June 26 — Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared an inspiring message from space on Wednesday, just hours before his scheduled arrival at the International Space Station (ISS). The brief video, where he greeted the nation with a cheerful “Namaskar from space,” quickly gained attention across India and beyond, symbolizing a significant moment in the country’s space journey.
Shukla is currently part of an international crew launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission, conducted in collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), aims to carry out scientific research in microgravity aboard the ISS.
This marks the first time in nearly four decades that an Indian has traveled to a space station, after Rakesh Sharma’s landmark mission in 1984. In his video message, Shukla appeared inside the crew capsule wearing a suit bearing the Indian flag, expressing his gratitude to the Indian scientific community and citizens.
“This mission represents the aspirations of every Indian who dreams of reaching for the stars,” he said. “It is a privilege to carry our nation’s hopes into space.”
The capsule is expected to dock with the ISS later this evening. Over the course of the mission, Shukla and the rest of the crew will conduct a series of scientific experiments in the fields of space biology, materials science, and environmental research. These studies are considered essential for future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
ISRO Chairperson S. Somanath commended the astronaut’s message, stating that it reflects India’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight. “His words are a proud reminder of how far we’ve come as a spacefaring nation,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also responded to Shukla’s message, writing on social media that it was a moment of great pride for every Indian. “Shubhanshu Shukla’s message from orbit is not only emotional but deeply motivating. India is scaling new heights in space exploration,” he stated.
This mission is part of a growing partnership between India and the United States in the field of space exploration. It also complements India’s own human spaceflight initiative, Gaganyaan, which aims to send Indian astronauts into orbit aboard an indigenous spacecraft in the near future.
As Shukla prepares to begin his work aboard the ISS, his gesture has already resonated deeply with citizens back home. His simple “Namaskar” has become a powerful symbol of national pride, scientific ambition, and India’s rising role in global space missions.
