Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla revealed on Sunday that he was a shy and introverted child, inspired by stories of Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 space journey. Shukla, the second Indian to travel to space after Sharma, met with schoolchildren to encourage them. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh honored Shukla and three other astronauts selected for the Gaganyaan mission at the Air Force Auditorium in Subroto Park, Delhi.
Shubhanshu Shukla, known as ‘Shuks’ among his acquaintances, shared his journey into the Indian Air Force (IAF) and his experiences and challenges during his mission to the International Space Station (ISS) under the Axiom-4 mission. He stated, “I was a shy and introverted person. As children, we used to hear stories about Rakesh Sharma’s space journey.”
Shukla credited the Indian Air Force for the transformation in his life, stating that the IAF in general, and the cockpit specifically, were great teachers in his life. Everyone on and off the stage was eager to hear him and meet him, openly praising him.
During the event, Shukla’s compassionate and family-oriented side was also evident, as he tried to ensure that his wife and young son stayed close to him amidst the enthusiastic crowd seeking selfies and autographs.
Born in Lucknow, Shubhanshu Shukla (40) came from an ordinary background. He came from a civilian family but decided to join the Indian Air Force. In a nearly 30-minute address, Shukla mentioned that he did not initially intend to be a part of the defense forces, but he joined the Air Force. “I filled out a form that my friend had purchased. Eventually, things progressed, and I reached the NDA (National Defence Academy),” he said.
He added that the Air Force training prepares one to face every challenge and difficulty that comes in life. The second astronaut of the country mentioned that it prepares you for life, it prepares you for success. Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station. He returned to Earth last month with his fellow astronauts after a 20-day space stay under the Axiom-4 mission.
Shukla met with Rajnath Singh at South Block on Thursday. During this meeting, he discussed his space journey, experiments conducted in orbit, and India’s leading human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. Shukla also shared some humorous anecdotes related to the challenges of microgravity while in orbit. He also mentioned the experience of seeing 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets in a single day from orbit.
Shubhanshu Shukla shared a video of the Earth’s night view from his spacecraft, which also showed parts of India. He said that it is possibly one of the most beautiful views one can see. Shukla’s journey as part of a commercial mission to the International Space Station helped in fulfilling India’s ambition for the human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan and laying the foundation for the construction of an Indian space center immediately thereafter.
Shukla told reporters on the sidelines of the event that the mission (Axiom-4) is a great achievement for our country, which has been achieved at the right time. India is on its way to its manned space mission Gaganyaan, the Indian space center, and landing on the moon. “Whatever we have learned from this (Axiom-4) mission, I think that is very unique and important for our mission. In the coming months and years, our effort will be to apply those learnings to our mission,” he stated.
Shukla said, “But the biggest aspect that is making me happy is the love and enthusiasm of the people and their support for this mission.” He said that curiosity has arisen in our country. “Now we have to take it forward. One by one, we have to complete all the missions. Very soon, we have to send an Indian into space in an Indian capsule through an Indian rocket from Indian soil.”
Shukla said this message is for the youth of India. He said that this is a great opportunity for India in space exploration. Our ambitions are in the right direction, our dreams are big, and now we need you to realize those dreams. So, stay curious and keep exploring in this field. Shukla called on people to practice wisdom in this era of deviation, saying, “Stay focused, possibilities are endless.”
Over 100 students from three Delhi schools under the Indian Air Force participated in the event. Jay Vashisht (16), an 11th-grade student from Air Force School, proudly displaying his class prefect badge, said that he felt fortunate to meet astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. Vashisht said, “He is now my role model. I also want to be like him, join the Air Force, and become a fighter pilot. His journey has inspired us.”
Vashisht’s father, after retiring from the Indian Air Force, now works in the banking sector. Vashisht said that his friend dreamed of becoming a doctor, but now he also wants to join the armed forces. Ashwina Tripathi (16), an 11th-grade student who attended the event, said that she felt very happy and inspired to see Shubhanshu Shukla in person and hear about his journey.