1.#Tuesday 19, Aug 2025, 20:00.3997/ 2. ##PMINDIA: News Updates: PM interacts with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla: 19 Aug, 2025Print News . //3.###PMINDIA :News Updates: PM’s conversation with Shubhanshu Shukla: 19 Aug, 2025Print News. ///
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1.#Tuesday 19, Aug 2025, 20:00.3997/
2. ##PMINDIA: News Updates: PM interacts with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla: 19 Aug, 2025Print News . //
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VIDEO: PM Narendra Modi interacts with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla after his Historic Space Mission
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PM interacts with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
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Comments:
India’s path to success lies in pursuing Space Goals with Atmanirbharta: PM
India needs to build a pool of 40–50 Ready Astronauts to Lead Future Missions: PM
India now has two strategic missions ahead—Space Station and Gaganyaan: PM
Astronaut Shukla’s Journey Is Only the First Step in India’s Space Ambitions: PM
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The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla in New Delhi yesterday. Reflecting on the transformative experience of space travel, the Prime Minister remarked that after undertaking such a significant journey, one must feel a change and he sought to understand how astronauts perceive and experience this transformation. Responding to the Prime Minister, Shubhanshu Shukla stated that the environment in space is distinctly different, with the absence of gravity being a key factor.
The Prime Minister asked whether the seating arrangement remains the same during the journey. Shukla confirmed this, saying, “Yes sir, it remains the same.” Shri Modi further noted that astronauts have to spend 23–24 hours in the same setup. Shukla affirmed this and added that once in space, astronauts can unfasten their seats and harnesses, and move freely within the capsule.
Continuing the interaction with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, delving into the physical and psychological impact of space travel, the Prime Minister inquired whether the capsule offered sufficient space. Shubhanshu Shukla responded that while it wasn’t very spacious, there was some room available. The Prime Minister remarked that the capsule seemed more comfortable than a fighter jet cockpit. Shukla affirmed, “It is even better than that, sir.”
Further, Shri Modi was briefed on the physiological changes that occur upon reaching space. Shukla highlighted that the heart rate slows down significantly, and the body undergoes several adjustments. However, within four to five days, the body acclimatizes and normalizes in the space environment. Shukla further explained that upon returning to Earth, the body experiences the same set of changes again. Regardless of one’s fitness level, walking becomes difficult initially. He shared his personal experience, stating that although he felt fine, he stumbled while taking his first steps and had to be supported by others. Even though one knows how to walk, the brain takes time to reorient and understand the new environment. The Prime Minister emphasized that space travel requires not just physical training but mental conditioning as well. Shukla agreed, stating that while the body and muscles possess strength, the brain requires rewiring to comprehend the new environment and recalibrate the effort needed to walk and function normally.
Discussing the exploration of the duration of space missions, Shri Modi inquired about the longest duration astronauts have spent in space. Shubhanshu Shukla informed that currently, individuals are staying up to eight months at a time, a milestone initiated with the present mission. The Prime Minister asked about the astronauts Shukla met during his mission. Shukla confirmed that some of them are scheduled to return in December.
Shri Modi sought insights into the significance of Shukla’s experiments on growing Moong and Methi aboard the space station. Shukla expressed surprise that many people were unaware of certain developments. He highlighted that food remains a major challenge aboard space stations due to limited space and expensive cargo. The focus is on packing maximum calories and nutrition in minimal space. He explained that various experiments are underway, and growing certain foods is remarkably simple in space. Using minimal resources, such as a small dish and a bit of water, sprouts began emerging within eight days—an experiment Shukla personally witnessed aboard the station. Shukla emphasized that India’s unique agricultural innovations are now reaching microgravity research platforms. He noted the potential of these experiments to address food security challenges—not only for astronauts but also for vulnerable populations on Earth.
The Prime Minister asked how international astronauts reacted upon meeting an Indian astronaut. Shukla shared that over the past year, wherever he went, people were genuinely happy and excited to meet him. They frequently asked about India’s space activities and were well-informed about the country’s progress. Many were particularly enthusiastic about the Gaganyaan mission, inquiring about its timeline. Shukla’s crewmates even requested signed notes, expressing their desire to be invited to the launch and to travel aboard India’s spacecraft.
