New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, who made history as the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS).
During his conversation, Modi expressed pride in Shukla’s achievement, emphasizing the significance of his journey for India. Shukla, who is the second Indian to travel to space in 41 years, highlighted that his experience is a collective achievement for the country, stating he is absorbing the new experiences in space. Shukla shared insights about life aboard the ISS, noting the unique challenges posed by microgravity, such as difficulties in sleeping and adapting to the environment. He described the breathtaking views of Earth from space, emphasizing that borders are invisible from above, which fosters a sense of global unity. His first sight of India from space left him in awe, as he remarked on its grandeur compared to traditional maps. After a successful docking with the ISS, Shukla and his fellow astronauts were warmly welcomed by the existing crew. He expressed gratitude for the support he received and acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to space conditions. Over the next 14 days, Shukla and his team will conduct scientific experiments and engage with people on Earth, carrying the Indian flag and representing their nation in this significant phase of India’s space exploration journey.
