No Borders, Just Horizons: Shukla’s Space-Eyed Quote Lands in NCERT Textbook

In a historic first for Indian education, the meaningful words of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) in more than four decades—have been incorporated in the newly released NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies textbook, Our Wondrous World. His stark observation that from space, "The Earth looks completely one; no border is visible from outside," is a strong message of international brotherhood and common humanity.

 

Key Highlights: Shubhanshu Shukla's Vision for Education

 

The quote by Shukla is included in the chapter entitled Earth, Our Shared Home, which is an excerpt from a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting that national and political borders are irrelevant from a cosmic standpoint, pointing to humanity's shared ownership.

 

The TWAU (The World Around Us) textbook is a unique innovation under the National Education Policy 2020, integrating Science, Social Science, and Environmental Studies into a coordinated narrative with emphases on observation, inquiry, ethical reasoning, and connections to everyday life.

 

In addition to Shukla's motivational words, the book familiarizes students with topics such as digital addressing using DIGIPIN, life skills including flood safety, microbial science, and cultural heritage ranging from national symbols to local customs.

 

This educational shift aims to nurture young learners’ curiosity and empathy, encouraging them to appreciate both India’s diverse geography and culture, and the planet’s inherent oneness.

 

Shubhanshu Shukla's record-breaking 18-day journey on the ISS, which he completed in July 2025, marked the culmination of India's decades-old space heritage since Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984, showcasing the country's expanding role in space research.

 

The inclusion of Shukla’s perspective symbolizes a broader vision to inspire future generations to transcend divisions and foster global stewardship of Earth. This project uses the wonder of space discovery to promote a sense of global citizenship and stewardship in young learners, cementing the reality that our world is one home with no borders in sight.

 

Sources: Republic World, Mathrubhumi, Financial Express