Despite inclement weather, hundreds of children, students, teachers and families gathered at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on Monday to interact with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the third day of the Chinar Book Festival, turning the event into a major attraction for visitors.
With bright eyes and curious minds, the over 2,200 children cheered and applauded as the space hero took the stage and spoke with warmth and humour.
In a session moderated by Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convenor, Chinar Book Festival, Group Captain Shukla narrated his inspiring journey from being an Indian Air Force pilot to becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
From the start, he made it clear that his journey to space was not his alone, calling it the journey of the entire nation.
He spoke candidly about training for five years for his 20 days in space, urging students to bank on discipline to help them succeed.
During the session, the astronaut broke down complex scientific concepts using simple and candid anecdotes, showing video clips from his astronaut training and time in space.
Recalling the moment his spacecraft’s engines ignited, he admitted that he “forgot all his training” likening the experience to the anxiety of seeing an examination question paper despite weeks of preparation.
He also shared unforgettable moments like growing taller in space due to zero gravity, walking on walls inside the ISS, dropping his laptop on Earth after returning because he forgot gravity exists and relearning how to walk after returning.
Sharing the story of his mission commander, US astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson, Group Captain Shukla spoke of her resilience in overcoming nine rejections before reaching space.
He noted that she has since spent more than 600 days in space, the highest by any American astronaut, and described her journey as proof that persistence ultimately triumphs over failure.
He also spoke about India’s Gaganyaan mission, an India space station and the mission of sending an Indian to the Moon by 2040.
He added that India’s journey to space will be driven by the young generation who choose curiosity over self-doubt and that someone sitting in the room could one day carry India’s tricolour beyond Earth.
“Sky was never the limit, not for me, not for you,” he said.
The highlight of the session was the lively interaction with students, whose excitement was evident as dozens of hands shot up the moment the floor was opened for questions.
From life aboard the International Space Station and the challenges of astronaut training to India’s future in space exploration, the children asked thoughtful and imaginative questions. Group Captain Shukla responded to each one with patience, wit and humility, turning every answer into a lesson on curiosity and the joy of discovery.
