Astronaut Prashant Nair Calls Shubhanshu Shukla 'Rama' After Historic Mission: 'Feels Like Diwali'

Last Updated:August 21, 2025, 14:54 IST

Shukla and Nair are among four astronauts part of India's first human Space mission "Gaganyaan" programme.

During the press meet, Nair shared heartfelt moments with Shukla and said the latter is like "Rama" for him. (Photo: PIB)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), on Thursday interacted with the mediapersons in New Delhi.

Shukla was accompanied by Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who was his designated backup for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).

During the press meet, Nair shared heartfelt moments with Shukla and said the latter is like “Rama" for him.

“A few months from now, we will have Diwali. That’s the time when Shri Ram ji entered Ayodhya. We are here right now to the Rama that is Shux, I can call myself Laxman. It feels like Diwali here today, and all our countrymen are here to receive us. But remember I am elder to Shux, I would love to be Laxman to this Ram every day. Shri Ram and Laxman got a lot of help from the Vanar sena, that is our fantastic ISRO team. Thank you, Hanuman and the team.

Nair also underlined that India’s time come. “Whether it’s a technical prowess, industry or josh," he added.

Shukla and Nair are among four astronauts part of India’s first human Space mission “Gaganyaan" programme.

India plans to undertake its first human spaceflight in 2027 and build its own space station by 2035. India also aims to land its own astronaut on the moon by 2040.

Saurabh Verma

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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August 21, 2025, 14:54 IST

News india Astronaut Prashant Nair Calls Shubhanshu Shukla 'Rama' After Historic Mission: 'Feels Like Diwali'

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