India Looks Very Big And Grand From Space: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes First Indian to Visit International Space Station, Shares Emotional Message from Space

New Delhi, June 28:
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), shared heartfelt reflections on his journey during a live interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking from space, Shukla expressed how awe-inspiring India looks from orbit, calling it “very big and grand.”

“When I saw India from space for the first time, it looked much more magnificent and vast than it does on the map,” Shukla said.

While floating aboard the ISS, he described the unique experience of seeing the sunrise and sunset 16 times a day and reflected on the deeper meaning of his journey.

“From up here, the Earth looks like one single home. You can’t see borders, no countries or states—just one world and one humanity.”

Shukla is only the second Indian to travel to space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma. However, he is the first to reach the ISS. He said he feels a deep sense of pride for being part of India’s growing achievements in space.

“This isn’t just my personal success—it belongs to every Indian. I am very emotional and proud to be part of this mission.”

He also delivered an inspiring message to India’s youth, encouraging them to work hard and believe in their dreams.

“The sky is never the limit. India has big dreams, and to achieve them, we need every young person to keep trying. There’s no one path to success, but the key is to never stop.”

Shukla is part of the Axiom-4 Mission, which docked at the ISS on June 26, along with three other astronauts. As India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission moves into its final phase, Shukla said he is learning from every moment in space.

“I’m soaking up all the experiences like a sponge. These lessons will be important for our future missions.”

He also spoke about India’s scientific contributions to this mission.

“Indian scientists have developed seven unique experiments for the ISS. One of them focuses on using supplements to reduce muscle loss in space, which could also benefit elderly people on Earth.”

Prime Minister Modi, visibly moved during the conversation, said Shukla’s journey marks the beginning of a new era for India in space.

“You may be far from India physically, but you are closest to the hearts of 140 crore Indians. Your journey is not just a spaceflight—it’s the start of a new chapter for our nation.”

PM Modi praised the recent surge of interest in science among Indian youth and emphasized the importance of future missions.

“After Chandrayaan, there’s new excitement among young Indians. Now, children don’t just look at the sky—they want to reach it. We will take Gaganyaan forward, build our own space station, and send an Indian to the Moon.”

In a lighter moment, the PM asked about the Indian food Shukla had brought with him. Shukla replied with a smile:

“Yes, I brought gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras. I wanted to share Indian flavors with astronauts from other countries, and everyone loved it!”

As the conversation concluded, PM Modi extended his congratulations once again, saying:

“This is a proud moment for every Indian. You are our shining star in space.”

With the Tricolour proudly displayed on the ISS, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey stands as a symbol of India’s rising space ambitions and the dreams of a new generation looking skyward.

(with Inputs from ANI)

Highlights:

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS).
He describes India as “grand and vast” when viewed from space.
Says Earth appears borderless from orbit, highlighting unity and shared humanity.
Shares message to youth: “The sky is never the limit.”
Conducts seven Indian scientific experiments, including one on muscle loss prevention in space.
Brought Indian sweets (gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, aam ras) for international astronauts.
PM Modi calls Shukla’s journey “a new beginning for India’s space age” and stresses youth interest in space science.
Part of Axiom-4 mission, which docked with the ISS on June 26, 2025.