‘Gajar ka halwa aur aamras lekar aaya hoon’: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla carries India’s spirit to space
In a truly historic moment for India, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). He is now the second Indian ever to go to space, and his achievement has made the entire country proud. While orbiting 400 kilometres above Earth, Captain Shukla had a live video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conversation was full of warmth and emotion and was watched by people all over the country.
“India look bigger than the map”
One of the most touching things Captain Shukla said during the chat was: “When I saw India from space, it looked much bigger than how it appears on the map.”
This simple line moved many people. From space, there are no borders or divisions, just one land, one country, one identity. It was a powerful moment showing how far India has come.
A New chapter for India
PM Modi praised Shukla for making history and said that his journey marks the beginning of a new era for India in space. “Even your name has ‘shubh’ (auspicious) in it, and your journey is a ‘shubh aarambh’ (a good start) to a new age,” the Prime Minister said.
He also added with emotion: “Right now, 140 crore Indians are feeling proud and connected to you. I am not speaking to you just as a Prime Minister, but as a voice for every Indian’s pride and hope.”
A Dream Come True
Captain Shukla, calm and smiling from the ISS, replied: “I’m safe, healthy, and thankful to be here. This is the start of a new era for India.”
He also shared that he never imagined going to space would be possible for him. “But under your leadership, India has not only learned to dream big but also found the courage to make those dreams come true.”
Gajar Ka Halwa Travels to the ISS
In the middle of a historic space mission, there was a warm and unexpected surprise aboard the spacecraft: gajar ka halwa, India’s famous carrot dessert, along with aamras (mango pulp).
Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, speaking with a smile, said: “I brought gajar ka halwa and aamras with me… it’s not just about taste, it’s a piece of home and memories.”
“Main gajar ka halwa aur aamras lekar aaya hoon… yeh sirf swaad nahi, yeh ghar ki yaadon ka ek hissa hai,” Captain Shukla said in Hindi.
This small but heartfelt gesture brought a bit of Indian culture and comfort to space. His fellow astronauts, Peggy Whitson from the US, Sawosz Uznanski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary — got their first taste of Indian hospitality, floating 400 km above Earth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, clearly pleased by the gesture, praised the cultural moment and gently reminded Captain Shukla of the great responsibility he carries, representing India not just in science, but in spirit.
(With IANS inputs)
News