Ghaziabad: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut who travelled to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom 4 mission, addressed school students in Ghaziabad, urging them to pursue ambitious goals and contribute to India’s development.
Shukla delivered the 6th Dr Rajaram Jaipuria Memorial Lecture at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad. The lecture was themed “The Indian Century – Youth, Innovation and Nation Building.”
Speaking about his journey to becoming an astronaut, Shukla discussed the years of preparation and training that preceded the Axiom 4 mission. He also spoke about the discipline and teamwork required for spaceflight and his experience aboard the International Space Station.
Addressing students, Shukla said they should carry the ambition of contributing to India’s development as they move into higher education and professional life.
“When you get to college, graduate and enter the world of works, the new thought should be to change India. You should want to change the world. You must feel the responsibility to help India become a developed nation by 2047.”
Shukla also spoke about the perspective that viewing Earth from space had given him, and highlighted curiosity, perseverance and the willingness to pursue ambitious goals.
The lecture was followed by a fireside interaction with three students, who asked him about his childhood aspirations, astronaut training, the challenges of spaceflight and everyday life aboard the International Space Station.
‘Space Explorer’ books released
During the event, Shukla released the ‘Space Explorer’ books developed by the academic team of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School for students of Grades 6 to 8.
The books will be incorporated into the school’s curriculum and its Jaipuria Space and Astronomy Programme, providing students with structured learning on space, astronomy and India’s space programme.
The programme began with an exhibition of student artwork and rocket models, followed by a visit to the school’s Atal Tinkering Lab, where students presented their projects to Shukla.
The event was attended by students, educators, parents, alumni and members of the Jaipuria Group. Chairman Shishir Jaipuria delivered the welcome address.
The Dr Rajaram Jaipuria Memorial Lecture is held in memory of Dr Rajaram Jaipuria, an industrialist and educationist whose legacy is associated with the Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions.
