Vande Mataram: The Song Shubhanshu Shukla Listened To Before Space Trip
The Hindi song loosely translates as "India is not a dream but a celebration. Victory is the habit in every vein of Indians. Such is our prowess that even the enemy salutes us".
'Fighter', which was released in 2024, was billed as a tribute to the valour, sacrifice and patriotism of the Indian armed forces. Directed by Siddharth Anand, it also featured Deepika Padukone and Anil Kapoor.
The song 'Vande Mataram' (The Fighter Anthem) has been sung by Vishal Dadlani and others with original lyrics by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and remix lyrics by Kumaar.
There is an old tradition at NASA that when astronauts drive out to the launch pad for their missions, they get to listen to their choice of music as they drive up after saying goodbyes to their families.
Reports say astronauts often play music before launching in a rocket to help them relax and focus. Music can be a powerful tool to manage stress, especially in the high-pressure environment of space travel. It also serves as a way to connect with Earth and loved ones, and can be a source of inspiration and motivation.
Axiom Mission 4
NASA, Axiom Space, and billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX are now targeting 12.01 PM (India Time), Wednesday, June 25, for launch of the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4.
The crew includes Dr Peggy Whitson from the United States as mission commander, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists. Group Captain Shukla is the designated pilot for this mission.
Incidentally, the Indian astronaut will be flying into space from the same launch pad that was used by astronaut Neil Armstrong for his launch when he became the first person to land on the moon in 1969.
Ms Whitson, while speaking to NDTV this month, had described Group Captain Shukla as "wicked smart".
Group Captain Shukla has practised Yoga as part of his training before boarding the 70-metre-tall Falcon 9 rocket, which is nearing its 500th flight and has a 99.6% safety record.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Shubhanshu Shukla was born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and is the youngest among the four astronaut-designates trained under India's Gaganyaan program.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006, in the fighter stream.
A decorated Fighter Combat Leader and Test Pilot, he has logged approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience across a wide range of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.
The lyrics of the 'Vande Mataram' song:
Khwaab nahi ek jashn hai Bharat
Rag-rag mein hai jeet ki aadat
Aisa hunar dushman bhi salaami de
Tu suraj, hum tere ujaale
Tujh se juda nahi hone waale
Akhir tak hum safar pe honge ki
Jai-hind jo nas-nas mein hai
Har baazi phir bas mein hai
Zid thaan ke hindustan bole
Sujalam-sufalam malayajashitlam
Shasyashyamalam, vande maataram
Sujalam-sufalam malayajashitlam
Shasyashyamalam, vande maataram
Naa hee zameen, naa aasmaanon mein
Naa hee mumkin hai do jahano mein
Jazbe, iraade aur ye junun
Bante hain dil ke kaarakaano mein
Pahunch gae ambar se aage
Dharti se phir bhee bandhe hain dhaage
Rahete vatan kee mittee se judake
Jai-hind jo nas-nas mein hai
Har baazi phir bas mein hai
Zid thaan ke hindustan bole
Sujalam-sufalam malayajashitlam
Shasyashyamalam, vande maataram
Sujalam-sufalam malayajashitlam
Shasyashyamalam, vande maataram
English translation:
No dream, but a celebration-
In every vein of India, victory is the habit.
Such is our prowess that even the enemy salutes us.
You're the sun, we are your radiance;
We're never going to part from you.
Till the end, we'll journey ahead-
Jai Hind lives in every pulse;
Every challenge is within our grasp.
With firm resolve, Hindustan shall proclaim:
"Vande Mataram: with pure waters, fertile fields,
Cool breezes and verdant growth."
Neither the land nor the sky can hold us,
Nothing's impossible across the two worlds.
Our spirit, resolve, and this passion-
They are forged in the chambers of our hearts.
We've reached beyond the skies above;
Yet roots remain bound to the earth.
Anchored by the soil of our nation-
Jai Hind lives in every pulse;
Every challenge lies within our grasp.
