Gaganyaan Marks New Chapter in Atmanirbhar Bharat, Says Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated the four selected Gaganyatris — Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla — at an Indian Air Force event in Subroto Park.
A Symbol of Self-Reliance
Singh described the Gaganyaan mission as a “new chapter” in India’s journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat, asserting that it reflects the nation’s transition from laboratory trials to becoming a leading space power. He highlighted India’s accomplishments from lunar to Martian missions and said Gaganyaan underscores the country’s growing confidence in space exploration.
Indian Vision Beyond Research
The minister emphasized that India views space not merely as a field of research but as a driving force for future advancements in economy, security, energy, and humanity. He said technologies like satellite communication, weather monitoring, and disaster management are already transforming lives across the country.
A Legacy of Aspiration
Recalling that Shukla comes from his own constituency of Lucknow, Singh shared that when astronaut Rakesh Sharma flew to space 40 years ago, Shukla was born shortly after and grew up inspired by that achievement. He lauded Shukla and his colleagues as “gems of the nation” and embodiments of national pride.
Setting the Stage for Crewed Flight
The Gaganyaan project, announced in 2018, aims to launch a three-member crewed mission into a 400 km orbit for three days by 2027. Singh stressed that the mission is not just a milestone in science but also a reaffirmation of India’s self-reliance and global aspirations in space.
