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India is ready to lead: Shubhanshu Shukla's first message since returning from space

India is ready to lead: Shubhanshu Shukla's first message since returning from space

India Today4 days ago
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's pioneering astronaut on the Ax-4 mission, shared his first reflections since returning to Earth, delivering a powerful message of national pride, gratitude, and a call for India to lead in space exploration.Speaking to media, Shukla expressed his heartfelt thanks to Isro, the Government of India, Indian Air Force, Nasa, and SpaceX for their crucial roles in the success of this historic mission.advertisement'This is my first engagement since returning from space, and now I don't have to stabilise myself before floating away,' Shukla began with a touch of humour, conveying the surreal experience of transitioning from zero gravity back to Earth's environment. He described his role not just as a spacefarer but as a 'messenger showing what's possible,' highlighting the mission's broader significance beyond individual achievement.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in space. (Photo: Nasa)
One profoundly moving moment for Shukla was his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi while the Indian flag proudly fluttered alongside him onboard the International Space Station. 'This time it was the beginning of India's second orbit, and we are ready not just to fly but to lead,' he declared, emphasizing the country's rising prominence in the global space arena.Shukla was overwhelmed by the immense outpouring of love and support from across the country and the world. 'Nothing could have prepared me for the love and support that came through,' he said, calling the mission 'only the beginning' of India's journey in space leadership.Sharing insights from his scientific work on the mission, Shukla recalled peering through a microscope to observe stem cells behaving in zero gravity. He expressed deep pride in the dedication of Isro scientists who brought these experiments to life. 'Doing science in space is fun, but my bubble experiment was the talk of the town, and it will be a joy to share it with all of you,' he added, underscoring the mission's inspirational impact on young minds. 'The technical milestones are measurable,' Shukla said, 'but the true spark—believing in what's possible in space among young Indians—is what this mission was all about.' He concluded with a blend of relief, pride, humility, and a deep sense of connection to every Indian who followed the launch, especially the children dreaming of donning a spacesuit.'Thank you for believing in the mission and making it your own,' Shukla said, encapsulating a historic moment not just for himself but for the entire nation's aspirations in space exploration.- EndsTune InTrending Reel
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