‘He Carries India’s Hopes’: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Hail Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mission to ISS
Shubhanshu Shukla has etched his name in history as the second Indian to venture into space, ending a 41-year hiatus since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.
New Delhi: June 25, 2025
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has etched his name in history as the second Indian to venture into space, ending a 41-year hiatus since Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission. His flight to the International Space Station marks a new chapter in India’s space ambitions.
The mission, Axiom-04, a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO, lifted off successfully aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. Along with Shukla, the mission includes astronauts from the USA, Hungary, and Poland.
Shubhanshu Shukla, a proud officer of the Indian Air Force, now holds the nation’s dreams on his shoulders. His flight into orbit has sparked a wave of celebration and patriotic fervor across India and beyond, with millions expressing their admiration online.
Soon after the launch, political leaders, celebrities, and citizens took to social media to share their pride and congratulatory messages:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote:
“The Indian Astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is on the way to become the first Indian to go to International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians.”
Rahul Gandhi posted:
“A proud moment for every Indian… 41 years after Rakesh Sharma, he now carries forward that legacy, inspiring every Indian.”
President Droupadi Murmu stated:
“As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla creates a new milestone in space for India, the whole nation is excited and proud of an Indian’s journey into the stars.”
She emphasized the mission’s global spirit by quoting ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and praised the strong NASA-ISRO partnership.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath added:
“A proud moment for India! Heartiest congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on this historic achievement.”
In a personal and symbolic moment, Shubhanshu Shukla boarded the spacecraft listening to the inspiring song “Yun Hi Chala Chal Rahi” from Shah Rukh Khan’s movie Swades – composed by A.R. Rahman, penned by Javed Akhtar, and sung by Udit Narayan, Kailash Kher, and Hariharan. The track, known for its theme of perseverance and national pride, perfectly echoed the emotion of the moment.
India in Space: A New Chapter
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey represents a defining chapter in India’s space odyssey, reaffirming the nation’s growing stature in global scientific exploration. Having previously been associated with ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, his selection for Axiom-04 underlines India’s rising profile in international space collaborations.
As the nation watches Shukla soar among the stars, hopes are high for a safe and successful mission, and his legacy is already inspiring the next generation of Indian scientists, dreamers, and space enthusiasts.
Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.
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