On June 28, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a video call with Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS). Modi said even though Shukla’s super far away in space, he’s really close to all Indians’ hearts. He called Shukla’s trip a big deal, like a new start for India. Modi said all 140 crore Indians are so proud and excited, cheering for Shukla as he waves India’s flag in space.
Wow, an Indian in space talking to the PM? That’s so awesome! I bet everyone’s super happy for Shubhanshu!
Is Shukla Okay?
Modi asked if Shukla’s doing fine up in space. Shukla said he’s feeling great and loves all the support from India. He said being in space is a craz**, new adventure, not just for him but for India’s big dreams. He’s 400 kilometers above Earth, showing how high India can aim. As a kid, he never thought he’d be an astronaut, but with Modi’s help, he’s living this dream!
I think it’s so cool how excited Shukla is. Floating in space, making history? That’s like living in a movie!
Yummy Indian Food in Space
Modi, with a smile, asked if Shukla shared his carrot halwa with other astronauts. Shukla said he brought tasty Indian snacks like carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras to the ISS. He shared them with his space friends, and they loved them! Some even said they want to visit India to eat more. That’s so fun!
Indian food in space? That’s the best! I bet those astronauts were so happy eating halwa. Makes me want some too!
Flying Around Earth
Modi said Shukla’s doing something special—circling Earth, like an Indian tradition called parikrama. He asked where Shukla was flying over. Shukla said he wasn’t sure right then, but earlier he saw Hawaii from the ISS window. He does 16 trips around Earth every day, seeing 16 sunrises and sunsets! He said they go super fast—28,000 kilometers per hour—but it doesn’t feel fast inside. It’s like how fast India’s growing.
Seeing 16 sunrises a day? That’s wild! Looking at Earth from space must be so amazing. Shukla’s so lucky!
How Earth Looks
Shukla said his first thought in space was how pretty Earth is. You can’t see country lines—just one big planet. He said maps make India look small, but from space, it’s huge and beautiful. He felt like everyone on Earth is connected, like India’s idea of “unity in diversity.” It looks like one big home.
That’s so cool! No lines between countries? It makes me think we’re all one big family. Shukla’s words are so special.
Life Without Gravity
Modi asked how space is different from training. Shukla said no gravity is super weird. Simple stuff like drinking water or sleeping is hard. He has to tie his feet down to talk, or he’d float away! He can sleep on the ceiling or walls—anywhere! It takes a day or two to get used to, but he loves the mix of science and magic.
Floating sounds so fun but tricky! Sleeping on the ceiling? I’d probably get dizzy. Shukla makes it sound like a big adventure!
Staying Calm in Space
Modi asked if meditation helps. Shukla said yes, saying science and calm thinking are India’s strengths. He uses mindfulness to stay chill during tough training and space moments. Shukla said being calm helps make good choices, like the saying, “You can’t eat while running.” He thinks this will help India build its own space station!
Meditation in space? That’s so neat! Shukla staying calm while zooming around Earth is super inspiring.
Cool Space Tests
Modi asked about Shukla’s work. Shukla said Indian scientists gave him seven special tests to do. One test, happening that day, checks stem cells to see if stuff can stop muscle loss in space. This could help old people on Earth. Another test grows tiny algae that’s really healthy. If they can grow more, it could help feed people. Space makes these tests go faster, which is great.
Helping old folks and feeding people from space? That’s awesome! Shukla’s work could make life better for so many.
Cheering Up Kids
Modi said Shukla’s trip, with the Chandrayaan mission, is making kids love space. Kids now want to reach the stars, not just look at them. Shukla told kids to keep trying and never give up, no matter what they do. He said India’s going big, and every kid can help.
I love how Shukla’s making kids dream big! It makes me think anything’s possible if you don’t quit. He’s like a superhero!
India’s Space Dreams
Modi gave Shukla “homework”: help with Mission Gaganyaan, build a space station, and get an Indian to the Moon. Shukla said he’s learning tons, like a sponge, to help these plans. His space friends asked about joining Gaganyaan, and he said, “Soon!” He’s super excited to use what he learns to make India’s space dreams real.
An Indian on the Moon? A space station? That’s so exciting! I can’t wait to see India do these big things.
A Proud Flag Moment
Modi said Shukla’s trip is the first step for India’s space plans. Shukla said seeing India’s flag on the ISS, which wasn’t there before he came, made him so proud. He told kids the sky’s not the limit for them or India. Modi said Shukla’s journey is helping India grow stronger.
That flag moment is so cool! Shukla’s making India shine in space. I’m so proud to be Indian!
Why This Is Great
Shukla’s trip is a huge win for India. He’s showing we can do amazing things in space. His talk with Modi was full of pride, fun stories about food, and tests that could help people. He’s making kids want to dream big. I hope Shukla knows we’re all cheering for him!
This is such a happy moment for India. Shukla’s out there making history, and I’m so excited for what’s next. What do you think about his space trip? Tell me!