NEW DELHI: As Indian astronaut and Indian Air Force pilot Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to return to Earth after a landmark 14-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), his powerful words and heartfelt reflections from orbit have ignited a wave of national pride and inspiration. A member of the Axiom-4 private space mission, Shukla became the first IAF pilot and only the second Indian to venture into space on a private flight—leaving behind more than scientific milestones.
From the moment he reached the ISS on June 25, Shukla’s tone was filled with wonder, pride, and a deep sense of connection to his country. “India looks grand and bigger from space than it does on the map,” he declared, sharing his first impressions while gazing at his homeland from orbit. His statement quickly became a viral message of national pride, resonating with millions back home.
During the launch, Shukla carried the Indian tricolour on his shoulder, a gesture that symbolized not just personal achievement but the collective dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. “I carried the Indian flag to remind myself that I’m not alone in this journey. Every Indian is part of it,” he said.
In a special interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the mission, Shukla described the symbolic and scientific significance of India’s presence in space. “We are travelling at 28,000 km per hour… and that speed reflects how fast our nation is progressing,” he said, tying his mission to the larger aspirations of a fast-emerging, ambitious India.
Amid the awe of scientific exploration, Shukla also shared candid, human moments from life in microgravity. Speaking with childlike joy, he said, “In space, there is no floor and no ceiling. Someone’s sleeping on the wall, someone on the ceiling!” Adapting to zero gravity was like being a child again, he explained. “I’m learning how to move, how to eat—like a baby learning to walk.”
He added humor to science when he described himself as a “water bender,” demonstrating how liquid behaves in weightlessness by floating a perfect sphere of water on camera during a live broadcast. The light-hearted moment showcased the wonder of space science in an accessible and memorable way.
In another memorable interaction, Shukla connected with students, offering a glimpse into the daily life of an astronaut. He explained how astronauts sleep strapped to the walls to avoid floating away, and how meals come in vacuum-packed pouches. Yet, to keep a sense of home, he had brought traditional Indian sweets—Gajar ka Halwa and Aam Ras—to space. “It was comforting to carry a taste of India with me,” he said.
He described Earth from space as a sight of peace and unity: “It’s beautiful and quiet. You realize there are no borders—Earth feels like one home.”
But it was Shukla’s farewell message before departing the ISS that truly captured hearts. Speaking in Hindi, he said: “Aaj ka Bharat, space se mahatvakaankshi dikhta hai… aur aaj bhi saare jahan se achchha lagta hai.” (“Today’s India looks ambitious from space… and still appears better than the rest of the world.”) He ended with a powerful call to action: “If we make a firm resolve, even the stars are within our reach.”
Hours before his mission concluded, he made one final transmission: “This is my last call from the ISS. I’m coming home and will meet you all soon.”
As Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow astronauts prepare for re-entry and landing, India not only celebrates a successful mission but also welcomes home a space hero. His voice, filled with patriotism and humility, now orbits far beyond the ISS—etched into the hearts of millions who dare to dream big.
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