Shri Modi further asked why others referred to Shukla as a genius. Shukla humbly responded that people were kind in their remarks. He attributed their appreciation to his rigorous training—first in the Indian Air Force and later as a space pilot. Initially believing that academic study would be minimal, Shukla discovered that the path required extensive learning. Becoming a space pilot, he explained, is akin to mastering an engineering discipline. He underwent years of training under Indian scientists and felt well-prepared for the mission.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reviewed the progress of the “homework” he had earlier assigned to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. Shukla reported that the progress has been excellent. He affirmed that the task was indeed given and was very important, stating that his journey itself was meant to create awareness. He emphasized that while the mission was successful and the team returned safely, it was not the end—it was only the beginning. The Prime Minister reiterated that this was the first step. Shukla echoed the sentiment, saying, “Yes sir, it is the first step.” He emphasized that the core objective of this initiative was to learn as much as possible and bring those insights back.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need to build a large pool of astronauts in India, suggesting that 40–50 individuals should be ready for such missions. He noted that until now, very few children may have considered becoming astronauts, but Shukla’s journey would likely inspire greater belief and interest.
Shukla reflected on his childhood, recalling that when Rakesh Sharma went to space in 1984, the idea of becoming an astronaut never occurred to him due to the absence of a national program. However, during his recent mission, he interacted with children on three occasions—once through a live event and twice via radio. In each of these events, at least one child asked him, “Sir, how can I become an astronaut?”. Astronaut Shukla stated that this achievement is a major success for the country, emphasizing that today’s India no longer needs to merely dream—it knows that spaceflight is possible, that options exist, and that becoming an astronaut is achievable. “Representing India in space was a great opportunity, and now it is his responsibility to help more people reach this milestone”, added Shukla.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked that India now has two major missions ahead—Space Station and Gaganyaan and highlighted that Shukla’s experience would be of great value in these upcoming endeavours.
Shukla responded affirmatively, noting that this is a major opportunity for the country, especially given the sustained commitment of the Government under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He pointed out that despite setbacks such as Chandrayaan-2 not being successful, the Government continued to support the space program with consistent budgeting, leading to the success of Chandrayaan-3. He emphasized that such support, even after failures, is being observed globally and reflects India’s capability and positioning in the space domain. Shukla stated that India can acquire a leadership role and that a space station led by Bharat, with participation from other nations, would be a powerful tool.
Shukla further referred to the Prime Minister’s remarks on Independence day on Atmanirbharta in space manufacturing and said that all these elements are interconnected—the vision for Gaganyaan, the Space station, and the moon landing—forming a vast and ambitious dream. Prime Minister Modi affirmed that if India pursues these goals with self-reliance, it will succeed.
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3.###PMINDIA :News Updates: PM’s conversation with Shubhanshu Shukla: 19 Aug, 2025Print News. ///
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VIDEO: PM Narendra Modi interacts with Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla after his Historic Space Mission
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PM’s conversation with Shubhanshu Shukla
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Prime Minister – As you all have returned after undertaking such an extraordinary journey…
Shubhanshu Shukla – Yes, Sir.
Prime Minister – You must be experiencing something different. I mean to say, what do you feel?
Shubhanshu Shukla – Sir, when we go up there, the atmosphere, the environment is entirely different. There is no gravity.
Prime Minister – So, as far as the seating arrangement is concerned, does it remain the same?
Shubhanshu Shukla – Yes, Sir, it remains the same.
Prime Minister – And you have to spend the entire 23–24 hours within that space?
Shubhanshu Shukla – Yes, Sir. But once you reach space, you can unfasten your seat, unstrap your harness, and then you can float around inside the capsule, move about and do things.
Prime Minister – Is there so much space inside?
Shubhanshu Shukla – Not very much, Sir, but there is a little.
Prime Minister – That means it is better than the cockpit of your fighter jet?
Shubhanshu Shukla – Better than that, Sir. But once we arrive there, several changes occur. For example, the heartbeat slows down. These changes happen, but within four to five days the body gets used to it and you become normal there. And when you return, then again the same changes occur. However healthy you may be, you cannot walk immediately upon returning. Personally, I did not feel unwell, I was fine, but still, when I took my first step, I was about to fall, and people had to hold me. Then the second and third steps, although the mind knows one has to walk, the brain takes time to understand that this is a new environment now.
Prime Minister – So it is not merely the training of the body, but more of the training of the mind?
Shubhanshu Shukla – Yes, Sir, it is the training of the mind. The body has strength, the muscles have strength, but the brain has to be rewired, it has to understand again that this is a new environment, and that to walk here, this much effort or strength will be required. That has to be relearned, Sir.
Prime Minister – Who was there for the longest duration, and for how long?
Shubhanshu Shukla – Sir, at present some people have stayed for nearly eight months at a stretch. It is with this mission that such an eight-month duration has begun.
Prime Minister – And those whom you met there…
Shubhanshu Shukla – Yes, some of them will be returning in December.
Prime Minister – And what is the significance of moong and fenugreek?
