Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). During the warm and inspiring conversation, PM Modi lauded Shukla’s achievement as the dawn of a new era for India’s space ambitions and extended the wishes of 140 crore Indians.
“Though you are farthest from the motherland, you are closest to our hearts,” said the Prime Minister, praising Shukla’s journey as symbolic of the aspirations of a rising India. Shukla expressed gratitude for the blessings and support he has received and described the experience of space as transformative, mirroring India’s fast-paced progress.
In a lighter moment, the Prime Minister asked if the traditional Indian delicacies Shukla carried—like carrot halwa and aam ras—had been shared aboard. Shukla confirmed his international colleagues relished the flavours, with some even expressing interest in visiting India.
The astronaut spoke about the unity of Earth from space, where borders vanish, and India appears grand in both size and spirit. He described his daily experiences—like completing 16 orbits a day—and the challenges of living in microgravity, calling the mission a blend of science and wonder.
Highlighting India’s space science potential, Shukla shared insights into seven pioneering experiments aboard the ISS, including studies on stem cell response and microalgae growth, which could benefit agriculture and health on Earth.
PM Modi reflected on the resurgence of scientific curiosity among youth post-Chandrayaan and Shukla’s mission, saying, “Our children no longer just look at the sky—they now believe they can reach it.” The Prime Minister urged young Indians to dream big and announced key goals ahead: Mission Gaganyaan, building India’s own space station, and landing an Indian on the Moon.
Shukla closed the conversation with an emotional note, saying, “The sky has never been the limit—not for me, not for India.” He proudly shared that the Indian national flag now flies aboard the ISS for the first time in history.
PM Modi hailed the astronaut’s journey as the first chapter in India’s ambitious space future and assured him that the entire nation eagerly awaits his return.
