Shubhanshu
In a poignant moment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla—known as Shux—delivered his heartfelt farewell message as the Axiom‑4 mission neared completion on July 13, 2025. Drawing inspiration from Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut from 41 years ago, Shukla echoed the iconic patriotic sentiment: “Aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi Sare Jahan Se Acha” (“Today’s India still looks better than the entire world”) .
🇮🇳 1. A Journey Beyond Earth—and Time
Shukla described his time in space as an “incredible journey,” made possible by the dedication of a global team . As he addressed viewers in fluent Hindi, he reminded everyone that “Our journey together is very long”, signaling that India’s human space endeavors, such as the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, are only just beginning .
🚀 2. Contemporary India as Seen from Space
Lifting the pride of a nation, Shukla painted a vivid portrayal of modern India from the ISS:
- Ambitious, pushing boundaries beyond borders
- Fearless, ready for global challenges
- Confident, assertive in achievements
- Proud, carrying a strong sense of national self-respect
He concluded with: “Today’s India still looks better than the entire world… See you soon (on Earth),” cementing that space remains a canvas for patriotism and global stature .
🌌 3. Continuing a Legacy of National Pride
This speech echoes the sentiment of Rakesh Sharma, who in 1984 famously declared: “Saare jahan se achha…”. Shukla’s reaffirmation from the ISS reasserts India’s enduring presence in space and its symbolic resonance .
👨🚀 4. The Axiom‑4 Expedition and Cultural Touchstones
Shukla’s heartfelt speech capped a nearly 18-day mission involving significant scientific research aboard the ISS . Celebrations included a multicultural space banquet featuring traditional Indian dishes such as rasgulla and gajar ka halwa, reflecting global camaraderie among astronauts .
His is a landmark achievement—being the first Indian Air Force officer in space and the first civilian astronaut representing India on the ISS since 1984 .
🛰️ 5. The Path Forward: Axiom‑4 Return
The departure of the Axiom‑4 crew was scheduled for July 14, with the SpaceX Dragon capsule set to undock from the Harmony module at 4:35 pm IST, culminating in a splashdown on July 15 at 3 pm IST . The mission reinforces India’s emergence in commercial low‑Earth orbit activities and deep space exploration.
🔍 Reflection: Shukla’s Legacy and India’s Ascension
Shukla’s message underscores more than individual prowess—it signifies:
- India’s scientific confidence
- Growing self-belief among younger generations
- A parallel between sporting, technological, and space achievements
- Continuity in national pride from Sharma to Shukla
His words urged one and all to transcend boundaries—scientific, cultural, and ideological. At a juncture when India is expanding its Gaganyaan efforts and satellite programs, Shukla’s reflection becomes both homage and aspiration.
🚀 Looking Ahead: From ISS to Gaganyaan
With the Axiom‑4 mission closing, India’s space vision advances. The Gaganyaan mission—India’s first indigenous human spaceflight—is poised for the coming years. Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey not only mirrored Rakesh Sharma’s pioneering footprint but also charted a bold new course that could inspire generations of Indian citizens.
Conclusion
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s emotional farewell from the ISS rekindled a nostalgic and forward-looking sense of national pride. “Aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi sare jahan se acha” was not mere patriotism—it was a declaration of India’s evolving excellence in space science, ambition, and global confidence.
As the Dragon capsule begins its descent, the echo of Shukla’s words resonates across continents—a testament to where India stands and where it firmly intends to go. His voice from space not only inspired a nation but reminded the world that India is no longer just a participant in global progress—it is helping lead it into the future.
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