By News Karnataka
Bengaluru 鈥 A powerful image of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India鈥檚 first Gaganyatri, smiling through the iconic cupola of the International Space Station (ISS), has captured the imagination of millions. The moment, hailed as both a personal and national triumph, comes as Shukla marks nine days aboard the ISS during his historic 14-day space mission that began on June 26, 2025.
Draped in a visible aura of joy and awe, Shukla鈥檚 view of Earth from space is being celebrated as a symbolic leap for India鈥檚 human spaceflight ambitions under the Gaganyaan programme. This is India鈥檚 first human spaceflight to the ISS and comes as part of a collaborative mission with Axiom Space, where Shukla serves as pilot alongside commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu.
鈥楤harat looks bhavya,鈥 says Shukla to PM Modi
In a moving interaction from orbit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Group Captain Shukla expressed his deep emotions, echoing a sentiment that resonated across generations.
鈥淔rom space, you don鈥檛 see any borders. The Earth looks united鈥 Bharat looks bhavya,鈥 Shukla said, evoking memories of Rakesh Sharma鈥檚 iconic 1984 remark: 鈥淪aare jahan se achha.鈥
Shukla further shared how India appears even grander and more united when viewed from space 鈥 a perspective that transcends geopolitics and evokes a sense of shared human destiny.
Scientific milestones and educational outreach
As per Axiom Space, Shukla and his international crewmates have engaged in scientific research, technological demonstrations, and public outreach activities. These contributions are expected to advance space science and pave the way for future Indian missions beyond low-Earth orbit.
On July 3 and 4, Shukla also conducted virtual outreach sessions with over 500 students from Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, and his alma mater, City Montessori School in Lucknow. The Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) under ISRO had facilitated the interactions as part of its commitment to 鈥渟toking curiosity among younger minds鈥, in alignment with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat.
However, the footage of these sessions has not yet been released, sparking a wave of public interest and urging calls for its publication. Enthusiasts, parents, and educators have taken to social media urging ISRO to share the moments when India鈥檚 first Gaganyatri spoke directly to the youth.
Public wants to witness the inspiration
In a statement, ISRO reiterated its aim to 鈥渋nspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers鈥, but did not clarify when the video recordings would be released.
鈥淭housands across India and the 1.4 billion population are eagerly waiting to see how Group Captain Shukla mesmerised India鈥檚 youngsters and ignited the minds of the youth to become future Gaganyatris,鈥 a release noted.
Supporters argue that such moments of inspiration and national pride should not remain behind closed doors, especially when Group Captain Shukla represents the living embodiment of India鈥檚 space aspirations.
Looking ahead
Shukla鈥檚 mission will conclude in mid-July, but the momentum it has generated is expected to carry forward for years to come. The Gaganyatri has become a beacon for young dreamers, and as India continues its pursuit of self-reliance and leadership in space, Shukla鈥檚 words and actions resonate as a message of hope, unity, and limitless possibility.