New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s recent journey into space showcases India’s vision of self-reliance and global unity, said Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology. He made these remarks during a press conference organized by ISRO in the capital city, where Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth B. Nair were officially presented as the country’s first astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission.
Shukla has already made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station on June 26, as part of Axiom Space’s Mission 4. Singh emphasized that both astronauts exemplified key principles promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—self-reliance, collaborative government, and global outreach. He noted that self-reliance was evident in the indigenous technologies used during the mission, while collaboration was clear in contributions from institutions like the Department of Biotechnology and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
Singh pointed out that the mission’s experiments, though conducted by Indian astronauts, would benefit humanity at large, reinforcing India’s role in global space outreach. He suggested that India’s ascent in space exploration comes from policies fostering openness and encouraging private sector involvement.
Shukla expressed that one of his mission’s highlights was igniting young Indian dreams of space travel. He often interacted with children, who were eager to know how they could become astronauts. “That was the biggest win for me—seeing kids dream big,” he shared. He assured them that ISRO is on a path to help make those dreams come true.
Group Captain Nair reflected on how their experiences in space highlighted India’s increasing importance in the global space community. “India’s approach is rooted in inclusivity and shared benefits. Our future resides in space and technology,” he stated, stressing the need for collaboration in this rapidly evolving sector.
Moreover, recent surveys show a growing interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers among Indian youth. According to a 2022 report by the National Science Foundation, 65% of students now express a desire to pursue careers in science and technology fields. This shift could bring a new wave of talent to India’s space ambitions.
As the nation looks forward, both astronauts remind us that the journey to space is not just about exploration; it’s about inspiring future generations and fostering a global community with shared dreams and opportunities.
Source link
Shubhanshu Shukla, space voyage, Atmanirbhar, Vishwabandhu Bharat, Jitendra Singh
