Curiosity, Courage Are Essential for Success: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Inspires CISCE Students

India’s astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla inspired nearly 50,000 students and 1,000 teachers from CISCE schools through a virtual session under the CISCE Inspire Series, sharing powerful lessons from his space journey and training.

Speaking live from Goa, Shukla connected with more than 1,000 classrooms across India and abroad, offering young minds an inside look at space exploration, astronaut training, and the emotional experience of viewing Earth from orbit. Participants described the session as “enlightening and unforgettable.”

Students Are Stars: Shukla’s Message of Curiosity and Courage

Emphasising curiosity as the foundation of learning, Shukla urged students to “ask questions, explore, and never stop learning.”

“Be curious, ask questions, and explore. Curiosity is where learning begins,” he said, adding that discipline and courage go hand in hand on the path to success.

Shukla encouraged students to believe in themselves, stay focused, and continue improving daily.

“Believe in yourself. Be a better version of yourself every day. Stay determined, no matter how difficult the path seems.”

An Emotional View of India from Space

Recalling his space mission, Shukla described the moment he saw India from space as “surreal and humbling.”

“When I saw India from space, I was very emotional. It gives you perspective — how vast the Earth is and how small we are. It reminds us of our duty toward the planet and each other.”

Space Research: A Tool for Human Progress

Shukla explained that space exploration extends far beyond adventure.

“Space research is vital for data, analysis, and predictive models that help us understand climate change and save lives.”

He also highlighted how teamwork, resource management, and sustainability from space missions apply directly to life on Earth. The International Space Station (ISS), he said, exemplifies global cooperation and shared purpose.

“The ISS shows how people from different nations can work together to dream bigger, solve problems, and achieve the impossible.”

Inspiration for a Generation

Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive and Secretary of CISCE, called the session “a defining experience for young learners.”
Shivani Singh, Principal of City Montessori Inter College, Aliganj, Lucknow — where Shukla studied — expressed immense pride, noting his journey as “a symbol of the limitless potential of education and the human spirit.”

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where students asked about astronaut life, space training, and upcoming missions — showcasing the boundless enthusiasm Shukla’s story inspired.