Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla recently shared his inspiring journey to the International Space Station (ISS) with a crowd of young and old in Srinagar. As the first Indian to visit the ISS, Group Captain Shukla’s space journey has captivated many, and he took the stage at the ongoing Chinar Book Festival to narrate his experiences.
The session, moderated by chief convenor Amit Wanchoo, saw over 2,200 children cheering and applauding as Group Captain Shukla spoke with warmth and humour. He began by emphasizing that his journey to space was not his alone, but rather the journey of the entire nation. He then went on to describe his rigorous training process, which lasted for five years in preparation for his 20 days in space.
Group Captain Shukla used simple and candid anecdotes to break down complex scientific concepts, making them accessible to his young audience. He also shared unforgettable moments from his time in space, including growing taller due to zero gravity, walking on walls inside the ISS, and relearning how to walk after returning to Earth.
The astronaut also discussed India’s Gaganyaan mission and the country’s plans to send an Indian to the Moon by 2040. He emphasized the importance of the young generation in driving India’s journey to space, encouraging them to choose curiosity over self-doubt. Throughout the nearly two-hour interaction, Group Captain Shukla reminded students of the importance of prioritizing their physical and mental well-being, regardless of their chosen career path.
He urged them to strive for excellence in their fields and contribute meaningfully to nation-building through knowledge, innovation, and dedicated service. The session concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students asked thoughtful and imaginative questions about life aboard the ISS, astronaut training, and India’s future in space exploration.
Group Captain Shukla responded to each question with patience, wit, and humility, turning every answer into a lesson on curiosity and the joy of discovery. As he concluded his session, he left the audience with a lasting message:
