1.4 Billion Dreams Soar with Shubhanshu Shukla into Space as ‘Tiranga’ Touches the Stars
India marked a historic leap in space exploration as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a commercial mission. Shukla blasted off aboard Axiom-4, a private spaceflight mission, representing India after a gap of nearly 41 years since Rakesh Sharma’s iconic space journey. The moment was hailed across the country as a symbol of national pride and scientific progress.
Several Union Ministers took to social media to congratulate Shukla and celebrate the occasion, calling it a collective achievement for all Indians. “A historic moment! 1.4 billion dreams soar with you into space,” wrote Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, sending his best wishes to Shukla and his multinational crew.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari praised the mission as a “proud leap for India,” noting that Shukla’s journey symbolizes India’s growing capabilities in space exploration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “As the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma, his journey is a testament to India’s space reforms,” he posted
Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia remarked, “Our Tiranga touches the stars,” calling it a proud milestone in India’s commercial spaceflight journey.
From aboard the spacecraft, Shukla shared an emotional message:
“Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space after 41 years. It’s an amazing ride. We are revolving around Earth at 7.5 kilometres per second.”
Shukla added, “The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me I’m with all of you. This journey is not just mine—it is the beginning of India’s Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of it. Let your hearts swell with pride. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat.”
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh also celebrated the achievement, calling it a proud moment that cements India’s status as a frontline nation in global space exploration.
With Shukla’s launch, India has made a historic return to human spaceflight, this time through international cooperation and commercial partnerships. His mission marks not just an individual achievement but the symbolic rise of India’s renewed ambitions in space.
