As his time aboard the International Space Station draws to a close, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla shared heartfelt reflections on the Axiom-4 mission. The Indian Air Force pilot, who became the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, called the experience “incredible” and credited the people behind the scenes.
‘Stars Are Attainable If We Stay Committed’
During the mission’s farewell ceremony, Shukla expressed deep gratitude. He said the mission had been made special by the team involved. “It has been an incredible journey,” he said. “It has been made amazing because of the people who are involved.”
Speaking in Hindi to his fellow Indians, he reminded them that while his space journey was ending, the country’s space ambitions had only just begun. “Aapki aur meri yatra abhi bahut lambi hai,” he said, meaning “Our journey is still very long.”
He urged citizens to stay focused and committed. “I assure you, if we make a firm resolve, even the stars are attainable,” he added.
Aaj Ka Bharat: A Message from Space
Aaj ka Bharat space se mahatvakanshi dikhta hai, Aaj ka Bharat nidar dikhta hai, Aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai, Aaj ka Bharat garv se poorn dikhta hai, Aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi saare jahaan se achha dikhta hai, Jald hi dharti par mulaqat karte hain. (“Today’s India looks ambitious from space. Today’s India looks fearless, confident, and full of pride. Today’s India still looks better than the whole world. See you soon on Earth.”)
Shukla’s words echoed the famous phrase by Rakesh Sharma, who described India from space 41 years ago. His modern take captured the spirit of a new India reaching further into the cosmos.
‘It All Seems Magical from Up Here’
The astronaut spoke about gazing at Earth through the station windows. “We have looked back at Earth at every chance,” he said. “It almost seems magical to me.”
Shukla thanked ISRO for giving him the opportunity to represent India in space. He also praised researchers and students who created outreach material for the mission. “I would like to thank my country and all its citizens,” he said. “I thank ISRO for making this possible.”
He also expressed appreciation for international support. “I thank NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX for training us well and providing support round the clock,” he said.
As he prepared to return, Shukla spoke of what he would carry home. “I carry a lot of memories and learnings,” he said. “But most of all, I carry proof of what humanity can achieve when we come together.”
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