working relentlessly for space sector reforms and added that India's youth is making efforts as the number of space-related startups has gone up from 4 to about 150 in the last four years.

The Prime Minister noted that the capabilities of the space sector are not limited to launching satellites and space explorations, and its strength can be seen in ease of living and ease of government.

He recalled the workshop that was organised for the joint secretary-level officers in the central government with ISRO during the initial years of his prime ministership.

PM Modi mentioned the tremendous progress made to link space applications with governance. He mentioned the role of space technology in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: education, communication, and health services to far-flung areas; telemedicine; and tele education.

He also talked about the role of the NAVIC system and its support during natural calamities.

"Space technology is also the basis of our PM Gatishakti National Master Plan. This is helping a lot in the planning, execution, and monitoring of projects.

"This scope of space application, which is increasing with time, is also increasing opportunities for our youth," the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister requested that ISRO organise national hackathons on 'Space Technology in Governance' in collaboration with various departments of the central and state governments.

"I am confident that this national hackathon will make our governance more effective and provide modern solutions to our countrymen," he said.

PM Modi also gave a task to the young generation of the country. "I want the new generation to come forward to scientifically prove the astronomical formulas in the scriptures of India and to study them anew. It is also important for our heritage and for science. In a way, this is a double responsibility for the students of schools, colleges, and universities today," he said.

"The treasure of scientific knowledge that India has has been buried and hidden during the long period of slavery. In this Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, we have to explore this treasure too, do research on it, and also tell the world about it," he added.

PM Modi also urged students across the country to take part in a huge quiz competition on Chandrayaan Mission organised by MyGov starting September 1.

Emphasising the importance of taking the lead in science and technology in this period of the 21st century, the Prime Minister said India has become the youngest talent factory in the world.

"From the depths of the ocean to the heights of the sky to the depths of space, there's a lot for the young generations to do," he said as he highlighted opportunities ranging from 'Deep Earth' to 'Deep Sea', and the next generation computer to genetic engineering.

"New opportunities are constantly opening up for you in India," he added.

PM Modi underlined that guidance for future generations is a necessity, and it is they who will further the important missions of today.

He said scientists are their role models, and their research and years of hard work have proved that anything can be accomplished if they set their mind to it.