'India appears truly grand from space': Shubhanshu Shukla tells PM Modi
'From space, one cannot see borders—there are no visible boundaries between nations. What stood out most was the sheer unity of the planet,' Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla
told Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video interaction from the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday.
'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,' he said. 'But from space, India appears truly grand—majestic in scale and spirit.'
Shukla, the first Indian to reach the ISS, said this overwhelming sense of oneness aligns perfectly with India's civilisational 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.'
PM Modi
congratulated him for 'hoisting the flag of India in space' and said: 'Although you are the farthest from the Indian motherland, you are the closest to the hearts of all Indians.'
He added, '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 vigour to our journey of Viksit Bharat.'
Calling science and spirituality the twin strengths of India, the PM said, 'With the success of the Chandrayaan mission, there is renewed interest in science among children and youth.
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Now your historic journey is giving more power to this resolve.'
In response, Shukla said, 'This is not just my personal journey—it reflects the direction in which India is advancing. Under your leadership, today's India enables the realisation of dreams that once seemed impossible.'
He spoke of the challenges in adapting to microgravity. 'Even the smallest tasks are complex. I've strapped my feet down just to stay in place during this conversation!' he said, adding that one could sleep on the wall, ceiling or 'even on the forehead' since orientation is fluid in orbit.
When asked whether meditation and mindfulness had helped, 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.'
The astronaut also shared details of the scientific experiments he's carrying out. 'For the first time, Indian scientists have designed seven unique experiments for the space station,' he said.
One experiment uses stem cells to study muscle loss in microgravity and could help the elderly on Earth. Another focuses on cultivating highly nutritious microalgae to support food security. 'Processes occur faster in space, which accelerates research,' Shukla said.
PM Modi praised these efforts and said Shukla's journey would inspire young Indians. '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.'
The Prime Minister added that 'India must move forward with Mission Gaganyaan, build its own space station, and achieve the landing of an Indian astronaut on the Moon.' He also expressed confidence that Shukla was 'diligently recording his observations and learnings'.
Shukla confirmed that he had been absorbing every detail 'like a sponge' and said his international colleagues had expressed interest in being part of Gaganyaan. 'I told them, 'Very soon,'' he said, promising to apply his learnings fully to accelerate India's upcoming missions.
He closed by addressing India's youth: 'There's no one path to success, but if you never stop trying, it will come—sooner or later.'
PM Modi concluded: 'India is opening new frontiers in space for the world… The sky is no longer the limit.'
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