New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a special interaction with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, celebrating his remarkable journey in space and discussing India’s growing achievements in science, technology, and the country’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
Calling Shukla’s accomplishment a moment of pride for the nation, the Prime Minister stressed the need to build a strong ecosystem for future space explorers. “The most important task ahead is to create a large pool of astronauts—around 40 to 50—who can carry forward India’s space ambitions,” PM Modi said during the interaction.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Group Captain Shukla, reflecting on his journey, shared how the idea of becoming an astronaut once seemed out of reach. “When I was young, Rakesh Sharma sir went to space in 1984. But at that time, the dream of becoming an astronaut never came to my mind because India had no such program. This time, when I spoke to children during my mission, they repeatedly asked how they too could become astronauts. That curiosity itself is a huge success for our nation. Today’s India knows that it is possible—we have the opportunity, and the path is open,” he said.
He added that it is now his responsibility to motivate and guide more young Indians to pursue this path, just as he was given the chance to represent the country at the global stage.
The Mission: A Beginning, Not the End
Shukla also highlighted the discipline and preparation required for space exploration. “When I joined the Air Force, I thought studies were behind me. But as a test pilot, I had to dive deep into engineering and advanced learning. That knowledge prepared us well for this mission. The mission’s success and our safe return mark not an end, but the beginning of a new journey,” he emphasized.
The interaction underlined both the transformational role of India’s space program and its ability to inspire future generations. With the Gaganyaan mission and other ambitious projects on the horizon, India is preparing not only to expand its scientific frontiers but also to nurture a new wave of explorers who will carry the nation’s aspirations into space.
