In a powerful address aimed at inspiring the next generation, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to travel to space, placed the nation's future squarely in the hands of its youth. Speaking at the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2025 in Panchkula on Saturday, the astronaut issued a clarion call for young Indians to embrace the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal as their personal responsibility.
A Personal Duty for National Progress
Interacting with hundreds of captivated schoolchildren on the inaugural day of the four-day festival, Shukla moved beyond mere inspiration to a message of accountability. He urged the young audience to internalize the country's mission objectives. "Whatever missions and goals are set for the country, the children must adopt them," Shukla asserted. He emphasized that they must take ownership, believing that if India is to become a developed nation by 2047, "it is our responsibility." The astronaut stressed that this feeling must be instilled in their hearts, promising that such commitment would fuel both individual success and accelerate the nation's collective advancement.
Science as a Constitutional Duty and Space as a Catalyst
Weaving in captivating anecdotes from his historic space mission, Shukla highlighted the existential imperative for science and innovation. He explained that the extreme environment of space, devoid of air, water, and with harmful radiation, forces rapid technological progress. "You not only sustain life, you thrive there and conduct science. This is what technological innovation does," he told the gathering. He pointed out India's unique constitutional position, being the only country that enshrines the development of a scientific temper as a fundamental duty of its citizens, underscoring a national character built on inquiry and reason.
When asked about the training that prepared him for the rigors of space travel, Shukla credited his military background. "NDA really toughens you up, develops mental and physical strength as well. So, I think it prepares you for life," he said in an interaction with TOI.
IISF: Bridging Science and Society
The festival was inaugurated by Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh. In his address, the minister reinforced that the IISF was conceived not as a conventional academic conference but as a vibrant, public-facing platform designed to demystify science for the common citizen. He emphasized that the event's structure fosters direct dialogue between scientists and the public, ensuring research connects with its intended beneficiaries. This approach mirrors the government's drive for enhanced synergy and cohesion among various science ministries and their outreach.
The astronaut's resonant message at IISF 2025 serves as a pivotal reminder: the journey to a Viksit Bharat by 2047 will be powered by a youth equipped with scientific curiosity, a sense of duty, and the courage to innovate.
