Mythology to Space: Why BJP MP Anurag Thakur Calls Hanuman Ji the Original Astronaut
Anurag Thakur: During the celebration of National Space Day at a PM Shri School, Anurag Thakur, a BJP MP and former union minister, made controversial comments, suggesting Lord Hanuman as the first person to travel into space, instead of acknowledging the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who is scientifically acknowledged as the first man in space.
MP Anurag Thakur, who was speaking to students of the PM Shri School under the National Education Policy 2020 Framework to foster engaged and productive citizens, had an incident. Anurag Thakur asked a question regarding space travel during his conversation with students. The answer was unexpected.
Anurag Thakur’s question to students: “Antriksh Main Yatra Karne Wala Pehla Kaun Tha?” When Anurag Thakur asked students, “Antriksh main yatra karne wala pehla kaun tha?” The students answered in unison,” Neil Armstrong.” Thakur, however, corrected the students by saying: “Mujhe lagta hai Hanuman Ji” (I believe it was Hanumanji).
The answers given during the conversation are not historically accurate. While American Neil Armstrong did indeed become the first man to set foot on the Moon, it was Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin who became the first to enter space in April 1961. The fact that Yuri Gagarin was the first human to travel into space on April 12, 1961, is widely acknowledged by scientific and historical records around the world.
Anurag Thakur, rather than correcting their initial reaction, launched an explanation to support his Hanuman Theory. Five-time MP Anurag Thakur told his audience, “Because that’s how we see ourselves now.” We will not change as long as we don’t know about our ancient tradition, culture, and knowledge.
पवनसुत हनुमान जी…पहले अंतरिक्ष यात्री। pic.twitter.com/WO5pG2hAqT
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 23, 2025
Anurag Thakur concluded his speech by encouraging faculty and students to “think outside the textbooks, and look at our country, our traditions, and our knowledge.” Anurag Thakur, a 50-year-old MP from Himachal’s Hamirpur district, suggested that a traditional view of knowledge would show “a great deal to be seen.”
These remarks have ignited discussions on the relationship between mythology, science, education, and academics. PM Shri Schools were specifically created to support the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes scientific temper and critical thinking among students.
Rakesh Singh, the first Indian astronaut to journey to space in approximately 40 years. In the past year, Shubhanshu Shukla, a Group Captain, became India’s second astronaut. This marked a significant milestone in India’s space program.
This incident brings to light the ongoing debates in Indian schools about how science education and traditional narratives should be balanced, especially during celebrations of achievements in space exploration.
The PM Shri Schools operate within the National Education Policy 2020 Framework, which is designed to foster students into productive and engaged citizens who can contribute towards building an inclusive and pluralistic society. The schools combine traditional values and modern scientific knowledge to provide a holistic educational experience.
