In a groundbreaking moment for India’s space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla communicated live with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday. During the conversation, Shukla shared his awe-inspiring view of Earth, emphasizing the planet’s unity and India’s grandeur from space.
“From space, one cannot see borders—there are no visible boundaries between nations. What stood out most was the sheer unity of the planet,” Shukla remarked, highlighting the unique perspective that space travel offers. “When we look at maps, we compare the sizes of countries, including India, and often see a distorted picture because we’re flattening a three-dimensional world onto paper. But from space, India appears truly grand—majestic in scale and spirit.”
Unity in Diversity: A Civilizational Motto
Shukla, the first Indian to reach the ISS, noted that this overwhelming sense of oneness aligns perfectly with India’s civilizational motto of unity in diversity. “From above, Earth looks like a single home shared by all, reminding humanity of the harmony and connection we inherently share,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Shukla for “hoisting the flag of India in space” and expressed the emotional connection Indians feel with him, despite the physical distance. “Although you are the farthest from the Indian motherland, you are the closest to the hearts of all Indians,” Modi stated.
India’s Space Ambitions: Gaganyaan and Beyond
The interaction marked a significant moment in India’s ambitious space program, particularly the Gaganyaan mission. PM Modi expressed confidence in the mission’s success and its potential to invigorate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. “Today I can say with confidence that this is the first chapter of success of India’s Gaganyaan mission. Your historic journey is not just limited to space—it will give speed and new vigor to our journey of Viksit Bharat,” Modi said.
Calling science and spirituality the twin strengths of India, the Prime Minister noted, “With the success of the Chandrayaan mission, there is renewed interest in science among children and youth. Now your historic journey is giving more power to this resolve.”
Challenges and Innovations in Space
Shukla shared insights into the challenges of adapting to microgravity, noting the complexity of even the simplest tasks. “Even the smallest tasks are complex. I’ve strapped my feet down just to stay in place during this conversation!” he explained, adding that orientation is fluid in orbit, allowing one to sleep on the wall, ceiling, or “even on the forehead.”
When asked about the role of meditation and mindfulness, Shukla agreed: “As you rightly said, science and spirituality are both our nation’s strength. The calmer you are, the better your decisions. One cannot eat while running. In space, inner calm is crucial.”
Scientific Endeavors and Future Prospects
The astronaut also detailed the scientific experiments being conducted on the ISS, marking a milestone for Indian science. “For the first time, Indian scientists have designed seven unique experiments for the space station,” Shukla said. Among these, one experiment uses stem cells to study muscle loss in microgravity, potentially benefiting the elderly on Earth. Another focuses on cultivating highly nutritious microalgae to support food security. “Processes occur faster in space, which accelerates research,” Shukla noted.
“Today’s children don’t just look at the sky—they believe they can reach it. This mindset is the foundation of India’s future missions.” — PM Narendra Modi
PM Modi praised these efforts, emphasizing that Shukla’s journey would inspire young Indians. He outlined India’s future space goals, including moving forward with Mission Gaganyaan, building its own space station, and achieving the landing of an Indian astronaut on the Moon.
Shukla confirmed his commitment to these goals, stating that he had been absorbing every detail “like a sponge.” He mentioned that his international colleagues had expressed interest in being part of Gaganyaan, to which he replied, “Very soon,” promising to apply his learnings to accelerate India’s upcoming missions.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Concluding the interaction, Shukla addressed India’s youth, encouraging perseverance and resilience. “There’s no one path to success, but if you never stop trying, it will come—sooner or later,” he advised.
PM Modi wrapped up the conversation with a vision of India’s expanding role in space exploration. “India is opening new frontiers in space for the world… The sky is no longer the limit,” he declared, underscoring the nation’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities.
