Congratulatory messages started pouring in from all quarters soon after Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three other crew members of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, returned safely to Earth after an 18-day trip to the International Space Station on Tuesday.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the first to congratulate him and the whole team that undertook the historical mission to space.
“A hearty welcome to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he comes back on Earth after his space journey. His role in piloting of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station has created a new milestone for India’s space exploration as well as for international collaboration in science and technology. My congratulations to everyone involved in this mission,” President Murmu said in a statement posted on X.
Mr Modi was also quick enough to release a congratulatory message. He said it was an inspiring act. “I join the nation in welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he returns to Earth from his historic mission to Space. As India’s first astronaut to have visited the International Space Station, he has inspired a billion dreams through his dedication, courage and pioneering spirit. It marks another milestone towards our own Human Space Flight Mission – Gaganyaan,” he wrote on X, one of the well-known social media platforms.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed happiness over the space mission getting completed successfully, saying it’s a proud moment for all Indians. “Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s successful return from the historic Axiom-4 mission is a proud moment for every Indian. He has not just touched space, but lifted India’s aspirations to new heights. His journey to the International Space Station and back is not just a personal milestone, it is a proud stride for India’s growing space ambitions. Wishing him great success in his future endeavours,” he said in a social media post.
Similar feelings have been expressed by several ministers, leaders and organisations wherein they all appreciated the fact that the space vehicle carrying them back to the Earth could reach safely and no harm was done to anyone, and whole process of recovering their capsule, which splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California of the US at 3:01 PM IST, could be carried out as planned.
“As I said, with this success, India has established a permanent place in the domain of space. It is a moment of pride for the entire world, but it holds special significance for India – this is truly a historic moment,” Union Minister Jitendra Singh said.
BJP, the ruling party that leads the NDA government at the Centre, was prompt to post its thoughts on the X. “Welcome back, Shubhanshu Shukla – you are an inspiration to 140 crore Indians,” it said in the post.
Party’s national president JP Nadda congratulated Shukla, saying, “History has been made, and the future of Indian space exploration shines brighter than ever. Heartfelt congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the entire Axiom-4 crew on their safe return to Earth. Shubhanshu Shukla’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for the entire nation. His space journey will forever stand as a golden chapter in India’s space odyssey. This feat is a big step toward India’s own human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. I wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.”
Mayawati, former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, the native state of Group Captain Shukla, also congratulated him, saying his safe return to the Earth after the space mission is very inspiring, especially for youngsters.
Many other leaders and prominent people have expressed happiness and sent their congratulatory messages on the occasion.