Image Source: Hindustan Times
The Karnataka government, in collaboration with ISRO, is gearing up for a pioneering educational event that will allow students to personally interact with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s acclaimed astronaut from the Axiom-4 mission. This visionary initiative aims to nurture scientific curiosity and ignite aspirations among future leaders in science, technology, and aerospace.
Key Highlights: Structure and Scope of the Interaction
Scheduled at Bengaluru’s Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, the program will welcome high school and government school students from across Karnataka, including many attending virtually via a live-stream platform to expand accessibility.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan has formally endorsed the event, which promises hands-on engagement and direct Q&A with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
Students will be able to ask wide-ranging questions about space science, astronaut training, challenges of living in orbit, and India’s human spaceflight missions.
Support from ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre ensures technical depth and authentic exposure to the realities of space exploration.
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla: Inspiration from Orbit
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla recently participated in the Axiom-4 mission, carrying out a scientific expedition on the International Space Station (ISS), and holds major distinction as the first Indian to reach the ISS.
Prior interactions with students have featured Shukla answering questions about daily life in space—covering topics such as eating, exercising, sleeping in microgravity, managing health, coping with isolation, and adapting bodies post-mission.
He has shared personal anecdotes, including carrying traditional Indian food items like gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras to space, making science relatable and engaging.
His candid discussion on mental well-being in orbit, social connection through technology, and transformation of personal perspectives adds valuable lessons for youth.
Program Goals and Educational Value
The session is specifically designed to demystify the technical and emotional aspects of human spaceflight, blending experiential sharing with aspirational motivation.
By addressing questions like astronaut fitness, space nutrition, adjusting to microgravity, and future career paths in aerospace, the event offers practical inspiration for students considering advanced STEM careers.
Karnataka’s Science and Technology Minister N.S. Boseraju emphasized the importance of such direct interaction in strengthening innovative thought and scientific inquiry in the state.
The event aligns with India’s progressive push towards frontline aerospace research and the Gaganyaan manned space mission, with Shukla as one of its four astronaut-designates.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
The initiative signals Karnataka’s commitment to producing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, fostering a culture that champions exploration and creativity.
The interactive format ensures inclusive participation, transcending urban-rural divides and cultivating interest in school-age children regardless of background.
As such programs proliferate in India, links between young minds and national scientific missions are expected to grow, driving further innovation and leadership in global space science.
Conclusion
The Karnataka government’s student event with ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla stands as a transformative step towards developing scientific thinking and ambition in India’s youth. By blending the excitement of space exploration with personal stories and practical career guidance, the initiative aims not only to educate but to inspire a whole new generation of explorers.
Sources: Devdiscourse, Financial Express, India Today Colleges
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