Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Receives Ashok Chakra, Calls It India's Collective Blessing
In a moment of national pride, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's second astronaut and the first from the country to have stayed aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has been honored with the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration. Following the formal announcement on Sunday, Shukla, affectionately known as "Shux" among colleagues, expressed his profound gratitude and sense of responsibility in an exclusive interview with TOI.
An Honor That Represents Every Indian
Shukla stated, "I feel immensely proud and deeply grateful for the honour conferred upon me. When I embarked on this journey as an astronaut, I did so as a representative of every Indian. Today, as I receive this recognition, I experience it as a collective blessing from the people of India. I am truly humbled by this award." His words reflect a deep connection to the nation, emphasizing that the achievement is not just personal but a shared victory for all citizens.
Renewed Responsibility for India's Space Future
Alongside the honor, Shukla highlighted a renewed and heightened sense of responsibility. He added, "My journey must translate into meaningful and tangible outcomes, particularly in advancing our future human space missions. I remain firmly committed to ensuring that the opportunity I was given—to journey into space from Bharat—opens the door for many more such opportunities in the years ahead." He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Government of India for bestowing this prestigious award, acknowledging the support and goodwill he has received.
Historical Context and Industry Support
This recognition places Shukla in esteemed company, as Wing Commander (retd) Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut who traveled to space in April 1984, also received an Ashok Chakra for his mission with the Soviets. ISRO chairman V Narayanan expressed pride in Shukla's achievement, telling TOI on Sunday, "I am proud that my colleague is getting this award and I thank the govt and the PM for it. This recognition is important not only to Shukla but also for India's human space programme, which will see many more astronauts in the coming years, in line with the govt's vision."
Reflections from the International Space Station
Shukla's journey to the ISS in mid-2025 was particularly significant, as it marked 25 years of continuous human presence on the multinational platform. In his first full-fledged exclusive interview in November 2025, he shared insights on the space station's legacy. He said, "During my mission, we had 11 crew members from six countries working on more than 60 experiments. We also spoke to students worldwide. Those 20 days showed how a platform built with 1990s technology still supports new science and joint work. ISS stands for continuity, shared goals, and a way of working that keeps people focused on the task, not the boundaries on Earth."
His experience underscores the importance of international cooperation in space exploration and how it fosters innovation and unity beyond terrestrial borders.
Looking Ahead: India's Aspirations in Space
As India continues to expand its footprint in space, Shukla's Ashok Chakra serves as a symbol of inspiration and progress. It highlights the nation's growing capabilities in human spaceflight and the collective effort required to achieve such milestones. With plans for more astronauts and missions on the horizon, this award not only honors an individual but also propels the entire space programme forward, aligning with global advancements and domestic aspirations.
