Astronaut Gp Capt Shubhanshu Shukla inspires students at AIIMS Rishikesh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rishikesh, 31 Jul: Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla interacted with students during a programme organised at AIIMS Rishikesh, here, today. He motivated them to pursue careers in space science, innovation, and other challenging fields. Calling the youth the nation’s greatest strength, he said that achieving great goals requires dreaming big and working consistently with dedication to turn those dreams into reality.
Addressing students from various schools and colleges at the institute’s Main Auditorium, Group Captain Shukla shared his remarkable journey into space and his experiences as an astronaut. He said that India’s youth have the potential to take the country to new heights in global space research. Encouraging students to pursue careers in science and research, he emphasised that even the most difficult goals can be achieved through determination, a positive mindset, and persistent effort.
Group Captain Shukla narrated his inspiring journey from his school days to becoming an Indian Air Force officer and eventually an astronaut. Through a video presentation, he explained the astronaut selection process, training for gravity and microgravity, physical and mental preparation, medical emergency training, mission launch procedures, medical care in space, and the safe return to Earth. He explained that prolonged stays in space affect muscles, bones, and the body’s balance system. Therefore, after returning to Earth, astronauts undergo rehabilitation to retrain their muscles and restore balance and coordination.
Sharing his experience of travelling hundreds of kilometres above Earth to the International Space Station (ISS), he said that science is a field driven by curiosity, discipline, and dedication. His experiences inspired students to think beyond conventional boundaries and consider building careers in science and space research. During the interactive session, he also answered questions from students representing different schools and colleges.
Welcoming Group Captain Shubhanshu, Executive Director Prof Meenu Singh described him as a true national hero. She said that by representing India in space, he has made the entire nation proud. During the programme, Deputy Director (Administration) Lt Col Gopal Mehra conducted an interactive session with the astronaut, covering topics such as success, leadership, and overcoming challenges.
Dean, Academics, Prof Saurabh Varshney, heads of many departments, faculty members, administrative officers, medical and nursing students, and students from various schools and colleges were present at the programme.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a distinguished Indian Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut. Born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, he graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 2006. He later established himself as an accomplished test pilot.
In 2019, he was selected as one of the astronauts for ISRO’s prestigious Gaganyaan Programme. On 25 June 2025, he launched as the pilot of the Axiom-4 Mission to the International Space Station (ISS). After spending 18 days aboard the space station conducting scientific experiments and research, he returned safely to Earth on 15 July 2025. The mission was a collaborative effort involving NASA, SpaceX, Axiom Space, and ISRO.
