Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
| Photo Credit:
SHAILENDRA BHOJAK
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the primary Indian astronaut to go to the International Space Station, on Saturday mentioned that the nation is rapidly advancing in the field of science and expertise and its self-reliance in the area is a matter of delight for each citizen.
Shukla, who was interacting with college students and science fans throughout a session on the four-day India International Science Festival right here, urged them to pursue science and area analysis with willpower.
The duty of realising the imaginative and prescient of a developed India by 2047 rests on the shoulders of the youth; after they progress, the nation progresses, he mentioned.
Shukla instructed college students that in 2018, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced from Red Fort {that a} son or daughter of India would quickly go to area, it impressed him to pursue his journey to area. From that second on, he started making constant efforts in that path.
Regardless of one’s circumstances, one ought to proceed to attempt as success follows persistent efforts, he mentioned.
To a pupil’s question whether or not one might turn out to be an astronaut solely after coming into the Air Force, Shukla responded {that a} new framework is being developed, beneath which people from numerous fields would additionally be capable to pursue a profession as astronauts.
Stating that India’s first astronaut Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was his inspiration and braveness, Shukla expressed confidence that many extra Indians will journey into area in future.
The IAF Group Captain, sharing experiences from his area mission, mentioned that the view of India from area was breath-taking.
He mentioned that in his area journey, he carried out a number of scientific experiments and gathered essential info for the Gaganyaan mission, which can add a brand new chapter to India’s human spaceflight programme.
Talking to reporters later, Shukla mentioned he loved his interplay with kids on the science pageant.
“This is a good platform that celebrates science. To realise our ambition of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is necessary that we celebrate science and create an excitement among children. I think children now have opportunities before them. As a country, we have made it possible for them to think of becoming an astronaut as a career choice,” he mentioned.
Shukla mentioned that when he returned from the mission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him.
“He said there should be a pool of 40-50 astronauts and a thriving ecosystem for human space mission. Work is going on in this direction, and I feel we will reach there. Obviously, it is a challenging task that will take time to accomplish,” he mentioned whereas responding to a query.
Shukla was the primary Indian to go to the International Space Station as half of the Axiom-4 mission. He returned to India from the US on August 17, 2025, after the 18-day mission.
Published on December 6, 2025