Published: January 12, 2026

New Delhi – In a motivational address to young cadets, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla emphasized the importance of dreaming big and taking personal responsibility for India’s ambitious goals, both in space exploration and broader national development. Speaking at the National Cadet Corps’ Republic Day Camp at Delhi Cantonment on Sunday, Shukla described the nation’s youth as the “future makers of India” and urged them to take ownership of their dreams, work collectively, and persevere despite setbacks.

Shukla, a group captain in the Indian Air Force and one of India’s most celebrated astronauts, addressed the cadets and encouraged them not to be discouraged by occasional failures. Drawing inspiration from popular culture, he referenced the animated Hollywood film Finding Nemo, telling cadets to “keep swimming” in the ocean of life—a metaphor for persistence, resilience, and continuous effort in pursuit of one’s aspirations. His words were met with enthusiastic applause from the uniformed youth, reflecting their keen interest in science, technology, and the nation’s space ambitions.

During his interaction with media representatives, Shukla reiterated his message, highlighting the need for young Indians to embrace responsibility for both personal and national achievements. “If it is about the vision of sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040, one will have to say, ‘it is my responsibility’ to ensure it happens, or for any other aspirations for that matter,” he said. His call to action was clear: the future of India’s scientific and developmental progress lies in the hands of its youth, and they must actively engage in shaping it.

Shukla’s remarks come in the wake of his historic return from space last year. On July 15, 2025, he safely returned to Earth after completing an 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), a milestone in India’s human spaceflight program. He had launched into space on June 25, 2025, becoming the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS since Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s pioneering mission in 1984. “The first Indian who went to space was Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984, and it took 41 years before another Indian travelled to space. But now, I think, the youths are very excited about space, and also show an inclination to do things to achieve any big goal,” Shukla told reporters.

India’s space program has been steadily gaining momentum, and Shukla’s mission has helped ignite a renewed sense of national pride and curiosity among young Indians. The mission not only marked India’s return to manned space exploration after decades but also highlighted the country’s growing technological capabilities and commitment to ambitious long-term goals. Among these goals are the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040. Shukla emphasized that these milestones are not merely government projects but collective national responsibilities, urging youth to see themselves as integral contributors to their achievement.

Shukla spoke passionately about the power of collective effort and national unity. “If people of the nation can put their heart and soul together, and work collectively, we can achieve the Viksit Bharat dream even before 2047,” he stated, referencing India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by the centenary of its independence. He called on students, cadets, and young professionals to embrace this vision, not as a distant ambition but as an immediate responsibility requiring action, dedication, and persistence.

The astronaut also shared personal insights from his historic space journey, illustrating how perseverance, preparation, and a sense of duty were critical in realizing his dream. He noted that the capsule that carried him into space had lifted off from the same launch complex used during the Apollo missions, including Neil Armstrong’s historic voyage to the Moon in 1969. Reflecting on the symbolism of this connection, Shukla underscored the continuity of human aspiration and exploration, urging the youth to see themselves as part of a broader legacy of scientific achievement and courage.

During his address at the Republic Day Camp, Shukla also emphasized the importance of resilience in the face of failure. He reminded cadets that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, whether in space missions, scientific research, or personal pursuits. “Do not let a few failures define you. Keep working towards the goals you set in life,” he said. This message, simple yet profound, resonated deeply with the young audience, many of whom are aspiring scientists, engineers, and defense personnel who could play a critical role in India’s future space initiatives.

Shukla highlighted the evolving landscape of India’s space ambitions, noting that the interest among young Indians in science and technology is at an all-time high. The long gap between India’s first astronaut in 1984 and his own mission has inspired a new generation of enthusiasts eager to contribute to the nation’s progress. He emphasized that the energy and creativity of the youth are indispensable for achieving ambitious goals, from space exploration to national development initiatives.

Beyond space missions, Shukla encouraged cadets to apply the same principles of dedication, vision, and collective responsibility in other areas of national importance. Whether in defense, education, scientific research, or community development, he argued, youth have the potential to make transformative contributions. He urged them to identify challenges, set concrete goals, and pursue them with persistence and innovation, emphasizing that India’s success in any domain depends on the proactive involvement of its citizens.

Shukla’s interaction with cadets and media personnel highlighted the critical role of mentorship and inspiration in shaping young minds. By sharing his experiences and insights, he not only celebrated his own achievements but also provided a roadmap for aspiring astronauts, engineers, and leaders. He encouraged cadets to visualize themselves as stakeholders in India’s future, capable of transforming dreams into reality through concerted effort and collaboration.

India’s space program, Shukla noted, is part of a larger vision of national development. The proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station and lunar missions represent both technological milestones and symbols of the country’s ambition to establish a sustained presence in space. He stressed that achieving these goals would require dedication, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. For Shukla, the ultimate lesson is clear: the nation’s dreams are inseparable from the dreams of its youth, and each citizen has a role to play in translating those dreams into tangible achievements.

In conclusion, Shubhanshu Shukla’s address at the NCC Republic Day Camp served as both a celebration of India’s accomplishments in space and a call to action for the next generation. His words reinforced the importance of perseverance, resilience, and collective responsibility in realizing ambitious goals. By urging youth to “own their dreams,” Shukla emphasized that the future of India—whether in space exploration, scientific innovation, or national development—rests in the hands of those willing to take initiative, work collaboratively, and never give up, no matter the obstacles. As India looks forward to missions beyond the Earth and ambitions for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the message is clear: the journey begins with individual commitment, guided by a shared vision for the nation’s progress.