‘Closest to Indian hearts’: PM Modi interacts with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard ISS
Describing Earth’s magnificence from orbit, Shukla said, “The Earth appears completely unified, without borders or boundaries. India looks grand and far more vast than it does on a map.”
He reflected on the larger message of space travel: “From up here, you don’t see divisions. You see one Earth. One humanity.”
India’s Culinary Delight Goes to Space
Adding a cultural touch to his mission, Shukla revealed that he had carried traditional Indian desserts like gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras to share with his international crewmates. “Everyone loved the flavours of India,” he said with joy.
Shukla carries Indian culinary traditions to space, offering fellow astronauts a taste of India.
A Nation’s Pride in Orbit
Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the Dragon capsule carrying the Ax-4 crew docked successfully with the ISS on Thursday. It marked a new chapter in India’s space ambitions, paving the way for upcoming ISRO-led human spaceflights under the Gaganyaan mission.
Shukla’s call sign “Grace” symbolized the elegance and humility with which India re-entered the human space exploration domain. “This is not just my journey, but India’s leap into the future,” he declared.
PM Modi’s Message: A New Era
PM Modi emphasized that Shukla’s mission is the beginning of a new age in India’s space journey. “Aapki yatra naye yug ka shubharambh hai,” he said, highlighting how India is now offering global opportunities to its youth and scientists.
As the PM concluded his call, he sent wishes on behalf of 140 crore Indians, with Shukla emotionally replying, “Thank you for letting me live this dream. This is the dream of a billion hearts.”