In a landmark announcement that formalises India's soaring space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the astronauts-in-training for the nation's pioneering Gaganyaan mission, has revealed that 'astronaut' is now officially a recognised profession in India. This pivotal development marks a new chapter for the country's youth, transforming a distant dream into a tangible career path.
A Formal Nod to Cosmic Aspirations
Shukla made this significant declaration while interacting with students at the Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University in Pune. He emphasised that this official recognition by the government is a direct outcome of the ambitious Gaganyaan programme, India's first human spaceflight mission. The move is designed to systematically build a pipeline of talent for the nation's expanding cosmic endeavours.
The four test pilots selected for Gaganyaan—Prashanth Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan, and Shubhanshu Shukla himself—are currently undergoing rigorous training. Shukla shared insights into their intensive preparation, which includes mastering flight procedures, operating the crew module, and surviving in diverse, challenging environments. Their training is a testament to the meticulous standards set for India's first 'vyomanauts'.
From Gaganyaan to Lunar Dreams: A Call to the Youth
Looking beyond the immediate goal of a low-Earth orbit mission, Shukla issued a powerful call to action for India's younger generation. He urged students to set their sights even higher, literally aiming for the Moon. "Our Prime Minister has also given a vision that we should go to the Moon," Shukla stated, referencing the long-term national objective.
He framed this not just as a scientific challenge but as a collective national mission where today's students will play a crucial role. "You all are the future of the country. You will help the country in achieving this goal," he told the gathered students, positioning them as the next wave of explorers who will propel India into a leading position in global space exploration.
Building a Sustainable Future in Space
The formal recognition of 'astronaut' as a profession is more than symbolic. It lays the foundational framework for a sustainable ecosystem in human spaceflight. It signals to educational institutions, students, and industry partners that careers in astronautics—from engineering and medicine to piloting and research—are a viable and valued part of India's future.
This step, coupled with the ongoing Gaganyaan mission's progress, demonstrates a clear, structured roadmap. India is no longer just a participant in space exploration but is actively building the infrastructure, both technological and human, to become a permanent spacefaring nation. The message from the Gaganyatri is clear: the sky is not the limit; it is just the beginning, and the Moon is the next destination on India's celestial journey.
