‘Shubh-aarambh’ in Space: PM Modi Chats with Astronaut Shukla Aboard ISS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently stationed aboard the International Space Station.

On June 25, Shukla, along with three fellow astronauts, launched to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre, as part of the Axiom-4 mission.

Shubhanshu Shukla made history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to space in over four decades, marking a significant milestone for the nation.

Sharing a photo of the interaction on its official X handle, the Prime Minister's Office wrote, “PM @narendramodi interacted with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station.”

Prime Minister Modi also shared a video of his interaction with Shukla on X, writing, “Had a wonderful conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he shared his experiences from the International Space Station.”

PM Modi Chats with Astronaut Shukla Aboard ISS

During his conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Prime Minister Modi remarked, "You may be farthest from India, but you are closest to the hearts of all Indians."

Highlighting the auspicious meaning of Shukla’s name, the Prime Minister said his successful mission marks a "shubh-aarambh", an auspicious beginning, of a new era for the youth of the country.

PM Modi extended his heartfelt wishes, along with those of 1.4 billion Indians, to the astronaut.

The exchange also took a lighter turn as the two shared a laugh over the gajar ka halwa (carrot dessert) Shukla carried with him to the Space Station. “Did you and the other astronauts eat gajar ka halwa there?” the Prime Minister asked. Shukla responded with a smile, saying they had enjoyed the halwa along with other sweets he had brought along.

The Prime Minister also asked Shukla what India looked like from space. In response, the Group Captain said, “India appears grander and larger from space than it does on the map.”

Shukla spoke about the importance of mindfulness during his mission, noting that it plays a vital role in high-pressure environments. “We face many stressful situations, but mindfulness helps us stay calm. If you remain calm, you can make better decisions,” he said.

Delivering an inspiring message to listeners back on Earth, Shukla urged young people to take charge of their futures. “If you work to build your future properly, the nation’s future will also be bright,” he said. “And remember this always: ‘Sky is never the limit’, not for you, not for me, and not for India.”

Following the successful launch of Axiom-4, Prime Minister Modi had extended his congratulations and best wishes to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who serves as the mission pilot, along with mission commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

The Prime Minister had noted that Shukla, set to become the first Indian astronaut aboard the International Space Station, carried with him the “wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.”

Also Read: ‘Jai Hind, Jai Bharat’: Shubhanshu Shukla’s First Message from ISS