Srinagar, July 20,2026- Students from across Jammu and Kashmir had a rare opportunity to interact with Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla during a special session at the ongoing Chinar Book Festival at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
The interactive session drew enthusiastic participation from hundreds of students, teachers and families, who listened with keen interest as Group Captain Shukla shared his remarkable journey from serving in the Indian Air Force to becoming the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). He encouraged young minds to dream big, remain curious and pursue excellence through dedication, discipline and scientific inquiry.
During the interaction, students asked questions about life in space, astronaut training, space missions, and India’s future space exploration plans. Shukla highlighted the significance of India’s upcoming Gaganyaan Mission, the vision of establishing an Indian space station, and the country’s long-term goal of sending astronauts to the Moon, urging students to prepare themselves to become future scientists, engineers and innovators.
Despite inclement weather, the venue witnessed an overwhelming turnout, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among Kashmir’s youth for science, technology, literature and innovation. The session blended inspiration with education, making it one of the major attractions of the ongoing Chinar Book Festival, which has brought together publishers, authors, readers and students from across the country.
The Chinar Book Festival continues to serve as an important platform for promoting reading culture, intellectual exchange and creative learning while connecting young readers with distinguished personalities from diverse fields.
