Indian PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday visited the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram where he revealed the names of the four pilots who are undergoing training for the nations first maiden human space flight mission Gaganyaan.
The astronaut-designates are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
During the inaugural ceremony held today at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Honble PM unveiled the Indian Astronaut Logo and awarded the to the four IAF Astronauts.#IAF will be working in Mission Mode along with @isro to achieve pic.twitter.com/x6tZIleodq
Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 27, 2024
Underlining that every nations development journey has its special moments that define not just the present but the future generations, the Prime Minister said: Today is such an occasion for India when the present generation can take pride in the historic achievements of the nation in land, air, water and space.
Recalling his statement about the beginning of a new kaal chakra made from Ayodhya, Prime Minister Modi said that India is continuously expanding its space in the global order and its glimpses can be seen in the countrys space program.
The Prime Minister recalled Indias Chandrayaan success as India became the first nation to land on the South Pole of the Moon.
Today Shiv-Shakti Point is introducing the entire world to Indian prowess, he said.
He called the introduction of the four Gaganyaan passengers, astronaut-designates, as a historic occasion.
They are not just four names or individuals, they are four Shakti of carrying the aspirations of 140 crore Indians into space, the Prime Minister said.
He further said, An Indian is going into space after 40 years. However, now, the time, the countdown as well as the rocket belong to us.
A remarkable day for Indias space sector! Addressing a programme at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. Do watch.https://t.co/STAdMjs6Eu
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 27, 2024
Referring to the astronaut-designates, the Prime Minister said that their names have been conjoined with Indias success and they symbolize the trust, courage, valor and discipline of todays India.
Highlighting the need for a healthy body and a healthy mind for this mission, the Prime Minister noted the role of Yoga as part of the training module.
The countrys wishes and blessings are upon you, PM Modi said.
Modi expressed happiness that most of the equipment in Gaganyaan is Made in India.
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
He said that projects that were dedicated today will lead to new jobs and will raise Indias profile.
Praising the role of Nari Shakti in Indias space programme, the Prime Minister said Whether it is Chandrayaan or the Gaganyaan, no such project can be imagined without women scientists.
He informed that more than 500 women are in leadership positions in ISRO.
The Prime Minister said that as per estimates, Indias space economy will grow five-fold and touch 44 billion dollars in next 10 years.
He said that India is becoming a global commercial hub in the field of space.
In the coming days, India will once again go to the Moon.
He also informed about the new ambition of retrieving samples from the surface of the Moon.
He said Venus is also on the radar.
He also stated that by 2035 India will have its own space station.
Furthermore, PM Modi said, In this Amrit Kaal, an Indian astronaut will land on the Moon in an Indian rocket.
