Classes 9-11 meet Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla at the World Book Fair
On 13 January 2026, 20 students from classes 9 and 11 participated in an enriching educational trip to the “World Book Fair” at Bharat Mandapam. The highlight of the visit was a special interactive session with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a distinguished Indian Air Force test pilot and astronaut, and a key member of the “Axiom 4 Mission” to the “International Space Station (ISS)”. Group Captain Shukla represents a significant milestone in India’s human spaceflight journey.
During the session, Group Captain Shukla shared valuable insights into the rigorous training and psychological preparedness required for space exploration. He emphasised that beyond physical conditioning, an astronaut must possess immense mental strength, emotional stability, and the ability to remain calm under extreme pressure. He described the magnificence of Earth as seen from orbit, noting that the view instils a deep sense of responsibility towards protecting our planet, along with immense pride in representing India on the global stage.
To bridge the gap between theory and reality, he presented exclusive footage from outer space, including life aboard the ISS and views of Earth from orbit. These visuals, combined with his ability to explain complex scientific concepts in simple terms, sparked keen curiosity among the students about physics and space science. He stressed that success in such a demanding field is built on a strong foundation of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
The session concluded with a lively question-and-answer segment, during which students asked about the challenges of zero gravity and the endurance required for such missions. Group Captain Shukla’s patient and encouraging responses left the students deeply motivated. The interaction was not merely a lesson in science but a powerful inspiration for young minds to pursue their goals with dedication and aspire to contribute to India’s growing legacy in space exploration