In a moment that stirred the hearts of Indians across the globe, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla was seen listening to a patriotic song just moments before launching into space aboard the historic Axiom-4 mission. The emotional act quickly became a symbol of national pride, reinforcing how deeply rooted the love for one’s country can remain, even in the final moments before venturing beyond Earth.
This blog explores the context, the mission, the emotion behind the song, and why it resonated so strongly with millions of Indians. Let’s dive into this incredible fusion of science, patriotism, and personal expression.
Who Is Shubhanshu Shukla?
Shubhanshu Shukla is not just an astronaut; he’s a symbol of India’s growing influence in the international space community. With a background in aerospace engineering and years of experience working with global space organizations, Shukla earned his seat aboard the Axiom-4 mission through sheer talent, dedication, and a vision to represent India in the future of space exploration.
Born in India, raised with values of discipline and service, Shukla has always spoken about his dreams of going to space. As part of India’s increasing collaboration with international space agencies and private space ventures like Axiom Space, his selection for the Axiom-4 mission was a proud moment for the entire country.
The Axiom-4 Mission: A Quick Overview
The Axiom-4 mission is part of a private space initiative led by Axiom Space, aimed at developing the first commercial space station. It represents a new era where space travel is no longer limited to government astronauts but is open to selected private individuals, researchers, and professionals from various countries.
Axiom-4 is a continuation of the previous successful missions like Ax-1, Ax-2, and Ax-3, which demonstrated how commercial entities can support scientific and exploratory missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Axiom-4 was launched in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, using the Falcon 9 rocket to carry astronauts to the ISS.
Shubhanshu Shukla was a key crew member, representing India among international astronauts. His mission involved scientific experiments, Earth observation studies, and public engagement activities meant to inspire the next generation of explorers.
The Song That Touched Millions
Just before stepping into the spacecraft, a video showed Shukla with his eyes closed, listening intently to a song that resonated with millions of Indians. The song? A stirring patriotic classic — “Ae Watan” from the film Raazi.
Its lyrics, full of devotion and love for the homeland, go:
“Ae watan… watan mere aabad rahe tu…”
O my country… may you always thrive and flourish…
In that short moment, Shukla wasn’t just preparing for liftoff — he was carrying the soul of India with him into space. The act instantly went viral. Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support, admiration, and goosebumps-inducing reactions. Hashtags like #JaiHind, #ShubhanshuInSpace, and #AeWatan started trending across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Why This Moment Meant So Much to India
India has long been a land of emotional connection, where music, poetry, and patriotism often merge seamlessly. For decades, songs have played an integral role in uniting the country during festivals, wars, or sports victories. But rarely have we seen such an emotional expression of love for India just before a spaceflight.
This wasn’t just a personal moment for Shukla; it was a reminder that even as India forges ahead in space technology, its heart beats with pride for its cultural roots.
Here’s why this moment was so powerful:
- Cultural Symbolism: Music is a core part of India’s identity. Hearing a patriotic song in such a high-stakes moment evoked deep cultural pride.
- Representation in Global Space: An Indian astronaut playing an Indian song before launch showcased India’s emotional strength and identity on an international platform.
- Youth Inspiration: For millions of Indian students and space enthusiasts, Shukla became a role model overnight — a modern-day hero who carries both intelligence and heart.
Public Reactions and Media Coverage
News outlets were quick to pick up the story. Headlines across platforms read:
- “Jai Hind from Space: Indian Astronaut’s Emotional Tribute Before Launch”
- “Shubhanshu Shukla Wins Hearts with Patriotic Song Before Rocket Liftoff”
- “Proud Moment for India: Space Meets Soul in Shukla’s Viral Video”
Online forums, YouTube, and social media exploded with support:
“I cried when I saw that clip. It’s not just a launch, it’s an emotional journey. Proud to be Indian!” – Twitter User
“Finally, a space hero who carries the sound of India into the stars. Shubhanshu, we salute you!” – YouTube Comment
Even Bollywood celebrities and political leaders took to social media to express their pride.
The Science Behind the Mission
While the emotional moment stole the show, let’s not forget the seriousness of the mission. Shukla’s primary duties aboard the ISS during the Axiom-4 mission include:
- Microgravity experiments related to material science and biotechnology
- Educational outreach — live sessions with students in India
- Health data collection for long-term spaceflight research
His contributions are critical to shaping how future commercial space travel will operate and how astronauts can function effectively in extended missions.
Inspiration for Future Generations
India is seeing a boom in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) interest. The rise of organizations like ISRO, and now Indians participating in missions with SpaceX and NASA, has unlocked new dreams in small towns and big cities alike.
Shubhanshu’s journey — and that emotional musical moment — is being shared across schools, space clubs, and educational platforms. Teachers are using the video as a motivational tool to teach students not just about space, but about passion, patriotism, and purpose.
Bridging Science and Soul
In a world often dominated by data, algorithms, and robotic precision, Shubhanshu Shukla reminded us that space exploration isn’t just technical — it’s deeply human.
He brought heart into a field often perceived as emotionless. Listening to “Ae Watan” was a gesture that said:
“I may be going to space, but my heart stays rooted in my country.”
It’s this fusion of emotion and science that made the moment unforgettable.
Memorable Visuals from the Launch
Several images and clips added emotional weight to the story:
- Shubhanshu with folded hands, eyes closed, headphones on.
- Indian flag patch proudly displayed on his astronaut suit.
- Lift-off moment, with a small visible sticker that read “Jai Hind” near his seat.
- Zero gravity moment, where he was seen saluting the camera — a symbolic tribute to India.
These visuals are now viral, used in social media reels, educational videos, and tribute posts.
A Message From Shubhanshu
In a brief transmission after reaching orbit, Shukla said:
“To every Indian out there, this is not just my mission. This is our mission. From Varanasi to Visakhapatnam, from Ladakh to Kanyakumari — I carry your hopes with me. Jai Hind!”
This emotional message echoed across Indian hearts like a call to dream big, work hard, and stay grounded in one’s roots.
What We Can Learn
This moment teaches us several life lessons:
- Never forget where you came from, no matter how high you rise.
- Small acts of emotion can have global impact.
- True patriotism doesn’t need slogans — it’s shown through action and heart.
A Moment to Remember for Generations
Shubhanshu Shukla’s choice to listen to a patriotic song before venturing into the vast unknown was more than just a personal ritual — it was a national message. In just a few minutes, he united millions with a simple song and reminded us all why India is destined for the stars.
As the Axiom-4 mission continues to make history, Indians everywhere carry pride in knowing that one of their own soared into space — not just with scientific tools, but with a patriotic song in his heart.
Jai Hind!