Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 15: As India celebrated group captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful return from the International Space Station (ISS), a political remark by Congress leader Udit Raj questioning the lack of SC/ST/OBC representation in the mission sparked controversy — but was quickly countered by voices urging unity and national pride.
Raj, referring to Shukla’s landmark space journey as part of the Axiom-4 mission, stated that someone from SC/ST/OBC backgrounds could have been included. “When Rakesh Sharma was sent to space, there weren’t many educated people from these communities. But today there are. The selection was government-based, not through an exam,” he remarked.
In response, Manish Tripathi, a school junior of Shukla, dismissed the caste-based framing as misplaced. “I don’t want to engage in caste discussions. This is a proud moment for all Indians,” Tripathi told reporters. “Shubhanshu has carried the Indian flag into space. The only caste that matters here is being Indian.”
Tripathi described the mission as a national milestone and praised Shukla’s journey as a source of inspiration. “He always wanted to lead by example. Now, as the first Indian to reach the ISS on this mission, he has truly done that. His achievement belongs to the entire country.”
He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for encouraging ambition and scientific progress. “PM Modi inspires people to dream big. This space mission reflects that spirit. Speaking to someone who’s been to space is an emotional and unforgettable experience for us all.”
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, which carried Shukla and three other astronauts, undocked from the ISS’s Harmony module at 7:05 A.M. EDT (4:35 P.M. IST) on July 14. The crew is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near Southern California at 5:30 A.M. EDT (3 P.M. IST) on Tuesday.
Shukla’s 15-day mission is regarded as a crucial stepping stone for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan programme, furthering the country’s aspirations in human spaceflight.