India's First Astronaut in 41 Years Carries a Piece of Heritage to Space

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history as the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space. On his mission, he carried a special collection of textile cards, celebrating India's rich craft traditions. The lightweight set, called the Dharohar Deck, symbolised thousands of years of artisan skill and innovation.

Shukla's journey began on June 25 as part of NASA's Axiom-4 mission. He returned to Earth on July 15, bringing back the 20-gram deck of tactile cards. Each card in the collection highlights a unique fragment of India's legendary textile heritage, bridging past and present.

The Dharohar Deck was crafted by students at the National Institute of Design. It pays tribute to the artisans who once clothed the world with their intricate work. Alongside the cards, Shukla also carried artefacts made by the same students, showcasing India's enduring craft traditions. Indian handicrafts have long been vital to the country's economy, culture, and sustainability. From pre-independence times to today, they remain a source of national pride. This mission honoured that legacy by taking a piece of it beyond Earth.

The Dharohar Deck now stands as a record of India's cultural journey into space. Weighing just 20 grams, it represents centuries of craftsmanship and resilience. Shukla's mission has left a lasting mark, linking India's artisan heritage with its growing presence in space exploration.