Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla called on students at his alma mater in Lucknow to dream big and aim for India’s upcoming space missions, including a crewed
Moon landing. Shukla, an Indian Air Force Group Captain and the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, addressed students at City Montessori School (CMS) on Monday. He urged them to work hard and be ready for competition in future space endeavours. "I am going to be in competition!" he joked, drawing laughter from the students. "So work hard and we will compete together and let's see who goes to the Moon in 2040." Also Read: Watch: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Space Experience Over India: 'You Never Get Bored of it' The astronaut, who returned to India from the US August 17 after the historic Axiom-4 mission, said he wanted to inspire the next generation. "In my experience over the last five years of training and last year flying to the ISS, looking at how this entire landscape is changing, I think the future is extremely bright," he said. Shukla emphasisd perseverance and the spirit of never giving up. "The only thing that is required is perseverance, nothing else, just perseverance," he told the students. He also praised the performances put on by the students, saying, "I was not even halfway there, not as talented as you all are. And if I could reach where I have reached with being what I was, I can only imagine what you kids will be when you grow up." Shux, as he is fondly called, said he has had three different interactions with children while on orbit and no one asked him what he did or what astronauts do, but he was asked how he became an astronaut. "I think that speaks volumes about where your mind is going. Please aspire! We have a great vision and ambition to land on the Moon by 2040. And it would be probably one of you who would be setting foot there," India's newest space traveller asked of the younger generation. Shukla reflected on the encouragement he received from the school’s management, joking about how CMS manager Geeta Gandhi Kingdon lobbied the Defence Minister to bring him to Lucknow soon after his return. "I want to see this spirit of not wanting to give up in each one of you when you grow up," he said. Also Read: Shubhanshu Shukla, Second Indian To Go To Space, Lands In Delhi, Month After Successful Mission To ISS The astronaut was joined by his parents, Shambhu and Asha Shukla, and his family received a warm welcome from students and staff. "I did get a welcome in Delhi but it was nothing like this. Thank you for the warm welcome. I am so happy to be back home," he said, promoting massive cheers from the crowd.
Earlier in the day, Shukla and his family called on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence. The CM welcomed them with a bouquet and photographs. The state government said the visit was a courtesy call following Shukla’s successful space mission.
Shukla recently became the second Indian to go to space after Rakesh Sharma and the first to visit the ISS aboard the Axiom-4 mission with three other astronauts.
