From uniform to universe: Defence Minister hails India’s space heroes

The four astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain PB Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, and Group Captain Angad Pratap, were felicitated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh here on Sunday.

Dubbed as Gaganyatris, the four Indian Air Force officers are part of Gaganyaan, ISRO’s maiden space flight mission.

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Describing the four as gems of the country and pioneers of national aspirations, the defence minister said India is expanding its presence in space. “We do not see space only as a field of research, but as the future of tomorrow’s economy, security, energy, and humanity. We’re steadily advancing beyond the Earth’s surface into new frontiers of space. We’ve already marked our presence from Moon to Mars, and today, the nation stands fully prepared for missions like Gaganyaan,” he said.

Describing the achievement as not a mere technological milestone but also a new chapter in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the he said India proudly stands tall among the world’s leading space powers. “Its space programme is not confined to laboratories and launch vehicles. It’s a reflection of our national aspirations and global vision. From Chandrayaan to Mangalyaan, we have demonstrated that even with limited resources, an unlimited willpower can transform the most challenging goals into remarkable accomplishments,” he added.

Singh also pointed out that the technologies derived from space, be it communication satellites, weather monitoring or disaster management are delivering services to every village and every field across India and emphasised that India cannot stay behind in the space journey. “In the coming times, space mining, deep space exploration, and planetary resources will redefine the course of human civilisation,” he said.

The defence minister further added that the world has entered an era where space is no longer a symbol of military power or technical prowess, but a new stage in the collective journey of human civilisation. “India has always given the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam to the world. And, today, our scientists and astronauts are taking the same message to new heights,” he said.

Commending Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his successful space mission, the defence minister highlighted the officer’s determination and courage which reflect the spirit of India, making him a source of national pride. “Completing a two-and-a-half year’s training in just two-and-a-half months, Group Captain Shukla’s remarkable testament showcased his personal dedication and the perseverance of the Indian people. His extraordinary feat is not just a technological achievement, it is a message of faith and dedication. It is not just India’s pride, it is proof of the progress of entire humanity,” he said.

Raksha Mantri described Group Captain Shukla as a symbol of civil-military fusion. “Though he wears the uniform of the Indian Air Force, his journey into space was not merely on behalf of the Armed Forces or India alone, but as a representative of all humanity. His contribution to the civil sector, through this historic mission, will forever be recorded in history,” he said.

Underlining the need to prepare astronauts physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically, Singh highlighted the pivotal role played by Institute of Aerospace Medicine in this training. “Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a shining embodiment of that institute’s success,” he said.