'Aaj Ka Bharat Abhi Bhi Sare Jahan Se Accha’: Shubhanshu Shukla Reflects on India’s Progress in Axiom-4 Farewell Speech
Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reflected on what he called an “incredible journey” as the Axiom-4 space mission nears its conclusion. Speaking at the mission’s farewell ceremony, Shukla expressed deep gratitude for everyone involved and shared his emotions as he prepared to return to Earth.
“It has been an incredible journey — made so because of the amazing people who have been a part of it,” Shukla said.
In a heartfelt moment, Shukla switched to Hindi to address his fellow Indians. He acknowledged that while his time in space was ending, India’s mission in human spaceflight was just beginning.
“Aapki aur meri yatra abhi bahut lambi hai,” he said — “Our journey is still very long.”
With quiet determination, he added, “I assure you, if we make a firm resolve, even the stars are attainable.”
Looking back to India’s first man in space, Rakesh Sharma, Shukla noted how the nation’s journey had evolved in the past four decades. "Forty-one years ago, an Indian went to space and told us what India looked like from up there. Today, people want to know what India looks like now.”
He described what he saw from orbit:
“Aaj ka Bharat space se mahatvakanshi dikhta hai, nidar dikhta hai, confident dikhta hai, garv se poorn dikhta hai, aur abhi bhi sare jahan se accha dikhta hai.”
(“Today’s India looks ambitious from space, it looks fearless, it looks confident, it looks full of pride — and it still looks better than the entire world.”)
He signed off in Hindi with a warm, “Jald hi dharti par mulaqat karte hain” — “See you soon on Earth.”
Shukla also spoke about the awe-inspiring experience of gazing at Earth from space, calling it “magical.”
“Over the past two and a half weeks, whenever we found time, we were always looking out the window. It’s hard to describe — it almost seems magical.”
He thanked the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for making his participation in the mission possible, as well as the many researchers and students in India who contributed outreach materials that he carried into space.
“I would like to thank my country and its citizens for supporting this mission with all their hearts. A special thanks to ISRO and its tireless team for developing the protocols and outreach activities.”
Shukla also expressed gratitude to NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX for their round-the-clock training and support.
As he prepares to return home, Shukla said the mission had left him with powerful memories and a renewed sense of purpose.
“I’m bringing back not just memories and lessons, but a deeper understanding of what humanity can achieve when people from around the world come together for a shared goal. It’s truly incredible.”