“It has been a fantastic journey (kamaal ki yatra rahi hai). Now this journey is coming to an end. But the journey of our human space flight is very long. It is also difficult,” he said.”But, let me assure you that if we decide, then even stars are attainable (taara api prapyante),” he said, sharing a Sanskrit phrase.Recalling his icon Rakesh Sharma, Shukla said 41 years ago, an Indian travelled to space and described how India looked from there.”We all are still curious to know how India looks today from above. Aaj ka Bharat mahatvakanshi dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat nidar dikhta hai, Aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai. Aaj ka Bharat garv se purna dikhta hai. (Today’s India looks full of ambition, fearless, confident and full of pride),” Shukla said.”It is because of all these reasons, I can say it once again that today’s India still looks ‘saare jahan se accha’. Jaldi hi dharti pe mulakat karte hai (we will meet on earth soon),” he said.Shukla expressed his gratitude to the people who made the mission possible.”It has been made incredible by people on the space station. It was a joy to be working with professionals like you,” he said, acknowledging both his Indian and international colleagues.He highlighted the mission’s scientific achievements, outreach efforts, and the sense of wonder that comes from viewing the Earth from orbit.Shukla also expressed gratitude to Isro, Axiom Space, Nasa, and SpaceX for making the mission possible, and acknowledged the students and researchers back home who contributed to the outreach and science programmes.”I agree with Tibor that these missions have far-reaching implications that go beyond science. And I believe it will do so in our country. I carry with me a lot of memories and learnings. But what stays with me most is what humanity can achieve when we all come together for a common goal,” he said.
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