A New Dawn for India: Shukla’s ‘Jai Bharat’ Rings Out from the Stars

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history today by delivering his first message from space, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years. His words, “Orbiting the Earth. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” resonated across the nation as the Axiom-4 mission successfully entered Earth’s orbit.

 

Key Highlights:

 

Shukla’s message was broadcast from the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, moments after separation from the Falcon 9 upper stage, symbolizing a new era for India’s human space program.

 

The astronaut expressed immense pride, stating, “Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space once again after 41 years. It’s an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second.”

 

Emphasizing unity and national pride, Shukla remarked, “The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not just a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India’s Human Space Programme.”

 

He called on all Indians to participate in this historic journey, saying, “Your chest, too, should swell with pride…Together, let’s initiate India’s Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”

 

The Axiom-4 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, features a four-member international crew and is the first private astronaut mission to carry an Indian to the ISS.

 

The launch overcame last-minute technical hurdles, with engineers resolving a critical wind data issue just before liftoff.

 

Shukla’s message was met with widespread celebration, symbolizing the aspirations of a new generation and reaffirming India’s commitment to space exploration.

 

Source: The Hans India