Mamata Banerjee Urges Bharat Ratna for Sunita Williams, Reflects on Space Science Knowledge
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has praised astronaut Sunita Williams for her successful return from space, suggesting that she should be awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna by the Union government. Banerjee made these remarks while addressing the second round of the budget session in the West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister also shared her personal connection to space science, claiming that she had studied the subject. She expressed her gratitude to the rescue teams who played a crucial role in ensuring Williams and her crew’s safe return. Banerjee acknowledged the technical glitches faced by the spacecraft that led to an extended stay in space and compared it to the tragic fate of Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space, who tragically perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003.
“Kalpana Chawla too went to space, but she could not return. I have studied space science. There are instances when airplanes recover from technical glitches and return. I heard that the spaceship Sunita Williams was traveling in faced some technical difficulties, which could have led to a mishap like the one that occurred with Kalpana Chawla. That’s why they had to stay in space for such a long time,” Banerjee said, reflecting on the risks the astronauts faced.
She further emphasized the importance of recognizing Sunita Williams’ achievements, stating, “Since Sunita Williams hails from India, it is the duty of the Union government to confer the Bharat Ratna upon her.” Banerjee also mentioned that she had regularly inquired about the well-being of Williams and her fellow astronauts while they were in space, expressing her emotional connection to their journey.
Earlier, Mamata Banerjee had shared a post on social media welcoming Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore back to Earth, celebrating their courage and safe return after months in space. “Our daughter of India returns to us, and we are deeply happy and elated. I congratulate the rescue team for their overwhelming support and success,” she wrote.
Banerjee’s tribute to Sunita Williams highlights the emotional and national pride she feels over the astronaut’s remarkable achievements, alongside her call for official recognition of Williams’ contributions to space exploration.
