DEHRADUN: Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Friday encouraged students to dream big and pursue careers in space science, innovation and research, saying India’s youth have the potential to take the country to new heights in global space exploration.Interacting with students from schools and colleges during a programme at AIIMS Rishikesh, Shukla said, “The youth are the nation’s greatest strength. Dream big and work consistently with dedication to turn those dreams into reality.”The Indian Air Force officer and astronaut recounted his journey from a school student to a fighter pilot and, eventually, an astronaut. He said that determination, discipline and a positive mindset can help overcome even the toughest challenges.Using a video presentation, Shukla explained the rigorous astronaut selection process, training for gravity and microgravity, physical and mental conditioning, mission launch procedures, medical preparedness in space, and the rehabilitation astronauts undergo after returning to Earth.Sharing his experience of travelling to the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla said science is driven by curiosity, discipline and dedication, and urged students to look beyond conventional career choices and contribute to scientific research and innovation. He also answered questions from students during an interactive session.AIIMS Rishikesh executive director Prof Meenu Singh described Shukla as “a true national hero” whose achievements had made the country proud.The event also featured an interaction, moderated by deputy director (administration) Lt Col Gopal Mehra, on leadership, success and overcoming challenges.Shukla, an Indian Air Force fighter pilot from Lucknow, was selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme in 2019. He served as the pilot of the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, launched on June 25, 2025, and returned to Earth on July 15 after an 18-day mission involving scientific experiments conducted in collaboration with NASA, SpaceX, Axiom Space and ISRO.
