New Delhi: On August 24, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh honored Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain PB Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, and Group Captain Angad Pratap—the four astronauts chosen for ISRO’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The event, held in New Delhi, praised the astronauts as “gems of India” and marked a defining moment in India’s journey toward self-reliance and global leadership in space exploration.
India’s Expanding Space Vision
In his address, Raksha Mantri highlighted that India views space not just as a research frontier but as the future of the nation’s economy, security, energy, and humanity. “India’s achievements span from the Moon to Mars, and the nation is now prepared for complex endeavors like Gaganyaan,” he stated, emphasizing the crucial role space technology plays in transforming lives through communication, weather monitoring, and disaster management.
Gaganyaan Mission: A New Chapter for India
Describing the mission as a technological and aspirational milestone, Shri Rajnath Singh said, “Gaganyaan is more than an achievement—it’s a new chapter in the journey of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” India’s space program has moved beyond laboratories and satellites, reflecting broad national ambition and a global outlook. The Gaganyaan project will send a three-member crewed flight into a 400 km orbit for three days in 2027, solidifying India’s stature among the world’s top space powers.
Honoring the Astronauts and Training Excellence
The four Gaganyatris—Group Captains Shubhanshu Shukla, PB Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap—were lauded for their extraordinary temperament and perseverance in rigorous training. Shri Rajnath Singh specifically praised Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s dedication, especially following his recent spaceflight to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, noting his remarkable ability to complete extensive training in record time.
He described Captain Shukla as “a symbol of civil-military fusion,” whose journey into space represented not only the Indian Air Force, but all of India and humanity. The success of these astronauts is proof of India’s progress and a message of inspiration for future generations.
Science, Humanity, and National Pride
Raksha Mantri stressed that the technologies derived from space are delivering tangible benefits to every village and field across India. He called space a platform for the collective journey of human civilization, and reminded the gathering of India’s philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—that Indian scientists continue to share with the world.
Conclusion
The celebration of India’s Gaganyatris reflects the nation’s steadfast push into new space frontiers and its commitment to self-reliance, innovation, and global leadership. Underlined by the Gaganyaan mission, the achievements and spirit of these astronauts will inspire Indian youth and fuel the country’s space ambitions for decades to come.
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Source: PIB
