Gaganyaan Astronaut Dedicates Kirti Chakra to India’s Youth
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, a key astronaut for India’s Gaganyaan mission, has dedicated his Kirti Chakra award to the nation’s youth, calling them the architects of India’s future.
Key Takeaways
- Gaganyaan astronaut Group Captain P. Balakrishnan Nair receives Kirti Chakra from President Murmu.
- He dedicates the honour to India’s youth, urging them to “dream big and work hard”.
- The award recognises his exceptional courage during a critical fighter jet emergency.
- Nair and three other astronauts are in rigorous training for India’s first human spaceflight.
“Bharat Bhagya Vidhata is the Youth”
After receiving India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Nair made a powerful statement. “This award is not just for me, but for every young Indian who dares to dream,” he said. “Bharat Bhagya Vidhata (India’s destiny maker) is the youth of this country. My message to them is to dream big, work hard, and never give up.”
Honour for In-Flight Heroism
The Kirti Chakra was awarded for Nair’s exceptional courage and leadership during a critical in-flight emergency in a fighter aircraft. His swift actions averted a potential disaster and saved valuable assets.
Gearing Up for Gaganyaan
Group Captain Nair, along with fellow astronaut-designates Group Captain Angad Pratap, Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, and Wing Commander Ajit Krishnan, is undergoing intense training for the historic Gaganyaan mission.
Speaking about the mission, he said, “We are preparing with utmost dedication. This mission is for every Indian. It is a testament to what our nation can achieve.”
Military Values for Space Exploration
The astronaut highlighted the direct link between military discipline and space missions. He paid tribute to the armed forces, stating that the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance are crucial for space exploration.
“The journey to space begins on the ground, with the same principles that guide our armed forces,” he added.
