During a recent parliamentary session, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, sparked laughter with a witty remark aimed at quieting disruptions from the opposition. As the opposition members vocally interrupted his speech, Dr. Singh, who also oversees the Space Department, quipped, "I'm in space, you can't reach me". The lighthearted comment served as a humorous deflection from the interruptions and drew attention to the ongoing discussions about India's space program.
The incident occurred during a session where the role of India's space program in achieving "Viksit Bharat (Developed India)" by 2047 was being discussed. The Lok Sabha also honored astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and his recent mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla's journey marked a significant milestone, making him the second Indian in space.
The minister's joke resonated amid the backdrop of India's growing prominence in space exploration. Recent achievements, such as Shubhanshu Shukla's mission to the ISS, have fueled national pride and underscored the strategic importance of the space program. The government aims to leverage these advancements to achieve broader developmental goals, aligning space technology with the vision of a developed India by 2047.
However, the opposition's interruptions highlight the existing political tensions. While the specific topic of Dr. Singh's speech was not detailed in the provided context, it is evident that disagreements and disruptions are a common feature of parliamentary proceedings. The minister's humorous response can be interpreted as an attempt to maintain composure and steer the discussion back to the intended subject, using humor to diffuse a potentially escalating situation.
In related news, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi shared a humorous moment on a podcast, drawing a comparison to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. When questioned about posting pictures with Prime Minister Modi, Chaturvedi jokingly said, "I sometimes love irritating people, because they are so invested in my life, where is she going next, where's she going next?". Prakash responded by quipping, "You're basically Shashi Tharoor in a saree," to which Chaturvedi laughed and replied, "I don't know whether that is a compliment for Shashi or for me, but I am going to tell Shashi". Tharoor later responded on X, "Thanks Priyanka. I consider myself flattered either way". This exchange illustrates how humor and wit are often employed in political discourse, both inside and outside formal parliamentary settings.
The use of humor in political speech is a complex phenomenon. It can serve multiple purposes, from building rapport with an audience to deflecting criticism or undermining opponents. However, it also carries the risk of being misinterpreted or causing offense. In Dr. Singh's case, the joke appears to have been well-received, serving as a momentary distraction from the contentious atmosphere of the parliamentary session.
