Srinagar: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla enthralled young and old here on Monday, narrating his space journey on becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS).
Group Captain Shukla interacted with children, students, teachers and families from across the Valley during a session at the ongoing Chinar Book Festival at the SKICC here.
The organisers of the event said that over 2,200 children cheered and applauded as the space hero took the stage and spoke with warmth and humour.
In a session moderated by chief convenor Amit Wanchoo, Group Captain Shukla narrated his inspiring journey from being an Indian Air Force pilot to becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
From the start, he made it clear that his journey to space was not his alone, calling it the journey of the entire nation.
He spoke candidly about training for five years for his 20 days in space, urging students to bank on discipline to succeed.
During the session, the astronaut broke down complex scientific concepts, using simple and candid anecdotes, showing video clips from his astronaut training and time in space.
Recalling the moment his spacecraft’s engines ignited, he admitted that he “forgot all his training”, likening the experience to the anxiety of seeing an examination question paper despite weeks of preparation.
He also shared unforgettable moments like growing taller in space due to zero gravity, walking on walls inside the ISS, dropping his laptop on Earth after returning because he forgot gravity exists and relearning how to walk after returning.
The astronaut also spoke about India’s Gaganyaan mission, India’s flagship indigenous human spaceflight program designed to send a crew of three astronauts to a 400 km low Earth orbit, and the mission of sending an Indian to the Moon by 2040.
Shukla added that India’s journey to space will be driven by the young generation who choose curiosity over self-doubt and that someone sitting in the room could one day carry India’s tricolour beyond Earth.
“Sky was never the limit, not for me, not for you,” he said.
During the nearly two-hour interaction, Group Captain Shukla repeatedly reminded students from across the districts of Jammu and Kashmir that, whatever career they choose, be it in space exploration, science, technology, engineering or research, they must prioritise their physical and mental well-being.
He urged them to strive for excellence in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to nation-building through knowledge, innovation and dedicated service.
The highlight of the session was the lively interaction with students, whose excitement was evident as dozens of hands shot up the moment the floor was opened for questions.
From life aboard the International Space Station and the challenges of astronaut training, to India’s future in space exploration, the children asked thoughtful and imaginative questions.
Group Captain Shukla responded to each one with patience, wit and humility, turning every answer into a lesson on curiosity and the joy of discovery.
