Chandigarh, Dec 6 (NationPress) The four-day India International Science Festival kicked off in Panchkula, attracting enthusiastic children eager to meet Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.

During his presentation, Shukla shared insights from his space mission, stating, “The view of India from space is breathtaking, and our nation stands out as the finest globally.”

Throughout his nearly 20-day journey in space, he conducted vital scientific experiments and collected essential data for the Gaganyaan mission, marking a significant advancement in India's human spaceflight program. He also explored experiments related to Indian cuisine, healthcare, and cutting-edge technologies.

Shukla remarked, “India is making rapid strides in science and technology, and it fills every Indian with pride that our nation is becoming increasingly self-sufficient in these fields.” He encouraged the youth, particularly children, to chase careers in science and space research with dedication.

He highlighted that the “responsibility to achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047 lies with the youth; as they progress, the nation progresses.” He expressed optimism about the growing curiosity in science among children and emphasized the crucial role teachers play in guiding them towards their aspirations of becoming astronauts.

During an interactive session, Group Captain Shukla engaged with students and youth, answering their questions passionately.

He recounted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement in 2018, made from the Red Fort, that a child of India would soon venture into space, inspired him to embark on his own space journey. This moment ignited his determination to pursue this path.

Shukla urged that regardless of the challenges faced, one should persist, as success comes to those who strive relentlessly. Addressing a student's query about whether becoming an astronaut is exclusive to the Indian Air Force, he clarified that a new framework is being established, allowing individuals from various backgrounds, not limited to the Air Force or military, to pursue astronaut careers.

He drew inspiration from Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut, which fueled his courage to achieve this significant milestone.

Shukla expressed confidence that many more Indians will embark on journeys to space in the future, noting that India is making serious advancements with the Gaganyaan mission and successfully launching the Aditya-L1 mission to study the Sun.