If you look at India’s space exploration expedition, it has been commemorated with uncompromising spirit, resilience, and creativity. But, to motivate the youth, there is a demand for an inspiring figure that has unbelievable achievements and will help ignite curiosity in them.
In July 2025, India was a part of a groundbreaking space mission where Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a prominent Indian Air Force test pilot, made history by being the first Indian to travel to ISS to conduct experiments.
It was a memorable event as he was a member of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4), and the group captain was to stay on the International Space Station to perform specific experiments. It also symbolises India’s growing technological maturity and national strategic shift. Thus, it is a turning point for students belonging to STEM a future of Indian space exploration.
Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla:
Shubhanshu Shukla is from a modest and learned background, who has come a long way to become a wing commander in the Indian Air Force and is now a part of an International space mission. The Astronaut has an amazing educational background in aerospace engineering. With his hard work and stability, he became a part of ISRO. His technical acumen and determination set him apart. So, if you are thinking of making a career in aerospace engineering, his story will resonate with a lot of aspiring engineers. Shubanshu Shukla’s mission is a symbol of possibility for them.
How Does He Inspire The Indian STEM Youth?
Role Model –
While Shubhanshu Shukla was onboard ISS, he conducted a live session with students through ISRO’s Vidyarthi Samvad Programme. During this session, he shared his experience doing his daily activity in microgravity and answered other questions asked by the students.
One of the most interesting stories was to sleep inside the space station, where there is no proper bed. They can sleep anywhere and might wake up to find themselves somewhere else. Thus, they anchor themselves at a specific place with the sleeping equipment. Thus, adapting to zero gravity and watching Earth from space is an inspiring journey for most humans.
Research Work and STEM Curriculum –
Wing Commander conducted seven different kinds of experiments that were sponsored by ISRO (Indian Space and Research Organisation). Some of them include cognitive effects, growing plants such as meethi and moong, life support systems, muscle atrophy, and space nutrition. Students from the STEM group get to learn how these experiments determine the convergence of the subjects.
National Pride and Aspirations –
Shubhanshu Shukla, a proud Indian, sent a very strong message to the student while they were on a live session. When asked how it looked from space, he replied that the Earth looks unified. There are zero boundaries and humanity prevailing. Moreover, he credited his journey as India’s space mission, and the youth have a lot of possibilities to achieve their dreams in this field.
Momentum for India’s Space Ecosystem –
While on this mission, Shubhanshu Shukla not only gained symbolic experience but practical knowledge that will aid in the Gaganyan mission. This is not only an achievement for Mr. Shukla but for private space start-ups, space manufacturers, R&D in microgravity, etc.
Therefore, Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission will have a profound impact on the youth of this country, especially those studying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Management. Therefore, using these visible representations helps catalyse the youngsters or the students.
Moving forward, educational institutions have begun incorporating his space journey into the syllabus so that it is introduced in schools to inspire young minds.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey is a historic moment in the Indian space odyssey and future of Indian space exploration. Therefore, Shukla offers a powerful narrative to STEM students: one of courage, learning, and collective aspiration. His mission is considered more than a personal achievement. It’s a beacon for India’s next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
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