With firm resolve, Hindustan shall proclaim:
"Vande Mataram: with pure waters, fertile fields,
Cool breezes and verdant growth."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
43 minutes ago
- India Today
How chef Himanshu Saini earned a third Michelin star for Dubai restaurant
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Spice issue dated June 2025)Chef Himanshu Saini never played it safe, and in hindsight, we're all luckier for it. Saini's journey reads like the kind of plot that makes biopics irresistible. If anyone needed proof that cumin, cardamom, and creativity could build an empire, Trsind Studio is your answer. With three Michelin stars under his belt at just 38, Chef Himanshu has done what only a select few chefs in the world can boast of. Legendary Chef Joan Roca dubs him 'a chef with artistic flair at its finest.' One of India's top chefs, Manish Mehrotra, lauds him for 'eloquently reshaping Indian cuisine on the global gastronomic stage.' And the most visionary Michelin star chef in Dubai, Vladimir Mukhin of Krasota, calls him 'a bold visionary, redefining flavours and presentation with a progressive edge.'advertisementWELL BEGUN IS HALF DONEBorn into the delightful chaos of a joint family in India, his earliest lessons weren't rooted in textbooks but in the kitchen. 'My connection to food was forged in the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, where I was raised in a lively, multi-generational household. There, I learned early on that food was more than just sustenance, it was a way we expressed love.' Though his first passion was athletics, it was at Banarasidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology in New Delhi that he discovered his true calling in the culinary arts and met collaborators, 'who remain part of my journey to this day,' shares the chef. His first brush with brilliance happened at none other than Delhi's famed Indian Accent. From trainee to sous chef in a matter of years, Saini displayed a streak of genius that couldn't be ignored. This led to other stints launching pathbreaking concepts, but this chef wanted he was tapped to helm a restaurant in the Big Apple, he jumped. After all, it was 'New York City'. The dream, right? wasn't. 'The pace wasn't for me. Communication was hard,' he confesses. Most people would soldier on, maybe settle. Saini didn't. In a move that could only be described as gutsy, he called up Bhupender Nath, CEO and founder of Passion F&B, and asked a loaded question: 'Is Trsind Dubai still hiring?' Turns out, it was. Fast-forward a few years, and Saini has been consistently rewriting the rules of Indian fine dining. Trsind Studio in Dubai is now an institution, one with three shiny Michelin stars, no other chefs might lean on the comfort of nostalgia, or heavy regional cooking, Saini pushes boundaries. His interpretations are cerebral yet playful, elevating Indian cuisine without taking away the soul that makes it special. 'The road has had its share of obstacles, from early struggles to navigating the pandemic, but it's these challenges that have shaped me and my culinary vision, shaping Trsind Studio into the experience it is today', shares chef Himanshu. Clockwise from Left: Kitchen view, Tresind Studio | Lobster tail, Alleppey curry, pickled carrot Bar lounge NEW MENU: RISING INDIASaini doesn't just cook food; he crafts narratives that bridge the past, present, and future with the finesse of a poet weaving verse. His India Rising menu is an ode—both tender and bold—to a country alive with a million flavours, where each dish unfolds like pages from a storybook, vivid and unforgettable. Take the 'Pandhra Rassa', a creamy lamb stew rooted in Maharashtra's heartland, which breathes in the hushed whispers of coconut groves and quiet fireside meals. But here's the kicker: nestled inside are Gorgonzola-filled tortellinis, a clever twist that adds a modern flair. It's comfort with an edge. And then there's the 'Pickled Pepper Tempura', which takes you on a tangy escapade reminiscent of spice bazaars, cooled by an unexpected buttermilk curry ice cream, an interplay that catches you off guard, in the best way possible. But it's Saini's 'Sadya' that steals the show. Inspired by Kerala's Onam feast; it's tradition reimagined on a banana leaf. Twelve vibrant components, mango curry, tomato rasam, lentil and papadum join forces in a harmonious tribute to heritage. It stirs something deep: nostalgia for some, debates on authenticity for others. But that's the magic. Saini doesn't replicate; he reshapes. This isn't just food, it's memory, culture, and quiet rebellion shared in every bite. And, it to India Today Magazine- Ends
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Exclusive - Biology Beyond Earth: How Space Station Is Shaping Human Life in Space
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is visiting a home away from Earth that has seen continuous human presence for a quarter of a century and is floating around 400 kilometres above Earth. For most millennials, the idea of humans living and working in space has been a constant reality. Since November 2000, the International Space Station (ISS), a football-field-sized laboratory orbiting 400 kilometres above Earth, has hosted a continuous human presence. But beyond the awe of astronauts floating in microgravity, the ISS has quietly become one of the most important biological laboratories in human history. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, influential NASA biologist Dr Sharmila Bhattacharya shared how two decades of biological research aboard the ISS are not only preparing us for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars but also transforming our understanding of human health on Earth. A Living Lab in Orbit "The first few years were about building the station," Dr Bhattacharya explained. "But for the last 15 to 20 years, we've been doing very active science as an international community." That science spans a wide range of biological disciplines. Researchers studied how spaceflight affects muscle loss, bone density, cardiovascular health, immune function, and even kidney-stone formation. These studies are essential because space is an extreme microgravity environment, radiation and isolation take a toll on the human body. And yet, astronauts have not only survived but thrived. "They go fit and come back fit," said Dr. Bhattacharya. "But that's because they're some of the fittest people on Earth and follow strict exercise and diet regimens." The Brain in Space One of the most fascinating areas of research has been