Is Shashi Tharoor Supporting Union Minister Rijiju's Proposal for a Special Parliamentary Discussion on Space Hero Shukla?
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Synopsis
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced support for Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's proposal to honor astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in Parliament, emphasizing national pride in Shukla's achievements. Tharoor's remarks come amidst Opposition silence, raising questions about political participation in honoring national heroes.
Key Takeaways
- Shashi Tharoor supports the proposal to honor astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
- The mission reinforced India's role in global space diplomacy.
- Shukla's achievements inspire future generations in science and technology.
- Rijiju calls for bipartisan support in celebrating national heroes.
- Shukla's mission contributes to the Gaganyaan program.
New Delhi, Aug 18 (NationPress) In light of the Opposition's quietness regarding Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's suggestion to honor astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in Parliament, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced his support, emphasizing the pride of the nation and its citizens in Shukla's remarkable achievements in space.
Tharoor, through a post on X, hinted that the Opposition might refrain from participating in the special discussion, yet he affirmed that this does not diminish the incredible feats accomplished by the Indian astronaut during his recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
He highlighted that Shukla's mission, conducted alongside international organizations, has strengthened India's position in global space diplomacy.
Earlier, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced that Parliament would pay tribute to Shukla through a special discussion regarding his space adventure, urging the Opposition to set aside political divides and unite in celebrating this national hero.
“Our hero astronaut Capt Shubhanshu Shukla has returned home after a successful mission to the ISS. Parliament will honor him with a special discussion on his historic achievements and India’s growing aspirations in space as we move towards #ViksitBharat,” Rijiju stated in a post on X.
Rijiju also called upon Opposition members to rise above political divides and participate similarly to their involvement in the debate on 'Operation Sindoor'.
Tharoor further remarked that Shukla's mission provided ISRO with invaluable hands-on experience and data that cannot be replicated through simulations, and it will act as a pivotal stepping stone for “our nation's own human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.”
“Commander Shukla's significant flight symbolizes India's aspirations in human spaceflight. It has ignited the imagination of the nation, motivating a new generation to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and space studies—all vital for sustaining India's long-term space ambitions,” the Congress MP asserted, commending Shukla's accomplishments.
Notably, Shukla returned from his space journey on July 15 after completing NASA's Axiom-4 (AX-4) mission and arrived in Delhi yesterday. He was welcomed at IGI Airport by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and his family, including his wife and son.
Point of View
The focus remains on uniting as a nation to celebrate our achievements in space. The call for bipartisan support in honoring astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla transcends political divides, showcasing our collective pride and aspirations in the realm of science and technology.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla?
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian astronaut who recently completed a successful mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's Axiom-4 (AX-4) mission.
What did Shashi Tharoor say about the proposal?
Shashi Tharoor expressed his support for the proposal to honor Shubhanshu Shukla in Parliament, emphasizing the pride of the nation in Shukla's achievements.
What is Gaganyaan?
Gaganyaan is India's ambitious human spaceflight program aimed at sending Indian astronauts into space.
What is the significance of Shukla's mission?
Shukla's mission has reinforced India's role in global space diplomacy and provided valuable data for future space exploration.
What is the call to action from Kiren Rijiju?
Kiren Rijiju urged the Opposition to set aside political differences and participate in the special discussion honoring Shukla.
