“India Looks Very Grand, Very Big From Space,” Says Shubhanshu Shukla to PM Modi
In a heartwarming live video interaction from the International Space Station, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS, told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “India looks very grand, very big from space.” The conversation, which lasted nearly 18 minutes, marked a symbolic moment for India’s human spaceflight ambitions and celebrated the national pride surrounding this achievement.
The Prime Minister lauded Shukla for carrying the dreams of 140 crore Indians into space. Calling him the “farthest from the motherland, yet closest to every Indian’s heart,” Modi underscored how the mission reflected India’s evolving capabilities and aspirations in space. Shukla, in turn, noted that he didn’t view this as a personal milestone, but as a mission that embodied the hopes and achievements of the entire nation.
India Space Pride
The interaction was deeply personal and patriotic, resonating with the legacy of Rakesh Sharma, India’s first man in space. Shukla said the country looks much bigger and grander from orbit than it does on a map, invoking a sense of awe and reverence. His remarks were met with enthusiasm across the country, as Indians saw in him a reflection of national progress and global standing in space exploration.
Science Meets Spirituality
The Prime Minister inquired about the psychological and physical challenges of zero gravity. Shukla highlighted that maintaining calmness, practicing mindfulness, and mental clarity were essential in space. This synergy between scientific rigor and spiritual discipline echoed India’s unique approach to life sciences and human endurance.
A Taste of India in Orbit
In a lighter moment, Shukla revealed that he had shared traditional Indian sweets like carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras with his fellow astronauts. The delicacies were well-received, prompting some of his international colleagues to express a desire to visit India.
