On October 4, 2021, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a member of the Indian Air Force, bid farewell to the International Space Station (ISS) after completing his 18-day stay aboard the orbiting laboratory. As he prepared to return to Earth, he delivered a heartfelt message that captured the essence of India’s space journey and filled the hearts of his fellow countrymen with pride and inspiration.
Shukla’s farewell message from the ISS during the Axiom-4 mission was a stirring tribute to India’s space achievements. He echoed the iconic words of Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut to travel to space in 1984, who famously said, “Saare Jahaan Se Accha, Hindustan Hamara” (Our India is the best in the world). From the vantage point of orbit, Shukla described how India appears “full of ambition, fearless, confident, and full of pride.”
This was not Shukla’s first time in space. He had previously been a part of the Indo-Russian manned space mission, Salyut-7, in 1984, where he served as a backup crew member. However, his recent trip to the ISS was a significant milestone for India’s space program, as it marked the country’s first independent manned space mission.
During his 18-day stay aboard the ISS, Shukla conducted over 60 experiments, including seven indigenous life sciences experiments, as part of the Gaganyaan mission. These experiments aimed to study the effects of microgravity on the human body and test the feasibility of long-duration space flights. Shukla’s contributions to the mission have paved the way for future Indian astronauts to undertake more extended and more complex missions in space.
The Axiom-4 mission also saw the successful deployment of the Indian flag on the ISS, a proud moment for the entire nation. With this, India has joined the elite group of countries that have their flag flying high in space. Shukla’s presence on the ISS has brought immense pride to the Indian space community and has put the country on the global map of space exploration.
Shukla’s farewell message from the ISS was not just a tribute to India’s space journey, but it also served as a reminder of the country’s determination and perseverance in the face of challenges. India’s space program has come a long way since its inception in 1962, and Shukla’s words were a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and its scientists.
The success of the Axiom-4 mission is a significant milestone for India’s Gaganyaan program, which aims to send three Indian astronauts to space by 2022. With this, India will become the fourth country in the world to launch a manned space mission independently. Shukla’s contribution to this mission has been invaluable, and his farewell message was a fitting tribute to his dedication and commitment to the cause.
Shukla’s journey to the ISS and his farewell message have inspired a whole new generation of young Indians to dream of reaching for the stars. His words have instilled a sense of pride and confidence in the hearts of every Indian, reminding us that with hard work and determination, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
As Shukla prepares to return to Earth, his message from the ISS will continue to resonate with all of us, reminding us of the endless possibilities and potential of India’s space program. His words will serve as a beacon of hope, encouraging us to continue pushing the boundaries of space exploration and making our country proud.
In conclusion, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s farewell message from the ISS was a stirring tribute to India’s space journey, filled with pride, ambition, and determination. His 18-day stay aboard the ISS and his contributions to the Axiom-4 mission have been a source of inspiration for the entire nation. As we look forward to India’s future in space, let us remember Shukla’s words and continue to strive towards making our country a leader in space exploration.
