How Proud Are We of India's Journey into the Stars? Prez Murmu, PM Modi Send Best Wishes to Shubhanshu Shukla
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Synopsis
As India prepares to launch its first astronaut in 41 years, President Murmu and PM Modi express pride in Shubhanshu Shukla's historic mission to the ISS. With collaborative efforts between NASA and ISRO, this mission opens new doors in space exploration for India, making the nation proud and united in its aspirations.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Mission: Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS in 41 years.
- National Pride: This mission reflects India's growing capabilities in space exploration.
- Global Unity: The collaboration between astronauts from different countries embodies a spirit of togetherness.
- Scientific Exploration: The mission aims to conduct various experiments that could lead to advancements in science.
- Support from Leaders: President Murmu and PM Modi's encouragement highlights national support for space initiatives.
New Delhi, June 25 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their heartfelt wishes to IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Wednesday as he embarks on a remarkable mission to become the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). They commended him for elevating India’s presence in space and making the nation proud.
After a gap of 41 years, India is set to have an astronaut in space again. Shukla will follow in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who flew in 1984.
On X, President Murmu shared, "As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla marks a new milestone in India’s space exploration, our nation beams with pride at this journey into the stars. He and his fellow astronauts from the Axiom Mission 4, comprising crew from the US, Poland, and Hungary, embody the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'—the world as one family."
She further added, "My warmest wishes for the success of this mission, a testament to the enduring collaboration between NASA and ISRO. The extensive experiments to be conducted by the crew will open new avenues for scientific research and exploration."
PM Modi also congratulated Shukla, expressing his hopes for the success of the mission.
“We celebrate the successful launch of the Space Mission with astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US,” he remarked in a post on X.
“The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on the verge of becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station. He carries the dreams and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wishing him and the entire crew success!” the Prime Minister further stated.
Shukla's launch took place at 2:31 a.m. EDT (noon IST) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket.
This launch had been delayed multiple times, at least six, before finally taking off.
“India is returning to space, Jai Hind,” Shukla tweeted just prior to his mission launch.
“After 41 years, India’s flag will once again flutter in space,” he added.
Earlier, Shukla shared an emotional message for his wife.
“Special thanks to Kamna for being an incredible partner. None of this would have been possible without you, but more importantly, none of this would matter,” he said in an Instagram post.
He also posted a photo capturing their farewell through a glass partition.
Shukla expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the mission for their unwavering support.
He is serving as the pilot of the mission alongside Commander Peggy Whitson from the US.
The remaining crew members include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both designated as mission specialists.
Point of View
I believe this momentous launch embodies India's resurgence in space exploration. The collaborative spirit between ISRO and NASA showcases a commitment to advancing scientific frontiers. This mission is not merely about individual achievement; it represents the aspirations of a nation ready to reclaim its place among the stars, fostering unity and inspiration for future generations.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force Group Captain who is set to become the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS) in 41 years.
When did Shukhla's mission launch?
Shukhla's mission launched at 2:31 a.m. EDT on June 25, 2023, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
What is the significance of this mission?
This mission marks India's return to human spaceflight after 41 years and symbolizes the collaboration between NASA and ISRO, enhancing India's presence in space exploration.
Who else is part of the mission crew?
The mission crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson from the US, along with mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.
What does 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' mean?
'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' is a Sanskrit phrase meaning 'the world is one family,' reflecting a philosophy of global unity.