Shubhanshu Shukla – Very significant, Sir. I was greatly surprised that people were not aware of these things. Food is a very big challenge on a space station. Space is limited, cargo is costly, and there is always an effort to pack maximum calories and nutrition into minimum space. Experiments of all kinds are going on, Sir. To grow these is very simple; they do not require many resources on a space station. Just place a little water in a small dish, leave them, and within eight days sprouts start appearing very well, Sir. I saw them growing on the station itself. These are the secrets of our country, I would say, Sir. As soon as we got the opportunity to do micro-gravity research, these too reached there. Who knows, this might solve our food security problem. For astronauts, it is useful at the station, but if solved there, it could also help us in solving food security challenges here on Earth, Sir.
Prime Minister – This time when an Indian arrived there, what did the others from different countries feel upon seeing an Indian? What did they ask and what did they speak about?
Shubhanshu Shukla – Yes, Sir. My personal experience over the past year is that wherever I went and whomever I met, they were very happy to meet me, very excited to speak, to ask what we were doing and how we were doing it. Most importantly, everyone knew about Bharat’s progress in the field of space. Many people were even more excited about Gaganyaan than I was, Sir. They asked me when our mission would launch. In fact, my crewmates even took my signature with a note that whenever Gaganyaan launches, I must invite them, and that soon after they want to sit in our vehicle. I feel, Sir, there is tremendous enthusiasm.
Prime Minister – They used to call you a tech genius. What was the reason?
Shubhanshu Shukla – No, Sir. I think they were just very kind in saying so. But, Sir, my training in the Air Force, and later the training as a test pilot, was very rigorous. When I joined the Air Force, I thought I would not have to study much, but later I had to study a great deal. And after becoming a test pilot, it was practically like an engineering discipline. We were also trained further, our scientists taught us for two, three, even four years. Therefore, Sir, I think we were very well prepared when we went for this mission.
Prime Minister – The homework I gave you—how much progress have you made on it?
Shubhanshu Shukla – There has been very good progress, Sir. People laughed a lot with me afterwards. After that meeting, they even teased me, saying, “Your Prime Minister gave you homework.” I said yes, indeed. And it was very necessary for us to realise this – That was why I went. The mission was successful, Sir, and we have returned. But this mission is not the end, it is the beginning.
Prime Minister – That is what I had said that day as well.
Shubhanshu Shukla – Yes, Sir, you had said that day…
Prime Minister – This is our very first step.
Shubhanshu Shukla – Indeed, Sir, the first step. And the main purpose of this first step was precisely how much we could learn from it and bring back with us.
Prime Minister – Look, the most important task before us will be to have a large pool of astronauts. We should have 40–50 people ready. Until now, perhaps very few children even thought that this is something worth aspiring for. But after your journey, perhaps belief will grow stronger and the sense of attraction towards it will also increase greatly.
Shubhanshu Shukla – Sir, when I was a child, Rakesh Sharma Sir had gone to space in 1984. But the thought of becoming an astronaut never crossed my mind because we had no programme, nothing at all, Sir. But this time, when I was at the station, I interacted with children three times—once in a live event, and twice through radio. And in all three events, Sir, there was always at least one child who asked, “Sir, how can I become an astronaut?” I feel this in itself is a great success for our country, Sir—that in today’s Bharat, the child does not merely dream, he knows it is possible, that there is an option, and that he can indeed become one. And as you said, Sir, it is now my responsibility. I feel I have been greatly privileged to represent my country, and now it is my duty to help as many people as possible to reach this stage.
Prime Minister – Now, the space station and Gaganyaan…
Shubhanshu Shukla – Sir!
Prime Minister – These are our two major missions…
Shubhanshu Shukla – Sir!
Prime Minister – Your experience will be very valuable in the same.
Shubhanshu Shukla – I believe so too, Sir. Especially because of the kind of commitment our government, under your leadership, has shown to the space programme—providing sustained budget every year in spite of failures. For instance, Sir, Chandrayaan-2 was not successful, yet we said we would move forward, and Chandrayaan-3 succeeded. Even after failures, if such support is forthcoming, and the whole world is watching, then certainly, Sir, we have both the capacity and the position to acquire a leadership role in this field. It could be a very powerful tool—if there were a space station led by Bharat, but with participation from other nations too. I also heard your words about Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in space manufacturing, Sir. All these things are interconnected. The vision you have given us—of Gaganyaan, of BAS, and then of moon landing—is indeed a very great dream, Sir.
Prime Minister – If we accomplish this with self-reliance, it will be very good.
Shubhanshu Shukla – Absolutely, Sir.
Shubhanshu Shukla – I also tried to take several photographs of Bharat from space, Sir. This is where Bharat begins. This triangle is Bengaluru, Sir. This is Hyderabad. And this flash you see, Sir, is lightning. This area is filled with mountains. And this dark area that we crossed is the Himalayas. And above, Sir, those are all stars, and as we crossed, the Sun was rising from behind, Sir.
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JAI HIND
JAI BHARATHAM
VANDE MATARAM
BARAT MATHA KI JAI.
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