New Delhi: As the Axiom-4 mission successfully launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST on June 25, 2025, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla officially became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). Aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon, Shukla is not just carrying India’s hopes and pride — he’s also taken a taste of India to space.
Among the items he carried: moong dal halwa, gajar ka halwa, and aamras — three quintessential Indian sweets that connect him to his roots even as he floats hundreds of kilometers above Earth. Responding to a question about his food, he said with pride, “I am carrying a few delicacies from India. You know, we have a rich culinary heritage. A few items I am carrying are aamras (mango nectar), moong dal halwa, and carrot halwa… I’m so happy to be able to carry them and share them with my colleagues and the astronauts at the station.”
However, contrary to reports suggesting these dishes were made by his family in Lucknow, his sister Suchi Shukla clarified that families have no role in provisioning space food. “It’s just not possible,” she said, citing strict mission protocols. But what remains beyond dispute is that these traditional treats, even in their astronaut-safe forms, are carrying the spirit of India into orbit.
“Tricolour Is On My Shoulder” – A Message from Among the Stars
Shortly after reaching microgravity, Shukla addressed the nation in Hindi in a heartfelt message that has since gone viral across Indian and global platforms. Floating inside the Dragon capsule — with a plush toy named ‘Joy’ indicating the crew’s entry into zero gravity — he declared:
“Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in space once again after 41 years. It’s an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you.”
In a moment of emotional resonance, he went on to add: “This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station but to India’s Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with pride…Together, let’s initiate India’s Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”
This message not only marked the triumph of an individual but served as a symbolic reawakening of India’s human spaceflight dreams — 41 years after Rakesh Sharma first ventured into space.
Behind Every Astronaut: A Silent Strength on Earth
Hours before liftoff, Shukla penned an emotional Instagram post, acknowledging those who helped him reach this milestone. In a particularly moving moment, he dedicated a line to his wife:
“None of this would matter without you.” Though he now floats above the world, that single sentence anchored his mission in a deeply human truth — even among the stars, it is love, family, and sacrifice that fuel our greatest journeys.
Social Media Flooded With Messages Congratulating Shukla, Odisha CM Joins
Moments after the take-off, the social media was abuzz with congratulatory messages for Shukla. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also congratulated Shukla for this feat, taking to his X account. The CM stated that Shukla’s participation marks a proud milestone for the nation and reflects the excellence, discipline, and commitment of the Indian Air Force.
Heartiest congratulations to Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla on being part of the prestigious Axiom-4 space mission. His participation marks a proud milestone for the nation and reflects the excellence, discipline, and commitment of the Indian Air Force. As India strengthens its… pic.twitter.com/gQ6KqedJhQ
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) June 25, 2025
Docking Ahead
The Dragon capsule is now in orbit, expected to dock with the ISS around 4:30 PM IST on June 26, after a 28-hour orbital journey. As India watches with pride, Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission marks not just a journey to space, but a giant step forward in India’s space legacy.
