PM Modi meets space hero Shubhanshu Shukla

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Axiom-4 space mission pilot and Indian Air Force Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. During this, PM Modi congratulated Shukla on successfully completing the mission on the International Space Station (ISS). A video of the meeting has also surfaced, in which Modi warmly welcomed Shukla, hugged him, and appreciated his achievement.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Axiom-4 space mission pilot and Indian Air Force Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. During this, PM Modi congratulated Shukla on successfully completing the mission on the International Space Station (ISS). A video of the meeting has also surfaced, in which Modi warmly welcomed Shukla, hugged him, and appreciated his achievement.

Shubhanshu showed PM Modi pictures of the space journey on the tablet. He presented Modi with the 'mission patch' (a special badge) of the Axiom-4 mission. Photos taken from the ISS were also shared, which showed stunning views of the Earth.

Grand welcome for Shubhanshu Shukla

Shukla returned to India on the morning of August 18, where he was given a rousing welcome: The crowd at the airport greeted him by waving the tricolor and playing drums. He was welcomed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, and sister, Shuchi Mishra, also reached Delhi from Lucknow.

Special discussion in Parliament, but the opposition boycotted

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed for a discussion on Shukla's mission and India's space program in the Lok Sabha. But opposition parties boycotted the session, demanding a debate on the issue of voter fraud.

What was the Axiom-4 mission?

Shubhanshu Shukla left Florida (USA) on June 25 and reached the ISS on June 26. He was accompanied by three other astronauts: Peggy Whitson (USA), Slavoj Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), Tibor Kapu (Hungary). During the 18-day mission, he conducted scientific experiments and participated in microgravity research (studies in zero gravity).

Why is this mission important for India?

This is a milestone in Indian space history, as Shukla is the first Indian to join a private space mission (Axiom-4). This has given global recognition to India's space capabilities. It has become an inspiration for the Gaganyaan mission (India's human spaceflight program).

This achievement of Shubhnshu Shukla is a proud moment for India. His meeting with PM Modi has inspired the youth towards science and space exploration. However, it was unfortunate that this historic achievement could not be discussed in the Parliament due to political differences.