PM Modi Speaks to India’s First Astronaut on ISS, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, June 29, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held an emotional and inspiring 18-minute conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS).

PM Modi expressed the pride of 1.4 billion Indians, remarking, "You are farthest from your motherland but closest to our hearts."

The 39-year-old astronaut, the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic journey in 1984, described his mission as a collective achievement for India, emphasizing, "This journey to 400 kilometers above Earth is not just mine—it represents our nation’s progress."

In lighter moments, Shukla revealed that he shared Indian delicacies like carrot halwa and mango juice with fellow astronauts, which were warmly received.

He described the awe of orbiting Earth 16 times daily, reflecting on the unity seen from space, where "borders vanish." He added, "India appears grander from space than on any map."

Shukla detailed challenges of adapting to microgravity, from sleeping to simple tasks, and praised mindfulness for aiding decision-making. He also highlighted ongoing Indian experiments aboard the ISS, including studies on stem cells and microalgae, with potential applications in healthcare and food security.

As the conversation ended, PM Modi urged Shukla to document his experiences to guide India’s future space missions, including the upcoming Gaganyaan and Moon exploration programs.

Shukla’s closing words, "Bharat Mata ki Jai," echoed the pride of a nation reaching new frontiers in space exploration.