For astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla sharing his space journey is as important as experiencing it. The first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Mission 4 in 2025, Shukla has recently chronicled that journey in his book The Second Orbit. For him, the hope is that his experience will inspire others to dream big.
On his visit to hometown Lucknow, he tells us, "I want my story to be shared with as many people as possible so that more and more people can know about this journey and can learn from my experience.”
He was in the state capital for the ongoing Gomti Book Festival at Lucknow University.
Ask if his book could eventually make its way to the big screen or OTT series and whether he already been approached for an adaptation, Shukla quips, “I don’t know! Whether it is converted into a movie, some kind of series or something, I think spreading this awareness is very, very important. We need to talk about it more as children are the future of tomorrow. They will go and do such things, so they need to be aware that such things are possible.”
When asked if he has been approached or if there has been any progress, he replies with a smile. “Honestly, as of now there is no progress yet. For now, there is no plan to turn it (the book) into a movie or series as bahut kaam bacha hai and I have a lot to contribute to our space mission. Personally, I like these stories to be shared – be it any medium,” says the astronaut, revealing that the last film he watched was Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey.
{{/usCountry}}When asked if he has been approached or if there has been any progress, he replies with a smile. “Honestly, as of now there is no progress yet. For now, there is no plan to turn it (the book) into a movie or series as bahut kaam bacha hai and I have a lot to contribute to our space mission. Personally, I like these stories to be shared – be it any medium,” says the astronaut, revealing that the last film he watched was Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey.
{{/usCountry}}Differentiating between books and movies in his advice to kids, he says, “What you see in movies and read are two different things. There is no effort in watching a film or series; you just see. For paper books, you need to make an effort. Text is the same for everyone, but everyone’s imagination and way of perceiving it is different, and that opens a world of possibilities.”
Giving insight into career options, he says, “I never thought I would become an astronaut, but you (students) have a lot of options now. We have Gaganyaan, we are working on our own space station, and to land a man on the moon by 2040. In the private sector too today, we have 450 start-ups in space exploration. So, all this is very exciting, and students and parents both should consider this as a career option. The only way to do it is to get aware.”
He interacted with students of City Montessori School, Jaipuria School and Army Public School and signed copies of his book after the session held at Universal Booksellers on Tuesday.
Sharing his memory, “I have memories of visiting Universal for books but I did not like going there as bahut padhna padhta tha! But, now realised the importance of books and today I am doing book signing session at the same place.”
On a signing-off note, he spelled out his mantra: “I hardly said no to any opportunity coming my way! We need to take calculated risks in life, then only success comes to you.”