New Delhi, August 18(HS):

In a historic moment for India's space ambitions, the Lok Sabha convened today for a special discussion dedicated to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned from his ground-breaking mission to the International Space Station. Parliament, bustling with palpable excitement, stands poised to acknowledge the nation’s newest space hero, whose journey to the ISS marks a defining milestone for India’s emerging role in global space exploration.

Vanguard for “Viksit Bharat”: The ISS Mission

The session, under the banner “India’s First Astronaut Aboard the ISS –– Critical Role of Space Programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047,” centers on Shukla’s achievement and its immense strategic implications. MPs and ministers are debating not just Shukla's personal triumph, but also India's ambitious roadmap: the Gaganyaan human spaceflight project and visions for an indigenous space station, both vital pillars for a developed India by 2047.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju set the tone earlier in the day, declaring,

“Our hero astronaut Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla has returned home after his successful mission to the ISS. Parliament will honor him with a special discussion on his historic milestone and our growing space ambitions in our journey towards Viksit Bharat.”

Shukla, greeted at Indira Gandhi International Airport by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, has been the talk of the capital. Later this evening, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence, marking a capstone to his celebrated homecoming.

Political Machinations and Unruly Scenes

Amidst the atmosphere of celebration, the session was marred by repeated adjournments and raucous protests. The House was adjourned twice – first at 12PM and again at 2PM– as Opposition MPs demanded a debate on the controversial revision of voter rolls in poll-bound Bihar, raising slogans of “Stop Vote Chori.” Speaker Om Birla issued stern warnings against disruption and the vandalism of government property.

Key Legislation Amid Space Euphoria

While much of the limelight shone on Shukla, Parliament also witnessed significant legislative action. Union Minister Piyush Goyal introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025, advocating decriminalization of minor offences to promote trust-based governance. The Bill was promptly referred to a select committee by majority voice vote.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tabled the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to add IIM Guwahati to the Act’s schedule, furthering India’s commitment to academic excellence.

A Symbolic Journey

Shukla’s achievements are now woven into the larger tapestry of India’s space narrative. With National Space Day celebrations set for August 23 and the promise of new horizons, today’s parliamentary salute draws together the threads of policy, progress, and national pride. The nation looks on as its astronaut meets the Prime Minister, inspiring a new generation of explorers and innovators.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar