Indian Air Force Officer Subhanshu Shukla Shares Gaganyaan Insights at Army Public School Pune
Pune, 3rd May 2026: Army Public School (APS), Pune, hosted an inspiring interactive session with Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, a key figure in India’s human spaceflight programme and an Ashok Chakra awardee, who addressed students on the future of space exploration and careers in the armed forces.
Speaking to a packed auditorium, Gp Capt Shukla said, “India is on the brink of a new era in space exploration; the youth must lead the charge with resilience and discipline.” His visit aimed to instil national pride and spark interest among students in defence services and the country’s rapidly evolving space sector.
Tracing his professional journey, Gp Capt Shukla spoke about his early training at the National Defence Academy (NDA) and his rise through the ranks of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Sharing experiences from his career as a fighter pilot, he emphasised that his transition to the astronaut programme was driven by “unwavering commitment and rigorous preparation.”
India’s growing footprint in space
Highlighting India’s expanding capabilities in space exploration, he briefed students on upcoming manned and unmanned missions. He underlined the development of indigenous technologies to ensure the safe launch and recovery of Indian astronauts, while outlining a future roadmap that aims to make space more accessible for the next generation of scientists and explorers.
During an interactive question-and-answer session, students sought guidance on joining the armed forces and understanding the psychological demands of space travel. Responding to their queries, Gp Capt Shukla encouraged them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and noted that India is expected to develop a strong cadre of astronauts in the coming decade, opening up new career opportunities.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by the Principal of Army Public School, Pune, who said that the officer’s journey reflects the institution’s core values of discipline and excellence, leaving students motivated to pursue ambitious goals in service of the nation.
