'India Looks Grand': Shubhanshu Shukla’s Words From Space That Will Orbit The Nation Forever

Last Updated:July 15, 2025, 10:51 IST

In a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shubhanshu Shukla tied his journey to the aspirations of a rising India

Shubhanshu Shukla will begin the journey to return to earth today (AFP photo)

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other astronauts of Axiom-4 will touchdown on Earth today after a historic 14-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). As the mission comes to a close, Shukla leaves behind more than just science experiments — he leaves an imprint of inspiration and pride. The first Indian Air Force pilot and only the second Indian to travel to space under a private mission, Shukla’s words during the mission resonated deeply with people across India and beyond.

‘India Looks Grand’

From the very beginning as he reached ISS on June 25, his voice carried a tone of wonder and patriotism. Reflecting on his first impressions after docking at the ISS, he remarked, “It has been an incredible journey. It has been made amazing because of the people who are involved." He described the view of India from orbit as breathtaking, stating, “India looks grand and bigger from space than it does on the map."

“I carried the Indian tricolour on my shoulder during the launch to the International Space Station, which reminded me that I am not alone in this journey, and that all Indians were a part of it," Shubhanshu Shukla said.

In a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shukla tied his journey to the aspirations of a rising India: “We are travelling at 28,000 km per hour… that speed reflects how fast our nation is progressing." His words mirrored a broader sentiment — India’s presence in space is no longer symbolic, but strategic and scientific.

‘Like A Baby’

Shukla also offered deeply human moments from zero gravity. “Sleeping a lot… view is beautiful," he chuckled, admitting the novelty of floating in space. He described the joy of microgravity with warmth: “In space there is no floor and no ceiling… someone sleeping on the walls, someone on the ceiling."

“I am enjoying the views, and am learning how to eat in this environment, like a baby learning how to walk, figuring out how to move and control myself," he said.

Interaction With Students

During an outreach with students, he spoke of drifting if not properly tethered: “If not strapped down, you might drift away and wake up in a different spot." He also told students how astronauts eat pre-packaged meals in space, but that he carried Indian sweets like Gajar ka Halwa and Aam Ras to find the comfort of home cooked meals in Space.

Telling the students about the view from Space, he said, “It’s peaceful and beautiful. A moment of quiet reflection we all cherish," he said.

‘Water Bender’

Shukla took a brief pause from duties to demonstrate the unusual behaviour of water in space, referring to himself as a “water bender" during the light-hearted moment. During a live broadcast, Shukla floated a sparkling sphere of water toward the camera, joking, “I’ve become a water bender in space."

‘Saare Jahan Se Achcha’

It was Shukla’s farewell message, delivered before leaving the ISS, that cemented his legacy as a space ambassador. “I assure you, if we make a firm resolve, even the stars are attainable," he said in Hindi, adding emotionally, “Aaj ka Bharat, space se mahatvakaankshi dikhta hai… aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi saare jahan se achchha dikhta hai. (Today’s India looks ambitious… still better than the rest of the world.)"

He repeatedly emphasised unity, saying, “Earth feels like one home… there are no borders," as he gazed upon the planet from space.

‘My Last Call From Space’

On a satellite call hours before his mission ended, Shukla said, “This is my last call from the ISS…I’m coming back and will meet you all soon."

As Shukla and his crewmates return, the mission ends, but his words will continue to orbit the hearts of millions.

Pragati RattiCopy Editor

Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com and heads the Business and Viral sections. Having worked with the breaking news team at News18 in the past, Pragati now manages the day to day functioning of the Viral and...Read More

Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com and heads the Business and Viral sections. Having worked with the breaking news team at News18 in the past, Pragati now manages the day to day functioning of the Viral and...

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