The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, announced the creation of a separate fund for a pan-India space scholarship on Monday. In a small function the prime minister extolled US-based astronaut of Indian origin who completed a successful 195 day space odyssey recently, Sunita Williams, as an inspiring icon for the youth and said that Indian government has decided to create a fund to support higher education in space.

The scholarship will be operational in the title of Sunita Williams Scholarships for Higher Education in Space and will be introduced from the next academic year.

The Prime Minister further clarified that ten scholarships, five each for girls and boys, would be awarded annually, to promote the study of outer space. The scheme has been titled Sunita Williams Scholarships for Higher Education in Space (SWISHES).

Union Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal will come out with the details of the scholarship by end of this month.

During the interaction Manmohan Singh praised Williams’ achievements in the realm of space and proclaimed that India was proud of her achievements.

Speaking on the occasion Sunita Williams revealed that she felt overwhelmed by the love and affection she received in India and impressed by young Indians interest in space exploration.