On October 22, 2008, India launched Chandrayaan, a satellite designed to create a 3D atlas of the lunar surface and map the distribution of elements and minerals. Such space missions undoubtedly require substantial funding. However, just a month after the satellite’s launch, India faced one of its most devastating terrorist attacks. Nearly 200 people lost their lives, and over 350 were injured. In the aftermath of the attack, several critical deficiencies became apparent. The fire department lacked the necessary equipment, such as high-reaching ladders and specialized clothing.

Firefighters were equipped with only basic cotton uniforms, and many policemen were killed because they lacked bulletproof vests. I saw a video of a policeman confronting terrorists armed with advanced weaponry while he had only an outdated rifle. These shortcomings highlight a troubling pattern: the government has often neglected to allocate funds for essential safety and emergency services. Similarly, during the Bihar floods earlier this year, thousands of kilograms of grains and food packets rotted because of a severe shortage of helicopters.

With only two helicopters available to cover the entire state, people were dying from hunger and thirst despite the availability of food. This crisis again underscores the government’s failure to prioritize and invest in crucial infrastructure. Sanitation is another pressing issue in India. Public toilets are scarce, leading people to urinate on the streets. The lack of dustbins results in widespread littering, and one sweeper is expected to clean a neighborhood with thousands of residents. Untreated sewage is frequently discharged directly into rivers, and garbage often ends up in these water bodies due to inadequate education and waste management systems.

These problems persist because sanitation and public health infrastructure have not been given the necessary attention. While space exploration is impressive and can drive scientific progress, it should not overshadow fundamental needs such as sanitation, security, and education. Many people in India lack basic knowledge about space missions, with more than 30% unable to write the word “moon” and over 50% not knowing what a satellite is. The majority of the population may not understand the specifics of projects like Chandrayaan or their potential impact.

I believe the focus should be on improving essential services and infrastructure first. It might be more effective to collaborate with wealthy countries for funding space projects or even consider selling these projects to allocate resources where they are most urgently needed. Addressing critical issues such as poor roads, inadequate schools, and insufficient public transport should be a priority. By focusing on these foundational needs, we could significantly enhance the quality of life for many Indians.