Lucknow, 25 Aug (HS): The entire landscape is changing,
and I believe the future is really bright, said astronaut and Indian Air Force
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Monday, emphasizing that only endurance has
characterized his achievement. Shukla returned to his hometown this morning for
the first time since his historic Axiom-4 mission. Although he came in India
from the United States on August 17, he is currently visiting Lucknow after
participating in many outreach activities, including a meeting with Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on August 18. Shukla, the first Indian to visit
the International Space Station, told youngsters at his alma mater, City
Montessori School (CMS), that he wanted to talk to them about what's going on
in space exploration and why it is vital for the next generation.
In my experience
throughout the previous five years of training, as well as the last year of
flying to and returning from the International Space Station, I believe the
future is tremendously bright. We are at the appropriate time, and the right
chances are available now, added Shukla, wearing in a black T-shirt and
matching pants, teamed with a brown jacket with Indian Air Force insignia and
tricolour on one sleeve and an ISRO logo on the other.
Shux, as he is affectionately known, stated that he had three separate interactions
with youngsters while in space, and that no one asked him what he did or what
astronauts do, but rather how he became an astronaut.
I believe that
tells volumes about where your thinking is headed. Please aspire! We have huge
vision and desire to land on the Moon by 2040. And it's likely that one of you
will step foot there, India's newest space traveler inquired of the younger
generation. In a lighter vein, Shukla stated that pupils who aspire to be
future space explorers may face challenges. I'm going to compete!
he said, garnering amusement from the youthful throng. So work hard, and we'll
compete to see who gets to the Moon in 2040. Returning to serious business,
Shukla stated that he feels it is a golden age for space missions and is
astounded by the sheer capability of the next generation.
The future appears
quite good to me. The energy I felt when I returned to India is building by the
day, as seen by everyone's enthusiasm. I am pleasantly pleased by everyone's
excitement here, he continued. Shukla acknowledged the dance and other acts put
on by his alma mater's students, telling the audience, I was not even
halfway there, not as talented as you all are. And if I could get where I am
now by being myself, I can only wonder who your children will be when they grow
up.” He emphasized that patience is all that is necessary. Shukla also
emphasized the significance of the spirit refusing to give in.
He joked that this
mentality was exemplified by the school's management, Geeta Gandhi, who chased
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to secure Shukla's return to his hometown as
soon as possible following his space journey. After my first meeting with the
Defence Minister in Delhi, he urged me, Sir, please go to Lucknow; Geeta
ma'am has been chasing us for your visit, Shukla recounted. I want to
witness this attitude of never giving up in everyone of you as you get older;
he said the hundreds of children assembled in the auditorium. Shukla, who grew
up in Lucknow's Triveni Nagar, expressed delight upon returning home.
He
also preferred the joyful and cordial welcome he received here to that he
experienced in the national capital upon his return from the US. I received a
welcome in Delhi, but nothing like this. Thank you for the lovely greeting. I
am overjoyed to be back home, he exclaimed, eliciting wild applause from the
audience. He was accompanied on stage by his father, Shambhu Shukla, and
mother, Asha Shukla.
Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi
