Argus News - Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Ignites Young Minds In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Nov 26: Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the select Indian astronauts chosen for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, inspired students at Sai International School’s 9th Science and Technology Festival (SAITED) here in Odisha on Wednesday, calling for discipline, focus and national pride. His interaction turned the annual festival into a memorable lesson in ambition and nation‑building for hundreds of young learners.

Astronaut With A Mission

A decorated Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, Shukla has been handpicked as one of the four astronauts for ISRO’s historic Gaganyaan mission, which will place Indian astronauts in orbit aboard an indigenous spacecraft. He also served as mission pilot on the Axiom-4 flight to the International Space Station, marking a new phase in India’s human spaceflight journey and giving him first-hand experience that he now shares with students across the country.

Inspiring Young Minds At SAITED

Addressing the SAITED 9 audience, Shukla urged students to remain disciplined, focused and persistent, reminding them that India’s future scientific achievements will depend on their dedication and hard work. He encouraged children to actively participate in science and technology, saying their involvement is essential to realise the nation’s bold dreams in space and beyond.

India’s Space Roadmap

Shukla highlighted India’s 2023 Space Policy, which lays out an ambitious roadmap including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, an Indian space station by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040. He explained that these complex projects demand new systems and technologies, many of which ISRO and partner institutions are already developing, opening up wide opportunities for future scientists and engineers.

Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Odisha Youths To Become Entrepreneurs At Ravenshaw Convocation

A Festival Of Curiosity

SAITED has emerged as a premier platform for students to showcase innovation through exhibitions, competitions and hands-on STEM activities at Sai International School. School authorities, including chairperson Dr Silpi Sahoo, reiterated their commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity, noting that interactions with pioneers like Shukla deepen students’ interest in science and strengthen their resolve to contribute to India’s technological progress.

Vision For The Future

Students described the chance to meet an astronaut as “highly motivating”, saying Shukla’s journey made careers in space science feel more achievable. His message that India’s space ambitions are as much about inspiring the next generation as about technology left a lasting impression, reinforcing faith that the country’s journey to the stars is both possible and promising.