Rajnath Singh Felicitates Gaganyatris of Gaganyaan
New Delhi, August 25, 2025 – Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh felicitated India’s first set of astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission.
Pioneers of India’s Aspirations
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain PB Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, and Group Captain Angad Pratap were honoured for their role in ISRO’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. The Defence Minister described them as “gems of the country” and pioneers of India’s growing space ambitions.
He stressed that India views space not only as research, but as the economy and security frontier of the future. From Chandrayaan to Mangalyaan, India has shown the world how determination can overcome resource limits.
Space as a Driver of National Progress
Rajnath Singh pointed out that space-based technologies are reaching every village, empowering farmers, disaster managers, and security agencies. He said India must continue to lead in areas such as space mining, planetary exploration, and energy harvesting from beyond Earth.
He also linked the mission to India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, stressing that astronauts carry not just India’s flag but humanity’s collective hope into space.
Honouring Extraordinary Feats
Among the four astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was commended for his remarkable achievement during Axiom Mission 4. Completing a training regime meant for two-and-a-half years in just two-and-a-half months, his courage became a symbol of India’s willpower.
Rajnath Singh described him as a perfect example of civil-military fusion, bridging the Indian Air Force and the civilian space program.
Building Astronauts for the Future
The minister also praised the role of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in preparing astronauts physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically. He said Group Captain Shukla stands as living proof of its excellence.
The felicitation event was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh.
