Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, June 28, interacted with Group Captain and Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station (ISS), according to the PMO. Shukla made history on Wednesday by embarking on a journey to ISS as part of a commercial mission operated by Axiom Space, along with three other astronauts. This marks the first space journey by an Indian astronaut in 41 years since Rakesh Sharma flew aboard a Russian spacecraft.
Shubhanshu Shukla said, "India is progressing at a swift pace...India will have its stations in peace...Mindfulness plays a significant role in maintaining calmness, as there are many stressful situations during training and launch. Mindfulness and meditation help a lot in making good decisions."
"When we saw India for the first time, we saw that India looks very grand, very big, much bigger than what we see on the map... When we see the Earth from outside, it seems that no border exists, no state exists, and no countries exist. We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home, and all of us are in it," Shukla added.
Shukla said, "The first view was of the Earth and after seeing the Earth from outside, the first thought and the first thing that came to mind was that the Earth looks completely one, no border is visible from outside. When we saw India for the first time, we saw that India really looks very grand, looks very big, much bigger than what we see on the map... When we see the Earth from outside, it seems that no border exists, no state exists, no countries exist. We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home, and all of us are in it."
Shukla said, "Everything is different here. We trained for a year and I learnt about different systems...but after coming here, everything changed...Here, even small things are different because there is no gravity in space...Sleeping here is a big challenge...It takes some time to get used to this environment."
"A short while ago, when I was looking out of the window, we were flying over Hawaii. We see sunrise and sunset 16 times a day from the orbit...Our nation is moving forward at a very great pace," said Shukla.
Also Read | India's Shubhanshu Shukla Says 'Namaskar from Space' During Axiom-4 Journey to ISS (Watch Video).
"Yes, I bought gajar ka halwa, moong dal ka halwa and aam ras. I wanted everyone who has joined me from other countries to enjoy the rich Indian culinary. All of us had it together and everyone liked it," Shukla said.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said, "Thank you, PM Modi, for your wishes and the wishes of 140 crore Indians. I am fine and safe here. I am feeling very good, this is a new experience...This journey is not only mine but the journey of the whole nation...Under your leadership, today's India offers numerous opportunities to fulfil their dreams...I am feeling very proud to represent India here"
PM Modi said, "At this time only the two of us are talking, but the feelings of 140 crore Indians are also with me. My voice contains the enthusiasm and excitement of all Indians. I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to you for hoisting our flag in Space. Is everything fine there? Are you well?."
PM Modi said, "Today, you are away from our motherland, but you are the closest to the hearts of Indians...Aapke naam mein bhi shubh hai aur aapki yatra naye yug ka shubharambh bhi hai."
Shukla, serving as the pilot of SpaceX's Axiom Mission 4, has made history, becoming the 63rd human to land in space and the first Indian to set foot inside the ISS. The last Indian to travel to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, but Shukla is the first to enter the space station itself.
Shukla shared his arrival update, saying it was a "privilege to see Earth from this vantage point." “The moment I entered the ISS, I felt welcomed. It has been a wonderful ride. The expectations I had were surpassed,” he said during his arrival remarks.
Speaking in Hindi during his message to India, Shukla expressed heartfelt gratitude, “It is because of your love and blessings that I have safely reached the ISS… The Tricolour I bear on my shoulder makes me feel as though the entire country is with me.” He added that the next 14 days will be dedicated to science and exploration, and urged citizens to join him in spirit: “This is a milestone for India. Let’s make this journey exciting and let everyone participate with interest.”