Bengaluru youth get a taste of ‘gravitas despite gravity’, at interaction with renowned astronaut

Bengaluru:  Astronaut and Group Captain Shubhamshu Shukla has advised the youth to maintain strong physical and mental health —bringing discipline into everyday life.

Speaking at an event to honour him in the city recently, he said that such rigour would certainly help aspirants become astronauts.

The Department of Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, had organised an interactive session and felicitation for Shukla at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, following the success of the Axiom Space-4 Mission, in which he was a key member.

During the programme, Shukla also presented a short video summarising his intensive training and his space journey, giving students a rare, first-hand glimpse into life as an astronaut.

Speaking about the future of India’s space programme, he praised ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission, saying, “Gaganyaan is not just a mission — it is India’s declaration that we can achieve world-class space capability in our own way. We will be cost-effective without ever compromising on quality.”

He fielded numerous questions from excited students and reminded them that spaceflight was the result of teamwork.

“I may appear as a hero to you today, but thousands of engineers, doctors and specialists made my mission possible. You can become any one of them,” he said.

Shukla urged students to set high goals and work relentlessly towards them. “Dream big — but also adopt discipline,” he told the children.

“I trained for five years for a 20-day journey. Perseverance and patience are essential,” he added.

Shukla also shared the harsh realities of space travel: the difficulty of adjusting to microgravity, struggling to stand after returning to Earth, and the extreme G-forces astronauts endure.

“In emergencies, the spacecraft can exert 18–20 Gs — it feels like an elephant sitting on your chest,” he said.

Minister for Minor Irrigation and Science and Technology, N.S. Boseraju, praised Shukla for elevating India’s global scientific profile.

“When you stepped onto the International Space Station, you carried not only the national flag but also the dreams of millions of Indians,” he said.

He emphasised that every child in Karnataka, including those from rural backgrounds, should feel empowered to dream of becoming the next Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams, or Shubhamshu Shukla.

The Minister also highlighted several initiatives: distribution of 833 telescopes to rural schools, upcoming astronomy training for teachers, an astronomy-based academic calendar, and the launch of Nehru Stream Labs to promote hands-on learning.

Minister for School Education and Literacy Madhu Bangarappa reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing student talent through Karnataka Public Schools and strengthened digital access.