New Delhi, January 26: Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla received the Ashok Chakra from President Droupadi Murmu during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. The nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award recognizes his extraordinary contribution to the Indian human space program and his successful mission to the International Space Station.
The Lucknow resident etched his name in history as the first Indian to reach the ISS, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s space ambitions.
His 18-day journey as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission took place in June last year, representing the first time an Indian has traveled to space since Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight 41 years ago.
The citation for the award noted the officer’s bravery and technical skill in managing the mission’s challenges. “This recognition belongs to the entire team and the vision of a self-reliant India in space exploration,” a representative from the defense establishment noted during the ceremony.
During his stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, Group Captain Shukla conducted a series of complex scientific experiments designed to advance India’s future independent space missions. His work is viewed as a cornerstone for the upcoming Gaganyaan project, demonstrating the nation’s growing capabilities in long-duration spaceflight.
The ceremony at Kartavya Path saw the President salute the officer’s dedication to the frontiers of science and national service. The award serves as a testament to the rigorous training and successful execution of the Ax-4 mission, which has successfully bridged a four-decade gap in India’s crewed space history.
