THE NEWS FREEDOM
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM(KERALA), FEBRUARY 27
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday oversaw the progress of the Gaganyaan Mission and awarded ‘astronaut wings’ to the four astronaut-designates at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The chosen astronaut-designates include Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
Looking ahead, PM Modi outlined ambitious plans for India’s space sector, including missions to the Moon, Venus, and the establishment of a space station by 2035. He also highlighted India’s space economy’s projected five-fold growth to $44 billion in the next decade, positioning India as a global space commerce hub.
Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister commenced by requesting a standing ovation for the astronaut-designates, invoking chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” throughout the hall. He emphasized that certain moments in a nation’s development journey define both the present and future generations. Today, India witnesses such a moment, where historic achievements in land, air, water, and space evoke national pride.
It was a very special moment for me to hand over wings to the four Indian astronaut-designates. They reflect the hopes, aspirations and optimism of 140 crore Indians.
India is proud of Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad… pic.twitter.com/i0oseaxd4o
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 27, 2024
Recalling India’s success with Chandrayaan, especially the historic landing on the Moon’s South Pole, Prime Minister Modi underscored how India’s prowess is gaining global recognition. He hailed the introduction of the four Gaganyaan passengers as a significant milestone, representing the collective aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Moreover, he expressed joy in meeting and introducing the astronaut-designates to the nation, extending best wishes on behalf of the entire populace.
PM Modi praised the astronaut-designates, stating that they embody the trust, courage, valor, and discipline of modern India. He lauded their dedication and spirit in training, emphasizing their representation of India’s resilient and determined generation. Highlighting the importance of physical and mental fitness for the mission, he noted the inclusion of Yoga in the training module and expressed the nation’s blessings upon them.
However, he raised concerns regarding excessive celebrity attention on the astronaut-designates, which could disrupt their training. He appealed for cooperation from the public and their families to ensure uninterrupted focus on training.
During the briefing on Gaganyaan, PM Modi expressed satisfaction that most equipment used is made in India. He also noted the synchronicity between Gaganyaan’s preparation and India’s impending entry into the world’s top three economies. Projects inaugurated on this occasion, including the SLV Integration Facility, the Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility, and the Trisonic Wind Tunnel, are expected to generate employment and enhance India’s stature.
The Prime Minister hailed the significant contribution of women, or Nari Shakti, in India’s space program, emphasizing that no such project can be envisioned without them. He emphasized the pivotal role of ISRO in fostering scientific curiosity among young minds, stating that ISRO’s achievements inspire millions of children to aspire to become scientists.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Governor and Chief Minister of Kerala, the Union Minister of State, and the Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO.