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NDTV
10 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"India Looks Very Grand, Very Big From Space": Shubhanshu Shukla To PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS). The nearly 18-minute dialogue between PM Modi and the 39-year-old Indian astronaut, who is the second Indian to go to space in 41 years and the first since Rakesh Sharma's eight-day sojourn in 1984, was rich in emotion, science, and national pride. Expressing the collective pride of 140 crore Indians, PM Modi told the Indian astronaut: "Today you are farthest from your motherland but you are closest to the hearts of Indians." He congratulated Mr Shukla on his successful mission and asked about his well-being. Mr Shukla, visibly moved, responded with gratitude, affirming that he was safe and feeling well, crediting it to the blessings and support of the nation. The astronaut described his journey to the ISS as not just a personal achievement but a symbolic leap for the entire country. "This small journey from Earth to 400 kilometres above is not only mine - it is the journey of our country," he said. Reflecting on his childhood, he shared that he never imagined becoming an astronaut, but under the current leadership, India now offers such dreams a chance to become reality. In a lighter moment, PM Modi asked if Mr Shukla had shared Indian food with his international colleagues. In response, Mr Shukla said he had brought carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango juice, which were well received by his fellow astronauts. "Everyone liked it very much," he said, adding that they hoped to visit India one day to experience its culinary richness firsthand. The conversation then turned philosophical as PM Modi remarked on the ancient Indian tradition of undertaking a "parikrama", with Mr Shukla actually doing a circumambulation or orbiting the Earth. The Prime Minister asked what part of the planet Mr Shukla was currently passing over. Though the astronaut didn't have the exact coordinates, he said a little while ago they had passed over Hawaii. He described the awe-inspiring experience of orbiting the Earth 16 times a day, witnessing as many sunrises and sunsets. Traveling at 28,000 kilometres per hour, he noted, adding with a tinge of national pride, suggesting "this speed shows how fast our country is moving forward". When asked about his first thoughts upon being in space, Mr Shukla shared a profound realisation: "From space, you don't see any borders. The Earth looks united." He emphasised the vastness of India, which appears much larger from orbit than on a map, and spoke of the deep sense of unity and shared humanity that space evokes. "Jab pehli baar Bharat ko dekha, Bharat sach mein bohat bhavya dikta hain, jitna ham map pe dekhten hain, usse kahin jyada bada (When we saw India for the first time, we saw that India looks very grand, very big, much bigger than what we see on the map)," Mr Shukla told the Prime Minister, bringing back memories of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's "saare jahan se achha Hindustan hamara" remark in 1984 when PM Indira Gandhi had asked him how India looks from space. PM Modi then enquired about the challenges of adapting to life in microgravity. Mr Shukla explained that despite extensive training, the real experience was vastly different. "Even small tasks become difficult," he said, noting that he had to tie his feet to stay in place during the conversation. Sleeping, drinking water, and even moving around required new techniques. "It takes a day or two to get used to it," he added. He showed how the microphone was floating away from him as he spoke. The Prime Minister highlighted India's unique blend of science and spirituality, asking whether mindfulness and meditation helped in space. Mr Shukla affirmed that they played a crucial role in managing stress and making sound decisions. "The calmer you are, the better you can make decisions," he said, advocating for the integration of mindfulness in high-stress environments like space missions. On the scientific front, Mr Shukla proudly revealed that he was conducting seven Indian-designed experiments aboard the ISS. The first, scheduled for today, involved stem cells and aimed to understand muscle loss in microgravity - a study with potential applications for elderly care on Earth. Another experiment focused on the growth of microalgae, which could contribute to food security due to their high nutritional value and rapid growth in space. PM Modi praised the scientific ambition of the mission and noted how Chandrayaan's success had already sparked a wave of interest in space among Indian youth. He said Mr Shukla's journey would further fuel that passion. Mr Shukla, in turn, encouraged young Indians to dream big and persevere. "There is no one way to success," he said. "But one thing is common-never stop trying." As the conversation neared its end, PM Modi gave Mr Shukla some "homework": to document his experiences for the benefit of future missions, including Gaganyaan, which is India's upcoming human spaceflight program and the Bhartiya Antariksha Station and to send an Indian to the Moon. Mr Shukla agreed, saying he was absorbing every lesson "like a sponge" and would apply them to accelerate India's space ambitions. In a deeply emotional closing, Mr Shukla reflected on the collective achievement of the mission. "This is not just my personal accomplishment-it is a collective achievement for our country," he said. He urged every child and youth to believe that "the sky is never the limit". He also revealed that the Indian flag now proudly adorned the ISS, a moment that filled him with immense pride. PM Modi ended the conversation by extending his best wishes to Mr Shukla and his team. "Take care of yourself. Keep increasing the respect for Mother India," he said. Mr Shukla responded with a heartfelt "Bharat Mata ki jai," echoing the sentiment of a nation that now sees its dreams orbiting the Earth.
Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, aam ras' What Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla took to International Space Station
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday that he had taken gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras with him to space so that fellow astronauts could experience the taste of Indian flavours. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is aboard the International Space Station as part of a commercial mission operated by Axiom Space, during an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI) In a video interaction with Shukla, PM Modi congratulated him for hoisting the tricolour in space and asked warmly, 'Is everything fine there? Are you well? Did you carry gajar ka halwa?' Responding with a smile, Shukla said, 'Yes, I brought gajar ka halwa, moong dal ka halwa, and aam ras. I wanted everyone who has joined me from other countries to enjoy the richness of Indian flavours. All of us had it together, and everyone liked it.' Read: 'Sky is never the limit, not for me, you, or India': Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla tells PM Modi As PM Modi hailed Shukla's space journey as the beginning of a new era and a step towards Mission Gaganyaan, the slogan 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' reverberated aboard the International Space Station (ISS). 'Farthest from India, closest to Indian hearts': PM Modi to astronaut Shukla 'Shubhanshu, today you are the farthest from the land of India, but the closest to the hearts of every Indian,' the prime minister told Shukla during a video interaction with the astronaut, who is currently stationed aboard the ISS orbiting Earth at an altitude of 400 km. Modi remarked that Shukla's name itself contains the word 'shubh' (auspicious), and said, 'Your journey marks the auspicious beginning of a new era.' Towards the end of their 18-minute conversation, PM Modi raised the patriotic slogan 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', which was echoed back by Shukla from space in a symbolic and emotional moment. Read more: 'Shubh-aarambh' of new era: PM Modi interacts with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Sharing his reflections from the mission, Shukla told the prime minister, 'This is not my journey alone but also our country's,' adding that he was 'absorbing these new experiences like a sponge.' 'Everything is different here,' the astronaut said, describing the challenges of life in microgravity. Also read: 'India looks bigger from space than it does on map': Shubhanshu Shukla tells PM Modi 'We trained for a year and I learnt about different systems... but after coming here, everything changed... Here, even small things are different because there is no gravity in space... Sleeping here is a big challenge... It takes some time to get used to this environment,' he added. He also mentioned that the ISS completes 16 orbits of Earth a day, giving him the rare privilege of witnessing 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Am among followers of non-violence': PM Modi reacts as ‘Jo humein chhedega' remark draws loud applause at Jain event
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stirred excitement during a spiritual event by briefly referring to while recalling the remarks of a Jain seer who had spoken before him. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The mention, though indirect, drew a wave of cheers and applause from the audience at Vigyan Bhawan. The loudest response came when invoked the phrase "Jo humein chhedega", that instantly resonated with the audience, which broke into 'Modi Modi' chants. Reacting to it, PM Modi smiled and said, 'I am among followers of non-violence... and I had only said half the sentence... but you completed it... what I mean to say is, even if you did not say it in words, you were giving your blessings to Operation Sindoor. (Ahinsawadiyo ke beech hu.. aur abhi toh aadha vaakya bola hu.. aur aapne poora kar diya.. kehne ka tatparya yeh hai... bhale aapne shabdon mein nahi kaha par aap Operation Sindoor ko aashirwad de rahe the). " 'Jo Hume Chhedega…': PM Modi's Speech on Operation Sindoor Cut Short by Audience. Here's Why PM Modi made these remarks during the centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji, a revered Jain spiritual leader and scholar, whose teachings and legacy the prime minister hailed extensively. The event was organised by the ministry of culture in collaboration with the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust, Delhi. The prime minister lauded the ancient and enduring values of Indian civilisation, crediting saints and seers for shaping the country's identity. 'Our India is the oldest living civilisation in the world, we are immortal for thousands of years, because our thoughts are immortal, our thinking is immortal, our philosophy is immortal,' he said. Referring to Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji as a "Yug Purush" and "Yug Drashta", Modi praised his contribution to Jain philosophy, revival of the Prakrit language, and social reform. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He noted the Acharya's deep knowledge and literary legacy, including over 50 authored works, and his role in restoring ancient temples. PM Modi also highlighted how his government drew inspiration from such spiritual figures for its welfare policies. 'Whether it is PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jivan Mission, ... they signify the sense of service towards the last person in the social hierarchy,' he said. He reiterated the government's efforts to promote mother tongues, especially Prakrit, which was accorded Classical Language status in October last year. 'In our mission to digitise ancient manuscripts, a large section of it includes Jain religious texts and manuscripts associated with acharyas,' he added. Union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Jain seer Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Shri 108 Pragyasagar ji Muniraj also attended the event. The centenary year, spanning June 28 to April 22, 2026, will include cultural, literary, and spiritual programmes across India.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Humbly accept it as prasad': PM Modi honoured as 'Dharma Chakravarti' on Jain saint Vidyanand's centenary
PM Modi honoured as 'Dharma Chakravarti' on Jain saint Vidyanand's centenary NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday honoured with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti' on centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual leader Vidyanand at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The title, symbolising a righteous ruler and upholder of dharma, was conferred on PM Modi. Speaking on receiving the award, PM Modi said, "On this occasion, you honoured me with the title of 'Dharma Chakravarti'. I do not consider myself suitable for this. But it is our culture that whatever we receive from saints, we accept it as 'prasad'. So, I humbly accept this 'prasad' and dedicate it to Maa Bharati'." The centenary celebrations mark the beginning of a year-long national tribute to the revered saint and scholar, organised jointly by the Union ministry of culture and the Bhagwan Mahaveer Ahimsa Bharti Trust. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, 'Today, we are all witnessing a significant occasion in India's spiritual tradition. This centenary celebration of Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj, filled with the devotion of his countless followers, has created an extraordinary atmosphere that is truly inspiring for all of us.' According to ANI, the event was also attended by Union culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Rashtrasant Paramparacharya Pragyasagar Muniraj, alongside other dignitaries, parliamentarians, and Jain acharyas. "This day is also special because on 28th June 1987, Acharya Vidyanand Muniraj received the title of 'Acharya'. It wasn't just an honour but it was also a 'pavitra dhaara' connecting the Jain culture to ideas, restraint and compassion. When we are celebrating his 100th birth anniversary today, it reminds us of that historic moment", PM Modi said. PM Modi also visited a specially curated exhibition titled 'Life and Legacy of Acharya Shri 108 Vidyanand Ji Maharaj', which showcased murals, paintings, and rare archival material chronicling the saint's contributions. PM Modi hailed the renowned Jain saint as 'Yug Purush' and 'Yug Drashta'. He said, 'I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience his spiritual aura in person. He gave me his guidance from time to time. I always had his blessings. Today, from this stage of his centenary celebrations, I can feel his love and closeness." Born in 1925 in Shedbal, Belagavi (Karnataka), Vidyanand became one of the most respected Jain monks of modern India. According to news agency PTI, he memorised over 8,000 Jain Agamic verses and authored more than 50 influential works, including Jain Darshan, Anekantvad, and Mokshmarg Darshan. He lived a life of extreme austerity, walked barefoot across the country, and promoted spiritual egalitarianism and inter-sect harmony. His historical contributions include designing the official Jain Flag and Emblem during the 2500th Nirvana Mahotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir in 1975. The five-colour flag and the Ahimsa hand symbol are now universally accepted across Jain traditions. He was also pivotal in identifying Basokund in Bihar as Bhagwan Mahavir's birthplace — a finding recognised by the Indian government in 1956. The centenary year will be observed until April 22, 2026, through nationwide cultural, literary, educational, and spiritual programmes. As per the Culture Ministry, it will include temple outreach, interfaith dialogues, youth engagement, and Jain heritage awareness initiatives. A commemorative stamp and coin were released, alongside a biographical volume detailing saint's life.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Business
- India Gazette
PM Modi to embark on five nation-visit from July 2, attend BRICS Summit in Brazil
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a five-nation visit from July 2, during which he will attend the BRICS Summit and hold meetings with leaders of Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina and Namibia to strengthen bilateral ties. During the visit, PM Modi is expected to address the parliaments of Trinidad and Tobago and Namibia. The Prime Minister will start his five-nation visit with Ghana. This will be the Prime Minister's first bilateral visit to the African country. During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss further avenues to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration, and development cooperation partnership. This visit will reaffirm the shared commitment of the two countries to deepen bilateral ties and strengthen India's engagement with the ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] and the African Union, a Ministry of External Affairs release said. Visit of Indian Prime Minister to Ghana is taking place after three decades. PM Modi will travel to Brazil, during the fourth leg of his visit, from July 5 to 8 to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 followed by a state visit to the South American country. This will be PM Modi's fourth visit to Brazil. The 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro. During the Summit, PM Modi will exchange views on key global issues, including reform of global governance, peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. The Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. For the State Visit to Brazil, Prime Minister will travel to Brasilia where he will hold bilateral discussions with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the broadening of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries in areas of mutual interest, including trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health and people to people linkages. In the second leg of his visit, PM Modi will pay an official visit to Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) from July 3-4. This will be his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level to T&T since 1999. During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the President of Trinidad & Tobago Christine Carla Kangaloo, and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and discuss further strengthening bilateral ties. PM Modi is also expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. The visit of the Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago will impart fresh impetus to the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two countries, the MEA release said. PM Modi will visit Argentina in the third leg of his visit on July 4-5. Prime Minister is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Argentine President Javier Milei to review ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to enhance further bilateral partnership in key areas, including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade and investment, and people-to-people ties. The bilateral visit of Prime Minister will further deepen the multifaceted Strategic Partnership between India and Argentina, the release said. In the final leg of his visit, PM Modi will embark on a State Visit to Namibia on July 9. This will be the first visit of the Prime Minister to Namibia, and the third ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia. During his visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, PM Modi will also pay homage to the Founding Father and first President of Namibia, Late Dr. Sam Nujoma. He is also expected to deliver an address at the Parliament of Namibia, the MEA release said. The visit of Prime Minister is a reiteration of India's multi-faceted and deep-rooted historical ties with Namibia,it added. (ANI)
