Parliament pays tribute to Shubhanshu Shukla’s space feat amid opposition boycott

Parliament on Monday honoured Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force pilot and astronaut who recently returned from his Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station. The special discussion, held a day after his celebrated homecoming to New Delhi, turned into a moment of national pride even as opposition parties boycotted the proceedings.

Union Minister of State for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh led the tributes, praising Shukla’s achievements and their significance for India’s human spaceflight ambitions. Singh criticised the opposition’s absence, calling it a disregard for the valour of a national hero. “Every child dreams of being Shubhanshu Shukla. The world is watching India,” he said.

Despite political disruptions, lawmakers across the House highlighted how Shukla’s pioneering mission strengthened India’s space ambitions and inspired future scientists. Parliament hailed the feat as a new chapter in India’s exploration journey, pointing to its role in advancing the upcoming Gaganyaan program.

Several MPs also lauded Isro’s recent lunar successes, linking them to Shukla’s international mission as part of India’s growing leadership in space. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, though absent from the session, echoed admiration on social media, calling Shukla’s mission a milestone for India’s space journey.