Mamata Banerjee Advocates for Bharat Ratna for Sunita Williams
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Synopsis
West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calls for the Bharat Ratna to be awarded to Sunita Williams following her successful return from space. She reflects on the tragedy of Kalpana Chawla and praises the rescue team for their efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee advocates for Bharat Ratna for Sunita Williams.
- Highlights the tragedy of Kalpana Chawla.
- Expresses gratitude towards the rescue team.
- Calls for recognition of Indian-origin achievements in space.
- Shares emotional response on social media.
Kolkata, March 19 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, expressed her sentiments on Wednesday regarding the triumphant return of Sunita Williams from her space mission, revealing that she has a background in space science.
She emphasized that Williams deserves to receive the Bharat Ratna award from the Union government.
During the second phase of the Assembly's budget session on Wednesday, the Chief Minister recalled the tragic incident involving Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-origin woman to travel to space, who tragically lost her life in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in February 2003.
“Kalpana Chawla also journeyed into space. Unfortunately, she did not return. I have studied space science. There are instances where aircraft manage to recover from technical failures and return safely. I learned that the spacecraft carrying Sunita Williams encountered some technical issues. This could have resulted in a fire incident similar to what happened with Kalpana Chawla. That is why they had to endure a prolonged stay in space. I am particularly grateful to the rescue team for ensuring the safe return of Williams and her team,” the Chief Minister remarked.
On this occasion, Mamata Banerjee asserted that as Williams hails from India, it is the Union government's responsibility to honor her with the Bharat Ratna award. She mentioned that she regularly sought updates about Williams and her team during their time in space, stating that a virtual tornado of emotions had been ongoing within her.
Previously, she shared a message on her social media platform, expressing her joy at welcoming “Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth, finally and safely, after so many days.”
“Our daughter of India returns to us, and we are immensely grateful and thrilled. We are also profoundly happy for Butch Wilmore. Let us celebrate their courage, their return, and the glory of humanity! I extend my congratulations to the rescue team for their remarkable support and success,” the Chief Minister wrote.
