PM announces Sunita Williams Scholarships

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced the setting up of Sunita Williams Scholarships for Higher Education in Space (SWISHES) which will be awarded to ten students -- five girls and five boys.

Dr Singh said scholarships were aimed at promoting the study of outer space. He made the announcement when US astronaut Sunita Williams called on him today. She was accompanied by her father.

The Prime Minister told Ms Williams that India was truly proud of her achievements and that she was a source of inspiration for all our young people.

Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal will announce the details of the scholarships, a PMO spokesman said.

Ms Williams told the Prime Minister that she was overwhelmed by the love and affection she received in India and by the interest of young Indians in aeronautics and space exploration.

UNI