Orbit of Pride: India Shines Bright in Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Odyssey

In a moment of history, echoing the mythical spaceflight of Rakesh Sharma, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was the first Indian to step onto the International Space Station (ISS), having a poignant conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conversation was a blend of science and emotion, with a dash of symbolism, and it captured the imagination of the nation.

Celestial Milestone

Shukla is the first Indian space explorer on the ISS and only the second Indian to venture into space after 41 years.

His mission is part of the Axiom-4 mission, a significant step towards India's space diplomacy and human spaceflight program.

The astronaut termed his odyssey as a victory shared, a symbolic ascent for the entire country.

Emotional Resonance

PM Modi echoed the pride of 140 crore Indians by saying that Shukla may be far from the motherland but is closest to the heart of the country.

Shukla described how India looked far more majestic and regal from space than it would from any map, and it gave him a deep sense of oneness and wonder.

He emphasized that from outer space, Earth is borderless—a reminder of shared humanity.

Cultural Touchpoints

Lighter still, Shukla disclosed that he had taken Indian snacks such as carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango juice to distribute to other astronauts—earning rave reviews in zero gravity.

PM Modi equated Shukla's journey with a cosmic parikrama, merging ancient Indian philosophy with space exploration in this century.

Scientific Contributions

Shukla is carrying seven India-conceptualized experiments on ISS that cover everything from researches on microalgae and stem cells to fighting muscle loss and food security.

He highlighted the way microgravity accelerates research, unveiling new frontiers for Indian science.

Visionary Concepts

PM Modi described the mission as India's first chapter in Gaganyaan and a spur for Viksit Bharat. The exchange highlighted India's twin strengths of science and spirituality, with Shukla confirming the need for inner peace in space.

Sources: NDTV, ETV Bharat, MSN News, NarendraModi.in, ANI, ThePrint