New Delhi, 24 August(HS): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today honoured Group Captains Shubhanshu Shukla, PB Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap — the distinguished astronauts of India’s historic Gaganyaan mission — at a ceremony in New Delhi. Terming these Gaganyatris as “gems of the nation” and trailblazers of India’s space aspirations, Singh highlighted the critical role they play in shaping the country’s future beyond Earth’s horizon.

Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh emphasized that India views space not merely as a domain for scientific inquiry but as the cornerstone of tomorrow’s economy, security, energy, and the collective future of humanity. “We have already ushered our presence from the Moon to Mars. Today, India stands fully ready to embark on courageous new missions like Gaganyaan,” he said, underlining the country’s rapid strides into new frontiers.

Describing this achievement as a monumental chapter in the narrative of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Raksha Mantri reminded that India’s space program transcends laboratory innovations and rocket launches. “From Chandrayaan to Mangalyaan, our journey is a testament to how unrelenting willpower, despite limited resources, can transform formidable challenges into extraordinary triumphs,” he added.

Rajnath Singh also shed light on the profound societal impact of space technologies, including communication satellites and disaster management systems that reach every village and field across India. Looking ahead, he spoke of emerging frontiers like space mining, deep space exploration, and utilization of planetary resources that will redefine human civilization’s trajectory.

Highlighting the evolving global context, Singh remarked that space today transcends military dominance and technical competition, representing a new stage in humanity’s shared journey. “India, the eternal proponent of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world as one family — is now elevating this ethos through its pioneering scientists and astronauts,” he said.

Special commendation was reserved for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his landmark journey to the International Space Station aboard Axiom Mission 4. Shri Rajnath Singh lauded his extraordinary dedication and resilience, noting that Shukla completed a grueling two-and-a-half years of training in just two-and-a-half months. “His feat is not just a national pride but a shining beacon of humanity’s progress,” the Raksha Mantri observed.

Describing Group Captain Shukla as a symbol of civil-military synergy, Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that his space voyage transcended service to the armed forces or nation alone, representing all humankind. The Raksha Mantri also underscored the vital role of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in preparing astronauts physically and mentally, calling Group Captain Shukla a radiant embodiment of the institute’s success.

During the event, Group Captain Shukla recounted his extraordinary experience aboard the ISS, sharing insights from the landmark Axiom Mission 4. The ceremony also saw the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff.

This felicitation marks a significant milestone in India’s relentless pursuit of space exploration, reflecting a nation poised to transcend boundaries and pioneer humanity’s future in space.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar