Shubhanshu Shukla challenges students to build India’s space future

Indian Air Force Captain Shubhanshu Shukla with students of IIT-Hyderabad on Monday. | Photo credit: MOHD. ARIF

Indian Air Force Group Captain and Axiom-4 mission member Shubhanshu Shukla urged students to prepare to lead the country’s ambitious future in human space exploration during an interactive session at the Indian Institute of Technology-Hyderabad (IIT-H) on Monday.

Addressing students, educators and researchers, he said India is entering a transformational phase in space exploration with plans to set up the Bharatiya Antariksh station and send an Indian astronaut to the moon by 2040.

He stressed that achieving these goals will require a new generation of engineers, scientists and innovators equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge, research skills and an innovative spirit.

Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, Mr. Shukla urged the students to consider themselves not just participants but future leaders of India’s space programme.

“Our ambition to build the Bharatiya Antariksh station and send an Indian to the moon will only become a reality if today’s students decide to build that future. Don’t take this as an opportunity to be part of India’s space program; take it as your responsibility to make it happen. The sky has never been the limit, not for me, not for you, not for Bharat,” he said.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion on astronaut selection, life in space and new opportunities in India’s growing space sector.

Published – 13 Jul 2026 22:04 IST