‘Namaskar from Space’: PM Modi’s Emotional Exchange with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Ignites National Pride

A Historic Link-Up: India’s Voice Echoes in Orbit

Namaskar from Space – On June 28, 2025, India witnessed a moment that will be etched in its space legacy forever. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a live video interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to board the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The conversation, broadcast across the nation, was more than a symbolic gesture, it was a celebration of India’s scientific resurgence and a tribute to the dreams of 1.4 billion citizens.

Shukla, who launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre on June 25, docked with the ISS after a 28-hour journey. His presence aboard the station marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years, following Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 mission.

During the interaction, PM Modi remarked, “You may be the farthest from Indian soil, but you are the closest to the hearts of every Indian.” Shukla responded with humility and pride, saying, “This journey is not mine alone, it belongs to every Indian who dares to dream.” The Prime Minister also noted the auspiciousness of Shukla’s name, calling it a sign of a “new era” for India’s youth and space aspirations.

From Orbit to Earth: Reflections on Unity, Science, and Dreams

Floating 400 kilometers above Earth, Shukla shared his awe-inspiring view of the planet. “From space, the Earth looks unified, we cannot see any borders. It reminds us that we are all citizens of one planet,” he said. His words echoed India’s timeless motto, “Anekta mein ekta” (Unity in Diversity), now seen from a cosmic vantage point.

Shukla also detailed two key experiments he is conducting aboard the ISS:

• Muscle Degeneration Study: Exploring how nutritional supplements can reduce muscle loss in microgravity, with potential applications for aging populations on Earth.
• Microalgae Cultivation: Investigating the growth of algae in space to support future food security and sustainable life support systems.

These experiments, part of the most ambitious research agenda of any Axiom mission to date, reflect India’s growing role in global scientific collaboration. PM Modi praised the mission’s educational value, noting its potential to inspire a new generation of Indian scientists and space explorers.

The interaction also sparked nostalgia, drawing parallels to the 1984 conversation between Indira Gandhi and Rakesh Sharma. Just as Sharma famously said, “Saare jahaan se achha,” Shukla’s “Namaskar from space” has now become a new anthem of national pride.

A New Dawn for India’s Space Ambitions

Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission is more than a personal milestone, it’s a strategic leap for India’s space diplomacy and scientific leadership. As the pilot of the Axiom-4 mission, he joins astronauts from Poland, Hungary, and the U.S., symbolizing India’s growing presence in international space partnerships.

The mission also aligns with India’s long-term goals:

• Establishing a national space station by 2035
• Sending Indian astronauts to the Moon by 2047
• Expanding microgravity research and commercial space ventures

Shukla’s journey has already ignited celebrations across India, especially in his hometown of Lucknow, where schools, families, and local leaders gathered to watch the interaction live. A toy swan named Joy, chosen by his son, floated beside him in the capsule as a zero-gravity indicator a tender reminder of the human stories behind scientific milestones.

As the Axiom-4 crew continues its 14-day mission aboard the ISS, conducting over 60 experiments, India watches with pride and anticipation. PM Modi’s closing words captured the spirit of the moment: “Right now, it’s just the two of us talking, but I carry with me the sentiments of 140 crore Indians.”

Conclusion:
The conversation between PM Modi and Shubhanshu Shukla was more than a technological feat, it was a heartfelt affirmation of India’s cosmic dreams. As Shukla orbits Earth, he carries not just scientific instruments, but the hopes, pride, and aspirations of a nation

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