the effect of spaceflight on the brain. Dr Bhattacharya's team used fruit flies, Drosophila, as a model organism to study neurological changes. "We found that in space, there were definite effects on the brain," she said. To test whether these effects could be mitigated, her team created artificial gravity using a centrifuge aboard the ISS. "We were able to partially reverse some of the defects we saw in the nervous system," she noted. This has major implications for future missions, especially those lasting years, such as a round trip to Mars. Preparing for Mars A journey to Mars could take six to nine months one way, with astronauts staying for several months before returning. That means humans will need to survive in deep space for up to two years, facing elevated radiation and reduced gravity. "The ISS has taught us a lot about microgravity," Dr Bhattacharya said. "But the Moon has one-sixth Earth's gravity, and Mars has one-third. We need to understand how partial gravity affects biology." A recent collaboration between NASA and the Japanese Space Agency used mice to study biological changes under different gravity levels-Earth, Moon, Mars, and microgravity. "It was a really interesting experiment," she said, adding that "because it helped identify thresholds where certain biological systems begin to change." Plants in Space: More Than Just Food Beyond human biology, the ISS has also become a greenhouse in orbit. Astronauts have successfully grown lettuce, tomatoes, and other crops. "Some of the tomatoes were very well appreciated by the crew," Dr. Bhattacharya said. Plant habitats on the ISS are not just functional; they are emotional anchors. "They're well-lit, so when crew members celebrate birthdays or holidays, they often gather near the plants. It's like the beautiful garden in space." These experiments are crucial for future missions, where astronauts will need to grow their food. They also help scientists understand how plants respond to microgravity, which could lead to agricultural innovations back on Earth. The Microbial Frontier Space is also a frontier for microbiology. Dr Bhattacharya's team studied how bacteria behave in space and found that some, like Serratia marcescens, became more virulent after spaceflight. "They killed fruit flies faster than bacteria that hadn't gone to space," she said. Interestingly, this increased pathogenicity disappeared when the bacteria were grown again on Earth. "We wanted to understand the molecular biology behind that change and what made them more dangerous in space," she explained. "These enclosed environments give us insights into microbial ecosystems, not just in space but also in places like submarines or hospitals on Earth," Dr Bhattacharya said. Astronauts as Test Subjects Over 600 astronauts have flown to space, many of them to the ISS. Their bodies have become invaluable data sources. "We've grown multiple generations of fruit flies, Caenorhabditis elegans, and even plants in space," Dr. Bhattacharya said, adding that "Now we're doing longer and longer experiments." One of the most exciting upcoming studies involves MRI scans of astronauts' brains before and after spaceflight, as part of the Axiom 4 mission. "Given what we've seen in fruit flies, I'm very interested to see what the human data shows," she said. The End of an Era, and the Start of Another The ISS is expected to be retired by 2031. But Dr Bhattacharya is optimistic. "I celebrate what the ISS has given us," she said. "But I'm also looking forward to the next platform." That next step could be a commercial space, perhaps Axiom, Haven, or VAST. China already has its space station, and India is planning one too. "The more platforms we have in space, the more science we can do as a global community," she said. Why It Matters for Earth While the focus is often on preparing for Mars, the benefits of space biology are already being felt on Earth. From understanding immune responses to developing better exercise regimens, the research done in orbit is improving healthcare on the ground. "Basic biology helps us understand not just how to live in space, but how to live better on Earth," Dr Bhattacharya said. A New Age of Exploration As humanity looks beyond Earth, the ISS stands as a testament to what international cooperation and scientific curiosity can achieve. It has been a proving ground for the biology of the future where humans may one day live on the Moon, Mars, or even beyond. And thanks to scientists like Dr. Sharmila Bhattacharya, we're not just dreaming about that future, we're building it, one fruit fly at a time.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Shubhanshu's SpaceTime moment: Astronaut gives cosmic tour to kin
Lucknow: In his first video interaction with his family after reaching the International Space Station, astronaut shared the excitement and intrigues of his cosmic sojourn and showed them a sunrise from space. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "He showed us the sunrise from the spacecraft window, his sleeping spot, and the food he eats. I feel so proud that my son has reached this milestone. It's a beautiful feeling," said a beaming Asha Shukla. Shubhanshu spoke to his parents and sisters Shukla over a video call setup through laptop, making it a virtual gathering through tele bridge connection. "It was a sunrise like no other, seen not from a hilltop or a plane, but from miles away above the Earth. Watching it from the window of the spacecraft was something he wanted to share with us. It was not just a view, it was a moment that made us realise how far he has gone, how much he has achieved, and how connected we still are despite the distance. It's a feeling I cannot put into words, but it fills us with pride and wonder," said his father Shambhu Dayal Shukla. "Initially, he had some problems adjusting, but now he seems completely fine. He told us about all the important work he's doing. We never imagined our son would reach such heights. We feel blessed," added Shambhu Dayal. The Lucknow boy gave his family a tour of the space station. "It was absolutely mesmerizing. We were awe-struck seeing Earth's curved horizon, its peripheral glow, and that deep, rich blue shade you just cannot imagine until you see it. It was not just a view, it was this emotional moment of realising his success. We are happy to see he is healthy," said his sister Shuchi Mishra. The family members said they are eagerly waiting for his return. Shubhanshu, an alumnus of City Montessori School, is the second Indian astronaut after Rakesh Sharma to go in space.
