Did You Complete the Homework I Assigned? Insights from PM Modi and Shubhanshu Shukla's Chat

New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla had a jovial exchange regarding the latter's groundbreaking mission to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a historic moment as the first Indian to achieve this feat.

The discussion, held at the PM's official residence in New Delhi on Monday, featured Shukla updating the Prime Minister on his mission, where he played a pivotal role as part of the crew.

In a light-hearted manner, they also joked about the 'homework' given to Shukla by the Prime Minister.

Shukla shared stunning images taken from space and recounted his experiences, which hold significant value for India's future space initiatives, particularly the Gaganyaan mission, the nation's inaugural human spaceflight endeavor.

During their chat, PM Modi inquired about the adjustments Shukla faced upon returning to Earth. Shukla humorously responded, "The brain needs time to reacquaint with walking. It takes a moment to readjust to this environment. When I returned, I struggled to walk, and I needed support from others."

He further explained that this was a similar sensation he encountered upon reaching the ISS.

Shukla also informed the Prime Minister about various experiments conducted in space, including studies on Tardigrades, Myogenesis, sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, and crop seeds.

He conveyed that his fellow crew members are eagerly anticipating India's Gaganyaan mission.

Highlighting India's ascending global prominence, Shukla remarked, "From my personal experiences over the past year, everywhere I went, people were thrilled to meet me, keen to discuss our endeavors and inquire about our progress."

"What stood out was that many were already aware of India's expanding role in space exploration. Numerous individuals were even better informed about the Gaganyaan mission than I was, asking me about its launch date," he added.

Shukla confirmed that he had completed the "homework" assigned by PM Modi, which involved documenting all aspects of his mission to benefit the Gaganyaan program.

"Did you finish your homework? The one I assigned to you?" PM Modi playfully asked. Shukla responded, "People would joke with me saying, 'Your Prime Minister gives you homework!' But I certainly remember the homework."

The conversation also touched upon how to inspire younger generations to delve into space technology and astronaut training, as well as strategies for India to achieve Aatmanirbhar status in these sectors.

After their meeting, PM Modi shared on X, "Had a wonderful interaction with Shubhanshu Shukla. We covered a broad array of topics, including his space experiences, advancements in science and technology, as well as India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission."

"India takes pride in his accomplishment," he added.

In June, Shukla became the first Indian to reach the ISS, returning on July 15 after an 18-day mission filled with numerous experiments led by ISRO and other activities in the orbital lab. He has been undergoing rehabilitation in the US since then.

Shukla returned to India on August 17.

His Ax-4 mission, executed in collaboration with international partners, was celebrated nationwide for providing essential experience and bolstering India's aspirations for the upcoming human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.