Thiruvananthapuram is gearing up for a significant scientific event with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, arriving in the city on March 28. Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and an astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation, will be hosted by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar during his stay in Kerala.
During his visit, Shukla will engage with 500 selected students at Lok Bhavan, delivering a speech on “India Advancing in Space, India Gaining Strength: A Youth Pathway to a Developed Nation” at 4 PM. This event offers a unique opportunity for young individuals to directly interact with one of India’s leading space pioneers.
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Shukla has an impressive aviation background, having flown various fighter aircraft and served as a test pilot before joining India’s human spaceflight programme. He was shortlisted in 2019 for India’s Gaganyaan mission and made history in July 2025 by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4.
Shukla, who received the Ashoka Chakra in 2026 for his exceptional service, is set to inspire students and highlight India’s space aspirations, emphasizing the vital role of youth in the nation’s journey towards development.
