Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a lighthearted video call with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Saturday, who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The conversation, while centered on India's burgeoning space program and Shukla's historic journey, took a delightful turn when the topic of "Gajar ka Halwa" arose.
Modi, with a smile, congratulated Shukla on his achievement, noting the significance of his earthbound values even in a zero-gravity environment. He then playfully inquired, "You are in space, where there is no gravity, but every Indian is watching that you are down to earth. You've taken gajar ka halwa up there — have you shared it with your teammates?".
Shukla responded with a chuckle, "Yes. I brought gajar ka halwa, moong dal ka halwa, and even aam ras. I wanted everyone who has joined me from other countries to enjoy India's rich culinary heritage. We had it together — and everyone loved it".
Shukla's mission marks a significant milestone as he is the first Indian to visit the International Space Station and only the second Indian to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma in 1984. He launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Axiom-4 mission, a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA. This mission signifies India's debut in private astronaut missions, emphasizing in-depth scientific research in microgravity.
Prior to his launch on Wednesday, June 25, Shukla mentioned his intention to carry mango nectar, gajar ka halwa, and moong dal halwa to share with his fellow astronauts on the ISS. He also carried a secret souvenir for Rakesh Sharma, showing gratitude to his mentor.
During his 14-day stay on the ISS, the crew will conduct around 60 scientific studies and commercial activities in microgravity, involving 31 countries. Shukla is set to participate in experiments aimed at advancing technologies for Axiom's space station and studying microgravity's effect on cyanobacteria, which could be crucial for creating oxygen-rich environments for future missions. He will also expose crop seeds to microgravity to study genetic changes, microbial load, and nutritional value, essential for future space farming.
Shukla expressed his awe at seeing the Earth from space, remarking that India "looks grand and bigger from space than it does on the map". He also acknowledged the 41-year gap since India's last human spaceflight, urging everyone to be a part of his journey.
India is investing significantly in its space program, with the Gaganyaan mission aiming to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit using an indigenous spacecraft. The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, featuring the humanoid robot Vyommitra, is scheduled for December 2025, with the first human spaceflight anticipated in early 2027.
ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre in Bengaluru is developing simulators and facilities, while the Institute of Aerospace Medicine is providing medical evaluation and training. India has also partnered with Axiom Space for astronaut training, giving Indian astronauts access to advanced facilities and expertise.
Shukla's journey and the Gaganyaan mission are inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers in India. As PM Modi noted, Shukla's mission marks an "auspicious beginning" for the nation's youth, signaling a new era of space exploration for India.
