Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a historic live conversation with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s trailblazing spacefarer currently orbiting Earth at an altitude of 400 kilometres aboard an international space station. The call, beamed live across platforms, was a moment of national pride and symbolic of India’s growing presence in the realm of global space exploration.
“You may be far above us, but the hearts of 140 crore Indians are with you,” PM Modi told the astronaut, his voice filled with emotion.
Applauding Shukla’s achievement, he added, “Your name carries ‘Shubh’—auspiciousness—and your journey reflects the direction of New India.”
Grateful and humbled, Shukla responded, “This is not just my journey, sir—it belongs to every Indian. I never imagined becoming an astronaut, but under your leadership, this dream has turned into reality.”
Shukla praised India’s rising development trajectory and called for the strength of collective unity and youth participation to push national ambitions further. He also gave viewers a glimpse into his life in orbit, revealing that he carried traditional Indian sweets like gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras to share with fellow astronauts—bringing India’s flavours to space.
The light-hearted exchange turned philosophical when Shukla described what it’s like to see Earth from above: “There are no borders—just one blue planet. India looks vast, whole, and unified. From here, you realise Earth is everyone’s home.”
The conversation turned to science as Shukla outlined experiments he’s conducting in zero gravity—ranging from stem cell research for elderly muscle degeneration to the study of microalgae for agriculture and nutrition. “These are Indian-led initiatives,” he proudly said.
When asked by the Prime Minister about spirituality in space, Shukla confirmed that meditation and mindfulness have been crucial in staying focused amid intense conditions. “It centres us, even out here,” he said.
Modi asked him to share a message with Indian youth. Shukla’s words were simple yet powerful: “Never stop trying. Space is not the limit—it’s only the beginning.”
Concluding the call, PM Modi said, “India is not only dreaming of building its own space station and returning to the Moon, but preparing to lead a new age of exploration. Your journey will inspire generations.”
Shukla closed by reaffirming his commitment: “I’m recording everything. All of my experience from this mission will be channelled into India’s future space endeavours.”
The exchange left millions watching back home inspired, as India looks skyward—not just with dreams, but with determination.