TMC MP Haque Urges Bharat Ratna for Astronaut Sunita Williams in Rajya Sabha
In a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mohammed Nadimul Haque made a passionate appeal for Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Haque highlighted Williams’ remarkable achievements in space exploration and her deep-rooted Indian heritage, emphasizing that such recognition would be a fitting tribute to her contributions.
Sunita Williams, who recently returned to Earth on March 18 after a prolonged nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has long been celebrated in India for her accomplishments. Born to an Indian father from Mehsana, Gujarat, Williams has often expressed her pride in her Indian roots. During her space missions, she observed iconic Indian landmarks such as the Himalayas and Mumbai’s fishing fleets from orbit, further strengthening her connection to the country.
Haque’s proposal during the Zero Hour session was met with mixed reactions. While he praised Williams’ achievements and her potential to inspire generations, his speech took a controversial turn when he made remarks about a late BJP leader from Gujarat. These comments drew objections from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other BJP members, who deemed them irrelevant and inappropriate. Sitharaman intervened, stating that while the demand for Bharat Ratna was commendable, unrelated references and aspersions on deceased individuals should not be entertained in the discussion. Following her intervention, Deputy Chairman Harivansh directed that the contentious portions of Haque’s speech be expunged from the records.
Haque also mentioned that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had previously advocated for Williams to receive the Bharat Ratna, underscoring the astronaut’s exceptional accomplishments. He noted that Williams had been honored during her visit to India in 2007 and was conferred with the Padma Bhushan by the then central government. However, he alleged that the Gujarat government at the time did not extend similar recognition, adding a layer of political intrigue to the discussion.
Williams’ recent mission aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft was initially planned as an eight-day endeavor but extended to over nine months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. Despite the challenges, her successful return has further solidified her status as a trailblazer in space exploration.
The debate over Haque’s proposal reflects broader discussions about the intersection of politics, recognition, and national pride. While the demand for Bharat Ratna for Sunita Williams has garnered support, the controversy surrounding the remarks has added complexity to the narrative. The outcome of this appeal remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly reignited conversations about honoring exceptional individuals with Indian heritage.
