Bharat’s tryst with space has always been a story of doing the impossible with the possible. From carrying rocket parts on bicycles and bullock carts to becoming the first nation to land near the Moon’s south pole, Bharat has demonstrated that talent, determination and national will can often compensate for limited resources.
Today, as Bharat stands on the threshold of its first indigenous human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, perhaps it is time to ask a simple yet profound question: Should Bharat’s sons and daughters who have conquered space under foreign flags now help Bharat realise its own human spaceflight dream?
This is not a call wrapped in nationalism or an appeal to citizenship. It is an appeal to conscience, roots and legacy.
NASA astronaut Dr Anil Menon, who recently embarked on his mission to the International Space Station, is now the fourth astronaut of Bharateeya origin to fly on a US space mission after Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams and Raja Chari. Their achievements are not merely American successes. They are global accomplishments that inspire millions of young Bharateeyans who see a part of themselves in these extraordinary individuals.
They owe nothing to Bharat. Yet, they can contribute immensely to Bharat’s future.
The world is increasingly witnessing reverse brain drain and knowledge repatriation. Nations no longer measure patriotism merely by passports. The greatest contribution that global achievers can make is to transfer knowledge, mentor institutions and help build ecosystems back home.
Why can’t Bharat do the same in its space programme?
After all, Gaganyaan is not merely another scientific project. It is Bharat’s declaration that it intends to become a serious human spaceflight nation. It is an integral part of the larger Viksit Bharat vision for 2047.
Human spaceflight is arguably among the most complex technological endeavours undertaken by mankind. It demands expertise in space medicine, crew safety, life support systems, orbital operations, astronaut training, long-duration missions, artificial intelligence applications and emergency protocols.
Who better to guide India’s journey than astronauts of Indian origin who have spent years working with some of the world’s most advanced space programmes?
Dr Anil Menon’s expertise in space medicine and human health during long-duration space missions could prove invaluable. Sunita Williams brings decades of operational experience aboard the International Space Station and multiple spacewalks. Raja Chari has commanded space missions and possesses invaluable crew operations experience. Even the immortal legacy of Kalpana Chawla continues to inspire generations of Bharatiya scientists and engineers.
Nobody is suggesting that they abandon their commitments to NASA or any other space agency. Nor is anyone questioning their nationality or allegiance. Rather, the question is far simpler: Can they spare a few hours every year to mentor Bharateeyan astronauts? Can they advise ISRO scientists on human factors engineering? Can they participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives or contribute to astronaut training modules?
After all, science has no borders. Knowledge certainly doesn’t.
Bharat’s own astronaut corps is steadily growing. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has already completed his landmark mission-related training and international collaboration efforts. Alongside him stand Group Captain Prashanth Nair, Captain Ajit Krishnan and Group Captain Angad Pratap—the Gaganyatris who will carry the aspirations of 1.4 billion Bharateeyans when Gaganyaan finally takes flight.
ISRO has repeatedly demonstrated that it possesses world-class engineering talent. What it requires now is accumulated human spaceflight experience—something that takes decades and billions of dollars to build. Why reinvent the wheel when some of the world’s finest minds with Bharatiya roots are already at the cutting edge of space exploration?
Countries such as China aggressively woo overseas scientists and technologists. Israel leverages its global talent pool. South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore have all benefited from knowledge networks spanning continents. Bharat’s diaspora has transformed Silicon Valley, global medicine and academia. There is no reason why space technology should remain an exception.
Perhaps it is time for Bharat to formally create a “Global Bharateeyan Space Advisory Council” comprising astronauts, scientists and space medicine experts of Bharat origin from around the world. Their role need not be executive or political. It can simply be advisory and inspirational.
The appeal, therefore, is neither emotional nor political. It is strategic.
The Moon does not ask for passports. Space recognises competence, collaboration and courage. Bharat possesses the talent. The diaspora possesses invaluable experience. Together, they can accelerate Bharat’s march towards becoming a leading space power.
As Gaganyaan prepares for its historic flight, Bharat is making a call—not of obligation, but of opportunity.
The nation that inspired millions of dreamers is now calling upon some of its brightest stars.
The question is: will they answer?
For if Viksit Bharat is to become a reality by 2047, its journey must not only be powered by rockets launched from Sriharikota—but also by the collective brilliance of Bharateeyans spread across the world who still carry a little bit of Bharat among the stars.
