Lovely Professional University (LPU) was electrified as India’s celebrated astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, graced the institution for a captivating youth talk. In an event marked by inspiration and grand vision, Group Capt. Shukla shared his extraordinary journey to the stars, leaving an audience of thousands of students, faculty, and staff in awe.
Group Captain Shukla began his address by showcasing a gripping video capturing his year-long journey of training, preparation and launch into space, including rare footage from his 20 days in orbit. The visuals of the rocket ignition, life aboard the space station and the breathtaking view of India and Earth from space left the audience spellbound.
He remarked, “If there is one thing my mission taught me, it is the power of collaboration. Different countries, cultures and people worked together for one goal. No space mission is built on individual brilliance alone, but on trust, discipline and teamwork.”
Sharing candid experiences of adapting to microgravity, he spoke about “swimming in air,” walking on ceilings and the curious habit of leaving objects floating. He then added, “The mind is a very powerful tool. If you convince yourself that you want to do something, you will always find a way to achieve it, in space or on Earth.”
He also spoke about India’s rapidly evolving space ambitions, referring to India’s plans for its own space station and the vision of an Indian setting foot on the Moon in the coming decades. Emphasising the role of young people, he said that today’s students can contribute not only as engineers and scientists, but also as doctors, designers, nutritionists, researchers and entrepreneurs in the growing space ecosystem, including more than 300 space startups emerging across the country.
During the interactive session, students posed insightful questions on astronaut training, space startups, national security in space, long-term exploration and tackling self-doubt. Group Captain Shukla was visibly touched when a student shared that his journey had inspired them to choose LPU’s Aerospace Engineering programme as their career path.
Group Captain Shukla urged them to focus on real-world problem-solving, disciplined living and thinking beyond conventional career paths. The event witnessed the gracious presence of senior LPU leadership including Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro-Chancellor of LPU, Dr. Loviraj Gupta, Vice Pro-Chancellor of LPU, and Dr. Sorabh Lakahanpal, Executive Dean at LPU. Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal felicitated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, applauding his remarkable journey as a symbol of India’s growing scientific prowess and a powerful inspiration for the nation’s youth.
The session concluded with a stunning night-time video of India from orbit, glowing coastlines, illuminated cities and lightning storms over the subcontinent, followed by a majestic sunrise from space, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
Reaffirming its belief in celebrating real heroes and building meaningful collaborations, LPU continues to create platforms that connect students with pioneers who shape the future, nurturing young minds to drive innovation, national progress and global transformation.