Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla urges pursuance of space exploration on International Cosmonautics Day

Russian Embassy in India posted Shukla's video message. He underwent training at Russia's Star City in 2020-2021.

In a post on X, the embassy said, "A congratulatory message from Indian cosmonaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who underwent training at Russia's Star City in 2020-2021, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight."

https://x.com/RusEmbIndia/status/2043572918060536066?s=20

"Namaskar. April 12th is a day that is probably the most significant day in the history of human space flight. April 12th, 1961, was the day when Yuri Gagarin went to space and traveled around the planet Earth for the very first time. All the missions thereafter were preceded by this monumental event, and every year, April 12th is celebrated as International Cosmonautics Day," he said.

Shukla added, "And rightly so. We still draw inspiration from the courage that was displayed by the legendary Yuri Gagarin when nothing was known about what happens to a human body when you go to outer space. He not only volunteered, but he thrived and executed a very successful mission, which became a symbol of hope for humanity."

Shukla encouraged viewers to pursue space exploration.

"Today, I want to congratulate all the space enthusiasts and everybody else as well on this occasion of International Cosmonautics Day. I would urge all of you to be excited to pursue space exploration, because this is what makes my heart come alive, and I'm sure it does for a lot of you as well. Let us go into the future boldly and with the spirit of exploration. Wishing all of you a very happy Cosmonautics Day. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat," he said.

Earlier on January 26, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashok Chakra to Group Captain and Indian astronaut Shubhnashu Shukla as part of the Republic Day 2026 celebrations in New Delhi.

After the 21 Gun Salute, presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Ashok Chakra to Group Captain Shubhnashu Shukla.

Group Captain Shukla who created history by becoming the first India to visit the International Space Station (ISS) was awarded the Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peacetime Gallantry award. (ANI)