Raipur

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Tuesday highlighted India’s growing prominence in global space programmes, noting that the country’s ability to execute complex missions and pursue ambitious policies has drawn close international attention and high expectations.

Speaking to reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, Shukla also welcomed the Union Budget’s over two per cent increase in allocation for the Department of Space, describing it as a strong signal of leadership support for India’s space ambitions.

Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), undertook an 18-day mission to the orbital laboratory last June-July. He was in Chhattisgarh to inaugurate a ‘Space Lab with Simulator’ at a government school in Rakhi village, Nava Raipur’s Atal Nagar.

Emphasising the importance of early awareness, Shukla said children should be informed about India’s achievements in space science and emerging career opportunities in the sector. “Lack of information often limits young minds when choosing their future paths. Students must know what India is doing in space exploration, from Gaganyaan to future lunar missions, so they can make informed career choices,” he said.

Commenting on India’s global standing, he added, “The world respects India’s capabilities. Our missions are closely observed because we have successfully executed challenging tasks, positioning India as a rising force in space programmes.”

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Shukla expressed excitement about visiting Chhattisgarh for the first time post-mission, and said initiatives like the space lab help students see that science is not only interesting but also impactful for the country’s progress.