Bengaluru – A powerful image of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s 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’s view of Earth from space is being celebrated as a symbolic leap for India’s human spaceflight ambitions under the Gaganyaan programme. This is India’s 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.
‘Bharat looks bhavya,’ 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.
“From space, you don’t see any borders. The Earth looks united… Bharat looks bhavya,” Shukla said, evoking memories of Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 remark: “Saare jahan se achha.”
Shukla further shared how India appears even grander and more united when viewed from space — 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 “stoking curiosity among younger minds”, 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’s first Gaganyatri spoke directly to the youth.
Public wants to witness the inspiration
In a statement, ISRO reiterated its aim to “inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers”, but did not clarify when the video recordings would be released.
“Thousands across India and the 1.4 billion population are eagerly waiting to see how Group Captain Shukla mesmerised India’s youngsters and ignited the minds of the youth to become future Gaganyatris,” 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’s space aspirations.
Looking ahead
Shukla’s 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’s words and actions resonate as a message of hope, unity, and limitless possibility.