Prasanth Nair's neighbours excited, crowds gather outside home

Nemmara: When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Tuesday the names of the four astronauts who will be part of India's first human space flight program, Gaganyaan, it was a proud moment for the whole village of Nemmara in Palakkad. Their happiness knew no bounds when they received the information that Prasanth Nair is one of the four astronauts in the space flight program.

Prasanth’s parents, Vilampil Balakrishnan and Koolanghaat Pramila, were in Thiruvananthapuram at the event where the prime minister announced the names. MLA K. Babu and the villagers had gathered outside his home to celebrate the proud moment. 

His father worked as an electrical engineer in Kuwait. Prasanth was born there and studied in Kuwait until the 4th grade. They returned to India during the Gulf War.

After 12th grade, he joined the National Defence Academy, Pune. He joined the Indian Air Force as a flight lieutenant. Later, he became squadron leader, wing commander, and group captain.