‘The only constant is change’: Shubhanshu Shukla reflects on life during his return flight to India

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shared a heartfelt message as he boarded a flight back to India on Saturday after completing his year-long space mission. His note reflected a blend of emotions—sadness, excitement, and immense gratitude.

Shukla made history in June when he became the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). Announcing his return to India, he expressed a deep sense of emotion about leaving behind the "fantastic group of people" who had been his friends and family over the past year. At the same time, he spoke of his eagerness to reunite with his loved ones and experience life back on Earth after such a transformative journey.

He wrote, “I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is - everything all at once.”

"Goodbyes are hard but we need to keep moving in life," Shukla wrote, acknowledging the special place his mission had in his heart. He thanked the “incredible love and support” he received during and after the mission, which made the journey all the more memorable.

Reflecting on the impermanence of both space and life, Shukla quoted his commander, NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson: “As my commander @astro_peggy fondly says, ‘the only constant in spaceflight is change. I believe that applies to life as well.”

Adding a Bollywood touch, he recited the song line, “'Yun hi chala chal rahi – jeevan gaadi hai samay pahiya’."

Union Minister Jitendra Singh confirmed that Shukla would first meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi before heading to Lucknow to be with his family.

During his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi praised Shukla’s monumental achievement, calling him a source of inspiration for a billion dreams and a beacon for India's growing space ambitions.

Shukla returned from the ISS on July 15 after an 18-day mission, which included conducting various experiments in collaboration with ISRO. Since then, he has been undergoing post-mission rehabilitation in the United States, preparing for the next chapter of his incredible journey.