Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared a heartwarming “Namaskar from space” while aboard the Dragon spacecraft, just hours before docking with the International Space Station. The message has gone viral, inspiring millions across India.
In a moment that has touched the hearts of millions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—India’s astronaut aboard the Axiom-4 mission—sent a warm “Namaskar from space” while en route to the International Space Station (ISS) inside SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.
The greeting was transmitted during a brief communication window with Earth as the capsule orbited the planet at over 27,000 km/h. Dressed in his pressurized suit and floating weightlessly, Shukla folded his hands and said,
“Namaskar, Bharat. We’re on our way. Jai Hind.”
This marks the first time an Indian astronaut has spoken Hindi during a commercial spaceflight, and only the second Indian to reach Earth orbit after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
Historic Significance:
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Shukla is the first Indian to fly as part of a commercial space mission
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He is traveling with the Axiom-4 international crew, heading for a week-long research stay aboard the ISS
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His journey reflects India’s growing partnership with private space agencies like SpaceX and Axiom Space
The moment was hailed as symbolic of India’s next chapter in space exploration—a bridge between tradition and futuristic ambition.
Public Reactions:
Social media platforms were flooded with pride as users praised Shukla’s simple yet powerful gesture. From students to scientists, his greeting is being seen as a morale boost for India’s Gaganyaan mission and its youth dreaming of space.
Many drew comparisons to Rakesh Sharma’s iconic line, “Sare Jahan Se Achha,” from inside the Soyuz capsule, noting how Shukla’s message echoed that same patriotic pride in a modern setting.
Key Highlights (Bullet Points):
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Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla greets India with “Namaskar from space”
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Message sent from inside Dragon capsule during Axiom-4 mission
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First Indian to fly on a commercial space vehicle to ISS
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Social media and officials praise his gesture as inspiring
