IAF Astronaut Inspires at Book Fair

From microgravity realities to national pride, astronaut inspires audiences at Bharat Mandapam

January 13, 2026: The World’s Largest B2C Book Fair, underway at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from January 10 to 18, 2026, witnessed a compelling session by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, who spoke about his extraordinary journey from Earth to space. Addressing a packed audience, the fighter pilot-turned-astronaut reflected on his rigorous training that began in 2020 and the nearly year-long preparation that shaped his mission. He also screened a short film documenting his space journey, offering insights into the objectives and scientific experiments conducted in orbit.

Sharing the realities of space travel, Shukla described the launch phase as a dramatic transformation, with the spacecraft accelerating to 28,000 kmph in just eight and a half minutes. He explained how familiar notions of identity tied to home, school and country fade in microgravity, where even simple actions like dropping objects or spitting become impossible. Elaborating on life in zero gravity, he highlighted the challenges of conducting experiments without natural convection, managing carbon dioxide levels, and coping with the physical and emotional impact of returning to Earth after extended missions. Viewing Earth from orbit, he said, was a deeply moving and almost divine experience, noting how the planet appears vast while stars seem smaller due to the absence of atmosphere.

During the interactive session, Shukla paid tribute to Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut, and reflected on how the country has evolved into a confident spacefaring nation more than four decades later. He also linked scientific advancement with national consciousness, referencing discussions on 150 years of Vande Mataram, and urged young Indians to actively participate in shaping the nation’s future in space science and exploration.