Defence Minister Felicitates Gaganyatris in New Delhi
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday honoured the four Gaganyatris—Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain PB Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, and Group Captain Angad Pratap—at a ceremony in New Delhi. The astronauts form part of Gaganyaan, ISRO’s first human space flight mission.
Speaking at the event, the Defence Minister described the astronauts as “gems of the country” and pioneers of India’s aspirations in space exploration.
Space as the Future of India
Highlighting India’s growing role in space, Rajnath Singh said, “We do not see space only as a field of research, but as the future of tomorrow’s economy, security, energy, and humanity.” He underlined India’s achievements, from Chandrayaan to Mangalyaan, as proof that determination and limited resources can achieve remarkable goals.
He called Gaganyaan not just a technological milestone but also a new chapter in Aatmanirbhar Bharat. India, he said, is now firmly established among the world’s leading space powers.
From Technology to Humanity’s Progress
Rajnath Singh emphasised that space-based technologies already touch daily lives in India—whether through communication, weather forecasting, or disaster management. Looking ahead, he pointed to opportunities in space mining, deep space exploration, and planetary resources, which he said would redefine human civilisation.
“Space today is not just a symbol of military or technical power, but a stage in the collective journey of humankind,” he said. He added that India’s scientists and astronauts were carrying the country’s message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—to new heights.
Celebrating Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
The Minister paid special tribute to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, praising his determination and courage during his recent mission aboard the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4. He said Shukla’s rapid completion of intensive training was “a message of faith and dedication” and a source of national pride.
Describing him as a symbol of civil-military fusion, Rajnath Singh said Shukla’s journey into space represented not only the Indian Air Force or India but all of humanity.
He also highlighted the crucial role of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in preparing astronauts physically, mentally, and emotionally for such missions.
Leaders Present at the Ceremony
Group Captain Shukla shared his experiences from his mission at the event. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh were also present at the felicitation ceremony.