In a moment that brought smiles to millions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video call with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station in over four decades, was filled with warmth, laughter and a generous serving of Indian flavour—quite literally.
The special interaction, broadcast across the country, took a delightful turn when PM Modi, known for his wit and personal touch, asked Shukla about a much-loved Indian dessert. “You’ve taken gajar ka halwa up there — have you shared it with your teammates?” the Prime Minister quipped, his trademark smile lighting up the screen.
Shukla, floating in zero gravity, responded with equal cheer. “Yes, Hon’ble Prime Minister. I brought a few traditional Indian food items with me, such as gajar ka halwa, moong dal ka halwa, and aam ras. I wanted my fellow astronauts from other countries to taste and experience the richness of India’s culinary heritage. We had it together — and everyone loved it,” he said, his pride in Indian culture evident even from space.
The conversation soon shifted from food to the wonders of space. Shukla described his awe at the view from the ISS: “A short while ago, when I was looking out of the window, we were flying over Hawaii. We see sunrise and sunset 16 times a day from the orbit… Our nation is moving forward at a very great pace…” He added, with a sense of wonder, “India looks grand and bigger from space than it does on the map.”
PM Modi, representing the sentiments of a billion Indians, replied with warmth, “Today, you are away from our motherland, but you are the closest to the hearts of Indians… Aapke naam mein bhi shubh hai aur aapki yatra naye yug ka shubharambh bhi hai (Your name itself is ‘Shubh’ and your journey marks the auspicious beginning of a new era).”
Shukla, clearly moved, said, “It is not my journey alone but also our country’s. I am extremely glad to represent my country here. When I was young, I never felt that I could become an astronaut. However, under your leadership, the country has the opportunity to fulfil its dreams.”
The light-hearted banter over gajar ka halwa and the heartfelt exchange of words made the conversation an instant hit on social media, with many Indians sharing their own memories of the sweet dish and expressing pride in the nation’s achievements. The moment was a perfect blend of science, tradition and humour—showcasing a modern India that is confident, rooted in its culture, and aiming for the stars.
